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nbatrades · 4 years ago

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New York Knicks Pluck Rose for a Second Time; Acquiring Derrick Rose from Detroit Pistons

On February 8th, 2021, the New York Knicks traded guard Dennis Smith Jr. and a 2021 second round draft pick (Isaiah Livers) to the Detroit Pistons for guard Derrick Rose. Detroit also received a trade exception.

When the New York Knicks dealt burgeoning star Kristaps Porzingis in a mega seven-player deal with the Dallas Mavericks, the trade was seen as a loss for the Knicks in the immediate but there was some hope for the future. The team acquired two first round picks from Dallas, but another piece for the future was Dennis Smith Jr.

A top-ten overall draft pick in 2017, Smith showcased scintillating athleticism but a questionable outside shot left more questions than answers in his future fit as a lead guard.

With the Knicks on a path towards another rebuild, Smith would get a chance to play during the second half of the 2018-19 season after the trade. The guard played in 21 games (18 starts) with the Knicks, amassing 14.7 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 5.4 APG and 1.3 SPG.

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Though Smith had his moments like a 31-point outburst against the Detroit Pistons or a solid runner-up performance in the 2019 dunk contest, his efficiency numbers were concerning. His true shooting percentage was just 47.3%.

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The Knicks continued to be one of the worst teams in the trade, going 7-24 over the final 31 games to finish 17-65. Despite having the worst record in the NBA, the Knicks had high hopes for the 2019 offseason.

New York was looking for luck in the lottery so they could grab the number one overall pick and select Duke star Zion Williamson. On the free agent front, the Knicks had two max salary slots and were eyeing stars like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler and Kawhi Leonard.

All of those goals would never come to fruition. New York fell to third in the 2019 draft and selected Williamson's college teammate RJ Barrett. Durant and Irving opted for crosstown rivals the Brooklyn Nets, while Butler went to the Miami Heat and Leonard chose the Los Angeles Clippers.

With not much of a backup plan, the Knicks signed several short-term deals with mid-tier free agents including Julius Randle, Marcus Morris Sr., Bobby Portis, Taj Gibson, Reggie Bullock and Elfrid Payton.

The new look Knicks got off to a rough start, going 4-18 in the first 22 games. Head coach David Fizdale was fired and replaced by assistant Mike Miller on an interim basis. The Fizdale exit had been in the cards.

After a November 10 108-87 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers dropped New York to a 2-8 record, Knicks president of basketball operations Steve Mills and general manager Scott Perry addressed the media, saying the team had fallen short of expectations.

"We just felt like given that this is our 10th game, we felt that we had an obligation to come and speak to [the media]. Obviously, Scott and I are not happy with where we are right now. We think the team is not performing to the level that we anticipated or we expected to perform at, and that's something that we think we collectively have to do a better job of delivering the product on the floor that we said we would do at the start of this season. ... We still believe in our coaching staff. We believe in the plan Scott and I put together and the players that we assembled. But we also have to acknowledge that we haven't played at the level we expected to play at."

The statement seemed to be an early sign that Fizdale would be fired. Under Miller, the Knicks played slightly better but still were clearly not playoff caliber. New York reached 21-45, before the NBA season was shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Smith had done very little in his first full season with the Knicks as Fizdale went other routes with point guard. Rookie RJ Barrett started at the point in the season opener. Elfrid Payton and Frank Ntilikina also started as the season progressed.

Smith saw limited minutes initially with the Knicks and missed some time due to the passing of his stepmother. He saw spot minutes throughout New York's season of dysfunction and even started a few games. Throughout the season, Smith appeared in 34 games (three starts) and amassed 5.5 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 2.9 APG and 0.8 SPG in 15.8 MPG.

New York went on a full reset throughout 2020. The club let go of team president Steve Mills and replaced him with former NBA agent Leon Rose. Later on, Rose hired his former client Tom Thibodeau as head coach.

In the truncated 2020 offseason, New York added rookie Immanuel Quickley in a draft night trade and Austin Rivers in a separate trade. The moves created even more of a crowd in the backcourt. The Knicks gave Smith some time in preseason, but by the regular season he was mostly out of the rotation.

Smith played in just three (3.0 PPG and 1.0 APG in 9.3 MPG) of the team's first 24 games before he was moved with a second round pick to the Detroit Pistons for Derrick Rose. The situation had been so dire that Smith had even requested to play for the Knicks' G-League team in the G-League bubble right before the trade.

He ended his time in New York with 8.7 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 3.7 APG and 1.0 SPG in 58 games. The guard shot 38% from the field, 28% from the three-point line and 56% from the free-throw line.

After a strong season as a sixth man for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Derrick Rose was able to keep his career in drive by signing a two-year, $15 million contract with the Detroit Pistons.

The guard was expected to be in a similar role as a scorer off the bench for the Pistons. Star Blake Griffin missed start the season due to a knee injury and the Pistons season quickly fell off the rails. Detroit started the season 4-10 and fell out of the playoff race quickly.

