Behind Enemy Lines with Giants Wire to break down Week 15
Cleveland heads to New York for the first of two straight games in the same stadium. Up first is a meeting with the Giants in Week 15.
New York is 5-8 but still very much alive for the NFC East title. The Giants have some injury issues under head coach Joe Judge, but they’ve proven successful over the last few weeks after a miserable start.
Where are the Giants at now, and how much of a threat are they to the Browns? For answers to those questions, as well as an update on some former Browns now on Big Blue, I turned to Giants Wire and editor Dan Benton for a few questions about the matchup.
New York rattled off four wins in a row before falling to Arizona last week. What was the biggest key to the successful surge?
It was really all about steady improvement from the entire team. The Giants had been grinding away all season and felt like they were always this close to winning games, and that four-game stretch was when things finally came together. They were outcoached and outclassed against Arizona, but that may have been an exception to the rule rather than the rule itself. They’re the youngest team in the league and have a first-time head coach, new staff, new systems and were thrown into the fire without a full offseason and no preseason — it was a recipe for disaster so for the team to even be where they are is a testament to Joe Judge & Co. They need to shake that Arizona loss off and get back to focusing on the fundamentals and playing disciplined football.
What’s going on with Daniel Jones at QB, both short-term and for the future?
Prior to that terrible game in Arizona where the offensive line surrendered nine QB hits and six sacks of a one-legged quarterback, Daniel Jones had been performing at a high level. Analytically, he was a top 10 quarterback league-wide and had strung together some of the highest-graded games of his career. He was among the league’s most elite rushing quarterbacks and his actual completion percentage was higher than his expected completion percentage, which speaks volumes about his accuracy considering Giants wide receivers average league-low separation (over 1.20 yards below the league average per route run).
What Jones needs to do now is swallow some pride, sit on the bench and heal up. And what the Giants need to do is find him some wide receivers that can create more than 1.55 yards of separation and actually catch the football. Hard to find success in this league when your skill position players can’t separate and then are top seven in dropped passes.
How are the former Browns, Jabrill Peppers and Kevin Zeitler, faring for the Giants?
For Kevin Zeitler, it’s about what you’d expect. He’s a consummate professional and his play is consistently above average. He’s never really going to blow anyone away as the elite of the elite, but he’s a reliable rock at right guard and by far the team’s best offensive lineman. As far as Peppers is concerned, phew… Where do we begin? Thank goodness general manager Dave Gettleman demanded him as part of the Odell Beckham Jr. trade. Paired with Logan Ryan, Peppers is having his best season as a pro and deserves consideration as both a Pro Bowler and All-Pro. He’s just an absolute wrecking ball on the field defensively, contributes on special teams and has evolved into a locker room leader. He’s really everything you’d want in a player across the board.
What matchup with the Browns favors New York the most, and which one scares you from a Giants perspective?
Prior to James Bradberry landing on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, I would have said Patrick Graham vs. Baker Mayfield was the Giants’ best matchup. As physically gifted as Mayfield is, he’s still adjusting to reading defenses and no coordinator disguises his defense better than Graham. That will still be the case come Sunday night, but having a true lockdown CB1 really helps things along. Without Bradberry, the Giants’ corner depth is nearly nonexistent and limits what the team can do in the secondary. As far as the Browns’ advantage, that one is simple: Myles Garrett vs. Andrew Thomas and Cam Fleming. Good luck to whichever quarterback is under center for New York.
Who wins and why?
Without James Bradberry, optimism has left the room. Add in that Daniel Jones now has two bum legs and things are not shaping up well. If he can’t play, Colt McCoy steps in and I simply don’t have enough faith in him to carry the team in a potential shootout. It’s a bad situation for the Giants. Going with Cleveland in this one and it has the potential to get ugly.
Behind Enemy Lines with Ravens Wire to break down the Monday night matchup
It’s not often when the Baltimore Ravens are looking up in the AFC North standings at the Cleveland Browns when the division rivals meet. This is just the fourth time the two teams will play with the Browns holding a better record entering the game.
The 9-3 Browns are looking for payback for the first one of those three losses, a 38-6 drubbing in Baltimore in Week 1. The Ravens have gone just 6-5 since then and have played a wacky schedule due to rampant COVID-19 problems.
To get caught up on all the developments with the Ravens, I turned to Ravens Wire editor Matthew Stevens. He graciously and generously answered questions with some great insight into where Baltimore is at and why this is going to be a must-watch game on Monday night.
How is the reshuffled offensive line playing lately?
The offensive line hasn’t been great this season, but they’ve had some sparks recently. This latest iteration with Patrick Mekari in for Matt Skura at center, and both D.J. Fluker and Tyre Phillips rotating at right tackle, is seemingly working well, though they’re nowhere near last season’s unit.
I think the biggest sign the offensive line is starting to turn things around comes on the ground in the last two weeks, though. Granted, they are coming off a game against the Dallas Cowboys — the worst run defense in the league by a country mile — but anytime you can put up nearly 300 rushing yards in a game, you’re doing the right things regardless of how bad the opponent is. For those that might doubt Baltimore’s offensive line beyond that game, they also put up a 4.6 yards-per-carry average and a rushing touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers without Lamar Jackson at quarterback; missing Mekari, Skura and Phillips on the offensive line; and being without both J.K. Dobbins and Mark Ingram at running back.
The injuries seem to have hit the passing game hard. How is Lamar Jackson faring without his top tight ends?
Jackson hasn’t really played great football all season long. He’s had his moments, and in nearly every game this year, you can catch glimpses of that MVP talent, but he hasn’t really been consistent in anything — passing or running. Unfortunately, the losses of Nick Boyle to a season-ending injury and Mark Andrews to the COVID-19 outbreak didn’t do him any favors. Andrews is clearly his top target and the guy he’ll look at first when in trouble or the red zone. Boyle is considered one of the best blocking tight ends in the game right now and a massive part of what makes the offense perform as well as they can. We also can’t forget about Willie Snead, another weapon in the passing game and another of Jackson’s more trusted targets.
Jackson has always been pretty good about spreading his targets around, regularly getting five or more guys some chances in every game. But with so many of his trusted targets out last week, Jackson couldn’t be as efficient, either forcing the ball to someone he trusts when it’s not an ideal situation or holding on to the ball and throwing late to someone he might not have the same rapport with.
Fortunately, Snead and Andrews should be back for this game, giving Jackson two relatively sure-handed targets who can make big plays happen just as easily as they’ll help convert crucial third downs. They might have a little rust after not playing and practicing, but this offense is absolutely better with them in the lineup, even if they aren’t 100% yet.
Baltimore’s pass defense remains very impressive. How are they getting it done?
Two of the top cornerbacks in the league certainly help. While they can get a little grabby and they are by no means perfect, Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters are a great combo for how each plays. Humphrey is more technical and physical, matching up well against receivers both on the inside and outside, making him a tough guy to throw against in any situation. Peters is more of a gambler and can shy away from contact sometimes, making him a boom-or-bust cover guy. But he’s returned enough interceptions for touchdowns when a quarterback throws outside the numbers late that most tend to not try him in those situations, even if someone looks open at first glance.
I think it’s also really important to point out Jimmy Smith, who has been floating all over the secondary, including covering tight ends. He’s often forgotten about because of Peters and Humphrey earning more attention, but when healthy, Smith is an outstanding cornerback.
They’ve shored up by two relatively unknown safeties playing solid football in Chuck Clark and DeShon Elliott. Clark earned rave reviews for his football intelligence from coaches and his teammates over the last few seasons before taking over the starting job from Tony Jefferson last year. He’s effectively the secondary’s general in that regard, helping guys get lined up properly and diagnosing things throughout the game. If someone screws up, you’ll see Clark letting them know and holding them accountable. Elliott is a heat-seeking missile. He’s not nearly as good in coverage as Earl Thomas was but you’re not going to see him get stiff-armed down the field or stop chasing a running back either.
In fact, you’re far more likely to see Elliott throw his body into a hit at full speed like he’s trying to knock someone’s soul out of their body. It all combines in a wonderful way with a touch of finesse, a touch of intelligence, a touch of swagger, and a touch of physicality that creates a really impressive secondary.
