Tag: cade cunningham

Jabari Smith Jr. appears to say ‘he can’t guard me at all’ after lighting up James Wiseman

Lip readers think they saw Jabari Smith deliver some epic trash talk.

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. had a tremendous game during NBA 2K24 Summer League on Sunday.

Smith finished with a game-high 38 points (13-25 FG, 9-10 FT) during a victory over the Pistons. He also added 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal and 1 block during the stellar performance.

But perhaps the most memorable moment of the match came when former No. 2 overall pick, James Wiseman, picked Smith up on the perimeter during the third quarter. Smith spotted up beyond the arc and received the ball, then nailed a dribble jumper for three points.

It was one of multiple field goals Smith made with Wiseman credited as the primary defender and it was beautiful to watch:

As he made his way back to the other end of the court, Smith appeared to say that Wiseman “can’t guard him at all” while maintaining eye contact with the Pistons bench.

Later in the quarter, Smith also beat Wiseman at the rim and drew contact for an and-one foul. It was a wonderfully encouraging sequence for the Houston forward.

Smith, who had an incredible buzzer-beater to secure the first victory for Houston during NBA 2K24 Summer League in Las Vegas, looks primed for a potential breakout campaign next season.

He will join a starting lineup that also includes the likes of Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and Alperen Sengun.

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Notre Dame alumnus gets biggest coaching deal in NBA history

What a boatload of cash.

After being unceremoniously let go as Phoenix Suns coach, it seemed like only a matter of time before [autotag]Monty Williams[/autotag] landed on his feet. He’s landed and then some. Sources have informed Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN that the Notre Dame alumnus is agreeing to a six-year, $78 million contract to coach the Detroit Pistons. It’s the largest deal ever for an NBA coach.

During this year’s playoffs, Williams coached a team with two future Hall of Famers in Kevin Durant and Chris Paul as well as one of the NBA’s best young stars in Deandre Ayton. Now, he’ll head to the Motor City to lead a team with nowhere to go but up. The Pistons finished with the NBA’s worst record in 2022-23 but didn’t even receive a top-four pick in the draft lottery.

While Williams has his work cut out for him, he does have a few building blocks. Among them are 2021 top overall pick Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, son of Irish women’s coach [autotag]Niele Ivey[/autotag]. Here’s hoping he gets the Pistons back to respectability before too long. The pressure certainly is on with all the money he’s about to make.

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Geoffrey on Twitter: @gfclark89

The Pistons apologized to their fans for tanking exactly as planned this year

A heartfelt letter to essentially say they regret nothing.

The Detroit Pistons sent a heartfelt letter to their fans on Monday, apologizing for their direction in the 2022-2023 NBA season. But at a certain point, this nosedive — being the league’s worst team — became the plan.

Entering the year, the Pistons expected to be rejuvenated, a legitimate power player in the Eastern Conference.

But then Detroit started the season with single-digit wins in the first two months. Then Cade Cunningham was lost to injury. And ever since, it’s been a slow, tanking march to the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Clearly, at this point, this pivot was part of their overall plan.

The Pistons saw the forest for the trees — a waiting Victor Wembanyama.

Just take a gander at how GM Troy Weaver characterizes a non-linear path in rebuilding:

“Rebuilding a team does not always follow a linear path, and we experienced that this year with the injury to Cade Cunningham that forced him to miss a majority of the season. While that injury impacted the continuity of our team, it also presented an opportunity for growth from others.

Overall, our players have overwhelmingly embraced the core principle of going to work and competing every night. We are in an excellent spot to upgrade our roster this offseason. We’ve positioned ourselves for another high draft choice in this year’s draft, we have a favorable salary cap position, and we’ll continue to talk with teams and evaluate trade opportunities as they present themselves.”

Weaver or Pistons brass would never admit it outright, but when he says rebuilding doesn’t follow a linear path, he’s obviously referring to how Detroit eventually stopped trying to win. Not that a lousy roster had much of a chance anyway, but going 1-21 in their last 22 games since early February is the Pistons waving the white flag, hoping they had the opportunity to draft a generational French superstar.

Detroit entered this season hoping to put itself back on the map. That didn’t happen because sometimes you must adapt and know when to fold your hand. If that means penning a (probably insincere) apology to your fanbase for falling short of expectations, so be it.

Sometimes you gotta keep your eye on the Wembanyama prize.

Pistons’ Jaden Ivey eager to get to work with Cade Cunningham

Ivey figures to play a large role this season with the Pistons and is eager to get to work with Cunningham.

Jaden Ivey figures to play a large role this season with the Detroit Pistons and is eager to get to work with backcourt mate Cade Cunningham on the floor.

The Pistons took Ivey to bolster their backcourt, and the fifth pick could even start early. While Cunningham flourished as a floor general and rebounder last year, Ivey gives the team a different look as an electric guard that can be dynamic on offense.

The combination of Ivey and Cunningham figures to be a handful for opposing teams. They will present plenty of problems on both ends of the floor and Ivey can’t wait to see what they can do, according to Omari Sankofa of the Detroit Free Press.

