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nbatrades · 11 years ago

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Boston Celtics Acquire Colton Iverson in 2013 Draft

On June 27th, 2013, the Indiana Pacers traded the draft rights of Colton Iverson to the Boston Celtics for cash considerations.

The summer of 2013 was a year of transformation for the Boston Celtics. Head coach Doc Rivers departed for the Los Angeles Clippers. Two days later, the Celtics would continue to shake up its core. During the draft, the Celtics agreed to trade veteran stars Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to the Brooklyn Nets.

In the draft, Boston got bigger. In the first round, the Celtics drafted 6-11 perimeter threat Kelly Olynyk. In the second round, Boston bought the 53rd pick in the draft from the Indiana Pacers, and selected Colorado State center Colton Iverson.

Standing seven-foot tall, Iverson played one year at Colorado State averaging 14.2 PPG and 9.8 RPG while shooting 59.6% from the field. Prior to Colorado State, Iverson spent three years at the University of Minnesota before transferring while in search of a featured role. The bet paid off as the big man earned first team All-Mountain West during the 2012-13 college season.

After being drafted, Iverson joined the Celtics' 2013 Summer League entry in Orlando. The seven-footer appeared in five contests and compiled 5.0 PPG and 5.4 RPG in 16.7 MPG.

Though Iverson had hopes of making the team, he never joined Boston for training camp. Iverson signed a deal with Besiktas of the Turkish Basketball League.

Iverson rejoined the Celtics for 2014 Summer League in Orlando. He had hopes of making the team's regular season roster heading into the 2014-15 season. The big man appeared in five summer league games, amassing 6.4 PPG on 65% from the field, 2.4 RPG and 0.6 BPG in 15.8 MPG. After Summer League, Iverson signed a one-year deal with Spanish basketball team Baskonia.

Going into the summer of 2015, Iverson had plans to rejoin the Celtics again for Summer League. However, he soon realized a limited chance of making the roster and signed a deal overseas with Pinar Karsiyaka of the Turkish Basketball League.

In the summer of 2016, the Celtics renounced their rights to Iverson, allowing the big man to pursue other opportunities in the NBA. 24 years old when he was drafted, Iverson was no longer a spring chicken at the age of 27. Opportunities to make an NBA team was a fleeting thought.

Iverson never played in the NBA after his rights were renounced. He played professionally in Israel, Russia and New Zealand among other places.

Colton Iverson on his skill (via ESPN Boston):

"I think my best basketball is playing five-on-five; so if I can get in, get rebounds, get stops, set screens, get in the pick-and-roll -- that's what a lot of the NBA is nowadays, pick-and-roll, and that's my strength. Just do the little things and show the team that I'm ready to play right away."

On his plans to stay with Boston rather than go overseas:

"The Boston Celtics drafted me and I have every intention of playing with them next year."

On his decision to transfer and the impact it had on his career:

"I wouldn't be [drafted] right now if I didn't make that decision to transfer. I improved a lot in the season off, did everything I needed to work on in my game, and you could see my growth my senior year. It definitely paid off, I got drafted and I'm looking forward to a long NBA career." "I knew it was a risk -- high-risk, high-reward situation. Most people were definitely saying, 'You're crazy. What are you doing?' Now that I'm here, everyone's saying they didn't say it."

On not getting to learn from veteran Kevin Garnett who was traded to the Brooklyn Nets on the same day Iverson was drafted:

"Now that I'm here, I don't look up to anyone really," said Iverson, showing a bit of that confidence and toughness. "It's like, 'I'm going against you; let's go.' It would have been great to have him and learn from him, but moves happen."

On not being able to choose his jersey number 45:

"I guess if you can't get your number, you've got to go with something random. There really is nothing left. Thirty-seven seemed like a pretty unique number. I kind of liked it."

Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge on Iverson (via ESPN Boston):

"Colton is a player that we were excited by in the draft and had him ranked much higher than he ended up going. We were really fortunate to acquire a second-round pick to get Colton. "Colton is a kid that we've watched since his freshman year of college at the University of Minnesota. We loved his intensity from Day 1 and identified him as someone that we needed to keep a real close eye on."

On Iverson's work ethic:

"When he transferred to Colorado State, you could see how his work ethic and intensity continued, his confidence grew with opportunities. [Iverson was] one of the leading rebounders in the country. You know, for a guy to rebound at the level that he rebounded, it takes a lot of hard work and a lot of effort. He's put a lot of work into his body and he's gotten much stronger. And [he] just has a great intensity about him."

Iverson's agent Adam Pensack on Boston's interest in the center (The Coloradoan via ESPN Boston):

"During the season, maybe even before I even talked to Colton or his family, I spoke with the people in Boston, and they said they liked Colton back then. Celtics director of player personnel] Austin Ainge said all along that he really believes Colton is an NBA player. He has been probably Colton's No. 1 fan throughout the entire season and throughout the entire draft process."

Image via Getty Images/Fernando Medina

#Colton Iverson #2013 #2013 NBA Draft #Celtics #Pacers #2013*14 Season

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zimms · 4 years ago

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an olliewicks flower shop au to soothe the soul! this is somewhat based on mine and @tingo-tango’s tags on this post.

fields of flowers, soft beneath my heels

Ollie’s wrist-deep in a pot of soil, sweat rolling down his cheeks and sunlight streaming through the windows of Faber’s Flowers, when the shop’s bell rings and a new customer stumbles through the door. Ollie frowns slightly and hastily wipes the beads of sweat off his chin with the corner of his shirt, before plastering on his best customer service smile to greet whoever needs flowers at 7:30 am on a Tuesday morning. He mentally catalogues the possibilities; maybe they’ve forgotten their spouse’s birthday? Or maybe it’s a gift for someone at work? Maybe it’s an apology present because they accidentally cycled into a fruit stall and ruined a fresh batch of melons?

(Okay, maybe not, but it would be a refreshing change in the cycle of constant businessmen grovelling for their partner’s forgiveness)

Ollie shakes himself from his thoughts and grins across the counter at the customer, who’s sporting a baseball cap and a t-shirt that sits just right across his broad shoulders. Ollie’s eyes track down the guy’s biceps which are a tad too big for the sleeves. Ollie consciously shut his mouth to stop himself from gaping; this guy was hot. As Ollie’s gaze roams across the customer’s face to meet his eyes, he realises three things. Number one is that he definitely shouldn’t be ogling a customer like he’s a piece of meat. Number two is that he hasn’t said anything to this guy yet. Number three is that at least a minute of awkward silence and staring has passed since the customer entered the shop.

Ollie rips his eyes away from the customer’s face to stare at a spot slightly behind his left shoulder. “Hi! What can I help you with today?”

The guy shifts on the balls of his feet, scanning the shelves of bouquets and individual flowers. “Erm, I’m looking for a bouquet of flowers for my mom?” His voice raises at the end of his sentence, which is kind of cute, if Ollie does say so. He rubs the back of his neck and his checks flush pink. “I kinda need to apologise to her.”

Ah, a classic apology scenario. Got it.

“What’s the apology for?” Ollie asks as he turns to the sink behind the counter to wash his hands. “Not that you have to tell me that is; it just might help as we make the bouquet.” He unravels the roll of tissue paper and cuts off a square to package the flowers in.

Hot Guy winces. “Ah,” he says, “I kinda got into a fight in front of her the other night. She was not happy to say the least, so I figured I might as well get her some flowers to apologise for it.”

“Cool, cool.” Ollie grins at him. “What kinda flowers do you want for her?” He gestured to the whole shop, where various buckets of flowers lined the walls, each displaying a different species. “We can get her just a plain old bunch that’s all just the same type of flower, or we could mix and match, create a nice piece of artwork that she’ll admire rather than a bunch that’s boring and all the same.”

Hot Guy’s eyes flick up from the counter and meet Ollie’s own, moving slowly up his body. If Ollie was feeling particularly optimistic, he’d say the guy was checking him out, but he pushes that thought to the corner of his mind because he’s made way too many faux-pas in the past by asking out guys that have come into the shop just for all of them to be straight. Hot Guy clears his throat. “Yeah, a mixture sounds good. I know her favourite flowers are hyacinths if that helps?”

“That’s perfect.” Ollie shoots him the most reassuring smile he can think of, eyes softening. He grabs the bucket of blue hyacinths that sit behind him. “These alright?”

“Yeah, those are great,” Hot Guy says a little hoarsely, squinting at Ollie’s name tag, “Ollie.” Something settles in Hot Guy’s voice and he seems a bit more comfortable.

“So, why'd you get into a fight in front of your mom?” Ollie reaches for the bucket of Narcissus behind him and waves a bunch at Hot Guy for affirmation. He nods in return. “Doesn’t seem like the best idea to me-” Ollie trails off, hoping that Hot Guy might get the hint and finally introduce himself.

“Oh, uh, Pacer.” He coughs and the remaining tension leaks out of his posture. “Nah, a guy said something about Ma, and you know, I had to rush to defend her like the rash idiot I am.”

Ollie laughs. “At least, it’s one of the more noble reasons to get into a fight. There’s a bit more chance of forgiveness, then.”

Pacer nods and his gaze wanders away from where Ollie is deftly making the bouquet to settle on the purple Clematis.