Where they’ve struggled this season has been inside and on quick throws. Baltimore has put five different slot cornerbacks on injured reserve this season, eventually signing guys off the street to start. Obviously, quarterbacks are looking at whoever lines up there with wide eyes and they’ve regularly been getting abused because of it. With a few guys banged up entering this game, the Ravens are once again potentially looking at a new face playing in that role.
What’s one thing about the matchup with the Browns that concerns the Ravens most?
I think running back Nick Chubb still gives this team nightmares and rightfully so. He’s fast but has the size and rushing style to run both inside and outside, which is exactly the type of player Baltimore has struggled to contain. While I don’t think it’s quite fair to compare Chubb and Derrick Henry together, both have this rare ability to turn a missed tackle into a touchdown. For Chubb, he has really good balance to stay on his feet and keeps his legs churning during contact, with the speed and acceleration to hit the jets after he breaks free and turn it into a race.
With Calais Campbell banged up, Patrick Queen still very inexperienced, and some previous lapses in play from the defensive line, it’s the perfect recipe for Chubb to wreak havoc once again. And against this Browns offense that is firing on all cylinders, giving them a potent rushing attack will force the Ravens to take away from their pass rush to stop him, giving quarterback Baker Mayfield clean pockets and time to pick apart the secondary. Baltimore can’t necessarily commit everything to stop Chubb, but if he has a big game, the Ravens’ defense is in trouble everywhere.
Who wins and why?
This is so tough. I’d love to give it to the Ravens but I’m not terribly confident in that. At the same time, I’m not confident in Cleveland’s consistency to pick them in this one either. Picking a tie is a cop-out but this might just be the best I’ve seen the Browns play in years at the same time Baltimore is as inconsistent as they’ve been in years, creating a scenario where absolutely anything can happen.
However, after all my hemming and hawing, I have to go with the Ravens. Technically, this isn’t a must-win game for Baltimore’s playoff hopes. But in reality, this game will absolutely determine if the Ravens are getting into the playoffs or not, with their chances dropping dramatically if they lose. If Baltimore can’t get up for a rivalry game with that much weight behind it, they don’t deserve to play in January. Ravens 27, Browns 23
Jonathan Kuminga is an emerging star on the first-ever NBA G League Ignite team, a select contract given to the top prospects in the world.
Jonathan Kuminga is an emerging star on the first-ever NBA G League Ignite team, a select contract given to the top prospects in the world.
A 6-foot-8 forward originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kuminga was a standout star in high school before signing a one-year contract with the G League developmental program.
Kuminga recently caught up with HoopsHype to discuss what the program has looked like, the bond he and his teammates share and more.
Please note this interview was very minorly edited for brevity and clarity.
You’ve been one of the top prospects for a few years now. But I’m curious: how did you first fall in love with basketball?
Jonathan Kuminga: I don’t even remember the first time I fell in love with it because it’s been there since I was a little kid. My parents played basketball. My brother played ball. Growing up, we used to see Kobe Bryant. We used to go on YouTube the day we got money from our mom whenever she got paid. There were places we could buy internet access and you were able to use the computer for 30 minutes. I would type in the name Kobe and it gave you everything. I loved watching Kobe.
When did you first realize you had a talent for the game and that basketball had the possibility of taking you somewhere?
JK: Everybody that I grew up around was way older than I was. Everyone has their own skill level. But I felt like I was getting better, fast. Every day, I put work in and competed well against all the players I faced. I was standing out and that’s how I got my chance to come to the United States. Now, I’m here today.
What would a younger version of yourself think about the opportunities that you have now as a professional basketball player for the first time?
JK: I don’t know how to say it but I feel like it’s just a big blessing to be here. I’m learning more things every day being around all different types of people.
That is something I wanted to discuss with you today. Your team on the G League Ignite comes from all around the world. Kai Sotto is from the Philippines. Daishen Nix is from Alaska. Princepal Singh is from India. You’re from Congo. What’s the best part about the chance to experience such a melting spot in one space?
JK: It’s been great. I feel like I get to see so many different cultures. Any time I hang out with Kai and Princepal and Daishen and Jalen and Isaiah and the vets, I’m learning new stuff. I’m listening to what they’re saying and listening to what they’re doing. I’m watching what they’re doing and learning every day.
Speaking of the veterans, what’s it like playing with guys like Amir Johnson who have been in the NBA? That was a cool idea. What are you taking away from that?
JK: It’s been a great thing to be around them. Any time you do something and you were great, even if you were a top recruit, there will always be people that have been there and have done the same thing that you want to do. Being around all those guys, they can correct you on any of the bad things you might be doing. It’s been great having them around. They tell me you have to get your job done early. You have to listen to what everyone tells you. Focus. Work hard every day. Those are the small things that can prepare you and make you be great.
What is the environment like now that you are a professional for the first time in your career?
JK: We are around each other all of the time. We have our own places but we hang out all of the time. We’re family. We’re brothers. We spend so much time together, we have jokes, we talk about everything.
These are some of the best prospects in the world. How competitive are the practices and what is the intensity like?
JK: It’s a different level. It gets too crazy, super competitive. Just being around those guys, nobody wants to lose. Nobody wants anybody to bully them or do anything like that. It gets crazy. We really go at it each and every day. We put in the work every day. Every day we step on this court, we really work hard. We have lifting in the morning. We come back. We get on the court. The facility is a pretty nice place. We have our logo on the floor.
You were one of the best high school players in the country and one of the top players on the Nike EYBL circuit. But how do you think you have gotten better since we’ve last seen you?
JK: A lot of people haven’t seen me play since my last game of high school. Now that I’m a professional athlete, I feel like I’ve grown more of my game. My outside game, my inside game, my shooting skills, my dribbling skills, just playing off the ball more, playing defense. I’ve really worked on that. I’ve really worked on my jumper. It feels way easier. I’m way more consistent at it. It’s the main thing I had to work on and I’ve gotten a lot more intelligent when it comes to the way to play the game of basketball. My mobility has improved. I’m more flexible. I’m working on my knees. I’m working on my body. If your body is not feeling good, you are not really going to perform at the highest level.
I’m also curious: who are some of your favorite players from Congo?
JK: I’m my own favorite. I’ll say it. [Laughs] Dikembe Mutombo is also a legend from the Congo. Everyone knew who he was.
I’m sure another one of your favorites was your brother Joel Ntambwe. What would it mean for you to be able to play with him again one day?
JK: Hopefully next year in the NBA, I can either play against him or we can play on the same team.
Last one for you: I know you love fashion. What are your favorite shoes to play in?
JK: I like to hoop in Kobe’s. I also like the KD lows. They’re my favorite players and I feel like I kind of move like them. It’s super comfortable playing with those shoes.
Behind Enemy Lines: Breaking down the matchup with Chicago with Bears Wire
It’s Lions vs. Bears week, and throwing in a coaching change in Detroit and an ongoing quarterback controversy in Chicago makes it an interesting matchup despite the poor performances of late from both teams.
I asked Alyssa Barbieri of Bears Wire a few questions about the Bears, their own coaching dilemma, how Chicago views Detroit and much more.
Thanks to Barbieri, who always gives down-to-earth and informative answers about the Bears.
How long is Mitchell Trubisky’s leash after another dismal performance?
It doesn’t matter who’s the quarterback at this point for the Bears, this offense is just broken. Any sort of progression that Trubisky appeared to have made earlier this season – before being benched by Matt Nagy for a poor first half against the Falcons – that’s gone, as evidenced by Sunday night. With that said, Trubisky still gives the offense the best chance to succeed, mostly because Foles is a sitting duck behind a porous offensive line. It hasn’t helped Foles has made some ill-advised decisions as well.
The one thing Trubisky has going for him is that he’s been successful against the Lions during his career, which the Bears could certainly use as they look for their first win in nearly a month and a half.
What’s the Chicago perception of the Lions firing Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia?
Bears fans are certainly going to be sad to see them go, especially considering Patricia has helped Trubisky look like a competent quarterback whenever he plays the Lions. But at the same time, it’s hard to ignore potential parallels between the two situations. The Lions waited too long to finally cut the cord while the Bears are potentially in the midst of doing the same thing if they don’t cut ties with Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy at the end of the season.