The Pistons decided to rebuild somewhat, trading center Andre Drummond to the Cleveland Cavaliers and bought starting point guard Reggie Jackson out of his contract. The Pistons continued to lose, falling to 20-46 before the NBA season was shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Once the NBA season resumed in the bubble in Orlando, Florida, the Pistons did not qualify for the bubble due to their record. Rose was solid even though he dealt with a few minor injuries. In 50 games, Rose managed 18.1 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 5.6 APG and 0.8 SPG in 26.0 MPG.

The 2020 offseason saw Detroit continue its rebuild. The team drafted Killian Hayes seventh in the 2020 draft, and also acquired first round picks Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart through trades. The Pistons also added forward Jerami Grant though a sign-and-trade deal with the Denver Nuggets.

The Pistons began the year 1-7 and at 5-18, the club moved on from Rose, dealing him to the New York Knicks for Dennis Smith and a second round pick. As part of the trade, the Pistons created a $2 million trade exception.

Rose appeared in 15 games at the time of the trade and posted 14.2 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 4.2 APG and 1.2 SPG in 22.8 MPG. In 65 games with the Pistons, Rose put up 17.2 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 5.2 APG and 0.9 SPG. The guard posted shooting splits of 48/31/86 in that time.

When the Knicks acquired Derrick Rose, it seemed like the perfect match. Rose was reunited with head coach Tom Thibodeau for a third stint. The guard had previously been an MVP under Thibodeau's coaching with the Chicago Bulls. He then had somewhat of a rebirth rejoining Thibodeau with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Rose was brought in to add some scoring punch to a limited Knicks offensive lineup. New York was 11-14 when it acquired Rose. The team was ranked sixth in defensive efficiency, but was just 24th in offense.

Rose assumed a bench role, often playing with effective scoring rookie Immanuel Quickley, but he also closed many games with the starters. New York gradually played better as the season went on. With the team in eighth place with a 25-27 record, New York went on a massive run, going 16-4 over the final 20 games to finish 41-31. The finish got the Knicks to fourth place in the Eastern Conference after beating out the Atlanta Hawks in a head-to-head tiebreaker.

Rose played a significant part in New York's rise. The guard appeared in 35 games with the Knicks and compiled 14.9 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 4.2 APG and 0.9 SPG in 26.8 MPG. In the 937 minutes Rose was on the floor, the Knicks outscored opponents by 10.6 points per 100 possessions per NBA Stats.

The playoffs were a significant moment for the Knicks. The team faced the Atlanta Hawks and star Trae Young in the first round. Game One was the first postseason game played at New York's home arena Madison Square Garden in eight years. The game was very close throughout. In the fourth quarter, Knicks wing Alec Burks knocked down a three-pointer to give New York a 92-87 lead with 4:46 left in the game.

Atlanta answered with a 10-1 run in two minutes to take a 97-93 lead. Knicks wing RJ Barrett made a layup and forward Julius Randle knocked down a three to give the Knicks a 98-97 edge. A Trae Young three-point play was followed by two buckets from Burks that gave New York a 103-100 lead with 1:11 left.

Atlanta's Bogdan Bogdanovic nailed a three to tie the game with 55 seconds left. Barrett fouled Young on a drive with 28 seconds left and the guard hit two freebies to give the Hawks a 105-103 lead. Rose knocked down a midrange floater with 10 seconds left to tie the game.

After an Atlanta timeout, the Knicks took Rose out and put in defender Frank Ntilikina. With Ntilikina guarding him, Young was able to penetrate and make a contested floater with 0.9 seconds left. Randle was unable to get off a shot in time as Atlanta took a 1-0 series lead with a 107-105 win.

In the second game, Atlanta had control for much of the first half, taking a 57-44 lead at halftime. Coach Thibodeau went with Rose as a starter in the second half over Elfrid Payton. After Atlanta took a 67-55 lead with 7:43 left, New York went on a 21-8 run over the rest of the quarter to take a 76-75 lead into the fourth period.

The Knicks built a 10-point lead, but the Hawks tied the score 91-all with 5:06 left. Over the rest of the game, the Knicks outscored Atlanta 10-1 to tie the series with a 101-92 victory. Rose had a team-high 26 points and New York's bench outscored Atlanta's 55-22.

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As the series scene shifted to Atlanta, Coach Thibodeau permanently moved Rose into a starting point guard role. The move seemed to work as Rose had 11 points in the first quarter and the Knicks took a 31-29 at the end of the opening frame of Game Three.

However, the Hawks went on a 22-5 run in the final 7:19 of the second quarter to take a 58-44 halftime lead. New York could never cut the deficit under single digits in the second half as Atlanta won 105-94. Rose had 30 points in the loss.

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Game Four was close early on, but the Hawks turned a four-point halftime advantage into an 88-71 lead at the end of the third quarter. Young scored 27 points as Atlanta cruised to a 113-96 victory. In the series finale, Young had 36 points and Atlanta pulled away in the fourth quarter and held on for an easy 103-89 win. Atlanta won the series 4-1.