The addition of Ivey gives the Pistons another young player to build around. In addition to Cunningham, Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart and others took a step in their development last year with strong performances.

The Pistons went out and acquired Bojan Bogdanovic from the Utah Jazz last week, a move that figures to add shooting at the wing position. The acquisition, plus additional internal improvement, should help the Pistons compete for a play-in spot or more.

The future projects to be bright in Detroit; Ivey and Cunningham are a huge part of that plan. Fans only have to wait a little bit longer to see them on the court together, which should be quite entertaining to watch.

Detroit tips off its preseason schedule on Oct. 4.

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The Pistons, by trading for Bojan Bogdanovic, prove they’re no longer tanking — and it’s the right call

Don’t expect to see the Pistons tank for Victor Wembanyama.

There comes a time in every rebuilding organization’s timeline when they decide they are no longer selling assets but instead buying.

That is exactly what the Detroit Pistons did by trading for Bojan Bogdanovic, a valuable 6-foot-7 forward who has averaged at least 17.0 points per game in four consecutive seasons, from the Jazz.

This move represented a passing of the torch, in some ways. Utah is very obviously tanking after trading away Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert (as well as Patrick Beverley, Royce O’Neale, and now Bogdanovic). Meanwhile, it also means that Detroit (despite trading Jerami Grant) is graduating into a new chapter of its organizational reconstruction.

Detroit, however, was undoubtedly a surprising destination for Bogdanovic.

Before becoming the Pistons general manager, Troy Weaver was a longtime executive for the Thunder. During his time with the organization, he was the right-hand man for Oklahoma City’s Sam Presti. The Thunder are a team that knows a thing or two about the art of tanking.

Since taking over the front office, Weaver has implemented similar strategies in Detroit. Early in Weaver’s tenure, the Pistons bought out Blake Griffin and traded Christian Wood, Luke Kennard, and Derrick Rose.

Dan Wetzel described it as one of the all-time great tank jobs in NBA history (via Yahoo):

“Weaver took over as general manager last offseason, inheriting a going-nowhere, veteran-laden roster. Rather than continue to tread water or wait to bottom out in the standings, he proceeded to trade away nearly everyone.”

Every single player who was on Detroit’s roster in 2019-20 was gone by September 2021.

The losing seasons netted them rising star Cade Cunningham, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. They selected Jaden Ivey, another potential star, this year.

Cunningham and Ivey are joined by several other recent first-rounders including Saddiq Bey, Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart, Marvin Bagley III, Killian Hayes, and (most recently) Kevin Knox.

Now, however, Detroit has indicated that they are no longer prioritizing getting the highest draft pick possible by finishing at the bottom of the standings.

Instead, as noted by The Athletic’s James Edwards, they want to “make progress in the win column” this season.

Bogdanovic was an instrumental player on a team that had the best record in the NBA during the 2020-21 season. He has already played in eight playoff series during his NBA career thus far.

Nerlens Noel, the defensive-oriented big man who they also acquired from the Knicks this off-season, has made the playoffs multiple times since turning pro as well.

Even though Detroit isn’t going to contend to make the Eastern Conference Finals this year, they’re likely no longer going to be in the race for the No. 1 overall pick.

Instead, it’s more likely they feel they have their young core in place and want them to experience winning. Like the Grizzlies in 2021 and the Cavs and Timberwolves last season, this is a young team that could exceed their expectations and perhaps they can even make the playoffs.

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The Pistons’ new throwback uniform showcases the NBA’s boring jersey problem

The Pistons jerseys are fun, but NBA teams can do so much more with their uniforms

After years and years of fans clamoring for it, it’s finally done. The Detroit Pistons are bringing back their teal look.

You know the one — the Grant Hill jerseys. The joints with the flaming horse on it that looks like it came straight out of your nightmares or maybe just the Denver International Airport.

It was easily one of the best jerseys from the 1990s. Were the Pistons themselves good? Absolutely not. But the jerseys? A1. And now they’re back.

The timing couldn’t be better. They’ve got a young, up-and-coming core led by Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey that makes things pretty exciting. And, if nothing else, they look good.

Yeah, man. That’s definitely that old look to a tee, really. They nailed it. These are good. Really good.

But…not to trample on the fun here. I just can’t help but wonder when the next time we’re going to get a new jersey design is. Not just from these Pistons — but from anyone across the league.

As good as these are, they’re part of a problem that we, as fans, haven’t talked about too much. And that problem is this: The NBA’s jerseys are getting boring. Very boring.

Let’s talk about it:

NBA All-Rookie: Barnes, Mobley, Cunningham headline first team

The three players were unanimous selections to the first team, receiving votes on all 100 ballots.

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley and Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham headlined the NBA All-Rookie first team announced on Wednesday.

The three players were unanimous selections to the first team, receiving votes on all 100 ballots from a global panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. They were the three finalists for Rookie of the Year, which was awarded to Barnes last month.

Joining the trio are Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner and Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green. Wagner received 84 first-place votes while Green garnered 58 in the final tally.

The voting was conducted without consideration for the positions.