The defense struggled against the Packers, notably against the run. Was that just a bad day/matchup, or has the Bears’ vaunted defense fallen off?
This Bears defense has carried the team all season, and they’ve done it despite boasting one of the worst offenses in the league. Chicago was without perhaps their most important player in Hicks on Sunday, which, coupled with the absence of Eddie Goldman for the season, was disastrous for their run defense. Last week was just a blip for this Bears defense, which has a good opportunity to get back on track against the Lions.
How hot is Matt Nagy’s seat?
If you would’ve asked me prior to the season, I’d say it was lukewarm. Following a five-game losing streak, and an absolutely embarrassing loss to the Packers on national television where Nagy’s defense appeared to have quit on him, I’d say his seat is on fire at this point. Especially considering the one thing he was brought here to do – bring this abysmal Bears offense into the modern NFL – hasn’t panned out.
The one thing that could ultimately save Nagy’s job is Chicago’s schedule down the stretch. If the Bears can find a way to win four of the last five games and finish 9-7, he might just buy himself another season.
Who is a player or two that deserves more recognition for their play?
The one that immediately comes to mind is defensive tackle Akiem Hicks, whose absence was felt in last Sunday’s loss to the Packers. Not only is Hicks an absolute monster of a player when defending the run or pressuring the quarterback, he’s the heart and soul of the entire Bears defense. Hicks is still nursing a hamstring injury, although there’s hope that he’ll be able to suit up on Sunday.
I’d also say linebacker Roquan Smith, who is coming off his worst game of the season against the Packers. But aside from that game, Smith has been having an All-Pro season. Prior to the Packers game, Smith was tied for fourth-most total tackles and led the NFL in solo tackles and tackles for loss. Look for him to have a bounce-back game against Detroit.
Who wins and why?
While the Bears have no business winning a football game right now, you could say the same about the Lions. This game could be brutal to watch, but it’s sure to remain as close as several of these previous contests. But I feel like the Bears defense will come to play Sunday after being embarrassed by the Packers last week. And it doesn’t hurt that Trubisky, who has a good track record against Detroit, will get the starting nod.
Enes Kanter caught up with HoopsHype to discuss his trade to the Blazers, his aspirations, as well as last season’s run with the Celtics.
After opting into his final year with the Boston Celtics, Enes Kanter got traded to his former team, the Portland Trail Blazers. Kanter is coming off a nice year with the Celtics, where he averaged 8.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game as the team’s backup center.
The 28-year old big man recently caught up with HoopsHype to talk about his trade to the Blazers, his championship aspirations, and last year’s run with the Celtics. Kanter also names his best starting five from all the teammates he’s ever had.
Please note this interview was very minorly edited for brevity and clarity.
You’re back in Portland. How do you feel?
Enes Kanter: Yeah, man, I feel good. I came to Portland a couple of days ago. Everything’s good; I’m getting all my physicals done, testing and everything, and getting ready for a full NBA season.
On Twitter, you said that you’re going back home. Why does Portland feel like home for you?
EK: From day one, the whole organization, my teammates, the coaching staff, and the city opened their arms and gave me a warm welcome. And two years ago, in February of 2019, when I got waived by the Knicks, they kind of saved my career. I had so much fun during the 2019-20 season; the chemistry in the locker room was amazing. The leaders we had in Dame and CJ were just amazing teammates. The game became really fun for me.
Have you gotten a chance to speak to those guys – Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum? How are they feeling about you returning to the team?
EK: The day I got traded to Portland, Dame texted me, and he said, ‘Let’s go out there and win a championship.’ I was just super excited. I also saw CJ yesterday, and he was just very happy for me being here. But not only them, all the other guys as well. They were my ex-teammates, and they were so happy to see me come back.
After opting into your final year with the Celtics, you were traded to the Blazers. Did you know that this was a possibility?
EK: There’s always rumors out there. There were so many rumors out there, but obviously, those are just rumors. I’m glad this happened though.
If it was up to you, would you have stayed in Boston?
EK: If it was up to me, I mean… I have no idea. Boston is an amazing organization, and we had a pretty good run. We made the Eastern Conference Finals. But I feel like God has a plan.
It was reported that Boston gave you two choices. Either the Blazers or the Grizzlies. Was this report accurate?
EK: Most of the time, they were talking to my agent. When my agent called me and said that you’re getting traded to Portland, I was like, ‘I was here two years ago, and I had an amazing time, so let’s do it again.’
You arguably played the best basketball of your career during the 2018-19 season in Portland. How are you feeling this time around?
EK: I’m feeling good, man. I feel like we’re just going to run it back. When I was here, I just felt really good on both ends of the court. Terry Stotts’ gameplan fits well with my style; it’s like it’s for me. Whenever I’m out there, he trusts me, my teammates trust me, and I’m just going to go out there and have fun.
How would you describe your game at this stage of your career, in your prime years?
EK: I obviously have a lot of experience, I’ll always bring that toughness whenever I’m out there, grab a lot of rebounds. Plus, post-game, set pick-and-rolls, pick-and-pops. But the one thing I can do at this stage of my career is to go out there and try to make my teammates better. We have a lot of young guys, and I’m going to help them as much as I can.
Looking at the team and its roster for next season, what do you like? What are your general thoughts on it?
EK: We are a very big, physical team. You look at the bigs we have, and it’s amazing. Our size is probably bigger than most of the other NBA teams. We’re going to out there, play physical, and try to “bruise” them. One thing we can do is crush the offensive boards. If you look at the big men we have, Zach [Collins], me, Nurk(Jusuf Nurkic], Covington, Melo. It’s going to be a fun year.
You said Dame texted you and said, let’s get that championship. Is that the team goal for this year?
EK: For sure, man. That’s the team goal every year. I feel like we’re capable of doing it. They had many injuries last year, but this year, if everyone stays healthy, it’s going to be a special year.
Individually for you, what goals have you set for yourself for this last year of your contract?
EK: If you win a championship, whatever goal you have after that, you’ve accomplished it. That’s my main goal.
With all the moves in the offseason, this year’s title race could be wide open. I have the impression that more than five, six teams are legit title contenders. Do you feel the same?
EK: I think so. Obviously, the Western Conference is tough. Every year, there are so many contenders for the championship coming from the West. If you look at this year’s contenders, it’s us, the Lakers, Clippers, and Nuggets. From the East, I think Brooklyn is going to be pretty solid, Boston is going to be good too, Miami will have a really good year again, and the Bucks.
Looking back at your time with the Celtics, is there anything you would change or do differently?
EK: Because of the coronavirus situation, it was a very weird year. We were quarantining, we stopped playing basketball, started back up again, but I feel like we had an amazing run. We made the Eastern Conference Finals, I had an amazing time in Boston in an incredible organization with really good teammates. I learned a lot. I got a lot of experience, and it was the second year in a row in which I made the Conference Finals. I think it was a blessing to play for an organization to play with the Celtics.
Dec 31, 2019; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter (11) talks with head coach Brad Stevens during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
In the summer, you also played in the bubble. How was that whole experience like for you?
EK: The bubble was a good experience. The NBA did an amazing job by taking of the players, the coaching staff, and all workers. It was incredible that we stayed for over 100 days, and there wasn’t one positive coronavirus test. That shows how much of a great job the NBA did. I hope that this year we won’t need another bubble. Lots of players were missing their families, their kids, their loved ones. I hope that the vaccine they find will work and we won’t need a bubble this year.
If it gets down to it though, and you have to play in another bubble, would you do it again?
EK: Obviously. It’s a short period of time. We’re just going to go there, do what we do best, which is compete.
Could we have seen a different champion if the season never stopped? Did it benefit the Lakers?
EK: I think it did help the Lakers because they are a veteran team and had more time to get rested, but I have no idea to answer that question.
I’m guessing you’re really looking forward to playing back in NBA arenas around the country and having fans present at some time. Why is that so important for players? And how much could it affect the result of a game or even a playoff series?