“You like them?” Ollie makes a ‘gimme’ motion with his hands and Pacer passes the bucket over to him. Their hands briefly brush each other during the exchange and Ollie does everything in his power to ignore the jolt that goes through him at that brief skin to skin contact. “You’ve got a good eye; I was just about to grab them myself.”

“Yeah, my mom loves blue and yello-” Pacer cuts himself off with a sneeze. “Also, aren’t they the colours of the local hockey team around here? The Falcons?” Although he has a completely clueless tone to his voice, Pacer is studying Ollie’s reaction as if it might reveal the secrets of the universe.

“Yeah, the Falcs! I only get to see them every so often, but they’re great,” Ollie says, doing his level best to ignore Pacer’s sudden intensity. “I was actually on the same team as Jack Zimmermann in college, which was pretty cool.”

“Really?” Pacer’s enigmatic expression becomes even more indecipherable. “That is pretty cool.” He looks slightly over his shoulder towards the street before meeting Ollie’s eyes and flashing a genuine smile at him. “I actually played a bit of hockey myself, you know.”

Ollie tries to convince himself that the bubble of excitement that rushes through him is because Pacer is such a good conversationalist and not for any other reason, like the fact that they have a couple of things in common, or that Pacer is one of the hottest guys he’s ever seen.

(He fails.)

_X_

Pacer leaves about forty minutes later, with a bouquet and handwritten note in hand and a smile fixed firmly on his face. When Ollie goes to scrub down the counter and start repotting the plant he’d abandoned when Pacer had arrived, he spots a scrap of paper that definitely hadn’t been there before. The note is pretty cute; it’s a string of numbers and a smiley face, accompanied by a couple of lines from Pacer.

Would you like to go I would have asked you out earlier, but my tea friend always says it’s bad form to hit on workers whilst they’re on shift. Anyway, here’s my number if you want to go out some time? Call m Don’t worry if you don’t though!

- Pacer

Ollie grins as he opens up his phone to add the number to his contacts, but pauses as he sees a Google Alert come through that he’s set up for the Falcs. The text reads, Providence Falconers acquire forward Pacer Wicks from Colorado Avalanche in exchange for a second round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, and immediately underneath the caption, Pacer’s smiling face stares out at him.

Pacer’s voice echoes in his mind. “I actually played a bit of hockey myself.”

Played a bit of hockey himself? Ollie cannot believe this guy. He plays in the fucking NHL and all he says is “I actually played a bit of hockey myself.”

However, Ollie thinks as he opens up the article to see a picture of a bruised Pacer from his last game with the Avs, it would explain why he needed to apologise for fighting in front of his mom.

_X_

Now that Ollie is aware of Pacer Wicks’ existence, he seems to follow him everywhere. Well, not Pacer exactly, but his name.

It begins, like many things, at the grocery store.

“Excuse me?” the cashier asks, as she’s scanning his groceries two days after Pacer first came into the florist’s. “Are you that hockey player? Pacer Wicks?”

Ollie furrows his eyebrows. He doesn’t think that him and Pacer look that similar, but then again, Pacer’s only been in Providence a couple of days, so people don’t exactly know what he looks like yet. “No, sorry.”

The cashier purses her lips, taking a moment to study him again before ringing him up. “Huh, sorry! You guys just look really alike is all.”

“Nah, don’t worry about it.” Ollie gathers up his groceries. “These things happen sometimes.”

(He almost texts Pacer to tell him about it, but, as Ollie looks at the clock on his phone, he realises that Pacer probably isn’t going to want to receive a message about how someone thought they looked similar mid-way through his game against the Pens.

Also, he’d have to wish him luck and honestly, as much as Ollie loves the Falcs, he wouldn’t wish them too much luck against his hometown team.)

_X_

ollie

hey! i’ve finished off that other apology bouquet for your ma!

let me know when you want to swing by and pick it up!

also i was watching the game tonight; do you need me to make up another identical one for your ma, or do you wanna come into the shop to choose this one?

pacer

thanks ol! i’ll probably swing by to pick it up tomorrow and then help make the next one at the same time?

ollie

sounds like a plan!!

_X_

When he said these things happen sometimes to that cashier in the grocery store, he didn’t expect them to happen all the goddamn time. Be it at his favourite café, on the street, or on the commuter rail, someone always, always, asks if he’s Pacer Wicks.

_X_

ollie

oof that hit from eriksen looks like it’s gonna leave a mark

pacer

yeah, half my face is swollen

ollie

yikes

pacer

i assume we’re still on for dinner in a couple of days right?

even if my stunning visage has been marred by the fists of a schooner

ollie

that was a very weird way of putting it

but yeah, i still wanna go out with you even if your face looks like a dodgeball

_X_

A girl taps him on the shoulder at Bitty’s Bites downtown. “Excuse me, are you Pacer Wicks?”

Ollie smiles sheepishly at her, brandishing his coffee cup with a scrawled Oily on it as if it might keep the Pacer Wicks fans away. “Sorry, you’ve got the wrong dude.”

He hurries out of there as quickly as his legs can take him after that, hands fumbling for his phone so that he can text Pacer about it.

ollie

jdshjkdsjh a girl just asked if i was you

pacer

oh?

ollie

yeah, i don’t really know why so many people ask if i’m you

especially as they usually ask when you’re on a roadie??

so i don’t get why they know who you are without knowing the falcs’ schedules

pacer

maybe they’re a fan of my dashing good looks rather than my hockey?

isn’t that why you agreed to go out with me after all?

Ollie grins to himself before sending back three words.

don’t push it

_X_

He’s less generous to the guy on the commuter rail, but in fairness that’s mainly because he stole the last seat just before Ollie could get there and it’s 6:30 in the morning.

“Hey, aren’t you that hockey pl-?”

Ollie barely looks up from his phone before cutting him off with a sharp “No.”

_X_

Today, someone even asks him at the flower shop.

“No,” he says, heaving the deepest sigh he can whilst still remaining in customer service mode, “I think Pacer Wicks might have other things to do on a Saturday afternoon than work the till at a flower shop.” He shuts the cash drawer on the register with a bang and hands the customer their change and bouquet as quickly as he can. “Thank you for shopping with us! Enjoy your day!”

He collapses back onto the wooden stool that he keeps behind the counter, taking a breather for approximately five seconds before a laugh echoes through the shop. Ollie jumps half a foot in the air before locating Pacer, who’s stood in the corner of the shop inspecting a piece of sea holly.

He’s dressed up pretty nicely considering hockey players’ notoriously bad fashion sense, wearing a button-up, a nice pair of jeans that do all the right things for his hockey butt, and his ever-present baseball cap, but this time, unlike his first visit to the shop, it’s sat backwards on his head. He spins around to face the back of the shop, grinning his face off. “I’m impressed by the fact that she asked you that whilst I was standing in the shop and she still didn’t notice me.” He laughs, smirking across at Ollie. “Does that happen often?”

“Yeah, some people are surprisingly oblivious sometimes,” he says, “but also, I don’t look that much like you?” He pauses, trying to work out what Pacer’s face means. He places his hands on his hips and jokingly rounds on Pacer. “Do I?”

Pacer chuckles, taking a few steps closer so that he’s leaning against the counter. “Not that much, but would it be so bad if you looked like me?” A mock-wounded expression plays across his features as he presses his hand to his chest.

Ollie takes off his apron and hangs it up behind the counter. “Nope, because you are extremely hot.” He threads his fingers through the hockey player’s belt loops to pull him closer, feeling emboldened by Pacer’s flirting. “And if that means that people are inadvertently calling me hot whilst asking if I’m you?” He shrugs. “I can live with it.”

Pacer has to lower his gaze to meet Ollie’s eyes, the two inch height difference between them clearly obvious, even if Ollie is six foot, thank you very much. “You were right about something though,” Pacer murmurs, “I do have better things to do than stand in a flower shop on a Saturday afternoon.”

“Like what?” Ollie raises an eyebrow.

Pacer smiles softly down at him, taking his hand and interlacing his fingers with Ollie’s. “Like taking the cute florist that works there on a date for starters.” Pacer starts to move them towards the shop’s entrance. “There’s this lit-” He sneezes abruptly.

Ollie tilts Pacer’s head downwards. “That’s like the fourth time you’ve sneezed in the shop.” He rubs his thumb over his cheek, frowning when he sees that Pacer’s eyes are slightly red. “Are you okay?”

Pacer waves him off. “Yeah, it’s fine; my antihistamines just wore off.”

His-? Ollie furrows his eyebrows before leading his date out of the shop. “Pacer, are you allergic to flowers?”

“No?” Pacer’s sheepish and slightly bunged up reply says everything that Ollie needs to know.

“Fuck, Pace, why have you been coming to the shop so much if you’re allergic? Surely you don’t like the aesthetics of flowers that much that you need to torture your sinuses every spare minute of the day.” Ollie pinches the bridge of his nose, voice full of exasperation.

Pacer holds his hands up in surrender. “In my defence, the first few times were because I did need to buy Ma flowers, but I didn’t keep coming back because the flowers were pretty.” He pulls Ollie close and frames his face with his hands. “I came back because the florist was.”

_X_

The final time Ollie is mistaken for Pacer is five years later as he’s heading towards the arena for Pacer’s final game of the season. In fairness, dressed in a Wicks jersey and a Falcs snapback, he probably looks more like Pacer now than he has at any time since he first got mistaken for him in the grocery store.

“Excuse me?” A teenager taps him on the shoulder, their arm slung around a friend. “Are you Pacer Wicks?”

