Tag: Coby White

Bulls rookie Coby White seeks consistency throughout rest of season

After experiencing plenty of ups and downs this season, White looks to finish out his rookie campaign on a high note.

As most rookies adjust to playing in the NBA, the last few months of the season can be the time when they begin to slow down and really face the rigors of playing in the league.

In college basketball, even the most successful teams play fewer than 40 games. An 82-game schedule in the NBA can be even challenging for the most experienced player to navigate through.

Chicago Bulls rookie Coby White is simply just looking to play consistently to finish out his rookie campaign after experiencing plenty of ups and downs this season. In 55 games, White is averaging 11.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists while he is shooting 33.8% from 3-point range. His 98 made 3-pointers are third among all rookies.

The seventh overall pick kicked the season off by tallying 42 points in his first two games. He followed that up by totaling just 31 points over his next five outings for the Bulls. His impressive play has been sporadic at times but he has shown some flashes of developing into a player that can contribute each night.

As the Bulls begin their post-All-Star Game stretch, the team will have 27 games left to play. Surprisingly, they are just five games back of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, something White is striving for, according to Tony Gill of NBC Sports Chicago.

For me, just to finish the season strong and hopefully, help my team and put us in a position to be in the playoffs. … I think just playing consistently will be big for me. Just being on the floor as a rookie and what not; being able to go out there and contribute to the team. What needs work? I feel like stringing together good games and efficiency from the field needs a little bit of work.

With several teams in the mix for the playoffs in the East, the Bulls will face a tough road ahead if they want to qualify for the postseason. On top of that, the team entered the All-Star break as losers of six straight so they are certainly hoping a few days off can help get things back on track.

The Bulls will begin by hosting the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday.

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Ja Morant is the favorite to win Rookie of the Year in updated odds

With Zion Williamson sidelined, Morant has established himself as the top rookie of the class after his tremendous start.

Memphis Grizzlies first-round pick Ja Morant is the favorite to win the 2019-20 NBA Rookie of the Year award, according to online sportsbook SportsBetting.ag.

With Zion Williamson sidelined this season following knee surgery, Morant has established himself as the top rookie of the class after his tremendous start.

The second overall pick is averaging 19.1 points, 6.4 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 18 games this season. Morant is leading all rookies in scoring average and assists, while he is fourth in 3-point percentage (43.2) among first-year players to appear in at least 10 games.

While Morant is the favorite now in the updated odds released on Tuesday, Eric Paschall and Kendrick Nunn have gained traction in the race after their strong starts to the season. The two players are second and third in scoring, respectively, among all rookies.

The full odds for the top seven, via SportsBetting:

  1. Ja Morant: +150
  2. Eric Paschall: +500
  3. Kendrick Nunn: +500
  4. Zion Williamson: +500
  5. R.J. Barrett: +600
  6. Rui Hachimura: +1000
  7. Coby White: +1600

As the NBA recently crossed over the quarter mark of the season, the odds will certainly continue to fluctuate as players separate themselves from the rest of the pack.

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Rookie Wire Power Rankings: Paschall, Hachimura climb in Week 6

Rookie Wire takes a look at the top rookies through the sixth week of the 2019-20 NBA season.

With another week in the books, the rooks continue to show out.

From Eric Paschall to Rui Hachimura, the class had a number of outstanding performances and they show no signs of slowing. Players continue to progress in their development and it has made for some entertaining basketball.

Rookie Wire will compile the rankings of the five best players each week based on how they performed on the court. The rankings are not for Rookie of the Year purposes but, rather, to illustrate the top-performing players week to week.

Here are the Rookie Wire Power Rankings for Week 6:

All stats are through games played on Dec. 3

5. Rui Hachimura, Wizards

Stats: 13.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists

Rank Last Week: Honorable Mention

Rui Hachimura has seemingly broken out of his recent slump and has done so in a big way. The ninth overall pick is averaging 16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and two assists over his last four games, including a career-high 30 points on Sunday against the Los Angeles Clippers. His performance garnered praise from the likes of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard as they believe Hachimura can be one of the best long-term rookies from this draft class.