EK: It affects a lot. When fans come back to the arenas, you will appreciate it more. It did not feel the same. For me, having the fans in the arenas, hearing the loud cheers, the applauses is something really special. Once you lose this, you understand how important it is. I’m hoping that the NBA comes up with a plan to have fans back in the arenas.
Make a starting lineup with the best teammates you’ve ever played with…
PG: Damian Lillard SG: Russell Westbrook
SF: Jayson Tatum
PF: Kevin Durant
C: Kristaps Porzingis
Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes will sit on the Board of Directors for the NBA Foundation, created to promote social justice.
Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes will sit on the Board of Directors for the NBA Foundation, created to promote social justice.
The 2015 NBA champion recently caught up with HoopsHype to discuss why he wanted to get involved with the NBA Foundation. He also touched on his experience in the bubble as well as what he learned from the late Kobe Bryant and plenty more.
Please note this interview was very minorly edited for brevity and clarity.
I wanted to chat with you a little bit about your involvement with the NBA Foundation, which seeks to drive economic empowerment for Black communities through employment and career advancement. What is your role there and how did you get involved?
Harrison Barnes: NBPA director Michele Roberts reached out and asked if I had an interest in being a part of the foundation. I had seen information before about how big the funding for the foundation was going to be and what some of the principles were early on and so I knew what it was about. The main premise is that every year, each time will make significant contributions to the community. This will help with opportunities beyond simply just doing an event, whether that is helping kids go to college or giving them career skills. I was honored to be considered and I told her I would be ecstatic to do it. Now, I am really looking forward to working with the board members to hopefully make a change.
There are hundreds of players in the NBA. But you and Tobias Harris are the only two that are active on an NBA roster and will sit on this board. Why do you think the NBPA decided on you for that honor?
HB: That’s probably a question you’ll probably have to ask as opposed to me! [Laughs] Since I got drafted, literacy has been a big focus of mine. You need to educate yourself in whatever discipline you want to go into. Recently, I joined the board of First National Bank, whose parent company is Ames National Corporation. I’m going to work with them to promote financial literacy. For the NBA Foundation, the opportunity to promote financial literacy and help the community is very exciting for me. No matter where I’ve gone, I’ve always tried to pay it forward. I’ve been blessed to have people pour into me and sacrifice and invest in my well-being so I’m glad to be a part of a foundation with a very big reach that will hopefully affect change for a number of different people.
I’d love to hear more about your experience with First National Bank. It is not often you hear about an NBA player sitting on the board of a bank. How did that relationship start and what have you gained from the experience?
HB: It’s my hometown bank. My family and I have been banking there for decades. For me, it’s all about understanding how community banking works. The financial services that they offer are the lifeblood for a lot of small businesses. I’ve always admired entrepreneurs who have what it takes to build a successful company. That’s one avenue I’m empowering myself by learning. But the other avenue is that this bank has a very capable management team. What I can learn from them aligns with their desire to promote financial literacy in the community, too. There is a lot of synergy between what they have been doing for a number of years and what I’ve been trying to do since I was drafted.
Before the bubble started, I know there were several conversations about how the league would contribute to social justice conversations that have been incredibly important this year. Did you speak up on those calls and if so, what did you say?
HB: The reality is that there were a lot of calls. At the end of the day, everyone’s intentions were to find the best ways to help our community. How do we influence change? I think you saw successful ways that people have done that whether they were in the bubble or out of the bubble. Now that the season has come to a conclusion, we have to figure out how to keep the collective engaged by using our platform and our voices. We have a big megaphone.
How would you assess what the basketball community has done in response to so many of the issues we are facing right now?
Ashley Landis/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sportst
HB: NBA players play a huge role in using our platforms for social good. You look around society and there is so much division, hatred, racism, disenfranchisement. We are not only using our voice and using our platform but also have commitments from individuals have made with their time and their finances. As a collective, we have a role to play in that. I’m proud of all of the guys in the bubble and out of the bubble for using their voice and their platform throughout this time.
Are there any moments that stick out to you about ways these efforts have been successful?
HB: I was having a conversation the other day with my teammate Kyle Guy. He is a young player and I’ve seen him before more vocal about social issues. He was excited about coming in and joining that battle and being an ally and doing the work. He is a perfect example of what this moment has brought out of people. It’s brought out a level of awareness. It’s brought out a level of activism. Kyle is great, he’s been doing that long before now. But in this moment, it has been enhanced for him. Hopefully, that same process has been happening for a lot of younger guys and maybe even older guys around the league.
One thing that really stands out for me is that when people look back at 2020, a lot of the key moments apply directly to your life. You were friends with Kobe Bryant. You had COVID-19. You engaged with the protests for social justice. You played in the NBA bubble. What are you most going to remember from this year?
HB: The biggest takeaway that I’ll have from 2020 is to appreciate people when you’re around them. In so many instances, we’ve seen loved ones that we’ve lost, whether it’s been someone at the hands of police brutality or people that you played against or were mentored or if it was a loved one lost because of COVID. Whatever the case may be, really just taking the time to just appreciate them while they’re here. Give them their flowers. Give them their respect and love and communicate that. Far too often, we found ourselves in the cycle of thinking that this person was gone too soon, and it was unexpected, and there are so many things I wish I had said. When Kobe passed, it was like the floor gave out. It’s still painful, especially in the basketball community. But outside of that, you really value the opportunity every time you step on the floor against somebody else. You don’t take that opportunity for granted. I’m playing against someone and it could be the last time. You never know. Life can go so quickly. I’m just savoring the opportunity, communicating with guys, communicating with family. Life is short. You don’t know what’s next.
What was your relationship like with Kobe? He once said you were like a little brother to him.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
HB: Man, there are so many stories about Kobe and the impact that he has had not only on my life but on society as a whole. The one thing that I can say about him that is very consistent is that he was always present. When you were talking with him, he was always present. That’s something that, when he passed, I wanted to improve on that in my own life. How do you stay present in every moment and every conversation? It’s one thing to be present in a drill or in a game. But everything he did, he was so present and so involved. It’s a really rare trait.
What have you done to stay grounded and keep yourself feeling well mentally while facing the hardships of this year?
HB: You definitely have to create space mentally to just be free from distraction, whether that is taking time to get off social media or taking time to disconnect with TV or movies or yoga or meditation. All of those becomes so much more important because we haven’t had as much face-to-face connection. You’re not going to events in large groups so figuring out ways to deal with so much uncertainty and frustration and pain. You have to find space to be at peace.
Now that you are a veteran in the league, what is some advice that you would give to younger players in the NBA?
HB: Just stay the course. Especially in 2020, there are going to be so many ups and downs that are completely out of your control. You can do everything right and sometimes it still won’t go your way. If you stay the course and believe in yourself and commit yourself to the game, you have an opportunity to achieve whatever goals you have in this league. Also, I’m an open book. Any time guys want to know what I’m doing, even if it’s off the court and giving back in the community, they’re more than welcome to join me and ask questions. Basketball is basketball. We come in every day and we’re going to work. They can see that. I came into the league with great veterans. Any knowledge that I wanted from them they were willing to give me.
Are there any veterans in particular that stood out in their ability to help you transition into the pros?
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
HB: There are too many names to list but Jarrett Jack, Carl Landry, Richard Jefferson, Andrew Bogut, David Lee and Andre Iguodala. I was blessed to be around so many great guys. I can keep that list going but I was really fortunate that those guys put their arms around me and were an open book and they helped me through the ups and downs.
Do you have any goals for yourself that you are hoping to achieve, whether they are on or off the court?
HB: I have a lot of goals. I write them down before the season. I keep those close to my chest. But after winning a championship in your career, you want to be a part of that and you want to have that feeling again. You want to be a part of building something. The opportunity to be here in Sacramento, with the playoff drought, it starts there. Getting back to the playoffs is the top of the list.
How do you think the time together in the bubble will help the Kings next season?
HB: It’s hard to sum up but you were truly there with your squad. There is nobody else. There are no distractions, no commitments other than practice and treatment and extra shots and extra gym work. For the seeding games that we were a part of, every day was just basketball oriented. At the beginning of the season, we wanted the opportunity to make the playoffs. We had an opportunity in the seeding games to do that. From a team perspective, it was a missed goal. But it added motivation for us next year to have that same feeling.