New York looked overmatched in the five-game series as its star Julius Randle struggled to score. Rose was a bright spot in the disappointment. He was New York's best offensive player, averaging 19.4 PPG on 47.6% from the field, 47.1% from the three-point line, 4.0 RPG and 5.0 APG in 35.0 MPG. By the end of the series, he did struggle to deal with the increased minutes and had a few "knick-knack" injuries by the end of it.

New York's surprise playoff appearance led to the team bringing back a group of free agents. The Knicks re-signed Alec Burks and Nerlens Noel to three-year contracts. After his strong playoff run, the Knicks rewarded Rose with a three-year, $43 million deal with a team option in the final year.

But the team knew there needed to be an infusion of offensive talent after its weak offensive performance in the first round. To address the issue, New York signed guard Evan Fournier from the Boston Celtics to a four-year, $78 million contract. The club also signed guard Kemba Walker to a two-year, $18 million deal.

The Knicks arrived to the 2021-22 season with increased expectations after the third place finish the previous season. The beginning of the season looked good as New York won five of its first six games. However, the team went 7-15 over the next 22 games. The Knicks see-sawed around the .500 mark, reaching 22-21 after 43 games.

The season would fall apart from that point. New York went 3-17 over the next 20 games to fall to 25-38. New York played better down the stretch but finished out of the playoff picture with a 37-45 record.

Rose began the season as a backup to Walker and continued to play with Quickley in the backcourt for the second unit. Ineffective play from Walker led coach Thibodeau to remove the point guard. That coupled with a rash of COVID-19 positive tests forced Rose into a few starts in December.

Rose injured his right ankle in a mid-December game against the Houston Rockets. Eventually, he underwent ankle surgery and was ruled out for eight weeks.

Rose was expected to return in February or March, but he later had a procedure on the same right ankle. He never returned as New York failed to qualify for the playoffs. Rose saw action in 26 games (four starts) and produced 12.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 4.0 APG, 0.8 SPG and 0.5 BPG in 24.5 MPG.

After the disappointing season, New York went back to the drawing board in the 2022 offseason. The club made a splash at the 2022 draft, offloading Walker, Burks and Noel along with draft picks in various deals to free up cap space.

New York used that cap space to sign guard Jalen Brunson from the Dallas Mavericks to a four-year, $104 million deal. The club also re-signed center Mitchell Robinson and added center Isaiah Hartenstein from the Los Angeles Clippers in a two-year, $16 million deal.

The Knicks looked to bounce back from a year out of the postseason. The team hovered around .500 but eventually fell to 10-13 after 23 games. That 23rd game was a pivotal moment for the franchise. In a Saturday afternoon jaunt with the Dallas Mavericks, the Knicks built an early 15-point lead in the first half. Over the next two quarters, Dallas outscored New York 93-46 in an embarrassing 121-100 defeat.

In response to the struggles, the Knicks removed Rose and Cam Reddish from the rotation while adding young guard Miles "Deuce" McBride in their place. Rose and Reddish joined veteran Evan Fournier as permanent bench fixtures.

With more minutes given to the defensive-oriented McBride and guard Quentin Grimes, New York picked up steam. The team strung together eight consecutive wins to reach 18-13. New York would trade wins and losses until the trade deadline. The club dealt Reddish and a first round draft pick to the Portland Trail Blazers for forward Josh Hart.

Hart proved to be the missing piece to New York's success. After he arrived, the Knicks went 17-8 over the final 25 games to finish 47-35, which was fifth in the East.

Rose received occasional minutes in garbage time after fans chanted for him to play at the end of blowouts. But he rarely played after his removal from the rotation. After the turn of the new year, Rose played just two minutes and 21 seconds. He appeared in 27 games, managing 5.6 PPG, 1.5 RPG and 1.7 APG in 12.5 MPG.

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The Knicks returned to the playoffs after a season away and faced the fourth seed Cleveland Cavaliers in the opening round. Brunson had 27 points and Hart chipped in 17 points and 10 rebounds as New York took the first game in Cleveland 101-97.

Cleveland had a 20-point lead at halftime of Game Two and held on for a comfortable 107-90 win. Game Three saw Brunson and RJ Barrett combine for 40 points as New York routed Cleveland 99-79. Game Four was closer, but Brunson had a game-high 29 points as the Knicks pulled away with a 102-93 win.

In Game Five, Randle exited early with an ankle sprain. It didn't matter as New York dominated the offensive glass (17 offensive rebounds) in a 106-95 win. Rose played three minutes in the series.

New York advanced to the second round for the first time in 10 years and faced the eighth-seeded Miami Heat. With Randle out for the series opener, New York took an early double digit lead. Miami came back and took control thanks to a 31-20 third quarter advantage. The Knicks cut the deficit to three points on two occasions in the fourth quarter, but Miami held on for a 108-101 win.

In the win, Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler sprained his ankle and missed Game Two. Randle returned for that game and him, Brunson and Barrett teamed up for 79 of New York's 111 points in a six-point win. Butler returned for Game Three and had 28 points. Miami held the Knicks to 34.1% from the field and 20% from three in a 105-86 victory.