4. Tyler Herro, Heat

Stats: 14 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2 assists

Rank Last Week: 5

Herro is still fifth among all rookies in scoring at 14 points per game. He recently drained a career-high five 3-pointers on Friday en route to 19 points against the Golden State Warriors. Herro is just a hair under 40% shooting from beyond the arc, something the Heat will certainly need throughout the season in order to maintain their strong start. The group is coming off of an impressive overtime win over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday and they appear to be among the best in the Eastern Conference.

3. Kendrick Nunn, Heat

Stats: 15.7 points, 3.4 assists, 2.5 rebounds, 1.2 steals

Rank Last Week: 2

Despite being named the Eastern Conference Player of the Month, Nunn has struggled as of late. The undrafted guard is averaging 10.5 points over his last four games while he is shooting just 29.3% from the field, including 17.9% (5-of-28) from 3-point range. Nunn has certainly played like one of the top rookies to this point of the season but has gone cold over the past week or so. Given the work he has put in, it seems reasonable to believe he’ll snap out of his slump and return to the player that put up 16.4 points per game in October and November.

2. Eric Paschall, Warriors

Stats: 17.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists

Rank Last Week: 3

With injuries decimating the Warriors, Paschall has been arguably the MVP of the team this season. He has been among the hottest first-year players after averaging 20.8 points over his last four games on 53.8% shooting from the field, including 62.5% (5-of-8) from 3-point range. Paschall has utilized his strength and athleticism to score over defenders and has also used his mid-range shot to add to his array of offensive skills. The injury to Ja Morant could potentially open the door for Paschall in the Rookie of the Year race and he could be the top player to benefit should Morant miss extended time.

1. Ja Morant, Grizzlies

Stats: 18.6 points, 6.4 assists, 3.2 rebounds, 1.4 steals

Rank Last Week: 1

Though Morant is considered to be week-to-week with back spasms, the Western Conference Rookie of the Month held onto the top spot–for now. After crashing into a courtside camera operator on Nov. 25, Morant played in the next two games for the Grizzlies before aggravating his back injury on Friday against the Utah Jazz. Morant still put up 15.5 points, 7.5 assists, four rebounds and 2.5 steals in two games while dealing with a sore back. The Grizzlies are certainly going to be cautious with his injury so his status moving forward will be worth monitoring.

Honorable Mention:

R.J. Barrett, Knicks: 14.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.3 steals

Barrett appeared to be back on track after recording at least 16 points in three straight games but followed that up with a two-point performance on Monday in which he missed all nine shot attempts. Even worse than that, the Knicks lost by 44 points to the Milwaukee Bucks. The up-and-down swings will likely stay throughout the season, as is the case with most rookies, but Barrett has at least proven to be entertaining to watch. The same can’t be said for the rest of the team.

De’Andre Hunter, Hawks: 12.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists

After a slow start to the season, Hunter is up to eighth in scoring among rookies. He is coming off of an 18-point performance Monday on his 22nd birthday but suffered a dislocated right index finger and is listed as doubtful to play Wednesday against the Brooklyn Nets. In any case, the injury doesn’t sound too severe so he may not miss much time, if any at all.

Brandon Clarke, Grizzlies: 11.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists

Clarke has been among the most efficient players in the league this season and has emerged as a key contributor for the Grizzlies. Unfortunately, Clarke is also considered to be week-to-week after aggravating a left oblique injury. Clarke re-injured himself in the first half on Monday and did not return to the game. While Clarke could miss a few games, he has still been a bright spot this season.

On the Rise:

P.J. Washington, Hornets

After a strong start to the season, Washington trailed off a bit but has gotten back on track. Over his last four games, Washington is averaging 15.3 points and four rebounds. The Hornets are 6-1 when Washington records at least 15 points.

Darius Garland, Cavaliers

Garland has emerged for the Cavaliers over the past few weeks as he appears to be settling in. Head coach John Beilein believes Garland is beginning to really grasp the offense and that has resulted in improved play from the fifth overall pick.