Behind Enemy Lines: Breaking down Detroit’s matchup against Houston with Texans Wire
The Houston Texans are coming to Detroit for the Thanksgiving Day matinee at Ford Field. Deshaun Watson and his band of Texans are 3-7, coming off a win over the New England Patriots in Week 11 that marked their best victory of the season.
To learn more about the Texans and their travails under an interim regime, I turned to Mark Lane, managing editor of Texans Wire. Lane graciously, honestly answered a few questions about the state of the Texans and how this turkey day matchup will go down.
Deshaun Watson is having a great season. What has been the key to him remaining excellent despite the team’s poor record?
Watson has kind of accepted that he is one of 11 out on the field, and all the team is asking him to do is his job. Let the rest of the chips fall where they may. In doing so, he has put on some of his better performances of the season, and he hasn’t dipped below 90.0 in passer rating since Week 2. He hasn’t chucked an interception since Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, a 30-14 win at NRG Stadium.
Combined with that, the receiving corps, which has added new elements with receivers Randall Cobb and Brandin Cooks, has developed cohesion with the two-time Pro Bowler. Tight end Jordan Akins was out for a stretch, but has come back and provided a nice check down to replace an ineffective running game. If Watson weren’t playing, this would be an unbearable football team to watch.
Why has the Texans run game struggled so much?
Some of it is the defense has given up so many points the offense has to abandon it, or teams don’t respect it and squelch it quickly. The Texans have rushed just 220 times, the third-fewest in the NFL. Their 3.8 yards per carry is tied for the fourth-lowest in the league.
During the NFL combine, the sense was maybe the Texans might use their second or third-round pick on a J.K. Dobbins or even a Zack Moss. Instead, they traded DeAndre Hopkins, and with David Johnson coming with his contract, you knew that was the RB1 regardless.
J.J. Watt is coming off a huge game vs. New England. How close is Watt to his peak self?
Through the first eight games last season, although Watt had just 4.0 sacks at the time he tore his pectoral muscle, he had 21 quarterback hits, tied for the 20th-most by season’s end. So, the sense was that he was about to have a sack explosion and maybe qualified for a Pro Bowl.
This season, Watt has just eight quarterback hits and 4.0 sacks, same as last year. Cam Newton was in the top-10 for having passes batted going into Week 11. I think a lot of it had more to do with Newton’s problems than Watt’s skill, although it was quite the flashback.
The Texans pass defense seems to be trending up but the run defense is still dead last. Is it scheme, talent, execution or a combination?
It’s guys who are getting off their blocks, freelancing, and trying to make plays on their own. Some of it is also losing D.J. Reader in free agency. The defensive tackle provided the Texans a quality run-stuffer in the trenches, and he was someone that helped make J.J. Watt’s job easier. Against the Patriots, they played more disciplined football, achieved a win, and perhaps provided a necessary touchstone they can go back to.
What’s the attitude of the team playing under an interim coach and interim front office?
The players love Romeo Crennel and are having fun without taskmaster Bill O’Brien in the building. Whether that is sustainable going forward remains to be seen, although it helps chairman and CEO Cal McNair achieve the objective of having the team play with more fun again.
None of the players have said anything substantive about the front office. If anything, Deshaun Watson has remarked about how impressed he is with a “man of God” such as executive vice president of football operations, Jack Easterby, who is also filling in as interim general manager.
The McNairs have to get the coaching and general manager hires right, because Houston is an attractive place to be. Who cares that they are missing their two front teeth in terms of their 2021 first and second round picks being gone? They still have Deshaun Watson. It is a quarterback’s league. If they can bring in a coach who can work with Watson, they should at least vie for a playoff spot while reloading for the 2022 NFL Draft.
The “bad news” is the McNairs hired the same talent evaluation firm that conjured O’Brien.
Who wins and why?
The Texans are operating on a short week and LT Laremy Tunsil is still pretty iffy for Thanksgiving with a non-COVID illness. DT P.J. Hall was listed as a non-participant on Monday with knee and shoulder ailments. G Senio Kelemete (concussion) was limited. The injury factor could knock Houston down a notch. If Ndamukong Suh were playing, he wouldn’t have a reason to kick Matt Schaub as the Lions prevail 26-22, winning their first Turkey Day game since 2016.
Gary Clark, a 3-and-D forward who just signed a two-year deal with the Orlando Magic, says he is ready to play a role in their rotation.
Gary Clark, a 3-and-D forward who just signed a two-year deal with the Orlando Magic, says he is ready to play a role in their rotation.
The 26-year-old caught up with HoopsHype to discuss his ability to shoot from beyond the arc and his willingness to guard the best player on opposing teams. He also touched on working out with TJ Warren and his experience playing in the postseason during the NBA’s bubble location at ESPN Wide World of Sport in Florida.
Please note this interview was very minorly edited for brevity and clarity.
First and foremost, you just signed with the Orlando Magic. What are you going to bring to your team?
Gary Clark: I am a very reliable guy, in any aspect. I’m a guy that you can count on. People don’t realize how reliable I’ve been since college. I was one of the best plus-minus players in the country. Little kids see dunks and three-pointers and all of the stars. For me, my biggest thing is that I try to do all of the little things like getting steals and blocks and deflections. When I was in college, I broke the record in our deflection chart. I’m versatile on offense and on defense. I’m able to make shots and get into action without the ball. Whatever role my coach needs me to do, I’ll perfect it. I think that’s a hard thing for people to do. I can create more for myself other than just shooting three-pointers.
People see me just shooting three-pointers but that was just my role on both teams that I have been on in the NBA. I’m excited to show that I’m also able to get to the basket and can make pull-up jumpers off the dribble. After the games, look at the box plus-minus. I’m always near the top. I’m active on both ends of the floor. I impact the game in a winning way. You’re getting a young guy with a vet mind. I don’t complain. You can ask anyone with the Houston Rockets or the Orlando Magic. No one will have anything negative to say about me. The majority of what you will hear is positive. Maybe you will hear some jokes here and there. [Laughs] You’ll never have to question if I’ll be on time or that I’m doing the wrong thing. If I were a general manager or head coach, it would help me sleep knowing that I’ll never have to worry about Clark off the court. Then on the court, he is going to give me exactly what I expect out of him, every night.
Can you walk me through what this year has been like for you?
GC: Everything was really weird when the season was originally postponed and we all went home so unexpectedly. I was scrambling, finding somewhere to live in North Carolina, even though all of my things were still in Houston. Once I got settled, I was able to work out. I worked out with TJ Warren during that entire stretch. We went into the bubble and that gave me a clean slate to start fresh, which is why I was able to play so well. My first ten-day contract after leaving the Rockets, I was scrambling to figure things out what to do with my family and my place back in Houston.
After playing in the bubble, fairly well I’d say, it’s been interesting. I switched representation. Things have been going well. There are lots of cloudy aspects, too, but I’ve been working out. I’m trying to work on the things that I need to perfect, like being a knockdown shooter and being able to have an option when my defender runs me off the line so I don’t get a three-pointer. I want to add a few more aspects to my game while still remaining true to what I am, which is a 3-point shooter. Everyone wants to get better. My focus is perfecting what I do well and sticking with that.
During this season, you were cut by the Houston Rockets in January and then made it into the starting lineup for a playoff team with the Orlando Magic. Your first postseason start, you got 15 points and a win over the Milwaukee Bucks. What are you most proud of from your journey this year?
Mike Ehrmann/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
GC: I was working out so hard. TJ and I were getting after it. I was just so confident coming into the bubble. I was ready to play and then Jonathan Isaac was injured. He was starting in my position. But the whole time, I had kept myself prepared. I worked so hard. I weathered the storm. I always had the right mindset. When I was in Houston, because of the veterans, I did not get many opportunities. I stayed prepared. When I got my chance, I played well. I gained the trust of coach Steve Clifford because he knew I could step into that role and play good minutes. He told me that I didn’t give myself enough credit for my matchup guarding Giannis Antetokounmpo, the best player and the best defender in the league. But it wasn’t too big of a hassle even though it was my second year in the league. People have to look at that and realize that even though I’m a young guy, I made things difficult for the league’s best player.