Ollie grins at the kid. “Nope,” he says, trying not to take too much joy in the hope fading from the fan’s eyes before he drops the bombshell, “I am his husband though.”

“Really?” The teenager’s eyes light up. “You’re not kidding, right?”

“Nope.” Ollie holds up his phone screen to show the kid a photo of Pacer kissing his cheek, just so that they know he’s not lying. “D’you wanna meet him after the game?” He smirks at them. “After all, I do know a guy.”

#the formatting's kinda whack #but it's late #so i'll format it properly when i post it on ao3 tomorrow #ollie and wicks #my writing #omgcp #it's like 3k i'm so sorry

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aniss055 · 2 years ago

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Jalen Smith made the choice from the heart

While the beginning of his career had taken a rather worrying turn, Jalen Smith bounced back well with the Pacers. As a reminder, the interior had been chosen in 10th position in the 2020 Draft by the Suns, a little to everyone’s surprise. In Arizona, he never really had a chance, quickly falling into oblivion within a team that played the leading roles in the Western Conference. Finally, after a…

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lkimp05 · 2 years ago

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Jalen Smith made the choice from the heart

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junker-town · 2 years ago

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Why the Magic should take Paolo Banchero the No. 1 pick in 2022 NBA Draft

Photo by Lance King/Getty Images

The case for why Paolo Banchero is both the best fit and best available player for the Orlando Magic in the 2022 NBA Draft.

The Orlando Magic have been searching for a franchise player since trading Dwight Howard to the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the 2012-2013 season. In the nine years since, Orlando is 255-464 overall — the worst record in the NBA over that time.

The Magic have had four top-five picks and three top-eight picks in the draft since trading Howard. None of those players have made an All-Star appearance for Orlando. The highest pick of that lot, 2013’s No. 2 overall choice Victor Oladipo, didn’t develop into a star until he was on his third team with the Indiana Pacers. Aaron Gordon, 2014’s No. 4 overall pick, was always more of a role player than a centerpiece. Mario Hezonja was a straight up bust as the No. 5 pick in 2015. Jonathan Isaac — the No. 6 pick in 2017 — emerged as an amazing defender, but now he hasn’t played in two years because of injuries and bizarre offcourt pursuits. Mo Bamba turned into a solid player last season as the former No. 6 pick in 2018, but the team declined to give him an early contract extension.

The Magic had two top-eight picks last year, and took guard Jalen Suggs at No. 5 and forward Franz Wagner at No. 8. Wagner was particularly impressive as a rookie, and should be a great piece moving forward. There remains plenty of hope for Suggs, as well, but neither feels like a future All-NBA level player.

The Magic landing the No. 1 overall pick in 2022 is their golden opportunity to finally find their franchise player. Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith Jr., and Paolo Banchero are all legitimate options to go first in the draft, but only one player truly fits what the Magic need.

That player is Paolo Banchero. Read our full breakdown on why Banchero is our top prospect in this draft. This is why the Magic should take Banchero at No. 1 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Paolo Banchero has a better chance to become a primary initiator than anyone in the 2022 NBA Draft

Banchero, Holmgren, and Smith are all great prospects with distinct skill sets. Holmgren is an elite rim protector on defense who will provide offensive value by moving the ball, hitting spot-up threes, and impressive finishing at the rim. Smith is perhaps the best shooter in the draft as a 6’10 sniper who can take and make extremely difficult shots.

The reason Banchero has been our No. 1 prospect since the start of the cycle is because he’s the only one of the three who projects as a lead offensive option in the NBA.

At 6’10, 250 pounds, Banchero thrives playing with the ball in his hands with his advanced handling and excellent passing ability for a player his size. Banchero can manufacture offense for himself and his teammates off the bounce, while Holmgren and Smith both need someone else to set them up. Holmgren and Smith are not bending the opposing defense and finding teammates for easy scores like this. There are not many (any?) NBA players who can at 6’10, 250 pounds.

Banchero can score off the bounce, too. Put a bigger player on Banchero and he will often shake free using his handle. Put a smaller, faster defender on Banchero and he’ll use his size and strength to his advantage to score inside. Throw two on the ball, and Paolo can be counted on to make the right pass.

Again, neither Smith or Holmgren can create separation off the dribble like this against a set defense in the halfcourt.

Banchero’s ability to create advantages at his size is what separates him from his peers in this draft class. That’s a wonderful fit with what Orlando’s roster needs.

The Magic are still searching for a primary creator

The Magic have a lot of nice pieces right now. What they’re missing is a star creator to help slot everyone into appropriate roles and maximize their strengths. Here are the core pieces on Orlando’s roster at the moment:

G Jalen Suggs: The 6’4 combo guard who does a little bit of everything. Suggs projects as an ideal secondary pick-and-roll option, a transition killer, a feisty point-of-all attack defender, and he should be around a league-average three-point shooter next year (say, 35 percent) after hitting only 21 percent of his threes this season. Suggs took 39 percent of his shots at the rim last season, a mark that ranked in the 88th percentile among combo guards, per Cleaning the Glass. While that’s certainly impressive, he feels more comfort attacking defenses that are already compromised rather than being the main guy who creates advantages off the bounce.

G Cole Anthony: Anthony just turned 22 years old, and is coming off an encouraging season in his second season in the NBA. The 6’2 guard is a better shooter than his 33.7 percent mark would indicate, and he’s a good athlete going to the rim. He also graded out in only the 42nd percentile as a pick-and-roll ball handler, and had some struggles finishing. He’s another player who would benefit from playing next to a star who could set him up for easy shots.

F Franz Wagner: Last year’s No. 8 overall pick is a 6’9 wing who is good at a lot of things rather than being great at anything. He’s a dependable defender both on the perimeter and interior, showed some promise as a pick-and-roll ball handler and passer, and made 35 percent of his threes. Every team in the league covets big wings with Wagner’s skill set. He might be the best creator on the roster right now, but it feels overly ambitious to slot him in as a No. 1 option long-term.

F/C Wendell Carter Jr.: Carter is a combo big coming off a career-year in his fourth pro season. He’s similarly sized to Banchero at 6’10, 270 pounds, but doesn’t create off the bounce like Paolo. Instead, Carter is mostly an undersized center with flashes of passing and shooting skill who can stay solid defensively and compete on the glass. He’s a nice player, but you’re not passing on a potential lead creator because of him.

C Mo Bamba: Bamba is a restricted free agent and may not be around next season. His frame is similar to Holmgren’s with a 7’7 wingspan, and he hit 38 percent of his threes this season, mostly on spot-ups. Bamba’s skill set would be a nice complement to Banchero’s if Orlando does take him at No. 1.

You can add Markelle Fultz, Chuma Okeke, and R.J. Hampton to the mix as well. All eight of those players mentioned will be 24 years old or younger next season. Orlando has hit on some nice young pieces in the draft, but all of them would look so much better playing next to a go-to offensive option.

Paolo Banchero is both the best fit for the Magic and best overall talent in the 2022 NBA Draft

Here’s a general rule of thumb I try to stick with: If an NBA team doesn’t have a primary creator, their biggest need is finding one. Holmgren is an awesome talent who would immediately provide a big boost to Orlando’s defense, but he’s not creating easy offensive opportunities for himself and his teammates. Smith is an unreal shooter, but he’s at his best when someone sets him up for his shots. Smith’s biggest weakness is scoring off the dribble and finishing inside the arc after he only 43 percent of his two-point field goals at Auburn. Holmgren’s one-on-one scoring is still a question mark despite all of his strengths that contribute to winning basketball.

The Magic will get a very good player if they draft either, but it feels like they will still be in search of their primary creator if it happens. Of course, it’s possible Suggs or Wagner turns into that guy. Anthony and Fultz could pop in that role, too. It just feels a little too optimistic to think any of the four can really be the guy for a franchise.

Banchero can be the guy in the right environment. This is a star move.

Paolo Banchero, 6'10, 250 pounds pic.twitter.com/su3PAkI8f8

— Ricky O'Donnell (@SBN_Ricky) March 2, 2022

This is a star move:

Paolo Banchero is at his best when attacking off the catch. So good at manipulating that 2v1 with Williams and the opposing big to his advantage. pic.twitter.com/KsSvBObWSU

— Itamar (@Itamar_17_10) March 25, 2022

This is a star move, too:

Banchero just takes over in close games. pic.twitter.com/7xodY2g9Kc

— Itamar (@Itamar_17_10) January 29, 2022

Banchero isn’t a perfect player. He’s not an amazing run-and-jump athlete. He only made 33 percent of his threes this year, and his catch-and-shoot ability from the NBA line remains a question mark. His lack of elite speed or eye-popping length limits his defense to around “average” — which makes him likely the worst defender of any potential top-3 choice.

At the same time, Banchero can create offense off the bounce in a way Holmgren and Smith can’t dream of. He’s by far the best ball handler in the halfcourt, and by far the best live dribble passer. He also has an excellent mid-range scoring package, and some nice moves in the post.

The early reports are that Orlando will chose between Smith and Holmgren, but at least to me, Banchero’s skill set is exactly what the the Magic have been lacking.

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nbatrades · 10 years ago

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Miami Heat Move Up In Draft; Acquire Shabazz Napier

On June 27th, 2014, the Miami Heat traded the draft rights of P.J. Hairston and Semaj Christon, a 2019 second round draft pick (Jaylen Nowell) and cash considerations to the Charlotte Hornets for the draft rights of Shabazz Napier.