Dropped Out:

Coby White, Bulls

Week 1 Power Rankings | Week 2 Power Rankings | Week 3 Power Rankings | Week 4 Power Rankings | Week 5 Power Rankings

Rookie Wire Power Rankings: Herro, Hunter rise up the ranks in Week 5

Rookie Wire took a look at the top rookies through the fifth week of the 2019-20 NBA season.

The 2019 NBA Draft class has continued to impress this season.

The group has produced some fascinating storylines thus far with the emergence of several under-the-radar players while the top players selected are playing as expected.

Rookie Wire will compile the rankings of the five best players each week based on how they performed on the court. The rankings are not for Rookie of the Year purposes but, rather, to illustrate the top-performing players week to week.

Here are the Rookie Wire Power Rankings for Week 5:

Week 1 Power Rankings | Week 2 Power Rankings | Week 3 Power Rankings | Week 4 Power Rankings

All stats are through games played on Nov. 26

5. Tyler Herro, Heat

Stats: 14.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists

Rank Last Week: Honorable Mention

Herro returns to the rankings for the first time since Week 1 after showing out recently for the Heat. The 13th overall pick is back up to fifth in scoring among all rookies after recording 18 points in three of his last four games. Herro has proven to be able to get hot this season and is seemingly always a candidate to go off, thus making him one of the top rookies to watch on any given night. His swag, as Jimmy Butler said, is one reason to tune in.

4. Brandon Clarke, Grizzlies

Stats: 12.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.1 blocks

Rank Last Week: 4

While Ja Morant has captured the bulk of the headlines in Memphis, and rightfully so, Brandon Clarke has also emerged onto the scene. While he is seventh in scoring, Clarke gets it done all over the court and his shot selection has truly been a revelation. He is one of the most efficient players in the league after shooting 63.6% from the field and has developed one of the nicest floaters in the NBA today. An expanded role in the Grizzlies’ system could increase his numbers but he has flourished to this point of the season.

3. Eric Paschall, Warriors

Stats: 16.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists

Rank Last Week: 3

The second-round pick has certainly not played like one this season. Paschall is third in scoring average among rookies but is second in total points scored, trailing Ja Morant by just five. Given the number of injuries to the Warriors, Paschall has emerged as one of the top options on offense and has been a bright spot for the team thus far. He is coming off of his second double-double of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds in a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

2. Kendrick Nunn, Heat

Stats: 16.9 points, 3.3 assists, 2.5 rebounds, 1.3 steals

Rank Last Week: 2

Nunn is fresh off of one of his most efficient outings of the season on Monday night. The undrafted guard recorded 19 points against the Charlotte Hornets on 7-of-10 shooting from the field, including 5-of-6 from 3-point range. Nunn recently told Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype that he believes he can be a future All-Star and his first season with the Heat certainly has the makings of a successful career.

1. Ja Morant, Grizzlies

Stats: 19.1 points, 6.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 1.2 steals

Rank Last Week: 1

Morant turned in one of his most impressive games of the season on Saturday in a shootout with the Los Angeles Lakers. He recorded 26 points, six assists, five steals and three rebounds in the one-point loss. Morant became the first rookie since John Wall in 2010 to reach those numbers in a game. He followed that performance up with 19 points for his second career double-double on Monday in a game in which he left briefly after taking a scary fall into a courtside camera operator. He would return to the game and appeared to be fine but the Grizzlies certainly caught a break after he wasn’t seriously hurt.

Honorable Mention:

R.J. Barrett, Knicks: 15.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.4 steals

Barrett averaged 10.5 points over his last two games after sitting out Sunday due to an illness. He is still fourth in scoring among rookies and will look to get back on track Wednesday on the road against his hometown Toronto Raptors.

Coby White, Bulls: 13.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists

The boom-or-bust potential with White has been fascinating this season. He recorded a career-high 28 points on Saturday but followed that up with eight points on Monday. If he can gain some consistency this season, White would certainly have a place among the best in the rookie class. He is shooting 43.5% from 3-point range over his last four games.

Rui Hachimura, Wizards: 12.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists

Hachimura has struggled some over his last four games after shooting 43.6% from the field for the Wizards. Like White, he has also had issues with consistency at times as his playing time has been sporadic. Hachimura has shown flashes this season but, like most rookies, is still learning the ins and outs of the NBA.