New York's offense was slightly better in Game Four, but Miami still led for much of the game and won 109-101. Facing elimination at home, the Knicks fell behind 24-14 in the first quarter. New York bounced back and led by 19 points in the third period. The Heat cut the lead to three points, but New York held on for a 112-103 win and made the series 3-2.

Brunson was amazing in Game Six, putting up 41 points. The game went down to the wire. The Knicks were down 92-90 with the ball and 30 seconds left but Brunson tuned the ball over and Miami eventually held on for a 96-92 victory. New York was eliminated 4-2. Rose did not play in the second round.

In the offseason, the Knicks declined Rose's $15.6 million team option for the 2023-24 season. He became a free agent after and he signed a two-year, $6.5 million contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. Rose ended up appearing in 88 games in his second stint with the Knicks and amassed 11.2 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 3.4 APG and 0.7 SPG. The guard shot 45% from the field, 38% from the three-point line and 91% from the foul line.

Smith played in 20 games with the Pistons after the trade. The high-flying guard managed 7.3 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.0 SPG and 0.7 BPG in 19.6 MPG. The Pistons went 15-34 after the trade, finishing the 2020-21 season with a 20-52 record. Smith became a free agent after the season and signed a training camp deal with the Portland Trail Blazers. He made the Blazers team for the 2021-22 season.

The 2021 second round pick Detroit acquired originally was owned by Charlotte. It ended up 42nd in the 2021 NBA Draft. Detroit used the pick on 6-foot-7 tweener forward Isaiah Livers from the University of Michigan.

A local product from Kalamazoo, Michigan, Livers spent four years in college, evolving from 3.4 PPG as a part-time starting freshman to a double figure scorer in his junior and senior seasons.

In his senior year, Livers was second on the Wolverines team with 13.1 PPG and led the team in three-point shooting. However, Livers' season was cut short when he suffered a stress injury to his right foot in a March quarterfinal game against Maryland in the Big Ten Tournament. He later underwent surgery on the right foot in April.

The foot issue would bleed into Livers' pro career. He missed 2021 Summer League and was unavailable for 59 of the first 60 games of his rookie season. Overall, the forward appeared in 19 games (five starts) and posted 6.4 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 1.1 APG and 0.7 SPG in 20.2 MPG.

Livers also played four games for Detroit's G-League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise. Livers averaged 4.0 PPG and 2.3 RPG in 15.5 MPG. Detroit began the 2021-22 season 1-8 and never recovered. The team was 5-28 after 33 games. The second half of the year was a tad better as the Pistons went 18-31 over the final 49 games to finish 23-59.

After the season, the Pistons held the fifth pick in the 2022 draft and selected point guard Jaden Ivey. The team also acquired the 13th pick in the draft, center Jalen Duren. On the veteran front, Detroit dealt away forward Jerami Grant while adding Alec Burks, Nerlens Noel and Bojan Bogdanovic in trades during the offseason.

Livers played two games for the Pistons' Summer League squad in Las Vegas, managing 14.0 PPG on 44.4% from the field, 4.5 RPG and 1.0 BPG in 30.1 MPG.

During the 2022-23 season, all of the change didn't matter much as Detroit was again one of the worst teams, getting off to a 3-15 start. At 15-42 after 57 games, the Pistons went 2-23 over the final 25 games to finish an NBA-worst 17-65. A key reason for the downfall was 2021 number one overall pick Cade Cunningham missing all but 12 games due to a left shin injury that eventually required surgery.

Livers missed 30 games due to various ailments including a right shoulder sprain, right ankle sprain and a right hip issue. He played in 52 contests (22 starts) and managed 6.7 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.5 SPG and 0.5 BPG in 23.1 MPG.

After the season, coach Dwane Casey resigned and Detroit hired Monty Williams with a then-record six-year, $78.5 million contract. The Pistons had the fifth pick in the 2023 draft and used it on athletic wing Ausar Thompson. The Pistons also added veterans Monte Morris and Joe Harris in trades.

Livers' injury issues continued into his third season. The forward suffered a grade III left ankle sprain and he missed the first 14 games of the season.

Detroit hoped that an established coach in Williams and continued development from its younger players would lead to growth. But the team continued to slide backwards. After winning two of its first three games, Detroit dropped an NBA record 28 consecutive games.

When he did return, Livers struggled to find his game. He appeared in 23 games (six starts) and shot just 34.5% from the field and 28.6% at the three-point line. Livers averaged 5.0 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 1.1 APG and 0.6 SPG in 20.4 MPG.

With the team at 3-36, Detroit made a move, dealing Livers, Marvin Bagley and two second round picks to the Washington Wizards for Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala. Livers showed promise as a potential three-and-D wing but injuries made it hard for him to be consistent.

In two and a half seasons with the Pistons, Livers managed 6.2 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 0.9 APG and 0.6 SPG in 94 games. The 6-7 forward shot 41% from the field, 36% from the three-point line and 79% from the free-throw line in that time.