I’d love to hear more about the workouts you and TJ Warren had before the season resumed. Both of you really exceeded expectations out there. What were some of those conversations and sessions like for you?
GC: We honestly spent so much time together. Before that, we knew each other. We had worked out together, we had played pickup. But really, our relationship grew so much during the hiatus because we were with each other every day in the gym. We weren’t getting food together. We weren’t hanging out at each other’s houses. We were legitimately in the gym all of the time. I got to know him more, he got to know me more. He is a veteran in the league but we are close in age. We played a lot of one-on-one and we guarded each other every day. I got to defend a really talented offensive player.
People look at me as a shooter, more than anything, but what people don’t know is that I was a two-time Defensive Player of the Year in my conference back when I played in college. Going against TJ, I learned so much about how to guard someone who can get to the basket but also shoot the three-pointer. I got so much better at defending that by the end, it wasn’t easy for him and he had to work for all of his baskets. Even after the bubble ended, he still calls me and asks if I want to run at the same gym that he does because he wants to go against me. If you ask TJ, he’ll tell you how good of a defender I am. I feel a lot more confident that I’ll be able to guard guys like Jimmy Butler or LeBron James moving forward.
You were part of some incredibly historic parts of this year, including being in the locker room when the Milwaukee Bucks boycotted Game 5 of the first-round series to protest police brutality. What are some of the sights and sounds and emotions that you will remember from this crazy year?
GC: The tragedy of Kobe Bryant passing away was huge for everyone in the basketball community. But at that time, my ten-day contract expired. I was signed to a second 10-day contract but during the few days in between is when Kobe had passed away. I was not able to be a part of the things that the league did to honor him, like running out the 24-second shot clock. I’m still simmering that I was out of the league when that happened. I never want to experience being out of the league again until I’m ready to retire. It worked out how it was supposed to work out. But those are the things that I think about when I’m working out. I remember that I was out of the league.
When I think about the hiatus, it is crazy to think about how the NBA was fully shut down and we were able to put together a bubble to play basketball during the crazy times. The biggest thing that opened my eyes is that life is very short and we cannot take any moment for granted. I’ve learned about how to live more in the moment and love what I do when I play basketball and when I’m with my family.
Being in the locker room and stepping out on the court and hearing that the Bucks were not going to play, it threw us for a curve. But we all understood exactly where they were coming from. Maybe there wasn’t enough clarity between us and them. We really stood for what they were trying to do and what they did. It opened the eyes of people around the world. It was great what they did because we wouldn’t have accomplished as much as we did. The bubble and the hiatus and everything else has taught me not to take things for granted. It is so important to truly do what you love and to express how you feel, in whatever way you can.
What advice would you give to a younger player about the advantages of making the right play rather than the flashier play?
GC: Be yourself. Who you are is what got you to where you are now. A lot of guys come into the league and see the stars and try to get to that point so fast that you forget what got you here. I can’t reinvent my game as a pick-and-roll ballhandler who can make stepback three-pointers after a ton of fancy dribble moves. But I can perfect what my best skills are and that’s the biggest thing for me. If you don’t do that, you can get lost. Highlights are cool but Instagram stories go away in 24 hours. We only get so many opportunities. If you don’t perfect something, you’ll have trouble establishing yourself.
What are some of the goals that you have after you get your next contract?
GC: I’m not a guy who will say that he wants to start every game or average 15 points per game. One of my goals is to be a reliable player that plays like 20 to 25 minutes per game. I don’t want anyone to question if I’m going to get in the game tonight. Earlier in my career, it was hard not knowing that. Next year, I want my coach to feel like we have a better chance of winning if I’m on the floor.
Last year, I was one of the league leaders in the percentage of how many of my field-goal attempts were three-pointers. Next year, I want to shoot over 40% from beyond the arc. I want to be one of the league leaders in 3P% next year. I’d like to participate in the 3-point contest during All-Star Weekend if they have that next year. As a defender, I want to match up every night against the star player on the other team.
Off the court, I want to help organize food drives. When I was younger, I would work for the food drives with my church. Now that I’m a bit more successful, I’ve been thinking about ways I can help my community. I want to help families that need groceries. That helped my family so much when I was younger.
San Diego State Aztecs star Malachi Flynn, arguably the best pick-and-roll passer in the 2020 NBA draft, recently caught up with HoopsHype.
San Diego State Aztecs star Malachi Flynn, arguably the best pick-and-roll passer in the 2020 NBA draft, recently caught up with HoopsHype.
Flynn, who won Mountain West Conference Player of the Year and led the nation in win shares last season, spoke about growing up as the youngest of seven children. He also discussed his journey from being the shortest player on his high school squad to eventually winning MWC Defensive Player of the Year.
Please note this interview was very minorly edited for brevity and clarity.
How have you been spending the past several months leading up to the draft in what has probably been your longest offseason ever?
Malachi Flynn: Yeah, for the past three months, I’ve just been out here in Vegas, which is somewhere to have a consistent gym, somewhere to work out, somewhere to lift. It’s been nice to have that. But for me, I had time off during my redshirt year. This isn’t as long as that, but it’s similar in some ways. I’m working on things to get better. I always use the offseason to continue to get better.
How would you describe your game to someone who never seen you play?
One of the smartest and highest IQ plays I’ve seen by any 2020 prospect, courtesy of Malachi Flynn pic.twitter.com/xPcHWXSu7E
MF: I’m aware of everything that’s happening on the court, I’m someone who plays with a high IQ but is very skilled at the same time. I know how to make the right play and I can shoot it. Overall, I’m a playmaker – not just a scorer or a passer – I would just consider myself a playmaker with a high IQ.
What do you think separates you from the other point guards in this 2020 NBA draft?
MF: I think my ability to shoot the ball. I think I can shoot it with range, as well as being smart out there and understanding the game, knowing what reads to make and when to make them. I think those are some of the things that separate me.
Tell me about the evolution of your jump shot. How has it gotten to the point where it is today?
MF: My family, in general, has had some pretty good shooters. My brothers can shoot pretty well. They haven’t played at the level I have, but everybody is kind of naturally a good shooter. I work on it consistently. I’ve never really worked with a shooting coach. For me, it’s more about the reps and always making sure I’m shooting the same shot every time – not having different shooting forms, staying on balance.
I have written about you being the best pick-and-roll passer in this class. What made you prioritize this in your development?
Can watch Malachi Flynn in the pick and roll all day. He's probably the best pick and roll player in this class and he always makes it look so simple. Not the best defense, but a simple glance to the opposite corner has the help defense leaving the roller wide open pic.twitter.com/i3wRE2IDTe
MF: It seems like that’s what the league is 80 percent of the time. So for me, just to be able to pass with both hands off the pick-and-roll has helped me a lot. I’m able to read the defense. I know what to look for and what passes to make I’m able to pass with both hands, which has helped me.
How have you developed your basketball intelligence over the years?
MF: Growing up, I definitely watched a lot of hoops. I still watch a lot of hoops. I watch a lot of film not only of myself but other point guards who I think play the game with a high IQ as well. I’ve always been someone who enjoys watching hoops, no matter if it’s NBA, college or high school. I just enjoy being around the game. So some of it is that, and a lot of it is just watching film and continuing to get better. Then, when I’m on the court, I’m making sure I’m aware of the things that I watched so I can go out and do it. I’m not afraid to make mistakes.
When you’re watching film, who are some of your favorite point guards to watch? Are there any NBA players whose role you think you can replicate?
Some of the most common player comparisons for the top prospects in this class:
MF: Growing up, I always liked watching guys like Chris Paul, Steve Nash and Deron Williams. Now, I still watch guys like CP3 but also Damian Lillard and Stephen Curry. A lot of those guys make great reads off the pick-and-roll but they do it in their own way. It’s not trying to copy them, but just taking different things for each of them and trying to add it to my game.
As far as playing like somebody, I don’t like to compare myself too much, just because I feel like there are differences in everybody’s games. But guys like Fred VanVleet, I like to watch him. I love the things he’s been able to do in the league. There are other guys, too. But for me, it’s mostly trying to focus on myself to make sure I’m the best that I can be and then going out and being productive at the next level.