When the King tells you to do something, you do it or so the story went, when one LeBron James caused a stir on Twitter. The multi-time NBA MVP, made his feelings known that Shabazz Napier was the steal of the 2014 NBA Draft and his favorite player in the 2014 draft class.

No way u take another PG in the lottery before Napier.

— LeBron James (@KingJames)

April 8, 2014

My favorite player in the draft! #Napier

— LeBron James (@KingJames)

June 27, 2014

Napier was a two-time NCAA champion and was fresh off a season that saw him nominated as NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player after leading the UConn Huskies to a National Championship.

In a coincidence — or not depending on what you read — the Miami Heat were focused on taking Napier in the draft, but faced a tough road to acquiring Napier with the 26th pick in the draft. Knowing that there was a possibility of a rival team taking Napier, the Heat braintrust of Pat Riley and co. scoured the league for a chance to move up the draft. The problem was that Miami’s infatuation with Napier was public, damaging their leverage in any trade.

Eventually, the Heat found the Charlotte Hornets who were willing to move down in the draft to acquire a shooter in P.J. Hairston. Charlotte had the 24th overall selection and drafted Napier for Miami. For the deed, the Heat sent the Hornets their 26th pick as well as two second rounders in 2014 and 2019.

Hairston was a promising talent with a checkered past. A former University of North Carolina Tar Heel, Hairston had been suspended by the NCAA after he was arrested on a drug charge at a traffic stop in 2013. The car that Hairston drove was under the name of felon Haydn Patrick "Fats" Thomas.

The NCAA suspended Hairston — who led the team in scoring during the 2012-13 season — and North Carolina refused to apply for reinstatement. With no other options, Hairston turned to the NBA’s D-League, where he played for the Texas Legends during the 2013-14 season in what would have been his junior season in college. He played well, averaging 21.8 PPG while shooting nearly 36% from three in 26 games.

Charlotte had a need for perimeter shooting and Hairston fit the bill leading to his arrival as Charlotte’s second pick of the draft behind Indiana University’s Noah Vonleh.

Miami had hoped to keep LeBron James, but the former MVP decided to return home to join the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Heat were forced to pivot and rebuild on the fly. Though stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh committed to stay, James’ departure left a massive hole in Miami’s lineup.

Entering his first basketball action, Napier joined Miami for 2014 Summer League. Playing for both Heat Summer League entries in Orlando and Las Vegas, Napier saw action in nine games. Napier had a rough performance, scoring 9.7 PPG on 27.5% shooting while having 3.8 assists per game versus 4.2 turnovers per game.

In a post-Lebron world, Miami got off to a 5-2 start after seven games. Injuries would derail their season. Wade missed 20 games and Bosh missed nearly half of the year after being diagnosed with a blood clot on his lung. Without Bosh in the latter half of the season damaged Miami’s playoff hopes as the team missed out on the playoffs by one game with a 37-45 record.

Napier had an inconsistent rookie season. Though he had a spot in Miami’s rotation through the first 20 games, his playing time was a rollercoaster ride. Napier even spent time in the NBA's Developmental League with the Sioux Fall Skyforce, averaging 19.5 PPG on 41.9% from the field, 5.0 RPG and 3.8 APG in four games.

Napier’s season ended early, as he had surgery for a sports hernia. He ended up with 5.1 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 2.5 APG and 0.8 SPG in 51 games (10 starts) and 19.8 MPG.

After his inconsistent rookie campaign, Napier played on the Heat’s 2015 Summer League entries in Las Vegas and Orlando. Nappier appeared in one game in Orlando where he recorded 14 points, four rebounds and six assists in a little over 17 minutes. In Vegas, Napier made appearances in three games and struggled, averaging 18.0 PPG on 34.9% shooting, 3.0 RPG and 4.0 APG in 25.1 MPG.

Soon after Summer League, the Miami dealt Napier to the Orlando Magic for a conditional second round pick in 2016. Looking to avoid the luxury tax, Miami also had the goal of keeping roster space open for guards Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson. Trading Napier for future considerations enabled the Heat to save $4.5 million in salary and luxury tax savings.

After the Hornets acquired Semaj Christon on draft night, they dealt his draft rights on the same day to the Oklahoma City Thunder for cash considerations.

It didn’t take long for Hairston to have another off the court issue. He was charged with assault and battery after getting into an altercation with a high school basketball player at the Durham YMCA.

Seen as a quality shooter, Hairston struggled in Charlotte’s Summer League appearance in Las Vegas. Hairston put up 18.3 PPG, but shot just 33% from the field and 34% from beyond the three-point line.

After adding Pacers guard Lance Stephenson in free agency, the Hornets were expected to build upon the previous season that saw them make the playoffs for the first time in four years. Charlotte went 4-15 in their first 19 games. The team was 10-24 when they went on a 12-3 run to wind up seventh in the East with a 22-27 record.

After 61 games, the Hornets were still seventh with a 28-33 mark. Their playoff hopes would come crashing down with a 5-16 finish that brought the team down to 33-49. Though Charlotte had managed to put together a solid, top-five defense, their offense was not up to task, finishing third-worst in offensive efficiency. A major problem was outside shooting for Charlotte. The team finished worst in the league in three-point shooting percentage (31.8%).

Hairston had some minor injuries, but for parts of the season found himself outside of Charlotte’s rotation. When he did play, Hairston was a mess, jacking up long distance threes regularly while converting on a very low rate (30.1%). This was a problem considering Charlotte brought Hairston in to space the floor and keep the defense honest. On defense, Hairston wasn’t much better. He failed many times to stick with his man and had a penchant for falling asleep off the ball.

Hairston also displayed immaturity, failing to adhere to the responsibilities of an NBA player. He was benched one night for missing a weight training session and benched another for missing a practice. Overall, Hairston appeared in 45 games during his rookie season and amassed 5.6 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 0.5 APG and 0.5 SPG in 15.3 MPG.

Going back to the drawing board, the Hornets got rid of Stephenson and acquired forward Nicolas Batum in separate trades. The franchise also picked up point guard Jeremy Lin in free agency and drafted big man Frank Kaminsky.

Hairston continued to find his name in the news. He was cited for speeding, driving with a revoked license, driving left of center and driving on expired tags. Hairston made five appearances in Orlando for Charlotte’s Summer League team. The 6′6″ wing produced 12.2 PPG, but was inefficient, shooting 29% from three and 33% overall.

Before the start of the 2015-16 season, the Hornets chose to decline Hairston’s team option for the 2016-17 season. This made the guard an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2016. Inconsistent play and behavior on and off the court were cited as major reasons for Charlotte choosing to decline the option.

Hairston was given a chance for some playing time after starter Michael Kidd-Gilchrist suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder. With Kidd-Gilchrist out for the foreseeable future, Hairston started the first 43 games that he appeared in. Hairston made noticeable improvements defensively after the Hornets gave him the directive to focus specifically on guarding the top perimeter options of the opposition. Charlotte did well early on with Hairston on the floor as a starter, going 14-8 in their first 22 games.

Still, Hairston could not find his shot. He had a 31.1% three-point percentage after his 43 starts and shot just 36.3% overall. After Kidd-Gilchrist returned from injury, Hairston was benched. Before the trade deadline, Hairston was dealt to the Memphis Grizzlies in a three-team deal involving the Miami Heat. The trade sent Courtney Lee to Charlotte via Memphis. Charlotte was 27-26 at the time of the trade and looking to make a playoff push.

Hairston finished his time in Charlotte failing to provide the perimeter shot that he was touted for coming into the league. He appeared in 93 games, averaging 5.8 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 0.5 APG and 0.5 SPG. The Carolina product shot 34% from the field, 31% from three and 83% from the charity stripe in that time.

The 2019 second rounder that Charlotte acquired from Miami was dealt in February of 2015 by the Hornets to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a deal centered around Mo Williams. The pick ended up in the 43rd spot of the 2019 draft. The Wolves used the selection on University of Washington guard Jaylen Nowell.

Shabazz Napier on if he would have any impact on bringing LeBron James back to Miami (via Sun Sentinel):

“I don’t know if I’m bringing him back [to Miami]. I would love it. Me and LeBron’s relationship, he’s a great guy. I’ve been to his camps. Me and him chatted a few times at his camps.”

On his role when he starts in Miami:

“There’s always opportunity to do something great, and no matter if I was going to slide in as a starter or come off the bench, I’m still going to work hard. I’m going to compete. That’s who I am.”

On his mentality starting new in the NBA:

“The first thing that jumps off is the winning attitude. That’s one of the biggest things. When you compete at that high level, you want to win every single game. That winning attitude comes in the first day you arrive at that camp. On the first day you arrive to that organization, you want to work, and you want to prove that you can get back there.”

On having a chip on his shoulder (via ESPN):

“No, the chip never leaves my shoulder. It will never leave my shoulder. That’s what makes me who I am. And I was saying that not to belittle any other point guards. There’s a reason why they’re here. But I was just saying that because that’s who I am. I wouldn’t be Shabazz Napier if I wouldn’t have said that. I believe it, and I’m going to prove it.

“What I always learned was that whatever you put in is what you’re going to get out. If I don’t put in the work, it's not going to show. So there’s always a chip on my shoulder to prove to myself that I'm the best, and to do that, I’ve got to work hard.”