Derrick Rose on his comfortability in joining the Knicks (via ESPN):

"Even though I couldn't say that at the time, I just wanted to be comfortable. Like I said, I've been knowing these guys ever since high school, eighth grade, high school, so coming here, like I said, it's family. I never really thought about anything else but really getting here and understanding they wanted me to help grow the young guys they've already got here."

On his relationship with Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau:

"The synergy we've got, I can't explain it. We're an odd couple, but for some reason, we understand the game. And the closest thing I probably can say is we're students of the game. We watch the game. We try to understand the game more and try to get better if not every day, every week, every month, every couple of months, every year. There's always room for improvement, and it's for the betterment of the team. Wherever I go, wherever he goes, we're always trying to win."

On playing with Knicks rookie guard Immanuel Quickley:

"It shouldn't be too hard [playing] with him. We're similar. He's getting double-teamed in his rookie year. There ain't too many rookies getting that type of attention. For him to see that kind of early, it's just going to make his game better. The game is going to slow down more. And he listens. That's the greatest thing about him: He listens. With that, you always got room for improvement. "He's a dog. He's a dog. I can't explain it. You've got to be a player to understand it. [If] we're in a fight, I know he's fighting."

Dennis Smith on the trade (via SNY):

"I was super excited, I was super excited. I was down in the G (League) and I was getting ready to play with the guys and have our first scrimmage, and I heard the news and I was just smiling all day. Super excited, couldn't really sleep that night and I'm just looking at it as an opportunity, fresh start -- like me and coach talked about -- and I'm going to make the most out of it."

Why his tenure with the Knicks never panned out:

"I can't -- I'm not sure,. But I will say I'm thankful for the opportunity that they gave me, and to all the people that supported me -- whether it's in media or even the fans that supported me -- I'm thankful for those guys as well."

On going down to the G-League and finding out about the trade:

"So, when I went down to the G (League), it was simply, simply just to play basketball -- I wanted to play basketball. Nothing else to it, like, 'Oh, he moved,' or, 'Such and such, whatever,' it's just I wanted to play basketball and I realized that would give me an opportunity to do that. So I took advantage of it and I went down there like I was ready to hoop. "I was down there with my boy, Myles (Powell), and I actually got close with a lot of guys on the team in the brief time that I was there. So that was just about hooping. And I was smiling hard because, like, I was excited for the opportunity. And I knew what kind of guy (Pistons) coach (Dwane) Casey was -- great coach, great person. So being able to be with him, I was looking forward to that."

On having a chip on his shoulder after the trade:

"It's super refreshing, and I'm going to go out there with a chip on my shoulder that I always had. I'm going to go out there and compete at a high level, try to execute and try to win games. In terms of coming out and trying to prove something, I think it's definitely more important to prove things to myself -- you know what I'm saying? -- and that's what I want to do. "I believe in myself and the people here that believe in me, and I think that's the first step to really tapping into some greatness here."

Detroit Pistons general manager Troy Weaver on the trade (via Pistons.com):

"We welcome Dennis Smith Jr. to the Pistons family. Adding another young player who was a high draft pick alongside a draft asset advances our goals in building for the future. We thank Derrick Rose for his contributions on and off the court during his time as a Piston and wish him and his family well as they move forward."

New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau on Derrick Rose (via NY Daily News):

"He's still one of the elite players in this league."

If Rose is in shape:

"He's lighter than he's ever been. He's telling me this is as healthy as he's been."

On his familiarity as a coach with Rose previously in Chicago and Minnesota:

"It's obviously someone I'm familiar with. We've been through a lot of things together. But the biggest part is what I felt he could contribute to our team. I've always been partial to good players. If someone is a good player, I'm interested. And I think he'll add a lot to our team."

On Rose's ability to be productive everywhere he's gone:

"When you look at what he accomplished after (his time in Chicago), even when you went back to the year he spent in New York, he still averaged 18 points a game. He averaged 18 points a game in Minnesota, he averaged 18 points a game in Detroit. So he's always been able to contribute. When you look at his playoff numbers, he goes to a completely different level."

How adding Rose and Quickley together gives the Knicks more ballhandling capabilities off the bench (via ESPN):

"I think you see it often when you have multiple point guards out on the floor, it gives you another ball handler, secondary ball handler, and you can probably include Alec (Burks) in there, as well. So it gives us three guys that can go off the dribble, and all three are very efficient in pick-and-rolls. Their versatility allows them to actually blend with both groups. So I think we'll see some of that as we go forward, as well."

Pistons head coach Dwane Casey on bringing along Dennis Smith (via The Detroit News):

“It's going to take all of us to help him along, but our coaching staff will assign someone to him to watch film and to go over things with him and the players on the floor will be able to help him. We've got a great group of guys that are willing to mentor and help. That's something that I think won't take very long for him. “He's a smart kid and he's a basketball junkie. One of the first things he said was that he wanted to watch film. He shouldn't have said that because I'm going to take him up on it. He's a good kid, he's got an opportunity, and this is the first team to me as a coach.”

