Category: QA Category

How Grizzlies guard Jaylen Wells went from Division II to All-Rookie Team Candidate

Memphis Grizzlies rookie Jaylen Wells discussed his unlikely journey from Division II to the NBA, what he’s learned from Marcus Smart, how Ja Morant has been a leader behind the scenes, the challenge of guarding the opponent’s top perimeter scorer, chasing the All-Rookie Team, and more with HoopsHype Senior NBA Insider Michael Scotto.

Before becoming one of the best rookies in his class, Memphis Grizzlies guard Jaylen Wells bet on himself by attending Division II Sonoma State after two years as a varsity high school player with no Division I offers as doubters told him to consider a career change.

After becoming a Division II All-American, Wells transferred to Washington State, where his 3-and-D game caught the eyes of NBA talent evaluators.

Since being selected in the second round with the 39th overall pick by Memphis, Wells has become a starter on one of the NBA’s top teams and ranks second in plus-minus rating (plus-58) and third in points per game (11.5) among rookies this season.

The rookie swingman discussed his unlikely journey from Division II to the NBA and overcoming doubters, what he’s learned from Marcus Smart, how Ja Morant has been a leader behind the scenes, the challenge of guarding the opponent’s top perimeter scorer, chasing the All-Rookie Team, and more with HoopsHype.

Scoot Henderson: ‘I think we’ll pan out to be one of the top teams in the league pretty soon’

Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson discussed what to expect from Portland’s young squad in the future, learning from Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups as his coach, replacing Damian Lillard, growing as a locker room leader while also having a signature PUMA sneaker at 20 years old, what to expect from his new Scoot Zero II sneakers, and more with HoopsHype Senior NBA Insider Michael Scotto.

Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson discussed what to expect from Portland’s young squad in the future, learning from Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups as his coach, replacing Damian Lillard, growing as a locker room leader while also having a signature PUMA sneaker at 20 years old, what to expect from his new Scoot Zeros II sneakers in collaboration with NBA 2K, and more with HoopsHype.

Norman Powell: ‘I thought about quitting basketball a few times’

Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell discussed how he’s become a Most Improved Player and NBA All-Star candidate after nearly quitting basketball with HoopsHype Senior NBA Insider Michael Scotto. Plus, Powell’s NBA journey, how the Clippers have transitioned without Kawhi Leonard and moved on from Paul George with his help and James Harden, how Intuit Dome has changed the organization, Steve Ballmer stories behind the scenes, and the goals behind his Understand The Grind foundation and clothing brand.

Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell has become a Most Improved Player of the Year and All-Star candidate in his 10th season. Yet, the California native nearly walked away from basketball before his career began.

After overcoming depression and doubts to make his dream a reality, Powell hopes to influence the next generation to chase their dreams and be an inspiration.

Powell discussed the goals behind his Understand The Grind foundation and clothing brand, his NBA journey to become a Most Improved Player and All-Star candidate, how the Clippers have transitioned without Kawhi Leonard and moved on from Paul George with his help and James Harden, how Intuit Dome has changed the organization, Steve Ballmer stories behind the scenes, and more with HoopsHype.

Jarrett Allen Q&A: Cavs 15-0 start, Donovan Mitchell, Kenny Atkinson, Conference Finals expectations

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen spoke with HoopsHype Senior NBA Insider Michael Scotto about Cleveland’s historic start to the season, what Donovan Mitchell’s extension meant for the city and the team’s future, how Kenny Atkinson has changed, reuniting with several former Nets teammates and coaches in Cleveland, his goals, and his Thanksgiving event.

After helping the Cavaliers achieve the second-best start to an NBA regular season ever with a 15-0 record, Jarrett Allen helped the Cleveland community begin the holiday season with a terrific start.

Allen hosted his eighth annual Meals + Math Thanksgiving event and provided 25 children from Urban Community School and their families with groceries while teaching kids about math and budgeting.

Following the event, Allen spoke with HoopsHype about Cleveland’s historic start to the season, what Donovan Mitchell’s extension meant for the city and the team’s future, how Kenny Atkinson has changed, reuniting with several former Nets teammates and coaches in Cleveland, his goals, and more on his Thanksgiving event.

Domantas Sabonis Q&A: Kings Future, DeMar DeRozan, De’Aaron Fox, Starting 5 Netflix Series

Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis discusses DeMar DeRozan’s free agency addition, the trio they’ll form with De’Aaron Fox, the possibility of retiring a King, and his Starting 5 Netflix series with HoopsHype Senior NBA Insider Michael Scotto.