If he thinks LeBron will come back:

“I would hope so. He’s one of the best players in the world. So if me going there helps him come back, it just betters our chances of being a complete team.”

On a conversation he had with Pat Riley after a workout (via Miami Herald):

"[Riley] was just giving me a lot of advice about the NBA, and adjustments and understanding that when you come into this league, you’ve got to work at this to be the best, and that’s exactly what I want to be. He never sugarcoated anything. He just said you have to be ready to work at every opportunity whether I was with them or not. It was definitely something I cherished and appreciated. It was kind of buzzing around that I wasn’t going to last that long [in the draft], but he wanted to tell me the right things, and I was really appreciative of that.”

P.J. Hairston on what he told Hornets management about the off the court mistakes he made while in college (News & Observer via Charlotte Observer):

“There was nobody else to blame. I put myself in that situation, and I had to pay the consequence. It was up to me to turn it all around – that I was able to overcome what’s happened in the last 12 months.”

On playing in the D-League after he was banned from the NCAA:

“The D-League wasn’t my choice, but when I was there it was, ‘OK, this is your job now.’ I wasn’t playing against boys now; I was playing against men. I think that’s huge in getting me prepared for the NBA – playing against guys just as strong, just as athletic, just as quick as me.”

How he tightened up on the group of people that hang around him:

“I now have a smaller circle (of acquaintances), and I keep my family in that smaller circle.”

On his defense:

“I’m not a bad defender, but there are things I need to work on. On-the-ball defense is probably my weakest thing. But it’s not something I can’t fix.”

Miami Heat president of basketball operations Pat Riley on Shabazz Napier (via Heat.com):

“Shabazz Napier is a winner, he’s a two-time NCAA champion and he’s one of the elite players in college basketball. We feel very fortunate we were able to acquire him and we feel like he fits in extremely well. He has a high motor, high basketball IQ, is a great shooter and has great character.”

How Napier fits in coach Erik Spoelstra’s system (via Miami Herald):

“We’re very fortunate to have drafted Shabazz, and we feel very excited about him and what he can bring. He’s a two-time champion, high-motor guy, character guy, very quick, can shoot the ball, so he’s got a lot of qualities that fit with what [coach] Erik [Spoelstra] wants to do.”

How it was difficult to acquire Napier due to rivals knowing of Miami’s interest in the point guard:

“It’s very difficult when everyone knows you’re zeroing in on somebody.”

What the process is like trying to move up in the draft (via Palm Beach Post):

“It’s fun. It’s moving quick. You’ve got five guys working the phones and Adam (Simon) and Chet (Kammerer) and Erik (Spoelstra) and Andy (Elisburg) and Micky (Arison) and Nick (Arison) and everybody’s in this room talking to everybody on the phone. You feel like you’re on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange at that particular time. Plus people are asking for this and asking for that — two first-round picks. It’s pretty exciting at that time. That’s what the draft is about for a lot of people. But we wanted this player, and the closer we got to our pick, I fell more in love with him. So you don’t want to get left at the altar.”

On picking so late in the first round of the draft:

“When you’re picking 26th, you never know what’s going to be there for that standpoint. So from that standpoint, we feel very good about adding [Napier] to the roster.”

On Napier competing with backup point guard Norris Cole for minutes:

“He’s going to compete just like Norris. They’re both cut out of the same cloth. Mario [Chalmers] is a free agent, so we’ve got to deal with that, so we’ll have some depth there at that position.”

On Napier’s competitive mindset (via ESPN):

“He’s a very competitive person, and I think competitive without a huge ego, too. He’s a winner. He’s talented and he’s skilled. You just have to watch him play the game and you can see the competitive level we all like.”

On questions of whether Heat forward LeBron James’ interest in Napier influenced the Heat’s decision in drafting the point guard:

“I know LeBron tweeted something out in the NCAA [tournament] about him. Why not. If LeBron and I have the same taste in talent, so be it. But he didn’t call me on the phone, or he didn’t make a point to me about it.”

Charlotte Hornets general manager Rich Cho on acquiring P.J. Hairston (via Hornets.com):

“When we made the trade to move back a couple of spots, with all the intel we acquired, we felt that P.J. would be there at 26, so we got some additional assets. P.J. was one of the best shooters in the draft. We followed him for a long time and did a lot of background work on him. He had a great year in the D-League in Texas and is a guy that really fills a need for us. Another thing we wanted to come away with in the draft was shooting, and he provides that for us in a big way.”

On his confidence that Hairston would be available at the 26th spot of the draft (via Hornets.com):

“We were pretty confident. We felt that Miami — when they called us to trade up — wanted Napier from all the background work that we had done. The next pick, Houston, we felt that they weren’t going to take P.J. We felt like moving back two spots would be beneficial. We could pick up a couple of assets.”

On being aware of some of Hairston’s prior off the court troubles:

“We’re aware of all the issues. We had a good interview with him, he came here a couple times to work out and we're comfortable with the situation.”

Hornets head coach Steve Clifford on drafting Hairston despite concerns off the court (News & Observer via Charlotte Observer):

“There are concerns always when there have been things in the past, but we did a ton of intel on all of these guys. Not one guy making one call. If we weren’t comfortable he can be a dependable, efficient NBA player, we wouldn’t have taken him so high.”

On Hairston’s defense:

“That’s not his strength yet, but he certainly has toughness and physicality and instincts. So there’s no reason why he can’t be a good defender.”

Hairston’s coach at North Carolina Roy Williams on Hairston joining the Hornets (via Charlotte Observer):

“I am happy that he will still play in state and for another Tar Heel, Michael Jordan. Life has given him another opportunity and he will take great advantage of that chance.”

Related Tweets:

Miami! Joining the #Framily- just got my @Samsung tab from @Sprint! http://t.co/ETAG7w4KFF

— Shabazz Napier (@ShabazzNapier)

June 27, 2014

Image Credit:

P.J. Hairston via Sam Sharpe/USA Today Sports

Shabazz Napier via Getty Images/Mike Ehrmann

#Shabazz Napier #PJ Hairston #Semaj Christon #2014 #Heat #2014*15 Season #Jaylen Nowell #Hornets

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brandonmcadory17 · 3 years ago

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On My Career on NBA 2k22, I am a former Michigan State basketball player that has been drafted by the Toronto Raptors with the 4th over pick of the 2021 NBA draft. After being drafted, I starting feeling confident about the chances of the Toronto Raptors by the starting the season 2-0 and next thing you know the Raptors starting losing 2 straight vs the Mavericks and vs the Bulls and could be on their way to losing their 3rd straight to the Pacers for something that I didn’t even do wrong and on top of that you have selfish teammates and Fred Vanfleet, Scott Barnes and Siakom all three of them just suck without even stepping up to the plate, so I’m telling you if things don’t change during the rest of the season immediately , I’m done with the Toronto Raptors and I’m about to ask for God damn trade because I don’t understand the current situation at all and the Toronto Raptors had a golden opportunity to start the season 4-0, but no things had to get into the way. Shaking my damn head.

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dnowit41 · 3 years ago

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Luka Doncic and Rick Carlisle: The dissolution of their relationship; what comes next for the Dallas Mavericks

by Tim McMahon

12/15/2021

Luka Doncic and Rick Carlisle spent three seasons together in Dallas. The Mavericks failed to win a playoff series in any of them. Sean Berry/NBAE via Getty Images

Luka Doncic and Dennis Smith Jr had become fast friends after the Dallas Mavericks selected the teenager from Slovenia third overall in the 2018 NBA draft.

Smith, whom the team had drafted ninth a year prior, had shown Doncic around the city and invited the new guy into his social circle. They lived in the same apartment building and had spent hours playing video games together.

If one was spotted during a Mavs road trip, chances are the other would be there too, along with young swingman Dorian Finney-Smith.

The Mavs were quick to market their new guard tandem. Doncic and Smith posed together during media day, smiling for pictures; they were promoted heavily on the team's website. Along with soon-to-retire legend Dirk Nowitzki, the young lottery picks were the players featured on billboards around the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.

While a friendship blossomed in Dallas' newly formed backcourt, coach Rick Carlisle and the front office were planning to blow it up, sources involved with the franchise's decision-making said, never really believing the duo had staying power.

The Mavs knew Doncic would need to be the primary ball handler to fulfill his immense potential, and they didn't believe Smith, who they had determined was a high-usage, ball-dominant guard with a suspect jumper, could complement him.

Carlisle, for his part, doubted Smith could be a productive NBA starter, team sources said. He had wanted the Mavs to draft guard Donovan Mitchell, and had completely soured on Smith midway through his rookie campaign.

Seven months later, Smith was traded to the New York Knicks, an afterthought in a deal that brought Kristaps Porzingis midway through Doncic's rookie season.

It might not have been a basketball fit, but Doncic and Smith had formed a bond. And Carlisle's apparent determination to make Smith miserable during their brief time as teammates was appalling to Doncic, several former players and staffers told ESPN.

Multiple players were shocked during one early-season team meeting when Carlisle accused Smith of being jealous of Doncic, sources said. The players considered it incredibly unfair to Smith, who wasn't playing well but was making an honest effort to mesh with Doncic on the court.

Doncic particularly resented what he perceived as Carlisle's attempt to pit him against his friend and teammate, team sources said.

