Category: Basketball

This week on the Vizion Podcast, Kai Jones talked about ending his Hornets stint, expressing love for Charlotte but also the belief that a fresh start might be best.

Jones attributes his release to concerns from the Hornets about his social media activity and sleep patterns. The 22-year-old, dealing with personal challenges like the death of his great-grandmother, resisted when the team suggested speaking to a therapist.

“At this time, I’m stubborn, I’m like, ‘Bro, I do not want to see a therapist. I just want to meditate and clear my head and use my intuition to figure out my own issues,’” Jones said. “They’re like, ‘No, you should go to a therapist.’”

Despite eventually meeting with a therapist, Jones felt the sessions weren’t beneficial. When the Hornets asked him to skip training camp, he realized his time with the team was ending and requested a trade.

“(Hornets general manager) Mitch (Kupchak) tells me I’m not allowed to do training camp,” Jones said. “When he tells me that, that was when I was like, ‘Yo, I’m off of this team.’ How can I play here? They’re not letting me do training camp. They’re not allowing me to try out for my position, right? So I’m upset, I’m like, ‘Yo, I just wanna leave now. I’m gonna leave.’”

Jones requested a trade, but Hornets’ Kupchak claimed he wouldn’t have much trade value. Disagreeing, Jones was waived instead. Now a free agent, he’s spoken to multiple teams post his Charlotte exit.

“Right now I’m just meeting with teams, they’re trying to get to know me better, kind of analyzing my character,” Jones said. “I think the biggest thing for me is if I want to take it somewhere else in life and be more successful than I ever have been, I’ve gotta work harder than I ever have, be more detailed than I ever have, be more consistent than I ever have, and be stronger in my will, in my head space, and (physically) than I ever have.”

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Kai Jones Discusses Hornets Exit, Says He’s Meeting With Teams https://t.co/K32rQlhJBi pic.twitter.com/R5GDjM2EF7

— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) November 24, 2023

Once again, Shane Larkin showcased his exceptional performance in a spectacular season, leaving Partizan Mozzart Bet to experience the impact firsthand.

With an impressive 27 points, eight assists, and a Player Impact Rating (PIR) of 38, Larkin guided Anadolu Efes to a 100-94 triumph over Partizan in Istanbul.

This victory elevated the Turkish team’s record to 5-5, while Partizan from Belgrade slipped to 4-6.

Larkin’s clutch performance included scoring 12 crucial points in the final 10 minutes, with his two three-pointers in the last two and a half minutes playing a decisive role in securing the win.

With Larkin’s pivotal contribution, Anadolu Efes widened the gap to 96-89 with 47 seconds remaining, sealing the fate of Partizan.

Contributing to the success, Darius Thompson followed with 18 points, and Will Clyburn and Ante Zizic each added 12 points.

Tyrique Jones also reached double digits with 11 points, while Derek Willis chipped in 10 points for the winning side.

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Larkin leads Anadolu Efes past Partizan in thrilling encounter #EuroLeague https://t.co/2dJSMLNImf

— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) November 24, 2023

Portland Trail Blazers assistant coach Scott Brooks is super impressed with rookie forward Toumani Camara.

(via Portland Trail Blazers Docuseries: The Trail):

“The first thing that stands out about Tou is, man, who is this guy? He competes every second of the game. He’s a good defender with great instincts. He’s an offensive rebounder. Shot’s not broke, it’s going to continue to improve. He has the makings of a really good small forward in this league.”

Quick NBA lineup notes on top 3-point shooters.

• New Orleans Pelicans two-way sharpshooter Matt Ryan couldn’t miss from three (47.1% 3-PT) before going down with a mild right calf strain.
• 3&D forwards Isaiah Joe (Oklahoma City Thunder) and Sam Hauser (Boston Celtics) have developed into true pros, as Joe is shooting 51.8% from deep and Hauser has made 44.6% of his 3-pointers.
• Hopefully Milwaukee Bucks role players Jae Crowder (51.6% 3-PT), Cameron Payne (51.2% 3-PT), and Malik Beasley (47.6% 3-PT) can keep up their efficient 3-point numbers throughout the whole year.
• I wonder if San Antonio Spurs veteran/2024 free agent Doug McDermott will get traded to a team that could use his 50.0% 3-point percentage during the playoffs.
• Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith has shot a career-best 44.8% from three.
• It’s good to see Detroit Pistons big man Isaiah Stewart finding his 3-point shot in his fourth NBA season (41.4% 3-PT).

Paul George believes that the Los Angeles Clippers are starting to find a rhythm on both ends (3-game winning streak).

(via HoopJab):

“I think we’re in a good place. We kind of know at this point what the rotation is. I think we’re getting a rhythm, there’s consistency there, and I think we’re in good shape. We’re playing well. We like how we’ve looked offensively and defensively, and it’s time to test it.”

Toronto Raptors star Pascal Siakam recently applauded the energy/focus of 4th year point guard Malachi Flynn (averaging 6.3 PPG/2.0 RPG/2.4 APG/47.3% FG/40.0% 3-PT).