After leading the NBA in triple-doubles for the first time, rebounds in back-to-back seasons, and earning his second straight All-NBA selection, Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis is taking on a new role.

Sabonis spoke with HoopsHype to discuss his role in the Netflix docuseries Starting 5, as he stars alongside LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, Anthony Edwards, and Jayson Tatum. Plus, why he thinks the addition of DeMar DeRozan will elevate the Kings to new heights, where the trio with DeRozan, De’Aaron Fox, and himself ranks, the possibility of retiring as a King, and much more.

Brandon Miller Q&A: Team USA, Miles Bridges, LaMelo Ball, Mark Williams, Charles Lee, Josh Green

Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller sat down with HoopsHype Senior NBA Insider at the Encore Hotel to discuss playing for the USA Select Team and why he’s playing at Vegas Summer League. Plus, his reactions to the Hornets re-signing Miles Bridges, the returns of Mark Williams and LaMelo Ball, the Josh Green acquisition, new coach Charles Lee, playoff expectations for the Hornets, and more.

Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller sat down with HoopsHype at the Encore Hotel to discuss playing for the USA Select Team and why he’s at the Vegas Summer League.

The 21-year-old Miller, who finished third overall in the Rookie of the Year voting last season, also talked about his reactions to the Hornets re-signing Miles Bridges, the returns of Mark Williams and LaMelo Ball, the Josh Green acquisition, new coach Charles Lee, playoff expectations for the Hornets, and more.

Cam Thomas Q&A: ‘I want to go into more of a leadership role’

Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas discussed the fallout from the Mikal Bridges trade, his extension talks, the return of Ben Simmons, the adjustment with new coach Jordi Fernandez, the re-signing of Nic Claxton, and more with HoopsHype Senior NBA Insider Michael Scotto.

Following a breakout campaign as the leading scorer for the Brooklyn Nets, Cam Thomas will have a larger role this upcoming season. 

After the Nets faced the Los Angeles Clippers at the Thomas & Mack Center during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Thomas spoke with HoopsHype about the fallout from the Mikal Bridges trade, his extension talks, the return of Ben Simmons, the adjustment with new coach Jordi Fernandez, the re-signing of Nic Claxton, and more. 

Trey Murphy Q&A: Dejounte Murray Trade, Brandon Ingram talks, Zion Williamson, Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy discussed the Dejounte Murray trade, Brandon Ingram trade talks, Zion Williamson, and more with HoopsHype Senior NBA Insider Michael Scotto.

It’s a big summer for New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy, who’s been a part of Team USA’s Select team and is eligible for an extension this summer.

Following Team USA’s practice in Las Vegas, Murphy spoke with HoopsHype about his experience playing with the National Team, what the Dejounte Murray trade means for the Pelicans, Brandon Ingram trade talks, his potential expanded role next season, what’s next for Zion Williamson, expectations for New Orleans, and more.

NBA draft prospect Ryan Dunn: ‘You’re bringing in a defensive monster’

Virginia NBA Draft prospect Ryan Dunn discussed how he transitioned from baseball to basketball as a teenager, what he enjoys about defense, things he didn’t get to show about his game in college, player comparisons, his draft range, and more with Senior NBA Insider Michael Scotto on HoopsHype. 

Virginia standout Ryan Dunn is a projected first-round pick and arguably the top defensive prospect in the 2024 NBA Draft. 

During the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, Dunn discussed how he transitioned from baseball to basketball as a teenager, what he enjoys about defense, things he didn’t get to show about his game in college, player comparisons, his draft range, and more with HoopsHype. 

NBA draft prospect Kyshawn George: ‘I study ball handling like Luka Doncic, shooting like Klay Thompson’

Projected first-round pick Kyshawn George sat down with HoopsHype at the NBA Draft Combine and discussed how he’s adjusted to life in the USA, the differences in playing style, the toughest part of his journey, a scouting report on his game, player comparisons, and more.

Miami standout Kyshawn George is a projected first-round pick who’s one of the best shooters in this draft class and will bring versatility to whichever team selects him.

George sat down with HoopsHype at the NBA Draft Combine and discussed how he’s adjusted to life in the USA, the differences in playing style, the toughest part of his journey, a scouting report on his game, and player comparisons.