On the Rise:

De’Andre Hunter, Hawks:

Suddenly, after a slow start to the season, Hunter has been on a tear recently. He scored the most points among rookies over the past week and is averaging 19.5 points over his last four games. He is shooting 50% from the field and 50% (11-of-22) from beyond the arc in that span.

Ky Bowman, Warriors:

The Warriors’ two-way rookie is averaging 19 points over his last three games, including a career-high 24 points against the Thunder on Monday. He has been on fire from all over the floor and is producing in a pinch for the injury-rattled Warriors.

Shout Out:

Tremont Waters, Celtics

With Kemba Walker out on Monday, the Celtics called up Waters from the G League. The two-way guard may have only scored seven points in his NBA debut but he made quite an impression on the team and it likely won’t be the last time we see Waters with the Celtics.

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DFS NBA Value Plays: Rookie players to target for Nov. 22

With some rookies playing particularly well as of late, we have chosen a few players to target on Friday that won’t break your budget.

With a full slate of NBA games set to tip-off Friday night, building your daily fantasy roster can be a bit taxing with so many players to choose from but there are some attractive options available to target.

Of course, players like James Harden, Luka Doncic, LeBron James and others will be hot commodities but the key to building a successful roster is drafting some under-the-radar players that are relatively inexpensive.

Rookie Wire has identified some of those players.

With some rookies playing particularly well as of late, we have chosen a few first-year players to target on Friday night that won’t break your budget and can help you win in your respective tournament.

SF: De’Andre Hunter, Hawks – $4,900 DK | $5,100 FD

Fresh off of a career night, Hunter has really started to turn the corner recently. Hunter scored a career-high 27 points and 11 rebounds on Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks to finish with a season-high 46.3 fantasy points. After a slow start to the season, Hunter has now scored in double figures in six straight games and could be headed toward a seventh straight double-digit game on Friday against the Detroit Pistons.

PG: Cam Reddish, Hawks – $4,200 DK | $4,300 FD

Like Hunter, Reddish is also coming off of a career game after scoring 17 points and three rebounds for 23.8 fantasy points. Also like Hunter, Reddish appears to be coming around for the Hawks. Reddish scored in double figures just once over his first 10 games, tallying 55 total points over that span, but has scored 51 over his last four games. With such a low price tag, Reddish could be a player to target on Friday but be sure to double-check his status ahead of the game as he is listed as questionable with a left wrist sprain.

G: Tyler Herro, Heat – $4,700 FD | $4,900 DK

Herro has played like one of the top rookies to this point in the season and still has tremendous value across most fantasy formats. Head coach Erik Spoelstra has used Herro extensively and, given his ability to knock down 3-pointers, the first-round pick should be a prime target in your lineup. He is coming off of his second-best scoring output of the season with 22 points on Wednesday and appears to be in a nice groove as of late. Given his lower price tag, Herro could be the rookie on the Heat to target with Kendrick Nunn costing users $5,700 in FanDuel and $6,200 in DraftKings on Friday.

Buyer Beware

SG: Coby White, Bulls – $4,900 DK | $5,100 FD

The Bulls rookie has the boom-or-bust potential that often leaves fantasy users scratching their heads. White has caught fire several times this season but he has also had some sub-par performances sprinkled in, as well. He faces the top team against giving up fantasy points in the Heat so he has a tough matchup ahead but if you’re feeling risky, White has the potential to have a 40-plus fantasy scoring night.

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Bulls’ Coby White is a game-time decision Wednesday vs. the Pistons

Bulls head coach Jim Boylen said Coby White is a game-time decision to play Wednesday against the Pistons.

Chicago Bulls rookie Coby White is a game-time decision to play Wednesday night at home against the Detroit Pistons, head coach Jim Boylen said prior to the matchup.

Boylen said during his pre-game media availability that White sprained his ankle during pre-game warmups and was getting looked at by the medical staff.

White has appeared in all 14 games so far this season with the Bulls and is averaging 13.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. He is shooting 35.8% from the field, including 31.5% from 3-point range.