How he gravitates to players that have something to prove:

“It's one of those things where I've always identified with guys like that… You want to bring them into your culture and fit them into your culture. They have something to prove to us and to the rest of the league, whoever that person is. It's not a bad thing and you can look around in sports — New England's done it for years. "It's a little tougher with a young team to bring guys in, but I enjoy it. I enjoy coaching guys like that, taking the challenge on from a coaching standpoint, teaching standpoint, molding standpoint, and let's prove the rest of the league wrong.”

Pistons guard Saben Lee on what he'll miss about Derrick Rose (via The Detroit News):

"I'll definitely miss Derrick. He was a great guy and a great person aside from being a great player. Just being able to hang out with him and get different words of wisdom from him and [being able to] pick his brain."

On Dennis Smith:

"He's an athletic point guard. He can get to the rack and is a really good playmaker."

Image Credit:

Dennis Smith Jr. via Getty Images/Layne Murdoch Jr.

Derrick Rose via Getty Images/Nathaniel S. Butler

#Derrick Rose #Dennis Smith Jr #2021 #2020*21 Season #Isaiah Livers #Knicks #Pistons

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eumoniquebalan · 2 months ago

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O Termo Brat em Charli XCX: Revolução de Significados em Contextos

Charli XCX ficou mundialmente conhecida por suas letras ousadas e provocativas, principalmente depois de seu último lançamento “Brat”. No universo da música pop, especialmente no contexto do trabalho de Charli XCX, o termo “brat” pode carregar múltiplas conotações e significados. Neste texto, vamos explorar o uso deste termo e como ele se encaixa na identidade musical da artista e dentro do gênero pop.

Índice:

O Que Significa Brat e seu Uso nas Músicas de Charli XCX

Contexto Cultural e Musical

Conclusão

1. O Que Significa Brat e seu Uso nas Músicas de Charli XCX

A palavra “brat” em inglês é um termo coloquial que pode ser traduzido como “pirralho” ou “fedelho”. Originalmente, refere-se a uma criança ou pré-adolescente que é frequentemente irritante, mimado ou rebelde — saiba mais em Brat Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster. Dessa forma, a utilização do termo pode variar amplamente dependendo do contexto em que é usado. Como já citado, Charli XCX utiliza o termo “brat” em suas músicas, refletindo tanto um senso de identidade quanto uma atitude desafiante. Em canções como “Brat” do álbum Charli (2019), o termo é empregado para expressar uma personalidade assertiva e independente, que desafia normas e expectativas sociais. Aqui estão algumas maneiras pelas quais Charli XCX contextualiza o termo “brat”:

Empoderamento: ao adotar o termo “brat”, Charli XCX parece abraçar a ideia de ser inconvencional e destemida, interpretando-o como uma forma de empoderamento pessoal, celebrando a autenticidade e a individualidade.

Desafiar Expectativas: o uso do termo pode ser visto como uma forma de desafiar as expectativas de comportamento “apropriado” e convencional. A artista apresenta uma postura de quem não tem medo de quebrar normas e expressar-se de maneira franca e direta.

Identidade e Estilo: Na música de Charli XCX, “brat” não é apenas uma descrição de personalidade, mas também um elemento estilístico que contribui para a construção de uma imagem que é ao mesmo tempo rebelde e cativante.

2. Contexto Cultural e Musical

Na cultura pop, especialmente no gênero musical pop, o uso de termos como “brat” pode ser uma forma de se distanciar das normas tradicionais e criar uma conexão mais íntima com o público jovem. Charli XCX utiliza esse termo para se conectar com uma audiência que valoriza autenticidade e atitude, desafiando as convenções do pop mainstream e incorporando influências de diversos gêneros para criar uma sonoridade singular.

Além disso, a palavra “brat” pode ressoar com a geração atual que muitas vezes se identifica com a ideia de ser desafiador e rebelde contra normas estabelecidas. Ao empregar essa linguagem, a artista reflete e amplifica os sentimentos de sua audiência, criando um espaço onde a individualidade é celebrada e a conformidade é questionada. Por isso, Charli XCX tem sido uma figura influente no pop contemporâneo, ajudando a redefinir o que significa ser uma artista pop no século XXI.

3. Conclusão

O uso do termo “brat” por Charli XCX é um exemplo fascinante de como a linguagem pode ser moldada e reinterpretada no contexto da música. Em vez de um insulto ou uma crítica, “brat” se torna uma afirmação de identidade, uma marca de resistência e uma expressão de empoderamento pessoal. Charli XCX redefine o termo, transformando-o em um símbolo de individualidade e atitude desafiadora e, dessa forma, misturando as raízes do gênero pop com posicionamentos sociais marcantes.

Se você ainda não ouviu “Brat” e outras faixas da Charli XCX, talvez seja o momento de mergulhar na música dela e descobrir como essa artista consegue transformar palavras comuns em declarações poderosas.

| Leia mais sobre cultura no blog da Idioma Independente, por exemplo, sobre Ikigai: propósito de vida e Playoffs da NBA .