When asking folks about you, one thing that always comes up is your work ethic. How would you describe your grit and determination?
MF: It’s something I’ve always had to have. When I was younger, I was a lot smaller than guys. So I had to find something that was going to separate me. It was just getting into the gym and working on my skill set and making sure that my size wasn’t going to stop me from being where I wanted to be at the end of the day. As I continued to get a little bit taller and bigger, it just stuck with me. It was instilled in me at an early age.
What are some of the ways that you have been able to overcome your size to make the biggest impact on the court?
A look at where Malachi Flynn has come from and where he's going on the eve of the NBA Draft. https://t.co/Z38jGVcoio
MF: My freshman year of high school, I was like 5-foot-2 and I was actually on junior varsity. My sophomore year, I was still only about 5-foot-6 but that’s when I started playing on varsity. I was like 5-foot-10 by my junior year. I finally hit 6-0 during my senior year. Those first two years, I was shorter than pretty much everybody on varsity. But I think it helped me, honestly, being smaller at a young age. It made me find different ways to score, to get to the cut and to do different things on the court.
You won Mountain West Player of the Year. But something that might surprise people is that you also won MWC Defensive Player of the Year. How would you describe your defensive mentality?
(AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File)
MF: Yeah, that meant a lot. For me, it’s about being really tough-minded and knowing what guys want to do and then trying to take that away from them. I just try to make them go to their weaknesses as a defender. I know that I am not the biggest or strongest so I’m going to have to give up something. So for me, it’s just knowing what they want to do, being in the right spots, and at the end of the day, just being super tough on that end and not giving up anything easy.
How much of your intensity did you pick up from being the youngest of seven children?
MF: Yeah, for example, I have two older brothers and they work super hard. I remember going to the gym as a young kid and just being there forever. Growing up in that environment helps me today. It’s never changed. I wasn’t winning any games against my brothers at all. My closest brother is about three and a half years older. As a kid, that was a lot, especially when I was already smaller. I learned that competitive edge from always trying to win but still losing. I think it just made me want to win even more when I played against other guys. It helped my competitive edge in everything, not just on the court but whatever it was whether it was playing video games or doing something else. We’ve always had that competitive spirit.
San Diego State had an incredible record (30-2) when the season ended. What worked for everyone this year?
Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
MF: The coaching staff did a great job of bringing in guys who wanted to win. We had three or four new guys, and everyone bought in to the main goal. From a player’s standpoint, everyone was holding each other accountable. There were no egos on the team. Everyone was happy for every individual’s success.
Kawhi Leonard also went to SDSU. What have you heard about him from folks who were also on campus when he was there?
MF: He was always working. You can see from the way his game was in college, to the way it is now, it seems like he’s improved every year. So for me, seeing different guys do that, it inspires me to continue to work. Even when they’re older, they’re still getting better. I think there’s always room for improvement, no matter what stage you’re at.
What have you improved on the most since you have last stepped on the court for San Diego State?
Malachi Flynn is such a damn good PnR player. Everything from screen setup to the split to the off-hand finish where he seems to sell the floater first with his gather and jumping off his left pic.twitter.com/o9NPI2h40E
MF: Overall, I’m just making everything more consistent. But more specifically, finishing around the rim, different floaters, trying to work on that. Not mid-range, but a little closer – finishing shots around the basket, different timing on shots, a lot of different types of floaters. I want to get better at passing with both hands, being able to make different passes. I think I can still improve in that area, being crafty with passes. Also, finishing around the basket. I think I can still get better at that, finding different ways to throw the timing off for my defender. I want to continue to improve my jump shot, shooting with range. As I get farther out, that range makes you a lot harder to guard.
When you are not playing basketball, what are some things that you like to do?
MF: I really just like to chill, be with family, do whatever. I’m the type of person who just kind of goes with the flow off the court. If something comes up, I’ll go do it. I don’t make too many plans off the court. I just chill with friends and family.
How would your friends and family describe your personality?
MF: I think they probably would say that I’m super relaxed and I like to go with the flow. I’m still competitive, even off the court no matter what the case may be. But I’m someone who’s super relaxed and just goes with whatever happens.
What are some of the goals that you have for yourself both on and off the court?
MF: On the court, I’m just trying to get a role in the NBA and be productive and help whatever team that I get the opportunity to play for. Off the court, I definitely want to be one of the guys who can come back and help in my community like Jamal Crawford, Brandon Roy, Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley have done. I want to be one of those guys that can come back and help the kids and keep that hoop environment in Tacoma, Washington, alive.
How would you describe the state of basketball in the Pacific Northwest?
MF: The culture there has been super strong. The older guys Crawford, Thomas and Roy are all involved with the young guys. I think that has helped us want it, even more, to get to that level. There are a lot of good guards from the Pacific Northwest that are currently in the NBA. Zach LaVine is like four or five years older than I am but there is just a lot of talent. Everybody is going at each other. That’s just the environment. We’re friends and all that, but when we step on the court, everybody’s competing. And I just think it makes everybody better.
What was life like for you while growing up in Tacoma?
MF: I wouldn’t want to be from anywhere else. I mean, it rains a lot, but as far as the place, the people, the mentality that we have, it’s helped shape me to become the person that I have today. Without that, I don’t know if I would be here. The whole environment, it’s home, for sure.
One last thing before you go: do you have a favorite musician? I love to ask that one. I think it says a lot about a person.
MF: I’ve been a big fan of J. Cole for a long time. He speaks the real. He has a lot of different ways of relating to people like me, everyday people, just his struggles, come-ups and the way he approaches music. I like that a lot.
Ohio State big man Kaleb Wesson has made drastic improvements to his game and to his body, which has helped him prepare him for the pros.
Ohio State big man Kaleb Wesson has made drastic improvements to his game and to his body, which has helped him prepare him for the pros.
Wesson, who recorded the best score at the three-point star drill during the 2020 NBA draft combine, spoke to HoopsHype about training for the draft with his older brother Andre Wesson, who is also eligible to be selected. He also touched on how he dramatically improved his weight and what he learned from former first-round pick Jared Sullinger. Make sure to read until the end to learn about his favorite taco recipe as well.
Please note this interview was very minorly edited for brevity and clarity.
When you’re talking to NBA teams, what are some of the things you want them to know?
Kaleb Wesson: I’m just telling them that I’m a hard worker. There are a lot of guys who go into the league and that first year, they think they made it. But if you’ve seen my career, you’ve seen that I’ve had to grind for almost everything I’ve accomplished. I had to go from 325 pounds to get to 285 pounds to even get a chance to play for Ohio State. You saw that I had to drop even more weight to play at the high level that I play at now. You saw that I to increase my three-point shooting percentage to get where I am now, too. You can just see that I’ am a hard worker. You also see the leadership. That’s big. For example, if you are not playing at the NBA level and they have you in the G League, are you just going to shut down because you think you’re better than somebody else and just pout? Or are you going to work harder? Are you going to have the self-awareness to know you have to get better and then actually do it?
Speaking of which, what are you doing to get yourself in the best shape right now?
At 6’10.5 with a 7’3 wingspan, Kaleb Wesson always had the size & length for the league.
With his ability to space the floor and pass the ball (43% from three on 106 attempts) his game is tailor made for the modern NBA.
KW: Right now, the biggest thing for me is my body. I’m just making sure my body is in the right place. That is what everybody tells me is holding me back. I’ve heard that since I got to Ohio State. My goal is 255 pounds and 10% body fat. I’m slowly getting there. It’s just about eating a lot of the right things and working with a nutritionist. It has been helpful to have somebody who can help me make my plate and we even have pre-made meals that are really good that they send us. It has everything that we need including protein shakes and stuff like that. I’m dropping weight but I also want to keep that muscle on. So when I’m home, I’m doing push-ups and sit-ups and stuff like that just to make everything stable.
How would you describe your game to someone who has not seen you play before?
KW: I feel like my game is kind of like Al Horford and Nikola Jokic. I am somebody who can initiate offense and I can play in those pick-and-pop, short-roll situations where I’m reading a defense. I know where the guy is in the corner while somebody is cutting. I make those decisions in quick seconds. I did that a lot at Ohio State. I always had the ball in my hands. I averaged almost three assists a game at Ohio State. I don’t think a lot of guys of my height were doing that in college. I know when to shoot the ball and when to pass it. I know when to get quick and swing it fast so the defense keeps moving. I feel I do all of that at a high level.