(via Toronto Raptors):

“I love his energy. I always see Malachi getting his work in every single day. I can see his focus is different, he comes into the game with a different approach, and he’s just locked in. I think most of the time when you know you’re going to play it gives you a little bit more, so you’re not looking over your shoulder. He’s confident out there, picking up full court, guarding, making the right plays, I think that’s most important for him. So, I just want him to continue to do that.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8L6lj4Hph8

Notes on three undefeated college teams.

• Head coach Jim Larranaga’s U Miami squad has let every team in the country know that they could possibly win it all (Elite Eight in 2022/made Final Four last season). The Hurricanes have started off the year 5-0 with returners Wooga Poplar, Nijel Pack, Norchad Omier, Bensley Joseph, and Florida State transfer Matthew Cleveland leading the way.
• Another winning coach/program you can’t count out is head coach Scott Drew & Baylor (2021 national champs). The Bears are currently 5-0 led by freshman star/potential NBA lottery pick Ja’Kobe Walter, VCU transfer Jayden Nunn, Toledo transfer RayJ Dennis, returning sophomore Langston Love, freshman Yves Missi, returning senior Jalen Bridges, and returning sophomore Josh Ojianwuna.
• You could argue that Arizona looks like America’s best team right now (6-0 record), but head coach Tommy Lloyd must prove that they’re worthy of these high seeds during March (made 2022 Sweet 16/lost in the 2023 Round of 64). The Wildcats’ deep roster gives Lloyd a great chance to help turn things around in the tournament, as Kylan Boswell (returning sophomore), Keshad Johnson (San Diego State transfer), Caleb Love (UNC transfer), Oumar Ballo (returning senior), Pelle Larsson (returning senior), Motiejus Krivas (freshman), KJ Lewis (freshman), and Jaden Bradley (Alabama transfer) are all playing at a high level.

In a significant offseason move, Christian Wood transitioned to the Los Angeles Lakers, leaving behind a year with the Dallas Mavericks.

During his tenure with the Mavericks last season, Wood averaged of 16.6 points and 7.3 rebounds in 5.9 minutes per game. However, his role with the Lakers has seen a shift, reflected in his current stats of 6.8 points and 6.1 rebounds in 20.6 minutes per game.

The 28-year-old forward is adjusting to a different playing style, taking just over five shots per game, and his usage rate has experienced a noticeable drop (from 25.9% to 15.9%), as highlighted in a recent article by John Shuhmann of NBA.com.

Wood commented on his evolving role after the loss against his former team, the Mavericks. “I’m not playing a role I played the last four or five years, which was being a high-usage guy, taking a lot of shots,” he said, per Dan Woike of Los Angeles Times.

Addressing his versatility, Wood emphasized his willingness to adapt to a role player position, assisting with rebounds and contributing wherever the team needs.

“Playing this role player role, where I’m trying … if the team needs help with rebounds, I have to try and help rebound,” he said.

“And whatever they need to do, I’m there to do. Some nights, they’re going to run plays for me, some nights they’re not. I just got to be prepared for that.”

Serge Ibaka, now with FC Bayern Munich, is adapting to European basketball after 14 NBA seasons. Following a season-best 20-point game, he’s averaging 11.1 points and 6.1 rebounds, shooting an impressive 56.7% for the German squad.

Grateful for the opportunity, Ibaka reflects on a tumultuous end to the previous NBA season, appearing briefly with Milwaukee before being traded and subsequently waived by Indiana.

“My focus is playing in Bayern. I want to keep improving here,” Ibaka said. “Playing basketball is one of the most beautiful things one can do. I didn’t play for 10 months and now I’m playing basketball, something I like to do. I’m grateful for this moment.”

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Serge Ibaka is focused more on contributing to his new EuroLeague team, FC Bayern Munich, than returning to the NBA. Full story:https://t.co/McFi7JELuW

— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) November 23, 2023

Mario Hezonja had a standout performance, scoring a season-high 26 points, while Facu Campazzo showcased his playmaking skills with 13 assists and seven points.

This dynamic duo played a key role in Real Madrid’s convincing 99-75 victory over ALBA Berlin, maintaining Real Madrid’s undefeated status in the 2023-24 EuroLeague regular season after 10 rounds.

Meanwhile, ALBA, sitting at the bottom, now holds a 1-9 record. Edy Tavares (11 points, six rebounds) and Dzanan Musa (11 points) also contributed double-digit scores for Real Madrid.

Sergio Rodriguez added to the mix with 10 assists and eight points, propelling the Blancos to a strong start with a 27-17 lead after the first quarter, setting the tone for their commanding win.

“There are no bottom teams in EuroLeague. All teams in the EuroLeague are serious. They play extremely well,” Hezonja said. His team finished with 33 assists and shot 16-29 from downtown.

“Today, it was a bit like a pickup basketball. We had to go out, focus on our basics, and do the little details that matter a lot.”

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Hezonja, Campazzo put on a show in Real Madrid’s rout over ALBA Berlin #EuroLeague https://t.co/UpSEIirA9f

— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) November 23, 2023