The Socceroos struggled to create much in the way of chances, outside of a lucky fifth-minute goal from Keanu Baccus that he joked was deliberate – but really was intended as a cross.
Defender Kye Rowles made it 2-0 in the second half off a corner, but the Socceroos’ worrying inability to carve out opportunities from open play was on full display once again despite a win that moves Australia closer to the 2026 World Cup.
Even a change to a 4-4-2 formation didn’t spark much life into a Socceroos attack that has long struggled to break down opposing defences.
There was, certainly, flashes of brilliance and reasons for optimism. Ajdin Hrustic showed flashes of his instinctive, creative best – something the Socceroos have missed with the playmaker having been stuck in club purgatory for just about all of 2023, where he managed all of 45 minutes for the national team.
“He gives you that little bit of X factor,” coach Graham Arnold said. “Some of the flicks around the corner, the little chips over the top – those type of things are what we’re wanting, and what we need in the final third against some of these opponents.”
And there was the caveat that many of the players had just one training session together after assembling in Sydney, while Arnold also pointed to a Commbank Stadium turf that “wasn’t an easy pitch to play on”.
Here are the biggest talking points from the two-goal win in Sydney.
Keanu Baccus’ early goal failed to spark the Socceroos into life in a nervy win.Source: Getty Images
NO CLEAR ANSWER TO BIG NO.9 ISSUE
When Graham Arnold named his 25-player squad for this pair of fixtures, one thing stood out: the inclusion of a full SIX strikers.
Since the retirement of Tim Cahill, no number nine has well and truly made the shirt their own. There has been no shortage of good players given a shot in that position, but with focus turning to the World Cup in 2026, it remains one of the biggest headaches for coach Graham Arnold.
The biggest problem is that many of his striker options are in their 30s – and may not still be fit and firing by the time 2026 comes along.
In the current squad, there is 36-year-old Bruno Fornaroli, 33-year-old Mitchell Duke, and 30-year-old Adam Taggart, while Brandon Borrello is 28.
By the next World Cup, Arnold will be lucky to have all of them available for selection – or perhaps even a couple of them.
Kusini Yengi (25) started against Lebanon alongside Taggart – the two most in-form attackers at club level – while John Iredale (24) debuted off the bench alongside Duke.
The four each had promising moments but none made a real statement that they should be the starting No.9 moving forward.
No centre forward has scored for the Socceroos since before the Asian Cup in January – now a six-game drought.
All six of the players offer unique skill-sets, as Arnold said when announcing his squad.
“All of them bring something different,” Arnold said.
That was on full display tonight.
Taggart frequently ran in behind the defence, Yengi is strong and loves to dribble at opponents, Duke is an excellent hold-up player and tireless in pressing, and Iredale is fast and physical.
“Six centre forwards in the squad is an exciting prospect for us,” Jackson Irvine said this week, “and it will be interesting to see how that unfolds over the next couple of games.”
Tonight none of them put their name up in lights.
Arnold will have his fingers and toes crossed that one of the six grabs the reins on Tuesday and makes the number nine their own.
Kye Rowles was beaming after scoring a maiden international goal.Source: Getty Images
DEFENCE DOES THE JOB AGAIN
Thursday’s victory made it eight clean sheets from the Socceroos’ last ten matches – an impressive record in defence.
Sure, all-but-one of those matches have come against lower-ranked opponents, but you can’t deny that the Socceroos success is being built on a foundation of a strong defence – even if that clean sheet was somewhat fortunate, given Lebanon finished the better side and struck the post late on.
Harry Souttar continues to defy his lack of club minutes at Leicester City in England’s second tier, while Cameron Burgess has converted his strong form for Leicester’s high-flying Championship rivals Ipswich Town into solid performances for the Socceroos. The third centre-back, Kye Rowles, has become one of the most dependable performers for the team, even despite being pushed out to left back to replace the injured Aziz Behich.
The depth at centre-back is extremely pleasing – as is their knack of scoring goals.
“That’s what we need, we need everyone to score!” Arnold told Channel 10 with a wry smile.
Souttar already has 11 to his name for the Socceroos, while man of the match Rowles scored his first against Lebanon.
Rowles and Souttar are both 25, while Burgess is 28. The trio could have locked down the centre-back spots for the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile Maty Ryan, the captain and first-choice number one, was typically solid between the sticks and made two fine saves.
While depth on at both fullback spots remains something of a concern, the defence – and particularly that core group of four players – is in rude health.
The defence was excellent once again.Source: Getty Images
INJURIES WILL FORCE MORE SHUFFLING … AND MORE CHANCES
Arnold’s selections for the Asian Cup and this pair of World Cup qualifying fixtures made it clear that he’s looking towards the future.
Asked pre-game if it felt like a ‘new phase’ for the team, Arnold told Channel 10: “Yeah look, the things I said before the Asian Cup about regenerating the squad came – hopefully – through thick and clear.
“With some of the older boys out injured in this game – Craig Goodwin, Mat Leckie’s still injured, Martin Boyle, Aziz Behich – the young ones that we gave a chance at the Asian Cup, this is a great opportunity for them.”
Keanu Baccus (25) and Connor Metcalfe (24) were both impressive after being named in the starting XI on Thursday night, while the returning Ajdin Hrustic also reminded Arnold what he can offer the team.
But a pair of first-half injuries – to Riley McGree and 21-year-old Jordy Bos – means that Graham Arnold will be forced into more changes for the Lebanon rematch in Canberra on Tuesday.
Arnold immediately ruled both out of that match, while Baccus earned a yellow card that will see him suspended on Tuesday night.
The Socceroos will have Craig Goodwin available, with the winger recovering from an illness and ready to play the second match.
“(Goodwin) is so good he’s already down in Canberra waiting for us,” Arnold said. “He’ll be available on Tuesday.”
21-year-old Patrick Yazbek and diminutive 24-year-old Josh Nisbet will be hoping to debut in the midfield in that game, while 23-year-old winger Samuel Silvera has been in strong form for Middlesbrough in England’s second tier and will also hope to get on the pitch.
While the raft of injuries to veteran players has left the squad short on experience, it’s a huge opportunity for the next generation to make their mark.
And should the Socceroos win on Tuesday, Australia will be guaranteed a place in the next stage of World Cup qualifying with two matches to spare.
In that case, matches against Lebanon and Palestine in June will become dead rubbers – and Arnold might be tempted to roll the dice on blooding a whole raft of young guns.
The clock is ticking as we move closer to Friday’s 7am NBA trade deadline (all times AEDT) in teams’ final opportunity to adjust their rosters for this season.
Some of the big dominoes have already fallen in recent weeks, with OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam and Terry Rozier finding new homes.
The rumour mill will only continue heat up as we approach the deadline as teams weigh up which direction they take, while several more stars could be on the move.
Below is a state of play on all the key NBA trade deadline storylines to follow in the coming days.
Catch up on the trade state of play heading towards the NBA trade deadline.Source: FOX SPORTS
How does Embiid’s knee setback impact Philadelphia’s plans?
It has to, in some way.
The Sixers were already in one of the most unique positions of any team. They’re in genuine title contention, yet are currently slated to have over $50 million cap space this off-season after bringing back a host of expiring contracts in the James Harden trade.
It means if Philly stayed patient and went into the off-season as constructed, it could sign a max-level superstar free agent, while it also has a suite of draft picks at its disposal to use in trades.
At the same time, Nick Nurse’s side has sat in the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference for the majority of this season amid a dominant campaign from Embiid, the clear MVP frontrunner prior to getting struck down with a knee injury that requires surgery in a cruel twist.
There’s uncertainty surrounding Embiid’s return and the extent of his MCL setback — an injury the superstar centre has a history with.
It’s a delicate balancing act for the organisation between ensuring this isn’t a wasted season (though it might inevitably be if Embiid is out long, long term), prioritising his health and holding onto or using their assets.
It comes with the backdrop of Tyrese Maxey due for a bumper pay raise this off-season, though the breakout guard could sign an extensive after the Sixers sign prospective free agents.
But when will Embiid return? And even if they make a move, would it be enough to contend with Boston and Milwaukee in the East? Plus, which players are out there that would make sense for the Sixers?
“I think they continue to stay the course. They have salary cap this summer,” former NBA player Austin Rivers told ESPN’s NBA Today.
“Even though they’ve had a great year, I think a lot of that is due to the brilliance of Joel. I don’t seriously see them beating Boston or Milwaukee, despite their troubles, even with Joel.
“I like Philly and I like their team, but they have the MVP, you don’t need to flip the page … they have assets they can move and salary (this off-season) — this is a team I think next year will be even more in contention.
“I don’t like putting a timeline on Joel’s return.”
LeBron stars as Lakers down Knicks | 01:18
Lakers’ juggling act
Like always, the Lakers are one of most the most fascinating teams to watch.
It’s been a rollercoaster season for LeBron James and company — they have a 27-25 record to sit just inside the play-in qualification.
The good has been great — they won the in-season tournament, have taken some huge scalps — including beating the likes of Boston, New York and Oklahoma City over the past month, plus have had James and Anthony Davis healthy for virtually the entire season.
But they’ve been marred by inconsistency and looked a level below the top sides in the West, hence calls they need to add another piece into their mix.