What aspects of your game do you think will surprise teams?
KW: I feel like teams are going to be impressed with my entire game, including the way I handle the ball along the perimeter, how I initiate the offense, how I handle dribble hand-offs and ball screens, my ability to pass the ball, my ability to read the game. I feel like my basketball IQ is actually something that I don’t get enough credit for so far. I feel like it also impacts me on the defensive end. I am able to force a guy a way he doesn’t want to go, knowing the way he’s going to pull up. I know if he’s right-handed he has to come back to his right hand to shoot the ball.
Every year you improved your output and your efficiency on 3-pointers. When you see both of those things, that says a lot about the work ethic you have. Can you walk me through the evolution of your jump shot?
KW: My dad taught me a lot of fundamentals like the Mikan drill. That helped with my touch around the rim. I feel like I just took that to mid-range. Then our coach told me I could shoot 3-pointers during my freshman year. Going from my freshman year to sophomore year, our coach told me he wanted me to shoot three-pointers. As a big man who spent his whole life on the block, I was like: ‘Why? I feel like I’m doing well on the block.’ The game is transitioning. I’m realizing that. There are a lot of lanky guys who are shooting three-pointers, setting screens, running to the rim. You are either an athletic guy or you are a three-point shooter. I’m not as much of an athletic guy, so I had to pick up three-point shooting. Going into my junior year, our coach told me he wants me to shoot at least three 3-pointers.
How do you think your abilities in the pick and pop are going to translate to the next level?
Hearing Ohio State's Kaleb Wesson is down to 254 lbs from 270 lbs, notable development given questions about his movement. Stretch big man shot 42.5% from three, 44% on pick-and-pops.
KW: I have the ability to run the pick-and-pop at the highest level is irreplaceable. That was the result of several role changes at Ohio State. During my first year, I was the third or fourth option on the floor. So rolling to the basket was opening things for my team. Something I noticed is that by this year, teams would just switch on the pick-and-pop. They put a smaller guy on me and then switched back with a forward when I rolled down to the post. But I’ll be able to read situations like that and counter it by keeping them on my backside while I’m rolling. I feel like being able to adapt to a different role is something that I have shown during my career. I feel like that is one of the reasons my coaches asked me to do that at Ohio State. They saw that I have the footwork, hands and everything like that. But they also wanted to show people that I could shoot the ball from the perimeter and that I have really good touch and that I can initiate offense from the perimeter as well.
One thing that stands out about your game is your defensive rebound percentage, which was one of the best in the nation. How’d you become a tenacious rebounder and how did you find that impacted your team?
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
KW: I feel what really helped my rebounding over the past year was the weight loss. I was able to rebound outside my area and not being as tired. Not just boxing my guy out and letting somebody else rebound it, but doing both. I feel like the weight loss helped a lot with my rebounding.
Ohio State had a Top 20 offense and a Top 20 defense, which is a good credit for you as a team leader. How were you able to balance success on both sides of the ball?
KW: I’m glad you say that because other people don’t give me as much credit as a defender. The misconception of a big guy is that he is not able to move his feet. I did some things this year, like boxing, to make my feet even better. But, as you said, it speaks a lot to my leadership. A leader sets the tone for what the game is going to look like. That speaks to the older guys on our team. I feel like that was our identity: work hard, put your head down, grind it out. Be happy about your results at the end of the day.
How have you been able to reconcile with last season being cut short before March Madness, especially considering Ohio State was a Top 10 team in the country?
KW: I don’t know if there is anything that will make me feel comfortable about that. I feel like missing out on a chance to play for the national championship is huge. That could have been our legacy. But I am just keeping my head down and working hard. I’m making sure that the next opportunity is one where I can make the most out of it. The game can go away in the instant. We were supposed to play the next day and we woke up and the last season with my brother, not knowing if we’d play together again, was over. That’s something that you can’t get back. It hurt.
When you look back at your time at Ohio State, what are some of the things you’re most proud of from that stage in your career?
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
KW: The first thing was being a captain my junior season. That was something that was big for me coming off my sophomore year and that suspension. There are a lot of cases where guys don’t come back from stuff like that, as far as their team goes. They do not become team captains, people look down upon them, stuff like that. But I feel like my teammates knew that I really bought in and really wanted to be a part of the team. Doing that was a big accomplishment for me, getting all of the trust back from my teammates and my coaches.
You mention that suspension. What was your internal dialogue like to come back from that?
KW: I feel like it just showed my resilience and how hard I work. My teammates saw that and they respected that. I feel like that’s what kind of gained my trust from them. They saw that I was bought in more than I was before. They saw that I wasn’t going to go back to the same old habits I was doing and stuff like that. It shows I’ve turned around.
Out of curiosity, have you had the chance to talk to Jared Sullinger much?
KW: Yeah! Jared Sullinger has been my mentor ever since I got to Ohio State. Even before that, I was watching him play at Ohio State and then go to the pros. He saw some of my games when I was growing up. He has told me about the NBA game and how it is a business and what you have to do to get better. He has had similar adversities with his weight and how he got let out of the league and had to go overseas and play. He told me he doesn’t want to see that for me. That’s big. He treats me like family.
Your dad also played basketball at Ohio State. What advice has he given you throughout this process?
KW: He is telling us to keep our heads down and grind it out; control what you can control. We can’t control what the NBA is going to look like or if there is going to be a G League season. He is just telling us to work hard. You don’t have to get ready if you’re ready.
When you say us, I know that it is because you and your brother are both eligible for the 2020 NBA draft. How have you guys been able to help each other through this pre-draft process?
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
KW: It’s just like how it has always been our whole life. Andre and I are so competitive with each other. Anything we do, we’re going to compete at it. If he has a workout before I do or if I have a workout before he does, we’re going to see who shoots better in the workout. We’re going to ask the trainer who’s shooting better. That really helps us, as far as our competitive edge. But we’ve been getting some runs together. I want NBA teams to look more into my brother, actually. I feel like he doesn’t get the credit he deserves as he is somebody who guards one through four. He was shooting 3-pointers while defending at a high level, guarding the best player on the other team every game.
What have your workouts been like with him over the past several months?
KW: The biggest problem for me was during the first couple of months when everything was shut down and you couldn’t go to a gym. You couldn’t go anywhere. The biggest thing for a guy like me was that I had to watch what I was eating, constantly. I was working out in my home by myself. I was doing push-ups and bodyweight work. I eventually started getting weights toward the middle of it. The blessing was signing with my agent Jelani Floyd. He got me down to Houston and got me with a team that I work out with a lot. We got a lot of good work done down in Houston.
Who are some of the guys that you were working out with?
KW: When Andre and I got here, we were working out with Baylor guard Jared Butler and some pro guys like Jae’Sean Tate, Isaiah Hartenstein and Josh Gray. We also had Robert Covington come to the gym with us before he went to the bubble. A lot of guys, so there was really good work.
What are some of your other interests outside of basketball?
KW: I actually started getting into golf. I’m actually looking for golf clubs right now. But before that, it was cooking. I like to read books a lot. Right now, I’m reading Why the Best Are the Best by Kevin Eastman. I talked to him a couple of times at different seminars and conferences that I’ve been invited to attend. I learned about his experience with Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, LeBron James. He has a different mindset and getting into that mindset is something that I want to do. But that’s about it: cooking, books, golf. I’ll also play against Andre in NBA 2K.
What are some of your favorite dishes that you can cook?
KW: Chicken tacos. I make a mean chicken pita taco. You got the green peppers, the onion, throw a little paprika in there. I don’t use the taco seasoning. Nah, that’s basic. You have to get the hot peppers in there. You have to cook the chicken up, get the tortillas in there, cut up a little jalapeno. Get some lettuce, tomato. You’re eating good.
What’s your favorite movie and who is your favorite musician?
KW: My favorite movie is Life (1999) with Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence. But my favorite artist right now? That’s a tough one. I’ll go Calboy.