It's an early chapter in the Luka Doncic story, an origin point for rising distrust and tension between the team's young star and his coach -- and an indication the relationship would have an expiration date.

"He brought a championship to Dallas," Doncic said after a win in Memphis on Dec. 8, "and everybody respects him."

Those are the most extensive comments Doncic, who declined to be interviewed for this story, has made about Carlisle since the coach's resignation from Dallas in June. Carlisle, now the Indiana Pacers' coach, missed Friday's Mavericks-Pacers game after testing positive for COVID-19.

New coach Jason Kidd and the Mavericks are 27 games into an effort to clear three seasons' worth of dysfunction, disillusionment and blowups that cracked the foundation of a franchise built around a superstar who has yet to win a playoff series.

FORMER MAVS CENTER Salah Mejri, a player whose fiery emotions often weren't appreciated by referees, picked up two quick technical fouls in the third quarter of a January 2018 win against the Washington Wizards. The second tech was a particularly quick whistle, and Mejri pleaded his case to Carlisle before leaving the court.

"You've got two f---ing points, get the f--- out of here!" Carlisle shouted at Mejri, pointing toward the tunnel to the locker room, an exchange caught by television cameras.

After practice the next day, Carlisle told reporters he had a talk with Mejri and "apologized to him for behavior that was really emotional, uncalled for and unprofessional on my part."

But people with the team didn't consider the behavior to be uncharacteristic for Carlisle. Several Mavericks team staffers, from members of the coaching staff to non-basketball employees, told ESPN they felt intimidated and disrespected by Carlisle, who they said could be abrasive and demanding. The coach also had contentious relationships with several Mavs players throughout his 13-year tenure.

Mejri felt belittled by Carlisle, a team source said, believing the coach targeted him with unnecessarily harsh criticism -- usually in front of the team.

And Mejri functioned as a big-brother figure for Doncic. Mejri had played for Real Madrid before signing with the Mavs in 2015. He looked out for Doncic when he was promoted to the Spanish club's top team as an adolescent. Doncic was so close with Mejri that he agreed to an interview with a local television station as a rookie on the condition that Mejri, a fringe rotation player, would also be part of the sit-down.

The public exchange between Carlisle and Mejri happened the season before Doncic was drafted, but it was indicative of the tense Mavs locker room when he arrived.

Early in Doncic's rookie season, the players were in near mutiny in the wake of an especially heated, confrontational team meeting, players and members of that staff said. Carlisle apologized to the team a couple of days later and gave assistant coach Jamahl Mosley, who was popular with the players, increased responsibilities regarding the managing of player and coaching-staff relationships. It was Mosley's voice that the players often heard from the coaching staff, sometimes more so than Carlisle's.

Mosley developed an especially close bond with Doncic. But over the next few years Carlisle came to consider Mosley a threat, team sources said, believing that Mosley was attempting to position himself to take Carlisle's job. Instead, Mosley became the coach of the Orlando Magic in July, a couple of weeks after the Mavs hired Kidd.

Seven months before, the team had lost another valuable liaison in veteran guard J.J. Barea, who often had served as connective tissue between Carlisle and Doncic, as well as other players, the previous two seasons. Sources said the Mavs' front office came to regret releasing Barea during the 2020-21 preseason.

Barea, a role player on the 2011 title team and a leader in the locker room even as his playing time decreased, helped bring Doncic and Porzingis together, playing cards with them on the team plane and facilitating communication between the franchise cornerstones.

That relationship began to erode last season, when the awkwardness that developed between them was so apparent that it was noteworthy when they exchanged high-fives. Sources noted that Carlisle wasn't positioned to manage it because he had poor relationships with both.

Porzingis was frustrated, feeling he was a strategic afterthought for a team that couldn't get out of the first round, often utilized primarily as a catch-and-shoot 3-point threat to space the floor for Doncic. That was spotlighted during the Mavs' seven-game playoff loss to the LA Clippers, when the 7-foot-3 Porzingis spent most of the series spotted up in the corner because Carlisle was convinced he was incapable of punishing LA's switching defense with post-ups.

As he entered the offseason, Porzingis was so disillusioned, sources said, that he privately hoped he would be traded.

CARLISLE ATTEMPTED TO patch his relationship with Doncic. The coach heaped praise on his star in the media, often comparing him to legends such as Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, and protected the Mavs' young face of the franchise from criticism, even if it required stretching logic to do so.

An example: Doncic reported to last year's training camp weighing more than 260 pounds, according to sources, and conditioning was clearly a factor in his slow start. Carlisle blamed the NBA's pandemic-disrupted schedule beginning earlier than originally anticipated for complicating Doncic's offseason routine.

But their relationship was too far gone, Doncic growing even more distant from his coach, and more defiant of him during the heat of games.

Kristaps Porzingis, center, whom the Mavericks traded for in February 2019, felt frustrated with his role in Rick Carlisle's offense. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Doncic questioned Carlisle's authority in front of the team on at least one occasion early in the 2020-21 season: "Who's in charge -- you or Bob?" Doncic barked on his way back to the bench during an early-season game. He was referring to then-Mavs director of quantitative research Haralabos "Bob" Voulgaris, whose rise in power played a role in Dallas' front-office dysfunction and who many players believed dictated lineups and rotation decisions to Carlisle. Carlisle relied heavily on Voulgaris' data but always had final say, team sources said.

In another instance, Doncic had just drawn his third foul midway through the third quarter of last season's playoff opener and was upset that Carlisle had opted to substitute for him. Carlisle ignored the superstar's gesture that indicated he wanted to play through foul trouble.

As Jalen Brunson checked in, Doncic briefly took his glare off Carlisle, dropping his head and clenching his fingers, squeezing the air as if he were crushing something in his hands. Doncic barked at Carlisle as he walked toward the Dallas bench, shaking his head along the way.

Doncic didn't stop at his seat at the end of the bench, stomping another 10 steps until he reached the short wall at the bottom of the arena's lower bowl. He leaned against the wall, rested his head on top of his arms, turned his back to the floor and remained there for most of the Clippers' ensuing possession. When he returned to the bench, Doncic stood and again shouted in Carlisle's direction before finally taking his seat.

Nobody on the Dallas bench blinked. Players, staffers and coaches had become accustomed to Doncic cursing out Carlisle, the dynamic between the generational star and championship-proven coach deteriorating with each passing clash.

After Doncic cooled off, Carlisle subbed him back into the game. He finished with a 31-point triple-double, leading the Mavs to the Game 1 win. The blowup was business as usual.

Carlisle privately joked he had developed selective hearing, choosing to tune out Doncic yelling at him during games. Doncic was often bombastic in his disagreements with coaching decisions on the court, but refrained from sharing those criticisms of Carlisle in media availability.

"If we talk, we're going to talk," Doncic said following a close loss last season in Milwaukee, during which he angrily gestured that he thought Carlisle should have called a last-minute timeout. "It's not going to be in the media. It's between us."

But, for all of the friction, the partnership between Doncic and Carlisle wasn't fruitless.

Carlisle quickly gave Doncic, who many scouts and executives around the league doubted could play point guard due to his limited speed and quickness, the keys to the Mavs' offense. The former Mavs coach spread the floor as much as possible and gave Doncic more creative freedom than he ever allowed any point guard, including Hall of Famer Kidd, who had won a title with Carlisle in 2011.

And Doncic thrived, winning Rookie of the Year and joining Kevin Durant as the only players over the past five decades with a pair of first-team All-NBA selections before turning 23.

DALLAS' ORIGINAL PLAN was for Carlisle to return for the 2021-22 season, but it had become clear the coach would have been on the hot seat from the start.

After last season's opening-round Game 7 loss, there were legitimate questions about Carlisle's job security. For the first time, people in the organization weren't sure Carlisle would be back, and Mark Cuban's lukewarm vote of confidence shortly after the final buzzer confirmed the coach was on shaky ground.

"Let me tell you how I look at coaching," Cuban told ESPN that day, after Doncic had 46 points and 14 assists, but the Mavs were blown out inside Staples Center. "You don't make a change to make a change. Unless you have someone that you know is much, much, much better, the grass is rarely greener on the other side."

Carlisle had intended to travel to Doncic's native country several days later in June to observe the Slovenian national team's camp and spend time with the Mavs' star. Those plans, however, were canceled at Doncic's request, sources said. Doncic, particularly in the wake of Cuban firing longtime Mavs president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson, wanted no distractions as he prepared for the qualifying tournament in which Slovenia clinched the program's first Olympic bid.

Carlisle, who had two seasons remaining on his contract, broached the subject of an extension with Cuban around that time, sources said. Cuban shot down the idea, confirming Carlisle's suspicion his job status was tenuous.

Later that week, the winningest coach in franchise history informed Cuban he was resigning.

Doncic, who hasn't yet exercised his superstar privilege of influencing personnel decisions, never called for Carlisle to go, sources said. He ultimately didn't have to.

"You never want to get to a point where you ever feel like you're overstaying your welcome," Carlisle told ESPN this summer, "and I just felt like this is the right time."

Carlisle decided that he'd determine the right time -- when he could immediately land another job. A week later he agreed to a four-year, $29 million deal with the Pacers.

"I have extreme gratitude for my 13 years with Mark Cuban and the Mavericks," Carlisle told ESPN this week. "I cherish the memory of our 2011 title run and all I learned there as a coach. It's been an honor to work with generational players like Dirk Nowitzki and Luka Doncic, and to see a long list of players develop with the Mavs organization.