Versão em Inglês:

The Term Brat in Charli XCX: Revolution of Meanings in Contexts

Index:

What Does Brat Mean and Its Use in Charli XCX’s Songs

Cultural and Musical Context

Conclusion

1. What Does Brat Mean and Its Use in Charli XCX’s Songs

The word “brat” in English is a colloquial term that can be translated as “bantling” or “scamp”. Originally, it refers to a child or pre-teen who is often annoying, spoiled or rebellious — learn more at Brat Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster. Thus, the use of the term can vary widely depending on the context in which it is used. As already mentioned, Charli XCX uses the term “brat” in her songs, reflecting both a sense of identity and a defiant attitude. In songs like “Brat” from the album Charli (2019), the term is used to express an assertive and independent personality, which defies social norms and expectations. Here are some ways in which Charli XCX contextualizes the term “brat”:

Empowerment: By adopting the term “brat”, Charli XCX seems to embrace the idea of being unconventional and fearless, interpreting it as a form of personal empowerment, celebrating authenticity and individuality.

Defying Expectations: The use of the term can be seen as a way of defying expectations of “appropriate” and conventional behavior. The artist presents an attitude of someone who is not afraid to break norms and express herself in a frank and direct way.

Identity and Style: In Charli XCX’s music, “brat” is not only a personality description, but also a stylistic element that contributes to the construction of an image that is both rebellious and captivating.

2. Cultural and Musical Context

In pop culture, especially in the pop music genre, the use of terms like “brat” can be a way to distance oneself from traditional norms and create a more intimate connection with a younger audience. Charli XCX uses this term to connect with an audience that values authenticity and attitude, challenging the conventions of mainstream pop and incorporating influences from different genres to create a unique sound. In addition, the word “brat” can resonate with a current generation who often identify with the idea of being defiant and rebellious against established norms. By using this language, the artist reflects and amplifies the feelings of her audience, creating a space where individuality is celebrated and conformity is questioned. As such, Charli XCX has been an influential figure in contemporary pop, helping to redefine what it means to be a pop artist in the 21st century.

3. Conclusion

Charli XCX’s use of the term “brat” is a fascinating example of how language can be shaped and reinterpreted in the context of music. Rather than an insult or a put-down, “brat” becomes a statement of identity, a resistance mark, and an expression of personal empowerment. Charli XCX redefines the term, transforming it into a symbol of individuality and defiance, thereby blending the roots of the pop genre with strong social stances.

If you haven’t heard “Brat” and other tracks by Charli XCX, now might be the time to dive into her music and discover how this artist can transform common words into powerful statements.

#copywriting #marketing #music blog #pop #english

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turboacek-blog · 2 months ago

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NBA 2020s: the USA vs World Era

In nba 2k the past two games they named 2010-14 the Lebron Era and the Steph era being apparently from 2017 to I’m guessing 2019?

There been some talk about the division and timeframe like would it not all be Lebron era for example or why specifically 3-5 years and so on like I would just say 15-19 to make it even with Lebron or just call it Lebron vs Curry era

But I want to discuss the current era of 2020-24 and potentially onwards

I want to call it the USA vs the World Era

Championships

Unlike the past decade the 2020s have had no repeat champions so can’t say a team dominated like Lebron Heat or Superteam Warriors

It’s been a different team each year and not in the 2010 way where every year has either Lebron or Steph in it

Something I noticed is that the main player of each team has been alternating between a U.S. player and a foreign player

2020: Lebron & AD (US)

2021: Giannis (World)

2022: Stephen (US)

2023: Jokic (World)

2024: Tatum & Brown (US)

So it’s been back and forth this decade so far and while we don’t know 2025 and on at this time if an era is 5 years like 2K did then this is a good frame to go off of

Foreign player dominance

Players such as Jokic Giannis and Embiid if you count him as foreign have won the past 5 MVP awards showing to at least a lot they have been the best players in the NBA

Not even counting Luka Doncic, Shai, and even Wemby now

And there has been a talking point about foreign players both positive and negative because of their dominance recently

To the point where the negative can be seen as xenophobic

Which has created a sort of USA players vs foreign player debate

Rivalry’s

While in a sense team rivalry’s are dead in the nba they’re are some player rivalries that make it a point touching on

Doncic vs Booker (Suns vs Mavs)

Doncic vs Kawhi/PG (Mavs vs Clippers)

Lakers vs Nuggets (Lebron vs Jokic) (I know those fans might deny it but they played three times in the playoffs in 5 years two of them in the conference finals and both teams are definitely trying harder against each other than others)

Bucks vs Heat (Heat with Butler has been one of those teams that stop the Giannis Bucks or at least give him trouble and they’re matchups in the post season has been consistent)

All these have a world player against a U.S. player

There’s other rivalries like Celtics vs Heat but these I feel are consistent and fit the theme in the past 5 years

Plus it’s a still a US dominated (in number of players) league so just lower odds for other rivalries with foreign players

Olympics

This isn’t technically the NBA but a big thing that occurred was the Olympics and is a good “finale” for this 5 year era

Not even discussing the “World Champions” / best in the world topic brought up by Noah Lyles

It was questioned if they could win Gold due to how much better a lot of countries have gotten and it was definitely tested in the 2024 Olympics