White recently became the first rookie in NBA history to hit at least six 3-pointers in consecutive games but followed that up with a seven-point effort on Saturday. White will need to work on gaining consistency this season off of the bench but he has proven to have his moments in a small sample size.

If White is unable to play, minutes could open up for Ryan Arcidiacono or Kris Dunn off of the bench.

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Rookie Wire Power Rankings: Ja Morant continues reign on top in Week 4

Rookie Wire took a look at the top rookies through the fourth week of the 2019-20 NBA season.

As the NBA heads into a new week, the rookie class appears to be settling into the 2019-20 season.

The players that have performed well to this point are continuing to make a splash and others are beginning to rise up the ranks onto the mainstream radar after some strong recent outings.

Rookie Wire will compile the rankings of the five best players each week based on how they performed on the court. The rankings are not for Rookie of the Year purposes but, rather, to illustrate the top-performing players week to week.

Here are the Rookie Wire Power Rankings for Week 4:

Week 1 Power Rankings | Week 2 Power Rankings | Week 3 Power Rankings

All stats are through games played on Nov. 19

5. R.J. Barrett, Knicks

Stats: 15.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.3 steals

Rank Last Week: 4

While questions still linger about his workload, Barrett continues to go out and perform for the Knicks. As discussed on a recent episode of The HoopsHype Podcast with Alex Kennedy, the Knicks would like to prioritize Barrett seeing heavy minutes in order to work through his mistakes on the court to grow as a player. Barrett has shown that he isn’t afraid of the moment playing in New York and is showing maturity at his age. His efficiency has improved some after shooting 42.9% from 3-point range over his last three games and, suddenly, the Knicks have won two of three and could be on the verge of turning the corner.

4. Brandon Clarke, Grizzlies

Stats: 12.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.2 blocks

Rank Last Week: 5

Clarke continues to impress for the Grizzlies. The 21st overall pick has scored in double figures in seven straight games and is shooting 61.9% from the floor this season. As mentioned last week, Clarke is staying within his game, isn’t forcing things and is taking the shots he is comfortable with: Floaters, mid-range, layups, etc. With Ja Morant handling the bulk of the ball-handling duties, Clarke doesn’t need to be ultra-aggressive, which allows him to play his game. He is shooting 44.4% (8-of-18) from 3-point range and has been highly effective on offense.

3. Eric Paschall, Warriors

Stats: 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists

Rank Last Week: 3

If you had second-round pick Eric Paschall as the first rookie this season to record multiple 30-point games, give yourself a pat on the back because Paschall recently accomplished that feat on Sunday. He recorded 30 points for the Warriors in a loss to the Pelicans and previously had a career-high 34 earlier in the month. Paschall is now second among rookies in total points scored this season, trailing only Ja Morant. While the Warriors have certainly struggled this season, and could be on the verge of missing the playoffs, Paschall has emerged as a bright spot in an otherwise down season.

2. Kendrick Nunn, Heat

Stats: 17.8 points, 3.2 assists, 2.5 rebounds, 1.6 steals

Rank Last Week: 2

Kendrick Nunn has been an absolute revelation this season for the Heat and is a huge reason why they are third in the Eastern Conference. Nunn was recently nominated for the NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week award, the second time he has been a finalist, after scoring at least 20 points in three straight games. He is second among all rookies in scoring average and first in field goals made and 3-pointers made. Nunn is on pace to shatter a number of Heat franchise rookie records and doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon.

1. Ja Morant, Grizzlies

Stats: 18.5 points, 6 assists, 3.2 rebounds

Rank Last Week: 1

Ja Morant continues his reign atop the Power Rankings for the third straight week. The Grizzlies guard is first in scoring among all rookies and is averaging 20.3 points over his last four games. He has proven to be a player the Grizzlies can trust in late-game situations as evident by his game-winner on Nov. 13 against the Charlotte Hornets. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr compared him to Allen Iverson given his size and toughness and it is easy to see the similarities between the two. While the Grizzlies may not be a playoff team this season, Morant has them as a must-watch team on League Pass.