The Lakers currently have one tradeable first-rounder in 2029 or 2030, but if they wait until the off-season, they have more draft capital to play with and thus could target a bigger name.
Currently on their radar are Dejounte Murray and Bruce Brown, having been the most active team in talks with Atlanta for Murray with a package centred around D’Angelo Russell.
Russell is the Lakers’ main trade chip in terms of players who could be moved out, while they’ve so far rebuffed talks with rivals involving Austin Reaves.
Meanwhile James, who can opt out of his contract at the end of the season and become a free agent, has appeared to be sending subliminal messages to the organisation asking for it to make a move in a bid for the team to make a serious playoff push.
It’s almost like James is keen to go in one direction, and the organisation is unsure what it wants to do to create a type of discord.
“There’s two negotiations going on for the Lakers right now,” ESPN journalist Brian Windhorst explained on NBA Today.
“There’s the negotiations they have with the teams they’re in talks with on trades and there’s the negotiations LeBron is sending with his passive aggressive stuff and bag of manoeuvres that are all very deniable. He’s a master at it, but he’s made it extremely clear he wants the Lakers to be aggressive.
“They have been willing to trade the 2029 first-round pick. But what they have not been willing to do is give everything they’ve got — (including) multiple pick swaps, Austin Reaves (or) looking to go and use second-round picks in another deal to get expiring money because teams talking to them about D’Angelo Russell aren’t crazy about his player option (for next season).
“I think they want to try and improve their roster, but they’ve also watched this team, to use LeBron’s words, be Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, and win at the highest level in some of the hardest places … this isn’t necessarily a team if they add one little piece, it’s going to solve everything.
“They are going to try and improve and it wouldn’t surprise me if they did something, but I don’t think they have the interest in pouring everything out they’ve got onto the table to make a deal.”
Giddey explodes for season high in 2OT! | 01:09
Dejounte Murray sweepstakes
The Lakers aren’t the only team pursuing Murray, with a host of sides exploring a move for the Hawks guard.
Arguably the biggest name on the trade block, the likes of the Knicks, Spurs, Nets, Buck, Jazz and Pistons have also been linked to Murray.
But it’s not a sure thing the 22-28 Hawks trade him. In fact, according to NBA insider Marc Stein, Atlanta head coach Quin Snyder is pushing the organisation’s front office to keep Murray.
Murray’s play in recent times has probably increased his trade value too, or made it less likely he’s moved. The 27-year old, on a modest $17 million deal, recently went on the best scoring run of his career including hitting game winners against Orlando and Miami.
Even despite Atlanta’s patchy form overall, fans must be asking: ‘Why are we looking to trade this guy?’
There also hasn’t been recent updates of movement in talks with any teams, though the Lakers have been the one most firmly linked.
You also have to wonder if the Hawks themselves are weighing up whether they’ve put the right point guard on the market, with it possible they keep Murray and become open to Trae Young trades this off-season.
Or Atlanta could pull a different trade lever entirely in the coming days …
Warriors ‘in no man’s land’
Like the Lakers, Golden State is similarly at a crossroads, though their situation is more dire.
Despite having the biggest payroll in the NBA, Golden State has fallen away badly this season, sitting three games below .500 and outside the play-in.
It comes with Steph Curry still in his prime but the rest of the team’s ageing core has declined including Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson struggling to recapture their previous best heights, plus the seemingly never ending Draymond Green drama.
So should Golden State accept it’s the end of an era and continue to give extended opportunities to the likes of Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski and sell their veterans for long-term assets? Or could they try making another move to try and extend their golden run?
That’s exactly what they’d be pondering.
Golden State power past Grizzlies | 00:42
Wiggins, in the first year of a four-year, $109 million contract, is the one considered most likely to be in a new jersey by Friday’s deadline if indeed the Warriors opt to make a move.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania on FanDuel, the Mavericks and Pacers are two teams to watch as potential suitors for Wiggins.
ESPN journalist Brian Windhorst added on NBA Today: “They’ve had some discussions involving Andrew Wiggins. The issue is he’s underachieving right now and having his worst season since he came to Golden State … it’s not the best time to trade him.
“That said, there are some potential deals out there where they could get multiple players back, especially on the wings, that could potentially help them. I think they will examine that between now and (Friday).”
If not Wiggins, Chris Paul is another name that’s been floated in trade rumours, with the veteran guard’s non guaranteed $30 million contract for next season one that could be desirable around the league.
The Warriors last off-season acquired Paul in exchange for Jordan Poole in a move that off-loaded Poole’s mega $123 million contract
“I do think Chris Paul is an interesting figure. “More than anything, he’s a $30 million expiring contract,” Windhorst said.
“Especially if the Warriors do another deal with Wiggins where they offload future money, it could potentially make them more willing to trade Chris Paul in a deal where they take on future money, and again, potentially getting multiple players.
“They’re not touching their core — Draymond and Klay (won’t get traded).
“Part of the reason Chris Paul is there is because he’s money is coming off the books and they were clearing off the Jordan Poole money so they could afford to keep this team together.
“If they do a Chris Paul trade and take back more salary and they still have to potentially pay Klay Thompson (in an extension), I don’t know if it works. It’s a financial decision as much as it is anything else.”
Former NBA player Austin Rivers meanwhile called for the Warriors to get Curry help, but added they’re “in no man’s land.”
“In terms of the Warriors’ downfall, this started when they got rid of Jordan Poole … they got rid of their youngest asset. Now you’ve got Kuminga, who’s outplaying Wiggins and it’s not even close,” Rivers said.
“Wiggins isn’t playing to the level and they can’t trade him, Klay doesn’t have trade value, I don’t even know what Draymond’s trade value is. So they’re stuck in this middle land where they don’t know if they can rebuild, they’re also trying to hang onto this dynasty.
“(Warriors general manger Mike Dunleavy) is a first-year executive at that position and he doesn’t want to be the guy to trade away the Hall of Famers that have built this dynasty. Where does this team go? I don’t know.”
Will the Bulls be sellers?
It’s one of the big questions on everyone’s mind at the deadline amid another lacklustre season for Chicago, a season where Zach LaVine, who himself was considered one of the key candidates to get traded, won’t feature again due to ongoing injury issues.
It’s now highly unlikely LaVine is dealt, though some of his teammates yet could be.
They include DeMar DeRozan, who’s on an expiring deal and set to become a free agent this off-season, Alex Caruso and Andre Drummond.
It comes during a transitional period for Chicago, sitting just inside the play-in mix, where the likes of Coby White and Pat Williams have shown they’re ready to take on bigger roles and potentially make the organisation more open to being aggressive by the deadline.
But according to ESPN Insider Brian Windhorst, the Bulls are likely to stand still or move Drummond – not their bigger names.
“All indications point they’re holding firm — there are no indications of Caruso being available or that they’re going to do something with DeRozan,” Windhorst told NBA Today.
“I think they’re riding it out and they’re going to try and make the play-in. The one player I could see them moving would be Andre Drummond … there’s a bunch of teams interested. If Philly is looking for a stopgap for Embiid, he was there a couple of years ago.
“I think they’re in a rebuild and they don’t know they’re in a rebuild. I have to say, they’ve had horrible luck (with injuries) … the Bulls are an organisation that historically have been OK with being in the middle, making the playoffs and trying to put something together.”
Maxey leads 76ers with 51-point haul | 01:16
How about the Wizards?
Another team on tear it down watch is Washington.
After off-loading Kristaps Porzingis and Bradley Beal least off-season, the 9-40 Wizards, who are very much embracing a rebuild and in tonk mode, could continue to unload their veteran players for long-term assets.
Kyle Kuzma would yield the biggest return, with Dallas and Sacramento reportedly eyeing a move for the gun forward.
Tyus Jones, who’s set to become a free agent this off-season, is widely sought after too. According to NBA Insider Michael Scotto, the Lakers, Sixers, Nets, Magic Timberwolves and Spurs all have interest in the guard.
Frankly, outside of Bilal Coulibaly, it wouldn’t be a shock if any Wizard was moved by Friday.
And the Pistons?
In what’s been a disaster season, the 6-43 Pistons could also look to tinker with their roster.
Outside of Cade Cunningham, who isn’t said to be available, Bojan Bogdanovic is the Piston with the most appeal around the league and would make sense for a ton of playoff teams.
As such, he could get Detroit a nice haul of picks/long-term assets.
The Pistons at last year’s deadline held firm and retained Bogdanovic despite plenty of interest around the league, but could the team’s struggles this season have shifted their position.
Other Pistons including Alec Burks, Killian Hayes and Monte Morris have also been linked to trade reports.
Potential buyers
Having already landed Anunoby, the Knicks are a team that are constantly being linked to the biggest names on the market including Dejounte Murray, DeMar DeRozan, Bruce Brown and Jordan Clarkson amid the team’s surge up the Eastern Conference standings.
With claim of its first-round picks plus extras from other teams, New York could instead wait it out though in hopes that a big-name superstar becomes available later in the year.
Similarly, the Thunder have an inordinate amount of draft picks to use on prospective targets, potentially another big, though the team has very much preached patience and playing the long-term game.
Even despite shooting up the standings this season, you sense OKC isn’t ready to make its big splash nor genuinely explore Josh Giddey trades despite some noise.