"It was a privilege to witness Luka's genius for three years," Carlisle continued. "He does and will continue to do amazing things every night. I am excited and appreciative for the opportunity to coach in Indiana and wish the Mavs organization all the best."

Carlisle, whose Pacers are 12-17, declined to comment further for this story.

Less than three weeks after Carlisle's departure, the Mavs hired Kidd, who sources said was the only candidate seriously considered.

Doncic has not had any public outbursts toward Kidd, who has prioritized communication with his players, appointing Doncic, Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr. to serve as a three-man leadership council. At the council's suggestion, Kidd played all 15 players in their home-opening win against the Houston Rockets, a rarity meant to highlight the Mavs' improved camaraderie and connection to the coaching staff.

"The more you talk, the better," Doncic said that night. "Talking solves things, so I think it's a good idea."

Jason Kidd is 14-13 in his first year as Mavericks head coach. Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images

While Kidd has been generally upbeat and positive -- an attempt to correct the cultural flaws from Carlisle's tenure -- he has publicly challenged Doncic throughout the season.

During the preseason, Kidd pushed Doncic to "trust his teammates." After a recent loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, Kidd said Doncic needed to be more selective with complaining to officials, noting that the griping often prevented Doncic from getting back in transition.

Porzingis has felt refreshed after Carlisle's resignation, team sources said. Kidd has made a point of giving Porzingis the green light to take the kind of shots Carlisle wanted to eliminate from his arsenal.

Porzingis' overall offensive numbers are similar to last season -- he has been more effective on post-ups but has slumped from 3-point range -- but he's noticeably happier. His chemistry with Doncic has improved, as both were eager to start the new season, part of the better "vibe" several Mavs have cited under Kidd.

"If you're not having fun, then it's tough to play and give your all," Porzingis said after a recent win over the Clippers. "I feel like this year we have that kind of environment."

But while the team culture seems to have improved, at least through a third of the season, the performance on the court has not.

Dallas, like last season, has gotten off to a disappointing start as Doncic again plays his way into shape. The Mavs (14-13) have lost nine of their past 14 games, a slump that started when Doncic missed three games with a sprained left ankle, which hasn't healed. Doncic, who turned the ankle again in Friday's loss to the Pacers, will miss a third consecutive game Wednesday when the Los Angeles Lakers visit the Mavs (7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN).

For the season, the Mavs are 17th in the league in offensive efficiency (108.4), a steep drop-off from ranking first and eighth, respectively, the last two seasons.

Kidd has referred to the Mavs, who didn't make any major offseason additions, as a team that "isn't built to play defense" and "a jump-shooting team that isn't making jump shots" after recent losses. He has repeatedly noted that the Mavs tend to "hang our heads" when shots aren't falling, publicly pushing his team to be more mature and mentally tough.

"We've got to stick together," Doncic said after a lopsided home loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. "This is what real teams do in tough times, is stick together. It's easy to stay together when it's all good, you know? The tough times, that's when you have to stay together."

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thestutterstep · 3 years ago

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NBA 2021 rookies extravaganza

I personally love talking about any incoming rookie class because they represent the future of the NBA! Through the first month of the 2021-2022 season, there have been several rookies exceeding expectations placed on them before they stepped foot on the court. This is a great sign since it’s only a month into the season. It is far too early to predict the rookie of the year winner, but there are some favorites. However, with first overall pick Cade Cunnigham starting to play more after missing action due to injury, things can change in a few months from now.

GREAT ROOKIES

Scottie Barnes

We all know how crazy the media went after the Raptors picked Scottie with their fourth pick over the projected fourth pick Jalen Suggs. The media went ballistic. As they should’ve. Suggs had just come off an incredible NCAA tournament run with amazing performances. Barnes had himself a great year at Florida State with all-around stat sheet averages. The clear pick was Suggs for his ability to score at a high level. Toronto saw things differently.

The Raptors saw a versatile 6’9 forward that can guard the opposing team's best wing/guard, who can also put the ball in play. Though the jumpshot is not there yet, it can be taught over the years as seen by Kawhi Leonard and Giannis Antetekoumpo.

Perhaps Toronto is viewing Barnes as Pascal Siakam’s replacement? Siakam is in his second year of his four-year extension with the Raptors. Although the trade may not seem out of the question, Barnes could provide more upside than Siakam. However, if Barnes and Siakam can learn to play small ball, then the Raptors can become a dangerous team in the years to come.

Evan Mobley

The post-Lebron Cleveland Cavaliers are still up to no good until they drafted Evan Mobley with their third pick. A pick that definitely went under the radar due to being the most productive and efficient pick out of the top three picks. The versatile 7 foot Mobley can literally do it all! He can defend guys his size and guards. He can be a lob threat and an outside scoring threat. He can dish the ball to finish up a perfect sequence of plays.

Mobley has the skill set to become a more well-rounded offensive package to Anthony Davis. Though I don't think Mobley will get close to the interior presence that Davis is, he does make up for it with his 7 foot frame and his high IQ. Without Mobley, the Cavs would not have had their great start this season.

Chris Duarte

Every year, there are mixed expectations for the Indiana Pacers. There is always the “If” hypothetical. “If” healthy, this team would be a top 6 seed on paper. With players like Caris Lavert and Malcom Brogdon inconsistent in lineups, Chris Duarte has been huge overall. He has come into the league already looking like a three or four year veteran. Duarte knows his role and can fill up the points stat sheet if you lose sight of him on the court. I can definitely see Duarte playing a sixth man role down the line with the ability to seamlessly fit in with the starting lineup.

Josh Giddey

This young OKC Thunder roster has been predicted to be one of the worst teams in the league. However, they have a great set of young players such as Shai Gilgeious, Lu Dort, and Darius Bazely. To add Josh Giddey and give him the lead to be the main facilitator with the young squad has been off to a good start.

Giddey will be crucial for the Thunder’s long term plan. However, who knows what the Thunder’s future plans are with their young core. With SGA wanting to be a part of a winning team, this team needs to be close to playoff contention or else their best player may ask for out.

WHAT IS GOING ON?

Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga

The Golden State Warriors had the biggest upside in the league before the NBA draft. They had a championship roster with the chance of adding more pieces for their long term plans. They took two players who are currently in the g league or not getting enough minutes. It’s tough to get minutes for a rookie with a team that has championship hopes. Both Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga can probably fill the stat sheet when they both play, but that is not what the Warriors envision.

One can argue they would be better off taking Franz Wagner at seventh or trading their picks for an integral player that fits their system. The Warriors believe they are good enough that they don’t need to make any changes to their roster. If that’s the case, then they need to prove it in the next few years.

Corey Kisbert

Corey Kisbert is a classic example of a good player in the mix with other good players and not getting enough playing time. And it’s expected. Perhaps as the season progresses, he’ll get more playing time. He has good size and can shoot from deep. The sample size is a bit small; however, the Wizards are balling out and may be looking for a playoff spot.

Trey Murphy

Trey Murphy was said to be the best three point shooter in the draft. In his role with the Pelicans so far, he’s been playing close to 20 minutes a game but hasn’t been as advertised. Once Zion and Ingram get back to playing and can attack the paint, they'll look to pass it to guys like Murphy to make it splash. Through the first month of the season, it may be hard to adjust to the league. However, there is room to succeed for guys like Murphy.

~November 12th, 2021

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nzzdfhddh · 3 years ago

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junker-town · 3 years ago

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NBA trade deadline 2022: Grading every move as they happen

Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images

Let’s grade every deal made at the 2022 trade deadline.

The NBA trade deadline means different things to different teams. Winning organizations use the deadline as their final chance to add a meaningful piece before the playoffs. Bad teams often decide to be sellers, trading their proven players for future assets and the hope of improving their own draft position. Some teams just want to clear salary to get out of the luxury tax, while others make moves now that will have a bigger impact in future years.

In years past the trade deadline has been defined by the flurry of last minute deals before the 3 p.m. ET, but this year the fireworks started early. The Portland Trail Blazers broke up their foundation to free up salary cap space around Damian Lillard. The Cleveland Cavaliers filled their biggest need ahead of a surprise playoff run. The Kings and Pacers also agreed to a franchise-altering deal for both organizations that swapped Domantas Sabonis and Tyrese Haliburton.

We will be grading every NBA trade at the deadline as the deals roll in. Let’s go.

Bucks get Serge Ibaka, Pistons get Mavin Bagley III in 4-team trade

Full deal: Bucks acquire: Serge Ibaka, two future second round picks. Pistons acquire: Marvin Bagley III. Kings acquire: Donte DiVincenzo, Trey Lyles, Josh Jackson. Clippers acquire: Semi Ojeleye, Rodney Hood.

