Tag: collin sexton

Utah Jazz trading for former Alabama PG Kira Lewis Jr.

Former Alabama PG Kira Lewis traded from New Orleans to Utah

Former Alabama point guard [autotag]Kira Lewis Jr.[/autotag] is on the move to Salt Lake City as part of a trade between the Utah Jazz and Toronto Raptors. The Jazz traded away C Kelly Olynyk and G Ochai Agbaji to the Raptors in exchange for Lewis, F Otto Porter and a 2024 first-round pick.

Alabama fans may as well go ahead and buy their Jazz jerseys now as Lewis will get to share a backcourt with Collin Sexton. The former 2020 first-round draft started the year with the New Orleans Pelicans but was traded to Toronto on Jan. 17. Lewis only appeared in one game with the Raptors.

Lewis has averaged just under ten minutes a game and 2.8 ppg, 1.1 apg and 0.9 rpg. The Jazz are currently the 10-seed in the Western conference and will have no aspirations of a title in 2024. So, hopefully, they use this time to develop their young assets.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Sam Murphy on Twitter @SamMurphy02.

Takeaways: In pivotal game, Alperen Sengun’s career night lifts Rockets over Jazz

In a game with potentially large standings implications, Alperen Sengun tied his career high with 37 points as Houston rallied past Utah in overtime.

HOUSTON — In a game with potentially significant standings implications, Rockets center Alperen Sengun led the way with a career-high-tying 37 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 assists in Saturday’s thrilling 127-126 overtime win (box score) over the Jazz. A rising All-Star candidate, Sengun made 15-of-26 shots (57.7%) for the game, often while facing strong defense from Utah’s Walker Kessler.

With Saturday’s result in, Houston (20-21) and Utah (22-22) are currently separated by a half-game in an extremely tight race for the final two play-in tournament spots in the Western Conference.

Sengun and rookie Amen Thompson each had a key late block for the Rockets, who played the final two minutes of regulation and overtime without Fred VanVleet, who fouled out. Houston’s veteran floor general finished with 18 points and 7 assists.

Jabari Smith Jr. had 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 steals while shooting 4-of-8 from 3-point range (50.0%). Smith’s free throw in the final minute of overtime was the decisive point, though it came at a cost, since he subsequently limped off with a sprained left ankle (which occurred on the foul leading to free throws).

Fellow rookie Cam Whitmore was impressive with 17 points and 5 rebounds in 27 reserve minute, shooting 4-of-6 from 3-point range (66.7%). That helped Houston survive another off night from starter Jalen Green, who had 7 points while missing all six of his 3-pointers.

The Jazz were led by veteran guards Jordan Clarkson (33 points) and Collin Sexton (28 points). But despite combining to score 61, each missed a close shot in the final 40 seconds of overtime that could have put Utah in front. The Jazz had won 12 of their previous 15 games going in, while the Rockets were coming off a 1-5 road trip.

Here’s our look at Saturday’s highlights and postgame interviews from Toyota Center, along with reaction by media members and fans. Houston continues its homestand with night two of a back-to-back on Sunday versus Boston (32-10), with tipoff at 6:00 p.m. Central.

Lakers reportedly have interest in trading for Tyus Jones, Collin Sexton

The Lakers want to land a speedy point guard, and they have other targets besides the Hawks’ Dejounte Murray.

The Los Angeles Lakers are 20-21 at the exact midway point of their schedule, and just about everyone believes they need some outside help to turn things around.

They have most of the core that took them to last season’s Western Conference finals, but they lack 3-point shooting and can also use some speed and burst at the point guard position.

Right now, their biggest trade targets seem to be the Atlanta Hawks’ Dejounte Murray, who would give them a speedy scoring guard who can also facilitate and defend. But the price for him could be steep.

On Wednesday, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported L.A. is also looking at possibly targeting the Washington Wizards’ Tyus Jones and Collin Sexton of the Utah Jazz.

Jones may not be the attractive trade piece Lakers fans are hoping for, but he is a very solid lead guard who is averaging 12.8 points and 5.6 assists a game this season. He’s also shooting a very robust 52% from the field and 42% from 3-point range.

Sexton, meanwhile, is more of a scoring threat, although he may not be a true facilitator. He’s putting up 16.9 points and 3.9 assists in just 23.5 minutes a game while shooting 48.9% overall and 37.1% from downtown this season.

Alabama in NBA: How former Tide players have performed up to this point in the season

The Alabama men’s basketball team is well-represented in the NBA. Roll Tide Wire takes a closer look at how some of the alumni are perfoming at the professional level.

Over the years, the Alabama men’s basketball program has placed players in the NBA. Despite Alabama being known predominantly for its football prowess, the Crimson Tide has stepped up in a big way in the last six years.

Since 2018, Alabama has had seven players drafted by NBA front offices. Not to mention, five of the seven that were chosen were first-round picks.

Basketball has become more meaningful in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It has turned into a hotbed for some of the top prospects in college basketball.

Roll Tide Wire breaks down how former Tide players have performed in the NBA up to this point in the season.

Utah Jazz making Collin Sexton available in trade discussions

Collin Sexton could be traded by the Utah Jazz

After just one year with the Utah Jazz, it appears that former Alabama basketball superstar [autotag]Collin Sexton[/autotag] could have a new home ahead of the 2023 season. Sexton was originally drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the No. 8 overall selection in the 2018 NBA draft, but after his fourth year in the league, he was part of a trade that sent Donovan Mitchell to Cleveland for Sexton, former Auburn stand-out Walker Kessler and other assets.