The Mavericks, KingsandPelicans are in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race and have some appealing assets and roster flexibility in general to make moves, though they could also reassess their directions in the off-season.
In the East, Miami mightn’t be done yet too despite acquiring Terry Rozier, nor the Pacers after their blockbuster Siakam move.
There’s a bunch of teams looking for upgrades, just not that many big-name stars available.
What are the Jazz doing?
Maybe the team hardest to get a read on.
Utah is uniquely placed in that you could see it going in either direction in terms of buying or selling.
They have a host of veterans like Jordan Clarkson, Colin Sexton and Kelly Olynyk drawing interest from other teams and could net them a nice return.
But at the same time, the Jazz could bundle its assortment of picks acquired in the Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell trades to try and land a big fish like Dejounte Murray.
Watch this space.
Other things to watch …
After moving Rozier to Miami, the Hornets, under new management, appear committed to a proper rebuild and selling more of their parts for picks and other assets.
Both PJ Washington and Miles Bridges, who’s been heavily linked to the Suns, are seen as the other Hornets most likely to be on the move.
Portland is likewise dedicated to its new direction of youth movement, naturally making Jerami Grant and Malcolm Brogdon trade targets for other teams.
It seems the Blazers are keen to hang onto Grant for now, but you could see them parting ways with Brogdon for the right price.
Then there’s the Bruce Brown situation, who was picked up by Toronto in the Siakam trade with the intention of being dealt again by the deadline to a playoff team.
The Knicks and Lakers are considered the main suitors for the 2023 championship-winning Nugget, but a range of teams are believed to be interested in Brown in one of the hottest names available.
Having parted ways with coach Adrian Griffin, it’s clear that the Bucks will be aggressive in doing whatever it takes in the pursuit of success.
Milwaukee is reportedly searching for defensive upgrades amid its struggles on that end of the court, and it wouldn’t be surprised if it tried something bold, with a move of some kind likely.
Brooklyn is another team to keep an eye on given its spread of assets in what’s been an indifferent season disrupted by injury.
Speaking of injury, it’s been a full-blown write off campaign for the Grizzlies after widespread setbacks to their key stars. So just like how it traded Steven Adams to Houston last week for a host of second-round picks, Memphis could look to trade other veterans for off-season assets with an eye towards 2024/25.
There’s a lot in play between now and Friday morning.
The Miami Heat have taken a swing in a bid to get back to the NBA Finals, trading Kyle Lowry and a 2027 protected first-round pick for Charlotte Hornets star Terry Rozier.
That is according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, who broke the news of the trade in the early hours of Wednesday morning [AEDT].
Rozier is currently having one of his best seasons in the NBA, averaging 23.2 points and 6.6 assists — both of which are career-highs for the 29-year-old, who played four years with the Celtics before being dealt to the Hornets ahead of the 2019-20 season.
Rozier was traded to Charlotte as part of the sign-and-trade that saw Kemba Walker sent to Boston.
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BEST OF EMBIIDS 70-POINT EPIC VS WEMBY | 02:15
Rozier won’t have the same burden on the offensive end at Miami, instead operating as more of a complementary creator and scoring option to ease the pressure on the likes of Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.
Add in sharpshooter Duncan Robinson, who is shooting 41.1 per cent from deep and averaging a career-high 13.7 points, alongside impressive rookie Jaime Jacquez Jr. and Miami, despite sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference, could yet again push for another deep playoffs run.
Rozier will also offer much-needed experience for the playoff stretch, something Lowry would have offered but the veteran guard is on the decline and on an expiring $29.6 million contract, making him a valuable asset to move before the deadline.
Lowry, a six-time All-Star and NBA champion, is unlikely to stay put either given he doesn’t offer the rebuilding Hornets much value right now or into the future.
Sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that the Hornets will look to move Lowry before the deadline but otherwise he could become a buyout contract candidate.
Wojnarowski also reported the Hornets are weighing up deals on other veteran players on the team ahead of the deadline as they look to continue to build around LaMelo Ball and rookie Brandon Miller.
Giddey hits WILD behind-the-back pass! | 00:18
“I want to thank Terry for all his efforts since coming to Charlotte,” Mitch Kupchak, general manager and president of basketball operations, said in a statement confirming the trade.
“On the court, he was a true professional and a great competitor who set a positive example for our young players. He also made himself a staple of the Charlotte community with his commitment to giving back. We wish him all the best in the future.
“The acquisition of a future first-round pick provides us an asset as we look to build long-term sustainable success around our young core of talented players. We believe adding this future pick and the additional financial flexibility from this trade will be beneficial as we continue to build our team moving forward.”
Ron Holland loves winning. Although, it’s not so much the sweet taste of victory that he’s chasing as it is having nothing to do with the dreaded feeling of losing.
“It really just comes from me just growing up around competitive people,” Holland told foxsports.com.au.
“My uncle’s competitive, my whole family was competitive. I just never really enjoyed losing. I hate losing more than I love winning.”
Ron Holland is a winner. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Fortunately for Holland, winning is something he has done a lot of on the way to being the projected top pick in next year’s NBA draft.
This upcoming draft isn’t like the last, where it quickly became clear that there was no other prospect like French phenom, and standout first overall pick, Victor Wembanyama.
But Holland, a 6-foot-8 forward and consensus five-star high school prospect, has already made quite the statement in his debut for G League Ignite.
Holland had initially committed to play college basketball for the Texas Longhorns before decommitting in April, instead later deciding the Ignite program would be better for his overall development — on and off the court.
“What stood out to me is how well they focus on player development,” Holland said.
“That’s something that I really was looking into when I was choosing the program, I know I needed to adjust and making that switch to have a mature high school mindset.
“It’s different from a pro mindset. Just knowing that I’ve got to change how I eat, sleep, how I really monitor my body, every single thing that people don’t think matters matters and I know G League can help me with every single aspect.”
Big Ben deep in his bag once again! | 00:39
Holland certainly helped bolster his draft stocks with a standout showing for Ignite at the recent G League Fall Invitational against the Perth Wildcats, averaging 28.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 4.0 steals over his first two games.
Speaking on ESPN’s ‘NBA Today’ in the wake of Holland’s performances in Las Vegas, Jonathan Givony described the 18-year-old as the most NBA-ready of all draft prospects.
“If you’re looking for a guy to play an NBA game tonight it has to be Ron Holland,” the ESPN draft expert said.
“Just the aggressiveness he brings, the intensity, the physicality on defence, the aggressiveness in the open floor too and the shot-making ability. He really impressed in these two games by showing a diversity of shot-making ability, pulling up off the dribble, making spot-up 3s – just the confidence that he displays is really, really impressive.
“I think Ron Holland is going to have the green light for Ignite this year. He’s got the chance to go out and average 18 to 20 points per game this year and also guard the other team’s best player and make other people better at the same time.
“He’s a guy that raises the level of intensity every time he steps on the court and that’s how you win games and that’s what’s going to be attractive to NBA teams.
“Ron Holland is a winner.”
It is a word that comes up often when talking about Holland — winner.
That is hardly a surprise either considering the role he played in taking the Duncanville Panthers to a pair of state titles, although one was stripped after the use of an ineligible player.
As a sophomore in 2020-21, Holland helped Duncanville to a 28-1 finish before an even better 2022-23 season saw the Panthers end with a 29-21 record.
Holland averaged 20.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.0 steals on the way to being named the 2022-23 Gatorade Texas Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
“Ron Holland has had probably one of the more decorated high school careers of any kid that’s played basketball in the state of Texas,” Texas interim coach Rodney Terry told reporters earlier this year.
“You talk about a guy who’s won a state championship every year he’s played, you talk about a guy that’s played for USA Basketball, won two medals. He’s done everything you can do at the high school level and then some. You’re not going to have a more decorated guy from a high school standpoint coming into college.
“At the end of the day, Ron Holland is a winner. He’s a winner, he comes from a winning program, and he’s done that his whole life.”
Ron Holland in action for G League Ignite. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
There is that word again, although for Holland winning at life is far more important than winning on the basketball court.
For an 18-year-old he already has maturity beyond his years, speaking of how he looked up to Kevin Durant growing up — not just for his skills on the court but for the way he used his platform off it.
“Growing up I had a lot of interest in Kevin Durant and Kevin Garnett,” Holland said.
“Just seeing how passionate Kevin Garnett was on and off the court [and] his mentality. I just really wanted that, just really in life and Kevin Durant, I just saw how he used his platform and how vocal he was and saw how he’s just shown how he’s really for everybody.
“I mean anybody can really talk to him about anything and he’s just not a stuck-up basketball player, he’s willing to express himself.
“Growing up, I just really wanted to change my family’s lives. I feel like that’s such an obvious answer but I just look at it right now, it’s just generational.
“I’m not only doing this for my family, I’m doing this for the future really and not only do I want to change my family’s life and change my life, but I want my kids’ kids to be taken care of and I want to make the most out of this.”
Holland could have very easily been making something else of himself though, having grown up competing as a track athlete while also suiting up in a helmet and pads playing football.
But again, there was something about basketball and the way its players used their fame and success for good that had Holland thinking about more than just sport.
“I had a lot of fun playing every single sport but I knew for a fact that basketball was something I wanted to do,” Holland said.