Honorable Mention:

Coby White, Bulls: 13.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists

The Bulls rookie has that boom-or-bust potential that daily fantasy users know about all too well. White recently became the first rookie in NBA history to hit at least six 3-pointers in consecutive games but followed that up with a seven-point effort on Saturday. White will need to work on gaining consistency this season off of the bench but he has proven to have his moments in a small sample size.

Tyler Herro, Heat: 13.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists

An ankle injury limited Herro to just two games over the last week but Herro still put up 14 points per game in those outings. Herro has proven to be a solid scoring option off of the bench that can seemingly get hot at any moment. He ranks fifth in scoring among all rookies in the early going this season.

Rui Hachimura, Wizards: 13.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists

Hachimura had a bit of a quiet week after managing just 14 points in his last two games after scoring 21 on Nov. 13 against the Boston Celtics. He remains a work in progress on defense but has looked to be a better scorer and shooter than he was in college last season. Though he may not be among the best rookies yet, he has had a solid start to his career.

On the Rise:

Cameron Johnson, Suns: 9.1 points, 3.2 rebounds

Suns head coach Monty Williams recently shortened his rotation, paving the way for more playing time for Johnson. He is up to 11th in scoring among rookies and his 40.4% shooting from 3-point range is seventh among first-year players that have at least eight appearances this season.

Terence Davis, Raptors: 5 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists

While his overall numbers don’t jump off of the page, he is averaging 8.5 points per game and shooting 50% from 3-point range over his last six games as he sees more time on the court.

Shout Out:

Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Pelicans: 7.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists

Alexander-Walker recently had a two-game stretch in which he tallied 46 total points but followed that up with a three-point outing on Tuesday night. His playing time has been sporadic so it has likely been a bit tough to settle in but he has shown flashes recently.

Daniel Gafford, Bulls: 21 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks

With an injury to Luke Kornet, the second-round pick stepped up in his first extended look of the season, recording a team-high 21 points on Monday night. If he can continue seeing consistent playing time, Gafford could be a name to look out for this season.

Dropped Out:

P.J. Washington, Hornets

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Luka Doncic and Ja Morant may provide perspective for Warriors future

Playing against Luka Docic, Ja Morant and Trae Young will give the Golden State Warriors a glimpse of what having a modern lottery pick could look like.

Over the past five seasons, the Golden State Warriors have been a team focused on the now. But without star power filling the void of injured players and one of the worst records in the NBA, it’s time to look to the future.

The Dubs have a few interesting young pieces, but that’s where it ends— a few. Eric Paschall, Ky Bowman and Omari Spellman all have flashed promise at times. But none were blue-chip prospects built to lead the Warriors into the future.

Over recent NBA drafts, there’s been an influx of exciting youngsters bursting into the league. The players available at the top of the NBA draft haven’t garnered much attention in the Bay Area because most fans were focused on Golden State playing deep into the postseason.

With the Warriors currently scheduled to be at the top of the NBA draft lottery, teams with young talent might provide some perspective.

When teams like the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder and Portland Trail Blazers popped up on the schedule, Warriors fans were excited. Now, teams like the Dallas Mavericks, Atlanta Hawks and Memphis Grizzlies (whom the Warriors will play over the next month) could give fans a glimpse at what having a modern lottery pick will look like.

On the current road trip, the Warriors already played the New Orleans Pelicans, who spent the first overall pick in 2019 on Zion Williamson out of Duke. Due to injury, Williamson hasn’t made his debut yet, but that doesn’t mean the Dubs won’t get a shot at a top pick soon.

The Warriors head to Dallas to face phenom Luka Doncic. The Slovenian isn’t only one of the league’s most talented youngsters, he’s one of the league’s most exciting players overall. The reigning Rookie of the Year is averaging 30.6 points, 10.3 assists and 11.6 rebounds per game in November. What doesn’t show on the stat sheet is how Doncic controls the game for the Mavs. He’s a true court general with the swagger that looks like he’s going to cause problems in the Western Conference for years to come.

After Doncic, the Warriors will get a taste of the favorite for the 2019-20 Rookie of the Year award: Ja Morant, another impressive point guard who is leading Memphis into a new era of “grit and grind.” Similar to Doncic, Morant’s feel for the game is that of a veteran. He has the confidence and swagger of a veteran. If you doubt him, he’ll make you pay.