The 2023 NBA draft takes place Thursday evening and the Jazz currently hold the No. 9 overall selection. Utah is rumored to have an interest in drafting a guard as they have made Sexton available in trade talks, according to recent reports from Yahoo’s Jake Fischer, so there is a very solid chance that he gets moved during the draft.

Sexton is only one year into a four-year, $72 million contract and will have plenty of suitors on the market. The Wizards, Hornets, Clippers and Bucks are reported to have the most interest, but a 24-year-old PG on a team-friendly deal will have options. Sexton shot over 50% from the field and 39.3% from 3 point range in 2022-2023. Sexton had a career-low in both points and rebounds with the Jazz, so it appears as if the move would be best for him as well.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to monitor the trade rumors surrounding Sexton.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1]

[lawrence-auto-related count=1]

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Sam Murphy on Twitter @SamMurphy02.

Every Alabama basketball player to be selected in the NBA draft since 2000

Every Alabama basketball player to be selected in the NBA draft since 2000!

The Alabama men’s basketball program may not be the NBA pipeline like Duke or Kansas, but the Tide has produced its fair share of talent to the league over the years.

As we countdown to the hours until the start of the 2023 NBA draft, we continue to take a deep dive into what to expect from this year’s draft and also reflect on what Alabama has done in previous drafts.

Brandon Miller and Noah Clowney will both likely be selected in the first round on Thursday night adding to Alabama’s NBA draft pedigree.

While we await NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver to open up the 2023 NBA draft, let’s take a look back at every Alabama player to be selected in the NBA since 2000.

Alabama men’s basketball all-time roster: Crimson Tide Legends

The all-time greats of Alabama Crimson Tide basketball!

The annual NCAA men’s basketball tournament is rapidly approaching with Selection Sunday taking place on March 12. Alabama’s success this season has propelled the program into the national spotlight. The top-ranked seed is up for grabs and it may belong to the Crimson Tide.

Though Alabama is typically known for its accolades on the football field, the Crimson Tide has a rich history on the hardwood that spans decades and generations.

Numerous coaches and players have left their mark on the program for being especially outstanding.

Roll Tide Wire chose one head coach, two assistants and 10 players to make up the all-time roster. We tip it off with the head coach.

Walker Kessler, Jazz win Skills Challenge on All-Star Saturday night

Kessler and Team Jazz walked away as the champions of the Skills Challenge after defeating the Antetokounmpos and Rooks.

Walker Kessler and Team Jazz on Saturday walked away as the champions of the Skills Challenge after defeating the Antetokounmpos and Rooks in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Team Jazz, which also featured Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton, came out of the gate a bit flat after losing in the first round and relay portion of the competition. They regrouped and took the passing and shooting portions of the event to collect the 300 points needed to win.

The trio of players had the benefit of having their home crowd cheer them on throughout the competition. They easily received the loudest ovation of all of the players introduced and were ecstatic to give their fans the victory.

The rookie team, which consisted of Paolo Banchero, Jaden Ivey and Jabari Smith Jr., took the lead early after posting a one-minute, 14-second time in the relay round. The speed of Ivey paid off on the final relay, which was a full-court sprint and layup.

The Antetokounmpos were without Giannis in the event after the two-time MVP suffered a wrist injury on Thursday with Milwaukee. He was replaced by Bucks teammate Jrue Holiday, but the addition of the All-Star was not enough: The group failed to win in any of the rounds.

The Skills Challenge tipped off the festivities on Saturday night and continued a busy weekend as the league celebrated its stars with the annual showcase.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=650262099]

[mm-video type=video id=01gsgjxf6hmfj8aqyq63 playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gsgjxf6hmfj8aqyq63/01gsgjxf6hmfj8aqyq63-bf2fc0189827971b2d93850ba6a6d436.jpg]

Alabama in NBA: How former Alabama MBB players are performing this season

Roll Tide Wire takes a look at Bama hoops at the professional level. The Crimson Tide are well-represented across the league.

The Alabama men’s basketball program has had a history of sending players to the league. Several that come to mind are Robert Horry, Mo Williams, and Latrell Sprewell. Recently, others have followed suit and are trying to create careers for themselves as well.

The first thing that an average sports fan would label with the word “Alabama” is the football program. However, Alabama basketball head coach Nate Oats has helped elevate the basketball program to new heights in the past few years.

He has helped players like Herb Jones, JD Davison, and Kira Lewis Jr. all reach the NBA.

Roll Tide Wire takes a look at how former Alabama players have performed in the NBA this season.

NBA All-Star 2023: Participants for Skills Challenge, 3-Point, Dunk Contest

The NBA on Tuesday unveiled the participants for the Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest and Slam Dunk Contest at All-Star Weekend.

The NBA on Tuesday unveiled the participants for the Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest and Slam Dunk Contest on Feb. 18 during All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The weekend will get underway on Friday with the Celebrity game and the Rising Stars competition at 9 p.m. EST. The events conclude on Sunday with the G League Next Up Game at 3 p.m. EST and the 72nd All-Star Game at 8:30 p.m. EST.

The festivities on All-Star Saturday night will begin at 8 p.m. EST and will be televised on TNT starting with the Skills Challenge. The second event will be the 3-Point Contest with the Slam Dunk Contest wrapping up the evening at Vivint Arena.