“Because I’d seen all the players that inspired me, what they’d done with their careers and I’d seen the best of them that I could see myself doing in the future.”
Holland isn’t getting too far ahead of himself though and that certainly won’t happen with Jason Hart, a nine-year NBA veteran, as his head coach at Ignite.
Hart, who took on the role back in 2021, has already offered plenty of advice to Holland — although it’s not necessarily what you would expect.
“It sounds crazy but it really had nothing to do with basketball,” Holland said.
“He’s taught me so much off the court and how much that I’m going to need when it comes to my body and my mindset, my mental health and every single thing that some people really don’t think that basketball has to deal with.
“But in reality it really does and just knowing that the coaches staff really just can help you with that and that they give you the tools and the blueprint to accomplish your dreams, it shows a lot.”
Alex Sarr drives against Ron Holland. Ethan Miller/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
It is not just coach Hart either, with the veteran presence on Ignite’s roster that makes it such a valuable program for younger prospects like Holland looking to develop their game.
While Holland said all of Ignite’s veteran players have already helped him along his journey, there are three in particular he has leaned on — John Jenkins, Eric Mika and Jeremy Pargo.
“They’ve really just been talking to me about what this game can do for me and what I need to change about myself that can really affect me in the future,” the 18-year-old said.
“Anything that they see in practice and on or off the court, they’re really just trying to help me reach my dream because they can be anywhere making any type of money right now, but they chose to come play with Ignite to come help us.”
Holland already has plenty going for him as the potential first overall pick in next year’s draft, with defensive versatility and intensity that makes him a valuable addition for any NBA team.
Already a proven winner with a competitive drive and high motor on the defensive end, the biggest question mark surrounding Holland’s game is his outside shooting.
Although Holland went 4-for-9 from downtown in two games against Perth while using his size, length and athleticism to dominate on both ends of the floor.
Dominating on the box score may not always be a common occurence for Holland in an Ignite team that is stacked full of talent and scoring options.
That is no issue for the 18-year-old, who understands how he can make an impression on NBA scouts without having to pile on the points.
Holland alongside fellow top NBA draft prospects Matas Buzelis and Alex Sarr. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“I’ve been surrounded by good players all my life no matter what sport I played, so it wasn’t really nothing new to me,” Holland said.
“My whole thing was I just want to come here, focus on my player development and I want to win while I’m doing it. I want my team to look good while I’m doing and I want me to look good while I’m doing it.
“I’m not really here to be selfish or anything, but at the same time it’s like as we’re all working on this I’m going to find a way to get mines.
“That’s not necessarily me shooting the ball or really just scoring the ball. I can impact the game in many ways without even touching the ball and that’s what I’m really here for. Just learning just how to play the game the right way every single possession.
“It’s really important because it makes you more valuable. It means the coach can put you wherever on the court and you’re going to be able to make a huge impact and your players are going to enjoy the time being there and you being there.
“Like I said, the whole value thing is the same thing as being versatile. When it comes to you being able to do multiple things, it’s like the coach can’t limit you. So wherever he puts you, he can trust you and he knows you’re going to get the job done.”
Bullets to hand NBA hopeful more minutes | 02:17
For Holland, success in the NBA is only worth it if it is done the right way — and that means one thing in particular.
“I want everybody to enjoy playing with me,” Holland said when asked what he would like his legacy in the sport to be.
“Whatever that comes with, I know that’s going to come in all types of ways and me be being a leader that I am every single day and not changing even when things are going bad.
“Any adversity hits… no matter what’s happening right now, I’m not changing it.”
And, of course, for a player as competitive as Holland that’s not all.
“I want people to remember,” the 18-year-old added, “that not only was he a winner but he had the winner’s mindset”.
The FIBA World Cup is almost here, with Josh Green telling SEN Radio earlier in the year that the Boomers are ready to take the next step towards becoming a basketball “powerhouse”.
But first, the Boomers have five warm-up games before the World Cup itself opens and while Australia’s squad has already been trimmed down to 13 players, one brutal cut still remains.
The warm-up games give coach Brian Goorjian one final chance to figure out what his starting line-up could look like as well as who is the unlucky final person to miss out.
With that in mind, foxsports.com.au runs through burning questions ahead of the tournament along with everything you need to know before the opening warm-up game against Venezuela.
FIBA Basketball World Cup | Starts Aug 25. Watch every Boomers, Team USA and Finals game FREE & LIVE on ESPN with Kayo Freebies. Join Kayo now and start streaming instantly >
Boomers seeking more medals ahead of WC | 01:18
WHO IS THE FINAL CUT?
The biggest question everyone wants answered.
At this point, Jack White and Xavier Cooks appear to be the two names being consistently tossed up as the two most likely candidates to be cut from the squad.
Although there may be a late twist, with News Corp reporting young guard Dyson Daniels and versatile wing Josh Green could also be at risk of dropping out.
Leaving Green out though would be quite a surprise given his versatility and while his defence has always been a strong point, the 22-year-old could also make some serious noise on the offensive side of the ball at this year’s World Cup.
Green flashed his shooting potential at stages last season for the Mavericks, playing with confidence and aggression in games without Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
He has proven himself capable of stepping up to fill a scoring void when needed and so it is tough to see him missing out.
It is hard to see Josh Green missing out. Picture: Brendan RadkeSource: News Corp Australia
As for Daniels, again his versatility and standout skills on the defensive end make him a valuable asset even if his offensive game is still a work in progress.
Of course, this Boomers team is stacked at the guard position and Daniels is still just 20 years old so Goorjian may choose to prioritise filling a more glaring team need elsewhere.
But the 20-year-old’s size and length offer the Boomers defensive versatility while his improvement as a playmaker somewhat make up for the inefficient shooting.
Speaking of glaring team needs, a lack of size means Goorjian could opt towards bringing both White and Daniels to the World Cup and sacrificing some depth at guard.
“We’re going to put out the smallest team we have in a long time,” Australian basketball great Chris Anstey said on SEN Radio.
“No real genuine five — Landale can do that really, really well but he’s probably naturally a four man.
“So we’re going to come up against the much bigger bodies we’re going to need to come up the floor defensively, and our points of difference has to be full court basketball on both ends of the floor.”
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Jack White could miss out. Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Otherwise, it seems to be a simple case of weighing up White’s shooting against the playmaking of Cooks.
Shooting is the biggest reason why Chris Goulding is firmly in the frame for selection, coming off a strong NBL season where he averaged 17.1 points and shot 37 per cent from deep.
Former Perth Wildcats Trevor Gleeson described Goulding as a “weapon” on ESPN’s ‘Ball and the Real World’ podcast, backing him in as an automatic pick for the team.
“It’s a no-brainer for me to have Chris in the team as that specialised shooter and being a microwave off the bench,” Gleeson said.
“He’s got no question on what his role is. It is to come in and give that scoring punch.”
That is consistent with comments from Goorjian himself to ESPN, who said the Boomers “need guys like Goulding who can shoot the ball”.
Importantly, Goorjian also went to point out how Oklahoma City has surrounded Josh Giddey with catch-and-shoot scorers — proof he has already given Goulding’s spot in the offence as a whole serious thought.
“That’s one thing you saw with OKC, they put around him guys that can catch and shoot, because he’ll find them,” Goorjian told ESPN.
“I see that as exciting. you’re adding a piece now… that is completely different.”
Whoever ends up being the final player to miss out, there is little doubt this could be one of the most talented Boomers line-ups we have seen in recent memory.
“The talent we have in Australian basketball is as good as it’s ever been with a mix of the older guys that have been around for 10 to 15 years and then younger guys coming through,” Josh Giddey said earlier in the month.
“It’s a great combination of both.”
Boomers head coach Brian Goorjian has one more tough call to make. Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
WHAT COULD THE STARTING FIVE LOOK LIKE?
Let’s start with the more obvious ones.
The guard position is relatively straight forward, with Giddey and Patty Mills expected to both be locked in. Jock Landale will also be the starting center provided his ankle complaint doesn’t turn out to be anything serious, while Joe Ingles will likely start at the three.
There could be an argument made though for Ingles starting off the bench given his success running Milwaukee’s second unit last season in the NBA.
So, who could fill the final spot in the starting side? Well, the positional versatility mentioned above extends to plenty of other players in the squad so it’s a hard question to answer.
It gives Goorjian plenty to think about but the same goes for opposition coaches given the flexibility it offers the Boomers, who are particularly blessed with athletic wings.
That, of course, starts with Green and Matisse Thybulle. Both players fill pretty similar roles for the Boomers, so you would expect only one of them would be in the starting line-up.
Although there is also obviously the chance that neither of them starts, depending on who fills that final spot in the team.
“Josh as he develops does do a lot of what Matisse does and they’re very similar players,” Anstey told SEN Radio.
“Neither of them shoot the 3 ball that well yet. Josh has probably demonstrated more improvement.”
Boomers player Matisse Thybulle. Picture: Brendan RadkeSource: News Corp Australia
Thybulle though showed plenty of improvement too since being traded to Portland, shooting a career-best 38.8 per cent from deep and averaging 7.4 points in 22 games for the Trail Blazers.
And of course, Thybulle was one of the Boomers’ heroes in their 107-93 win over Slovenia in the bronze medal game, finishing with 11 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals.