Over the next 10 games, the Warriors will get to see a bevy of recent lottery picks, also including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Tyler Herro, Coby White, Lauri Markkanen, Markelle Fultz, PJ Washington, Malik Monk and, for the grand finale, Trae Young. All players picked in the top 13 with the average age of 20.5, Markkanen is the old man of the group, at 22. Paschall, Bowman and Spellman are all 22 or older, with Jordan Poole the only Warrior under 21.

As exciting as it is to play against All-Stars like LeBron James, James Harden and Giannis Antetokounmpo, it’s important to gauge the type of talent the Warriors could be getting in the June draft. If Golden State’s season finishes on its current trajectory, the Warriors will have a chance to acquire a talent similar to Doncic, Morant or Young.

Coby White: Most 3-pointers made by a rookie in consecutive games

After draining seven 3-pointers for the Bulls on Tuesday, Coby White made more history on Thursday night.

Coby White all of a sudden can’t miss from 3-point range.

After erupting for seven 3-pointers on Tuesday en route to a career-high 27 points, the Chicago Bulls rookie drained another six 3-pointers on Thursday night against the Milwaukee Bucks, finishing with 26 points. His 7 made 3-pointers on Tuesday set a Bulls, and an NBA rookie record, for the most in a quarter.

White made more history on Thursday.

He set a new NBA record for most 3-pointers made by a rookie in consecutive games with 13 while he is also the first rookie in history to make at least six treys in consecutive games, according to Justin Kubatko of Stat Muse.

White is shooting 13-of-24 (54.1%) from 3-point range over his last two games.

The recent hot streak has put White second among all rookies in total 3-pointers made with 24 on the season, trailing only the 26 made by Kendrick Nunn. White has now converted on 24-of-76 (31.6%) from beyond the arc this season.

White started off his rookie campaign on a tear, totaling 42 points in his first two games. He then fit a bit of a rough patch after tallying 31 points over his next five games. Since then, however, White has scored in double figures in five straight games.

Though White caught fire once again on Thursday, his performance didn’t net the Bulls a win after losing 124-115 to the Bucks. After struggling during a recent stretch, though his recent breakthrough is likely much needed for him.

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NBA Rumors: Sam Presti a candidate in potential Knicks front office overhaul?

Could Sam Presti be a potential candidate for the Knicks if James Dolan decide to make changes in New York’s front office?

Rumors about trades and deals have been swirling around the Oklahoma City Thunder for months, ever since General Manager Sam Presti negotiated deals to send away OKC’s top two stars in Paul George and Russell Westbrook.

It seems no one has been immune to gossip. As it turns out, neither is Presti.

There’s a lot to unpack, but first, as difficult as a rebuild in Oklahoma City could be, at least the Thunder aren’t the New York Knicks.

The saga of James Dolan and David Fizdale continued this week, thanks in part to the Knicks’ 120-102 blowout loss to Chicago. Although they recovered nicely with a win over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night, Fizdale is still considered to be on the hot seat, especially following the team’s previous loss to the Bulls—one in which rookie Coby White outscored the entire Knicks team by himself in the fourth quarter of the contest.

Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News believes that if Dolan moves to fire Fizdale during the regular season, it could also jeopardize the status of those in the front office. Should a scenario unfold where team president Steve Mills or GM Scott Perry be out of a job, one of the names reportedly being tossed around is Presti.

“There is already speculation around the league about potential front office replacements, with two names surfacing most often: Toronto president Masai Ujiri and Oklahoma City GM Sam Presti. Presti (meanwhile) sprouted from the Spurs tree and has served as the Thunder’s GM since 2007. He drafted Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden but has been hamstrung by running a team in one the league’s smallest markets. After 12 years in OKC, it’s easy to envision him being tempted by New York.”

Right now, that’s certainly a lot of speculation. Fizdale, Mills, and Perry are all still employed and other names as potential candidates would likely come up should there be an opening in New York.

But it wouldn’t be completely unreasonable for the Knicks to make a run at Presti, should the opportunity present itself.