2021-22 NBA All-Rookie First Team

Player First Team Votes Second Team Votes Total Points
Scottie Barnes 100 0 200
Cade Cunningham 100 0 200
Evan Mobley 100 0 200
Franz Wagner 84 15 183
Jalen Green 58 42 158

New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones narrowly edged out Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey for the most points on the second team. They are joined by Denver Nuggets guard Bones Hyland, Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu and Indiana Pacers guard Chris Duarte.

2021-22 NBA All-Rookie Second Team

Player First Team Votes Second Team Votes Total Points
Herb Jones 32 59 123
Josh Giddey 24 74 122
Bones Hyland 0 81 81
Ayo Dosunmu 2 71 75
Chris Duarte 0 52 52

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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Kevin Love: Evan Mobley should have won Rookie of the Year

Mobley turned in a tremendous season with the Cavaliers and Love thought he should have won Rookie of the Year.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley turned in a tremendous rookie campaign this season, and came up just short of winning Rookie of the Year. In fact, the final tally went down as the closest race in history.

Cavaliers forward Kevin Love thought Mobley should have won.

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes was crowned the Rookie of the Year last month after receiving 48 of the 100 first-place votes from a global panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. He finished with 378 total points, topping the 363 points for Mobley.

It was the smallest margin in the balloting under the current voting format, which began in the 2002-03 season.

Certainly, the Rookie of the Year race proved to be rather difficult to predict with Mobley and Barnes battling back and forth throughout the year. Detroit Pistons guard and finalist Cade Cunningham also had a case to win, despite a slow start to the year.

Love, speaking with Taylor Rooks of Bleacher Report, was impressed by Mobley.

I think it’s going to be when it’s all said and done, you’re going to say, ‘Kevin Love took a backseat to Evan Mobley.’ I saw him and I’m like, ‘Oh, wow! I get it.’ I’m obviously biased but I thought he should have won Rookie of the Year. I know it was a very close battle. Scottie Barnes is a beast. Cade Cunningham: Awesome player. I love Evan’s makeup. I love his brain and how he lets everything come to him.

Love thoroughly loved what Mobley brought to the Cavaliers this season and often sung his praises all year long. He believes Mobley can become a perennial All-Defensive player and a consistent double-double threat each night.

Certainly, the tight finish this season in the Rookie of the Year voting further demonstrated how talented the class is. It could go down as one of the best ever with Mobley and Barnes leading the way, and several others right behind them.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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OKC Thunder news: Josh Giddey fails to finish top six in Rookie of the Year voting

Herb gets to be a top-six finisher? What a sick joke!

The NBA announced the Rookie of the Year winner along with the top-six finishers in voting on Saturday and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey was notably left off the list.

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes ended up winning the award by 15 voting points. The top six went as followed:

  • Barnes at 378 points
  • Evan Mobley at 363 points
  • Cade Cunningham at 153 points
  • Jalen Green at three points
  • Franz Wagner at two points
  • Herb Jones at one point

The fact that Giddey didn’t make the list is pretty ridiculous. Even with him missing the final third of the season due to a hip injury, Giddey’s two-thirds of play were dominant enough that he warranted a top-six finish. Giddey won the Western Conference Rookie of the Month every month that he played in and four of the five times overall this season.

If it’s an availability issue as Giddey missed 28 games, it’s unfair to measure him against someone like Jones in terms of games played due to uneven minutes distributions. Despite playing 24 more games, Jones played just 68 total more minutes than Giddey this season

Giddey averaged 12.5 points, 7.8 rebound and 6.4 assists in 54 games this season. Giddey secured four triple doubles, which is tied for the seventh most amount for a rookie in league history.

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Rookie of the Year: Voting appears to be down to 2 candidates

The NBA announced the three finalists for Rookie of the Year but it appears the voting could be down to just two candidates.

On Sunday, the NBA announced the three finalists for the Rookie of the Year award but it appears as though the voting could be down to just two candidates.

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley and Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes were announced as the three finalists based on the voting results from a global panel of 100 sportswriters and broadcasters.

With the results in, HoopsHype obtained 24 ballots from those media members that disclosed their votes, either publicly or privately. Based on the initial look at the voting, it appears that Mobley and Barnes are the front-runners to win.

(Numbers in parentheses show the percentage of points relative to the maximum amount possible for each award.)

  1. Evan Mobley (78.33%)
  2. Scottie Barnes (68.33%)
  3. Cade Cunningham (33.33%)

Mobley averaged 15 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.7 blocks in 69 games. He led all first-year players in rebounding, blocked shots and double-doubles (21). He was one of two players this season to average at least 14 points, eight rebounds and 1.5 blocks on 50% shooting.

Barnes finished averaging 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.1 steals in 74 games. He was third in scoring, third in rebounding and fourth in steals. He was named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month from February to April.

Of course, the 24 ballots only provide a look at about one-quarter of the voting so the final results could change. However, it offers a tremendous view of how some media members view the Rookie of the Year race this year.

The race for the annual award appears to be as competitive as it has been in quite some time. The two front-runners each have a strong case to win, and there is no clear-cut choice to win. The final voting results figure to be very close and could go down as one of the tightest races ever.

The winner will be announced on TNT during its coverage of the playoffs.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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