Thybulle is still the most talented defender in this Boomers squad, although the 26-year-old’s development on offence could dictate whether he or Green gets the nod in the future.
“It will be interesting in the next 12 months if Josh does take that next step whether or not they continue to pick him and Matisse,” Anstey said.
Honestly, there are so many different ways Goorjian could go depending on whether he wants to focus on shooting or even pure size.
There could be more benefit in simply playing to Australia’s strengths instead of prioritising size for the sake of it too.
Nick Kay, White and Cooks would also come into consideration depending on who is the final player cut from the current 13-man squad.
HOW DOES GOORJIAN BALANCE THE PRESENT AND FUTURE?
Outside of deciding who will be the final cut, the other big dilemma for coach Goorjian is the weighing up of the two different timelines the Boomers are navigating in their current state.
Leaving Matthew Dellavedova, an Australian basketball legend, out of the 13-man squad for the warm-up games was expected — but it didn’t make it any less jarring.
The same goes for Aron Baynes, yet another example of the changing of the guard that is taking place.
But this generational shift isn’t happening with any eye just on the future. It is about what is best for the team now and its chances of going deep into the World Cup.
Giddey and Daniels both have at least one season in the NBA under their belt and have proven they are not just Boomers of the future; they deserve their chance right now.
Josh Giddey will be heavily involved in the offence. Picture: Brendan RadkeSource: News Corp Australia
Speaking of Giddey, it will be particularly interesting to see how the Boomers run their offence and whether it goes through the 20-year-old or more experienced Mills.
Best to ask Goorjian himself and the Boomers coach seemed to suggest the rising Oklahoma City star will play a big role.
“One of the decisions made: when he’s on the floor, we’re gonna put the ball in his hands a lot,” Goorjian told ESPN.
“He’s a huge piece of this moving forward. Not just this, but it’s like an Andrew Gaze, as far as the Boomers. What he is, and as we get him with the group, and as it expands, a lot of it’s gotta be built around him.”
Speaking to reporters earlier in the month, Goorjian said even in training camp it was quickly becoming clear just how much better Giddey can make everybody else with the ball in his hands.
“He’s a great player and I’m really excited about his progression in the NBA, it’s been remarkable and now I’m having him after last year’s improvement,” Goorjian said.
“You just feel it the minute he walked in the gym, putting the ball in his hands. We’re very fortunate to have him.”
Giddey though was also quick to recognise the influence and mentorship of veteran players like Ingles and Mills in shaping the player and competitor he is today.
Boomers veteran Joe Ingles has been a mentor for Giddey. Picture: Brendan RadkeSource: News Corp Australia
“I’ve been in contact with them for the last three, four years even before I signed in Adelaide so they’ve been great for me mentoring and guiding me,” Giddey told reporters earlier this month.
“Patty is going to his fifth Olympics, Joe has been in multiple World Cups. They’ve represented Australia for a number of years now and to have those guys be able to teach me and guide me and show me the ropes of what it means to be a Boomer, I couldn’t ask for anything else.”
While Giddey’s shooting still remains a work in progress, his playmaking prowess makes the 20-year-old the perfect focal point of the Boomers offence.
That will mean playing at a faster pace, although that is something that teammate Kay is more than happy to do if it means having the ball in Giddey’s hands more.
“He’s a hell of a player,” Kay said of Giddey on SEN Radio.
“You just watch him at training and his ability to draw defence, make the right pass and create things for the other guys.
“He’s definitely a guy that can carry on that Boomers program and possibly even take it to another level as he continues to mature as a player.”
Patty Mills will still have an important role. Picture: Brendan RadkeSource: News Corp Australia
Mills will still have a prominent role in this team, both on and off the court given his leadership and overall presence in the locker room.
Anstey though believes the 35-year-old will still play an important role in dictating Australia’s success.
“I don’t know if we hand the keys over straight away,” Anstey said.
“We certainly give him a real quickfire induction and let him be him. He’ll have his moments… but it’s Patty’s team until it’s not and he’ll have his fingerprints all over this.”
As a whole though, Anstey said he forecasts this year’s World Cup acting as somewhat of a springboard for next year’s Olympic Games — and that includes 20-year-old guard Daniels.
“To get a major tournament into Dyson ahead of what is probably going to be the deepest and strongest Olympic Games in 2024 we’ve probably seen in quite a while, I tend to think they’d probably lean towards Dyson and youth,” Anstey said.
Read on for a full ultimate guide of everything you need to know ahead of the 2023 FIBA World Cup!
BOOMERS VS THE WORLD
While the World Cup itself gets underway later this month, the Boomers will have five warm-up games before then to finetune things and make a final cut to their playing roster.
Australia will be in action against Venezuela at Rod Laver Arena on Monday night (7.45pm AEST).
Wednesday’s exhibition game against Brazil was scheduled for the same time but has since been pushed forward to a 5.30pm tip-off.
It means Australian basketball fans will be able to tune into the game before switching over to watch the Matildas look to continue their dream FIFA Women’s World Cup charge against France.
“The Matildas have really captured the nation this World Cup, including the men’s national basketball team. The way the ladies play with so much heart and passion has been so inspiring to witness,” Australian captain Patty Mills said.
“Just like the rest of the country, our Boomers team have been locked in for each game, watching it as a team and enjoying every part of supporting and celebrating these incredible athletes.
“Supporting our fellow Australian athletes is crucial, so moving our game was an easy decision. We are now super excited to join the rest of Australia in watching the ladies on Wednesday after we play our second game in Melbourne.”
The final warm-up game in Melbourne will tip off at 7.45pm (AEST) on Thursday night, with the Boomers facing South Sudan at Rod Laver Arena.
There will be two other opportunities for the Boomers to finalise their line-up, with friendly games against France and Georgia in Japan on August 20 and 22.
FULL SCHEDULE (Times AEST)
Australia vs Venezuela (Monday, August 14 @ 7.45pm)
Australia vs Brazil (Wednesday, August 16 @ 5.30pm)
Australia vs South Sudan (Thursday, August 17 @ 7.45pm)
Australia vs France (Sunday, August 20 @ 2pm)
Australia vs Georgia (Tuesday, August 22 @ TBD)
HOW TO WATCH EVERY BOOMERS FIBA WORLD CUP GAME
As for the World Cup action itself, the Boomers are part of Group E and will play Finland in their first official game to kick off the tournament.
That game is scheduled for 6pm AEST on Friday, August 25. Australia is also scheduled to face Germany (6.30pm, August 27) and Japan (9.10pm, August 29) to round out the group stage.
Ben Simmons may not be suiting up for the Boomers but this is already a stacked roster at Brian Goorjian’s disposal, with 10 NBA players in Australia’s 13-man squad.
Australia is not the only nation that will be bolstered by NBA talent at this year’s FIBA World Cup, with the United States obviously the most well-represented of the bunch.
Austin Reaves and Mikal Bridges, two of the NBA’s most exciting breakout players last season, are part of a 12-man squad that features stars from teams all across the league.
Meanwhile, NBA championship-winning guard Jamal Murray and Giddey’s Oklahoma City teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lead a Canada team that will pose a serious challenge.
Luka Doncic, meanwhile, provided plenty of starpower for Slovenia although Greece is without one of its biggest draw cards after Giannis Antetokounmpo pulled out.
Antetokounmpo underwent knee surgery at the start of July and has not participated in Greece’s preparations for the tournament.
Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss the World Cup. (Photo by Oliver Behrendt / AFP)Source: AFP
“Since the conclusion of my NBA season I have been pushing my body to the limits to be the player I need to be to help our team achieve the goals we set,” Antetokounmpo wrote on social media last week.
“After months of work and multiple meetings with medical staff it is clear that I am not ready to compete in the level that I need to be to participate in the World Cup.
“This was not a choice but my only option in ensuring I get back to the level of basketball I have worked so hard to achieve so far in my career.
Serbia: Bogdan Bogdanovic (Atlanta Hawks), Aleksej Pokusevski (Oklahoma City Thunder), Nikola Jovic (Miami Heat), Filip Petrusev (Philadelphia 76ers)
South Sudan: Roster not announced.
Puerto Rico: No NBA players on roster.
GROUP C
Greece: Thanasis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
Jordan: Roster not announced.
New Zealand: No NBA players on roster.
United States: Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic), Mikal Bridges (Brooklyn Nets), Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers), Josh Hart (New York Knicks), Brandon Ingram (New Orleans Pelicans), Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies), Cameron Johnson (Brooklyn Nets), Walker Kessler (Utah Jazz), Bobby Portis (Milwaukee Bucks), Austin Reaves (Los Angeles Lakers)
GROUP D
Egypt: No NBA players on roster.
Lithuania: Jonas Valanciunas (New Orleans Pelicans), Azuolas Tubelis (Philadelphia 76ers)
Mexico: No NBA players on roster.
Montenegro: Nikola Vucevic (Chicago Bulls)
GROUP E
Australia: Xavier Cooks (Washington Wizards), Dyson Daniels (New Orleans Pelicans), Dante Exum (Dallas Mavericks), Josh Giddey (Oklahoma City Thunder), Josh Green (Dallas Mavericks), Joe Ingles (Orlando Magic), Jock Landale (Houston Rockets), Patty Mills (Atlanta Hawks), Matisse Thybulle (Portland Trail Blazers), Jack White (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Finland: Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz)
Germany: Dennis Schroder (Toronto Raptors), Daniel Theis (Indiana Pacers), Franz Wagner (Orlando Magic), Moritz Wagner (Orlando Magic)
Japan: Yuta Watanabe (Phoenix Suns)
GROUP F
Cape Verde: No NBA players on roster.