ESPN Sources: Full trade participants: Kings: Donte DiVincenzo, Trey Lyles and Josh Jackson. Bucks: Serge Ibaka, two future second-round picks, cash. Clippers: Rodney Hood, Semi Ojele. Pistons: Marvin Bagley Jr.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 10, 2022

Bucks grade: B-

Pistons grade: B+

Kings grade: A

Clippers grade: C

We’ll start with Milwaukee: Brook Lopez has been out most of the season with a back injury, and acquiring Ibaka provides front court insurance in case he can’t return. Ibaka can stretch the floor and block shots even at 32 years old, but it does seem like he’s not moving as well this season. In return, Milwaukee sends out its best trade chip in DiVincenzo. You wonder if the Bucks will regret forgoing the extra depth on the wing come playoff time. Meanwhile, the Pistons get a bouncy big man in Marvin Bagley III, who gets a chance to revive his career after being labeled as a draft bust in Sacramento. He should be a nice lob target for Cade Cunningham. The Kings pick up more wing depth with DiVincenzo in the deal, and also get depth in the front court with Lyles. Meanwhile, the Clippers are saving $30 million on the luxury tax after acquiring Norman Powell a few days ago.

The Bucks still need Lopez to get healthy come playoff time. If he’s not, Ibaka and Bobby Portis will have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders.

Raptors acquire Thad Young

Full deal: Raptors get Thad Young, Drew Eubanks, 2022 Pistons second rounder. Spurs get Goran Dragic (who they plan to release) and Toronto’s lottery protected first round pick. Details.

Raptors grade: A-

Spurs grade: A-

Thad Young had a great season with the Bulls last year before being banished to the bench following a trade to a rebuilding Spurs team. He’ll provide front court scoring, rebounding, and playmaking for the Raptors as they look to push their way into the playoffs without needing to go through the play-in tournament. The Raptors give up a first round pick, but get back Detroit’s second rounder, which will be very early in the 30s. This is a nice draft trade up for the Spurs, who had no use for Young anyway. Dragic will be bought out, with Dallas and Chicago among the interested teams.

Celtics make a money saving deal

The Celtics are trading PJ Dozier and Bol Bol, a future second and cash to the Magic for a future second-round pick, sources tell ESPN. Dozier and Bol are both out for the season. Cost-savings for Boston.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 10, 2022

Grades: N/A

Kings, Pacers swap Domantas Sabonis, Tyrese Haliburton

Full deal: The Pacers trade Domantas Sabonis, Jeremy Lamb, Justin Holiday and a 2023 second-round pick to Kings for Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, and Tristan Thompson.

Kings grade: A

Pacers grade: C

The Pacers finally broke up the Sabonis-Myles Turner pairing, and chose to deal Sabonis for a nice package from the Kings. Sabonis is a 25-year-old, two-time All-Star big man on a team friendly contract for the next two years. He’s an excellent inside scorer, an elite rebounder, and a good passer. He’s also a poor defender and shaky outside shooter, which makes his pairing with Kings guard De’Aaron Fox questionable. In return, the Pacers get the soon-to-be 22-year-old Haliburton, a wiry 6’5 guard who struggles to get to the basket but is a great passer, a 41 percent three-point shooter, and an opportunistic off-ball defender. Haliburton should be a great piece in the Indiana backcourt for a long time. Sabonis is a serious talent, but the jury is still out on how much better he makes the Kings.

Pelicans acquire C.J. McCollum from Trail Blazers

Full deal: Pelicans trade Josh Hart, Tomas Satoransky, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Didi Louzada, a protected first-round pick (No. 5 to 14 protected for 2022), and two second-round picks to Portland for C.J. McCollum, Larry Nance Jr., and Tony Snell.

The Utah Jazz are acquiring guard Portland’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker and the Spurs’ Juancho Hernangomez in a three-way deal, sources tell ESPN. The Spurs gets guard Tomas Satoransky and a second-round pick, and the Blazers get Joe Ingles, Elijah Hughes and a second-round pick.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 9, 2022

Pelicans grade: B+

Trail Blazers grade: C-

The Pelicans have put themselves in play-in tournament position after a 1-12 start, and now they’re adding the type of scoring guard they desperately needed to boost the offense. The 30-year-old McCollum will give New Orleans a 6’3 guard who can rip three-pointers and provide some added juice off the dribble. It hurts to lose a solid role player like Josh Hart, but the Pelicans offense suddenly has a lot of weapons after this deal. This trade signals the end of an era for Portland, but it feels like this move was made a couple years too late. Portland would be wise to retain Hart, because the rest of this package isn’t that intriguing.

Clippers acquire Norman Powell from Trail Blazers

Full deal: The LA Clippers trade Eric Bledsoe, Justise Winslow, Keon Johnson, and a 2025 second-round draft pick to Portland for Norman Powell and Robert Covington.

Clippers grade: A

Trail Blazers grade: D

Powell has now been dealt at the trade deadline two years in a row despite the 6’3 guard putting up another season of efficient scoring and outside shooting. Powell has some juice off the dribble, and is a major threat attacking the defense off a closeout. He’s hit 40 percent of his threes in each of the last four seasons. The Clippers’ chances feel DOA this year with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George both possibly out for the season with injuries, but Powell will make the team more potent offensively next year. Adding Robert Covington as a rangey front court defender could be a nice addition to the rotation, as well. Portland mostly did this trade to clear money. Keon Johnson represents the only player with upside in the deal.

Cavaliers acquire Caris LeVert from Pacers

Full deal: Cavaliers trade Ricky Rubio (injured), a lottery-protected 2022 first-round pick, Houston’s 2022 second-round pick, and two second-round picks for LeVert

Cavs grade: B+

Pacers grade: B+

The Cavs are the most pleasant surprise of the season, emerging as an Eastern Conference contender behind the young trio of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Season-ending injuries left Cleveland without much additional ball handling, so LeVert was acquired to change that. LeVert is an excellent driver off the bounce and has microwave scoring ability, which will be a big boost for a below-average offense. The Pacers come away with one first round pick likely in the early-to-mid 20s, and an early second round pick projected to be in the early 30s. That’s not a bad haul for a somewhat inefficient yet talented scorer.

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fromfantofan · 3 years ago

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TORONTO RAPTORS DRAFT OPTIONS

AND WITH THE 4TH PICK IN THE @NBA DRAFT, THE RAPTORS SELECT JALEN GREEN!!(@jalen) (Detriot-1. Cade Cunnignham @cadecunn1ngham, PG of the future)(Houston-2. Evan Mobley, Trust Kevin Porter as the PG of the Future, grab his partner in crime)(Clevland-3. Jalen Suggs, committed to Darius Garland as PG of future but not Sexton at Shooting Guard)(Toronto- 4. Jalen Green) The Toronto Raptors currently have 3 Starting positions that seem locked by current players; MY ASSUMPTION IS THAT WE DO NOT HAVE KYLE LOWRY(nor did I assume we got a player in trade) **Our PG Fred Vanvleet.**Our Forwards(SF/PF) are Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby. 6'7 180 pound Jalen Green @jalen is a player that can come in and develop into a star scorer for the Toronto Raptors. He played 15 games in the G-league this year, dropping 20+ in 8 games, including 9/14 for 26 points. He then played 1 playoff game against the @Raptors905 where he played 41 mins, scoring a career high 30 points on 11/20 shooting. Jalen Green is a flat out scorer who has all the moves you want your shooting guard to have. He is one of the most deadly isolation scorers in the G-league due to his smooth counter moves when defended tightly, and his timely explosion into a scoring move. Though he stands 6'7 with shoes, he moves so quick through his go too dribbles and dribble counters that he looks like a 6'4 guard. He played shooting with the NBA 3 point Line and shot 36% on 5.7 attempts, while competing against former NBA players. He has a lot of Zack Lavine to his game, loves to get the ball on the move and immediately start going downhill and putting pressure on his defender. The Raptors have an amazing system and our staff could REALLY turn Jalen Green into 1 of the leagues very best shooting Guards. On offense as I said, he reminds me of Lavine because he is always using his quickness to keep consistent pressure on the defense. He is a great shooter and does not lack confidence. In his first year I would expect Jalen Green to start the season on the bench, and finish the season as the Raptors starting shooting guard. Gary Trent Jr will get his chance at starting, but Jalen Green coming in and playing the 6th man role will give him the freedom to be our Jordan Clarkson. (and trust me, Jalen Green can already score that good) and it will be amazing for his development as a scoring guard. He does not have a high Point guard IQ, BUT does have passing in his arsenal of counter moves. He can definitely get some drive and lob/drive and kick assists. But he is NOT a combo guard like Mitchell or Booker, he is a playmaker much like Norman Powell, Anthony Edwards, Zack Lavine for a more elite comparison. Either way his role right now would be to SCORE. Predictions: Jalen Green's role is to score.*** As a starter with Fred and Pascal's presence making the game easier for him, we could see Jalen Green do 18PPG. He is a deadly isolation scorer, and can get 12PPG by himself unassisted. (yah, boy can score man) and with the @Raptors system all he has to do is make open shots when assisted and bam, 18PPG. ***as a 6th man ? maybe 12-15PPG on 46% shooting. The biggest hurdle for Jalen Green is all PHYSICAL. He needs to get STRONGER as he is only 180 pounds and he needs to work on his STAMINA so that his shot does not get tired. Stamina will be the biggest difference between him averaging a lot of points and a lot of minutes. Ceiling: Prime Indiana Pacers Paul George. Current player comparison? Zack Lavine. a Guy you don not RUN your offense through but he is very good in your System and can still create for himself and others. Jalen Green could stand 6'7 and be a solid 25PPG scorer.Floor: Prime Jamal Crawford. Current player comparison? Jordan Clarkson. Jalen Green has alot of moves man. but can he develop more into a playmaker for others as well ?? What do you guys think ? is Jalen Green the next guy for us ??

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