This while putting a pin in the U.S. vs World debate for Olympics since USA won, does bring up that when Lebron Steph & Durant retire the scales seemingly heavily tip in the worlds favor in some eyes going forward as it took 3 top 15 players ever to squeeze out those wins against the other top teams like Serbia and France

Plus other talking points like Tatum the recent nba champion barely playing, is Anthony Edwards ready to take over, and so on

Misc

Until 2022 the rising star game was USA vs World

There’s been a want for that to return and be applied to the main All Star game

More foreign players coming over to the NBA now more than before including top draft picks

NBA being more global by having games in Africa and other places in the world

If you include 2019 the champions were the Toronto raptors which is the only non US team in the NBA so while not led by a foreign player it is the “foreign” team and continues the back and forth pattern

All these make the aspect that narratively it’s been USA vs World players believable to me

I do think if a team like the Celtics repeat as champions it could skew some points here but overall at just these five years I prefer this than just calling it the Jokic Era because he has three mvps

Written Sep 19 2024

#nba thoughts #nba basketball #nba #lebron james #stephen curry #kevin durant #nikola jokic #giannis antetokounmpo #luka doncic #olympics #nba era #nba eras #nba 2k25

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tajmirrortours01 · 6 months ago

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Kristaps Porzingis: A Star on the Rise in the NBA

Basketball fans all throughout the world have become enthralled with Kristaps Porzingis, dubbed the "Unicorn" for his exceptional combination of ability, size, and versatility. At 7 feet 3 inches, Porzingis is one of the NBA's most intriguing prospects because to his remarkable ability to score, defend, and make plays. Let's examine the trajectory of this sensational Latvian player, his influence on the court, and his bright future.

The NBA Draft and the early years Born in Liepāja, Latvia on August 2, 1995, Kristaps Porzingis' early passion and talent in basketball were encouraged by his family's rich basketball heritage. As a teenager, he relocated to Spain to enlist in Sevilla's youth system, where he developed his abilities and advanced through the ranks swiftly.

NBA Entry: The New York Knicks selected Porzingis with the fourth overall choice after he filed for the 2015 NBA Draft. Though there were differing opinions about his choice, Porzingis quickly disproved his naysayers with his outstanding performances. Rising Star: New York Knicks With his ability to run the floor, block shots, and shoot from long range, Porzingis made an instant impression in his rookie campaign. Giving Knicks supporters optimism for the future, he swiftly rose to popularity at Madison Square Garden.

Highlights of His Rookie Season: In his first campaign, Porzingis averaged 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. He was recognized as one of the NBA's rising stars thanks to his outstanding achievements, which earned him a berth on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. Dallas Mavericks: A Brand-New Era After being moved in 2019, Porzingis joined forces with fellow youthful talent Luka Dončić at the Dallas Mavericks. Because Porzingis and Dončić complemented each other's strengths, they formed one of the league's most dynamic rookie duos.

Setbacks Due to Injury: Porzingis' tenure in Dallas has been characterized by both moments of exceptional play and struggles due to injury. In spite of these losses, he has persisted in proving his worth on the floor, especially in pivotal playoff situations.

Performance and Potential: Porzingis has shown great dominance while in good health. In the 2019–2020 campaign, he averaged 20.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. He helped the Mavericks qualify for the playoffs and forced the Los Angeles Clippers, who ultimately won the championship, to play six games.

Playing Method and Effect Porzingis' unique blend of size, shooting ability, and defensive skill sets him apart from other players. While his shot-blocking and defensive presence make him a formidable force in the paint, his ability to extend the floor with his three-point shooting opens room for his teammates.

Porzingis' versatility allows his club to employ a variety of lineups and tactics. He can play center or power forward. With his skill set, he can play well as a primary scorer or as a supporting role for other players.

Offensive Skills: Porzingis's offensive skills include his ability to score in the post, finish around the rim, and fluid shooting stroke. Due to his ability to shoot beyond the three-point line, he presents a nightmare matchup for opponents.

Gazing Ahead: Potential Futures Porzingis has a bright future ahead of him as long as he maintains his health and improves his game. The Mavericks' dedication to assembling a team around Dončić and Porzingis implies that they consider him to be a crucial component of their hopes for a title.

Continued Development: Porzingis has the capacity to reach new heights in his game if he keeps an eye on preserving his health and increasing his consistency. In the Mavericks' attempt to establish themselves as consistent Western Conference contenders, his efforts will be vital.

Future Legacy: One of the most influential European players in NBA history, Porzingis has the capacity to stay healthy and advance his skills. His versatility and special skill set could make him a long-lasting presence in the league.

In conclusion In the NBA, Kristaps Porzingis has seen both difficult lows and thrilling highs. He continues to be one of the league's most captivating players to watch because of his undeniable talent and potential. Basketball fans around are excitedly awaiting the next phase of the Unicorn's career as he continues to develop and improve his style of play. Kristaps Porzingis has a chance to establish himself as one of the NBA's top players and leave a lasting impression if he can combine health, development, and opportunity.