Georgia: Goga Bitadze (Orlando Magic), Sandro Mamukelashvili (San Antonio Spurs)
The 2023 NBA draft has now passed and while some teams have landed potentially franchise-altering talents, others are left with more questions than answers.
From the next superstar who could ask for a trade to the biggest steals, here are some of the key talking points from the draft.
Emotional Wemby interview melts hearts | 02:12
CHARLOTTE WENT ‘ALL-IN’ ON MILLER…WILL IT PAY OFF?
The Charlotte Hornets have selected Brandon Miller as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft in a move that is sure to generate plenty of discussion in the coming days.
While the Hornets were reportedly choosing between Miller and Scoot Henderson, the 6-foot-9 small forward from the University of Alabama has officially landed in Charlotte.
Henderson went No. 3 to the Trail Blazers.
Michael Jordan had the final say on the No. 2 selection.
The Hornets announced earlier this week that the NBA great is selling his majority ownership stake in the team, but general manager Mitch Kupchak said he would defer to Jordan for the draft decision in his Wednesday press conference.
Both Miller, 20, and Henderson, 19, were in Charlotte on Monday for a private workout, and Miller reportedly impressed Jordan during his second session with the team and wasn’t afraid to talk back either when challenged by the Chicago Bulls legend.
“He told me I was just a shooter,” Miller told Sirius XM.
“I was just shooting threes. … I know my talents and my abilities. Can’t really let Jordan get in your head. It might make him feel good and make you feel bad. I kind of talked some trash back to him. I witnessed him airball a free throw too. I always have that up against him.”
Miller’s offensive versatility and crafty ball-handling is projected to pair well with point guard LaMelo Ball who was Charlottes’ No. 3 pick in 2020, one reason why he edged Henderson for the No. 2 spot.
With a strong three-level scoring ability and good length, Miller is hard to defend –– he’s able to shoot over guards, efficient with popping off the dribble and can pour it in from beyond the arc.
In his freshman season at Alabama this year, Miller averaged 18.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists.
The new Hornet also earned first-team All-American honours and was the SEC’s player and freshman of the year.
Brandon Miller celebrates after being drafted second overall. Sarah Stier/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
The biggest question though — and reason why this pick is going to spark so much debate — is whether Charlotte should have taken a swing at the more talented Henderson or at least traded down to take Miller.
That is, of course, not to say Miller isn’t talented. He was one of the best players in college basketball last season.
Speaking to reporters earlier in the week, Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak said fit wouldn’t be a huge consideration in the team’s final decision.
“As far as fit, you’re always going to pick the best player,” Kupchak said.
“I would say that’s still the case today. Although we’re at a point in time where we’d consider fit, we’re not that team that’s been in the playoffs for three or four years, and you’re looking to tweak your roster and look for a fit. We’re not at that place right now.
“Our decision is going to remain to be looking for the player that we think is going to have the best overall career.”
Brandon Miller is off to Charlotte. Sarah Stier/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Considering the reactions of some Hornets fans on Friday, it may take some convincing.
Although Charlotte fans still have plenty to look forward to with Henderson and Nick Smith Jr., who the Hornets took with the 27th overall pick.
Smith Jr. was one of the best players in his high school class before an injury-interrupted freshman season saw him fall down draft boards.
The Arkansas guard though has plenty of upside and was worth taking the risk on, particularly at this cost.
If there was a resounding winner on Friday it was the Dallas Mavericks, who were able to both address a team need through the draft while also shedding the Davis Bertans contract.
The Mavericks were widely tipped to move back from the No. 10 pick, which you would have thought didn’t give them much leverage and could have resulted in an underwhelming return.
Instead, Dallas was able to trade the 10th overall pick along with Bertans to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for the No. 12 pick and a traded player exception.
Clearly the Thunder wanted to draft Cason Wallace and were worried the Kentucky point guard wouldn’t have been on the board if they stayed put.
For the Mavericks though it was the ideal scenario as they were able to move just a few spots back and take Duke big man Dereck Lively II, who will immediately improve their defence.
Lively II averaged 2.4 blocks in his one season at Duke and while he may still be a work in progress on the offensive end of the ball, Dallas doesn’t need more points anyway.
“Toward the end of the season, you saw him as a big time shot blocker, rim runner, rim protector and excellent in pick-and-roll,” college basketball guru Jay Bilas said on ESPN’s coverage.
“He shot 85 per cent as a pick-and-roll roller. I think a lot about Deandre Jordan when he came out of Texas A&M.
“I think Dereck Lively II’s offence can come. He’s got a nice touch. That will come in time. But the defence, the rebounding, running the floor, he’s got that already.”
Dallas traded back to take Dereck Lively II. Sarah Stier/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Lively II was a great pick for Dallas but moving off Bertan’s contract was just as important a move as it opened a $17 million trade exception, which was later used to acquire Sacramento center Richaul Holmes.
Dallas also received the Kings’ 24th overall pick, which they used to draft Marquette junior forward Olivier Maxence-Prosper.
“What an unbelievable set of moves for Dallas to trade down from No. 10 to No. 12, dump Davis Bertans’ contract and get Dereck Lively II,” wrote The Athletic’s front office expert John Hollinger.
“Lively and Dallas is the most perfect fit on the draft board outside the top few picks, a high-flying, rim-running, shot-blocking center who doesn’t need the ball. What a perfect complement to Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving; and amazingly, they were able to dump Bertans’ salary and still walk away from the draft with Lively. Just A+ stuff.”
HOUSTON ROCKETS STRIKE GOLD
What a result for the Rockets.
Some mock drafts had Cam Whitmore ahead of Overtime Elite point guard Amen Thompson.
Instead, Thompson went fourth overall for the Rockets while the Villanova forward nosedived all the way down the draft and right into Houston’s lap with the No. 20 pick.
There were suggestions the Rockets could trade up from that pick, with The Athletic reporting there were discussions on moving up as high as tenth overall in place of Dallas.
“One interesting wrinkle to Houston’s interest is the prospect of moving up from the No. 20 pick,” Kelly Iko of The Athletic wrote.
“Conversations up to this point are mainly conceptual, but there have been discussions about potentially moving up from 20 to a range anywhere from the Miami Heat at No. 18 to the Dallas Mavericks at No. 10, sources say.”
The Rockets didn’t have to do a thing though to land an extremely talented player in Whitmore, who brings a lot of athletic upside to a Houston team that will give him the space and room to develop.
Cam Whitmore was eventually taken 20th overall. Sarah Stier/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
“Whitmore is an absolute steal at 20th overall,” Bilas said on ESPN.
“He’s a versatile defender and excellent cutter off-ball. He also attacks the rim like it has something against him, and has a solid shooting stroke.
“You don’t find athletes like this all the time, I thought he was a top-five talent coming into the draft.”
As for Thompson, there are the obvious concerns about his shooting but plenty of upside elsewhere given his dynamic playmaking and versatility on the defensive end.
Thompson averaged 16.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 2.4 steals last season in the Overtime Elite and was described by draft expert Jonathan Givony as having “a higher ceiling than any prospect in this class not named Wembanyama”.
Speaking after he was drafted, Thompson also touched on his leadership skills as something he can bring to a young Houston team still in need of veteran presence in the locker room.
Amen Thompson celebrates after being drafted fourth overall pick by the Houston Rockets. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“I think I’ve become more of a vocal leader, but first I lead by example and I think I can bring that to Houston,” Thompson said.
“I think Houston got a lot of players that have great potential, and I think they have a scary future.”
As for his fit alongside Jalen Green in the Houston backcourt, Thompson said he was looking forward to being on a team with multiple playmaking options.
“I see two very athletic guards who can push the tempo, push the pace, both ball handlers,” added Thompson.
“I like to be on a team with as many people who can make plays for us as possible, and I think that’s what we’ve got over there.”
BUT WHAT WAS BEHIND CAM WHITMORE’S FALL?
Most draft experts seemed to have Cam Whitmore mocked inside the top 10 picks for Friday’s draft.
Even ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that while there was talk the Villanova forward could drop down the board, he was only expected to fall towards the “back-end of the lottery”.
Instead, Whitmore was still available when the Houston Rockets were on the clock at 20th overall. So, what happened?
Well, injury concerns were potentially to blame according to ESPN’s Jeremy Woo, although Whitmore dismissed those claims on Friday.
Cam Whitmore (R) had to wait to has his name called. Sarah Stier/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
“No, I promise you there’s not,” he said.
“I have no idea. I don’t know what happened. But I feel fine. It’s my body. If they think it’s something different, they have their own opinions. But at the end of the day, it’s my body.”
Meanwhile, Wojnarowski reported that Whitmore did not interview particularly well in the lead-up to the draft.
“Teams and front offices described a combination of some poor workouts, some not great interviews with teams over the last month as part of the reason Cam Whitmore has dropped,” Wojnarowski said on ESPN.
“I saw him in a workout for his agency, WME, in Santa Barbara in May where he really impressed teams. Literally all 30 teams were there but his individual workouts and interviews with teams have not been as strong.
“There was a sense he may drop tonight to the back-end of the lottery but now Cam Whitmore is dropping towards No. 20 as we approach the second half of the first round.”
Sliding down the draft board didn’t seem to bother Whitmore though, who told reporters after he was drafted that he is used to being overlooked and would use it as motivation.
“I’ve been overlooked a lot of times in my life, so it didn’t really faze me,” he said.
“I’m just really happy to be in the NBA. I’ve been dreaming about that all my life.
“…. It motivates me to like 150 percent to — I don’t even know… it’s just something where I’ve got to rethink, go in the next day, new mind, free mind. Coming into that organisation with a chip on my shoulder, have a lot of motivation on my mind.
“At the end of the day, it doesn’t really faze me. I know I’m different than everybody else, but it’s just another chapter in my life, another step in the journey. Time to get to work.”
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SCOOT HAS HIS MENTOR… BUT WILL DAME STILL BE THERE?
When the Hornets decided to take Miller with the second overall pick, it presented the Blazers with the perfect opportunity.
In drafting G League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson, Portland now has a future star in the making to build around should Damian Lillard ask out. If not, the Blazers will find a way to work around any potential fit issues.
They clearly didn’t receive any trade offers that justified giving up the chance to pass on a franchise-altering prospect.
Portland general manager Joe Cronin said following the draft that the team would continue to build around Lillard and that selecting Henderson was part of that plan.
“We’re a team that’s trying to win and trying to maximise Damian’s timeline,” he said.
The Blazers could still make moves in free agency to better position the team to compete now, although as it stands they do face an awkward dilemma after drafting Henderson.
Lillard had been open earlier in the year in telling media that he wasn’t interested in developing more young players and now Portland drafted a 19-year-old prospect at his position.
Will Damian Lillard stay or go? (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Henderson is certainly keen about the idea of learning from one of the best in the league.
“I’m hoping to get to play with Dame, for sure,” Henderson said in his post-draft media availability.
“Special talent, special guard. One of my favourites to watch, especially film-wise. Just to pick out how he moves off the court, as well. It would be cool to play with him.”
The chances of that happening though are up in the air at this stage, with J.J. Redick declaring the “countdown” is now on for a potential trade request from Lillard.
“They start and end with Damian Lillard and he’s indicated he doesn’t want to continue down the path that they’re on,” Redick said on ESPN.
“He wants veteran players that are going to help them win now and when they picked Scoot Henderson and held onto that pick, that signifies to me that we’re now on a countdown. At some point Damian Lillard may get moved because there is no real path to contention for this current roster.”
Speaking after the draft on ESPN, insider Wojnarowski said the decision will ultimately be up to Lillard as to whether he believes this team in its current form will be able to contend for a title.
Is Scoot Henderson now the future and Damian Lillard the past? (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“What it says to me is they did what is right for the franchise and that was to take a potential All-Star level and franchise level point guard at No. 3 instead of just settling for what the best available veteran might have been in a trade,” Wojnarowski said.
“When you are the Portland Trail Blazers, when you are a small market, you don’t get many cracks like this, you’re not going to get big free agents. You can’t miss.
“Damian Lillard has a decision to make, if he doesn’t like this timeline of these young players … Portland wants to keep building around Damian Lillard and continue to make moves after the draft and in free agency with trades, re-signing Jerami Grant.
“If he decides he wants a trade, I think the organisation will accommodate him, try to get the kind of young assets they want and draft picks.
“But they don’t want to trade him and I know teams who called Portland about Damian Lillard were immediately shut down… it’s ultimately up to Damian Lillard next to decide whether he wants to see what this young group can be around him or go in another direction.”
Watch this space.
BIG OPPORTUNITIES FOR POOLE, PAUL IN BLOCKBUSTER TRADE
Meanwhile, in case you missed it, there was drama even before Friday’s draft got underway as Chris Paul was dealt to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Jordan Poole.
Paul, who had been sent to the Washington Wizards as part of Phoenix’s trade for three-time All-Star Bradley Beal, was widely expected to be on the move again ahead of the draft.
Initial reports suggested Paul would end up in Los Angeles at the Clippers but in the end it was another contender who made a move for the veteran guard.
By trading for Paul and parting ways with Poole, the Warriors made it clear they are intent on winning now instead of following a two-timeline plan that also involved developing the future of the franchise.
Chris Paul is off to Golden State. (Photo by MATTHEW STOCKMAN / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)Source: AFP
Poole was entering the first year of a four-year, $140 million contract extension while in contrast, Paul is set to earn $30.8 million this season.
The 12-time All-Star also has a non-guaranteed deal for $30 million next season while Klay Thompson is entering the final season of his max contract.
The trade, therefore, could give Golden State more financial flexibility as it looks to move under the second tax apron and the punishments that come with that as part of the new CBA.
It also seems to signal that the Warriors will now move to re-sign Draymond Green, who recently opted out of his $27.6 million contract for next season.
There will be question marks over what the offence will look like given Golden State likes to push the pace in transition, something which doesn’t necessarily suit Paul’s game.
Then there is the matter of how long Paul can stay healthy and whether the Warriors will regret trading Poole, who they had relied on for high-level production when injuries hit.
Jordan Poole has been traded to Washington. Elsa/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
If Paul is healthy and Golden State makes the playoffs though, this is the kind of move that could deliver another championship to the Warriors.
Just as importantly, that would mean Paul finally getting his first ring.
As for Poole, while he had his moments at Golden State, being traded to Washington will give him a chance to really step into the spotlight with added responsibility on a rebuilding team.
“Jordan Poole may lead the league in scoring next season,” joked Redick on ESPN’s broadcast of the draft.
“He’s going to have a lot of freedom on that team.”
It would hardly be surprising to see Poole right up there in contention for Most Improved Player come the playoffs.
“Wembanyama is a basketball evolution all his own, a unicorn even among unicorns, the unholy melding of the best traits of Ralph Sampson, Kristaps Porziņģis and Dirk Nowitzki.
“Between the size and length and the off-the-charts skill level, calling Wembanyama a generational prospect feels somewhat like calling fire an important discovery; while true, it still comes across as a massive understatement.”
Victor Wembanyama will be in the spotlight come draft night. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)Source: AFP
For teams like Detroit, Houston, San Antonio and Charlotte, Wembanyama could be their ticket back to the playoffs.
Then there are those around in or around the playoff picture, the likes of Oklahoma City, New Orleans and Toronto, who could bolster already strong rosters with the French sensation.
While there are some landing spots are better than others, Wembanyama apparently does not have one favoured destination ahead of the draft lottery.
“There’s no wrong team,” ESPN’s Jonathan Givony said on The Hoop Collective podcast. “He, in his mind, thinks that he’s going to go figure out even the worst situations in the NBA. He’s kind of already putting on the table that he’s fine going whoever lands No. 1.”
Of course, there are some worse situations than others and with that in mind, foxsports.com.au assesses what Wembanyama could look like on all 14 lottery teams.
Detroit Pistons: 14.0 per cent
After finishing this season with a league-worst 17-65 record, winning the Wembanyama sweepstakes would be exactly what Pistons fans need right now.
Sure, there are other reasons to be excited for the future, headlined by the 2021 No. 1 pick Cade Cunningham along with rookies Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren.
But Cunningham wasn’t even on the court very long this season, sidelined with a shin injury and later undergoing surgery, robbing him of a chance for much development in year two.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver (L) and Jaden Ivey pose for photos after Ivey was drafted with the 5th overall pick. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Then you add in the fact the Pistons go into the summer looking for a new head coach after Dwane Casey stepped down from the role with one year left on his contract.
When you put that all together, you have an exciting team with plenty of potential but still in need of one final piece to potentially complete the rebuild.
In French phenom Wembanyama, the Pistons would not just add another piece that sets them up for the future, there would be the very real potential of being at least competitive right away.
Detroit already has two young bigs on the roster in Duren and James Wiseman but that in itself could be a plus for Wembanyama given the question marks over his frame.
It would allow the Pistons to limit his minutes defending centers and the best part is they would be able to do so without really disrupting the rest of the team anyway.
As for the offensive side of things, Wembanyama would be a perfect match given his potential in the pick-and-roll with Cunningham while his game would also open up playing alongside the pass-first guard.
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Wembanyama could thrive alongside Cunningham. (Photo by Geoffroy VAN DER HASSELT / AFP)Source: AFP
Houston Rockets: 14.0 per cent
Like Detroit, Houston has also spent the past few years rebuilding its roster through the draft, adding Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun and more recently Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr.
The Pistons are also entering next season with a new coach, hiring Ime Udoka to replace Stephen Silas in the hope he can get the best out of a young core that has flashed its potential occasionally but struggled to sustain it.
For a team with more questions than answers heading into the offseason, drafting a generational talent like Wembanyama would give the Rockets a clear focal point to build around.
Of course, that is if James Harden is not that focal point instead. After all, Harden has been linked to a Houston return since December and the nature of Philadelphia’s playoff exit will only add to speculation there could be big changes on the horizon at the Sixers.
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According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, drafting Wembanyama would not have an impact on the Rockets’ potential pursuit of Harden in free agency.
“If they win the draft lottery [Tuesday] night here in Chicago and they’re the ones that can draft Victor Wembanyama, my sense is that would not necessarily change the Rockets’ intentions to pursue James Harden,” Wojnarowski said on ‘Get Up’.
At least adding Harden would ease the pressure on Wembanyama to produce on the offensive end right away, although obviously expectations will be high irrespective of where he lands.
Where the Rockets would need Wembanyama to step up right away though is in defence, having finished 29th in defensive rating at 118.6 points per 100 possessions last season.
Sengun is not a rim protector and so Houston would benefit from having someone of Wembanyama’s height and speed to keep teams out of the paint.
The biggest question mark though when it comes to Wembanyama’s potential fit at the Rockets is whether they can foster a winning culture under Udoka, or at least not be the dysfunctional mess they have been in recent years.
Is Houston the right fit for Wembanyama? (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
It is why ESPN insider Brian Windhorst described them as a “dangerous” fit earlier this year.
“I think Houston is a dangerous fit for anybody, because that team is out of control,” Windhorst said on The Tony Kornheiser Show.
“They have completely destroyed and broken down [head coach] Stephen Silas, who is a good man but cannot handle the renegade operation that has become. Pretty much everything the Rockets do is a mess right now, so if I were Victor, I would be a little bit worried about Houston.”
San Antonio Spurs: 14.0 per cent
Again, here is another team with a core group of young players (Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan) in need of a centrepiece to bring it all together.
But while the Spurs finished tied for the worst record in the Western Conference this season, there is a clear difference between them and the Rockets and Pistons.
That all comes back to legendary coach Gregg Popovich, who has experience working with international players and in general fosters a culture of selflessness that is in everyone’s best interests.
Of course, the biggest concern for Wembanyama at San Antonio would be whether Popovich stays around much longer.
But the 74-year-old is approaching the current situation at San Antonio the right away, talking about how the challenge of coaching younger players has re-energised him.
Speaking of being re-energised, what about the chance for Popovich to work with Wembanyama, a rare blend of size, speed and ballhandling ability that only comes once in a generation?
Charlotte Hornets: 12.5 per cent
LaMelo Ball was the star attraction in his rookie year. But after an injury-interrupted season for the 21-year-old, adding Wembanyama alongside Ball would be exactly what Hornets fans need to be excited again about the franchise’s future.
Plus, Ball is eligible for a five-year, $202.5 million extension this summer and convincing him to stay put would certainly be a lot easier with a player of Wembanyama’s undeniable talents added to the roster.
Ball, who averaged 23.3 points and 8.4 assists last season, certainly needs all the help he can get in a Hornets team that finished the season with the worst offensive rating (108.4) in the league.
LaMelo Ball and Wembanyama would be a lot of fun. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Obviously Wembanyama is a lob threat at 7-foot-4 but that is just the start of what he could do to lift Charlotte’s offence, with a feel for playmaking that will only continue to improve as he gets more comfortable in the NBA.
Plus, playing with someone like Ball who can both score and facilitate at a high rate could only be a good thing for Wembanyama if it means easing the pressure for him to perform immediately.
The Hornets also desperately need a defensive stopper, particularly in the paint having given up 52.8 paint points this season, ranking them 23rd in the league.
Wembanyama and his eight-foot wingspan may discourage some players from even going close to the paint — full stop.
More than anything though, for a team that has not made it past the first round of the playoffs in over two decades, Wembanyama is a chance to give Charlotte fans a reason to believe.
Wembanyama is a once-in-a-generation prospect. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Portland Trail Blazers: 10.5 per cent
Damian Lillard has been patient enough and drafting Wembanyama could be exactly what Portland needs to finally make a call on its superstar guard.
The Blazers could decide Wembanyama is the new face of the franchise, putting all their energy into building this team around him and starting afresh.
That, of course, would involve trading away Lillard but could net them quite the return to add alongside an already promising crop of young players including Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe.
The alternative is that Wembanyama is everything he promises to be on both sides of the floor in his first year in the league and that he immediately helps raise Portland’s ceiling in the Western Conference.
Damian Lillard has been patient. Steph Chambers/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
That, in turn, is enough for Lillard to stay put and for the Blazers to re-sign Jerami Grant and try contend for a title.
Lillard averaged a career-high 32.2 points this season, also ranking him third in the league only behind Joel Embiid and Luka Doncic.
The seven-time All-Star was able to keep the Blazers competitive with his offensive output alone, even putting up 71 points in a win against Houston.
What Portland needs though is defence. Enter Wembanyama, who averaged a league-best 3.1 blocks and 0.7 steals per game in the LNB Pro A League.
Orlando Magic: 9.0 per cent
Unlike some of the other teams high up in the Wembanyama sweepstakes, things are already on the up in Orlando.
The Magic started the season 5-20 and had every right to tank but instead finished with a 29-28 record during the rest of the regular season, giving their young core every opportunity to develop.
While Orlando may have a nine per cent chance of getting the first overall pick, the Magic will be hoping it will be a long time before it finds itself near the top of the lottery odds again.
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Of course, this is still a developing team with plenty of improvement left in it and so there will naturally still be the growing pains you come to expect with any young group.
But adding Wembanyama to Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Markelle Fultz would give Orlando more than enough to build around now and into the future.
“If we were able to add that guy [Wembanyama], I think it would take this team to another level,” Banchero said on ESPN’s ‘NBA Today’.
“That guy’s a player who I don’t think people have seen before in terms of height and skill and movements. How he was able to move at that size, it really doesn’t make sense when you watch it. So whatever team gets him is gonna be lucky, but if we get him, I think it’s going to cause a lot of problems for this league.”
His arrival would likely come at the expense of the team’s starting center Wendell Carter Jr. and while the Magic were a much-improved defensive team as last season progressed, they could certainly benefit from Wembanyama’s size and frame in rim protection.
Indiana Pacers: 6.8 per cent
First, there is the fact that Indiana as a small-market team could do with an exposure boost. The Pacers played sneaky good basketball particularly in the first half of this season, led by All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton.
This is a promising young team that is well worth keeping an eye on and adding Wembanyama would certainly direct the league’s attention towards Indiana.
Then there is the prospect of a Wembanyama-Haliburton tandem. The pair would be a dangerous pick-and-roll combination while Wembanyama’s ability to get stops will give the Pacers more opportunities to attack in transition.
For reference, Indiana had the fifth-ranked pace (101.68) in the league last season while 15.5 per cent of its points came in fast break, ranking second in the NBA.
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Washington Wizards: 6.7 per cent
Now, this would be a particularly interesting landing spot for Wembanyama. Why?
Well, it could involve pairing him with the original ‘Unicorn’ Kristaps Porzingis.
Although according to LeBron James, that nickname doesn’t even suit Wembanyama, who the Lakers superstar described as an “alien” in an interview with Sports Illustrated this year.
Regardless of what you call him, should Porzingis return to Washington he would likely partner up alongside Wembanyama in Washington’s two-big starting lineup.
That would be a sight to behold but it may not happen even if the Wizards end up drafting Wembanyama, with the possibility Porzingis opts out of his contract and tests free agency.
Kyle Kuzma also plans to go through the full free agency process while there is always a chance of Bradley Beal being moved should he be convinced to waive his no-trade clause.
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All of that is to say that even if the roster remains intact heading into next season, the Wizards weren’t that good anyway and need some form of hope for their fans to hold onto.
Wembanyama would be that ray of light at the end of the darkness that has consumed the franchise for a number of years now.
Although the fact the Wizards haven’t even found a replacement for general manager Tommy Sheppard has to be a red flag for Wembanyama’s camp.
The Frenchman may have said he would be happy regardless of where he lands but right now there is little reason to be confident in where Washington is heading as an organisation.
Can Wembanyama trust the direction Washington is heading in? (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)Source: AFP
Utah Jazz: 4.5 per cent
The Jazz, at least on paper, were supposed to have a much better chance of winning the lottery this season after trading away Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert.
But instead Lauri Markkanen earned All-Star honours and was later crowned the league’s Most Improved Player while Walker Kessler impressed in his rookie season.
Kessler’s defensive prowess was particularly noteworthy, with his 2.3 blocks per game tied for the third-best in the NBA while he finished 17th in the league in overall defensive rating.
Adding Wembanyama would give the Jazz one of the most dynamic and versatile frontcourts in the NBA.
Lauri Markkanen was crowned the league’s Most Improved Player. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“Those two are 7-footers, can shoot it, can finish above the rim, run the floor, protect the rim, defend on the perimeter and are elite athletically,” Tony Jones, a Utah Jazz reporter for The Athletic, wrote of the potential Markkanen-Wembanyama forward pairing.
“It would be arguably the best thing to ever happen to the Jazz as a franchise.”
The Jazz have also had past success with a French center in Gobert, who told reporters last year that Wembanyama is “something that we’ve never seen before”.
“I’m excited to keep watching him grow and see what he’s going to turn into. But he’s unique, something that the world has never seen and it’s exciting,” Gobert said of his French National Team teammate.
Of course, even with Wembanyama the Jazz would not be the complete picture, with the need to bolster their starpower in the backcourt.
But with 14 first-round picks stockpiled over the next six years, Utah has more than enough ammunition to find solutions there either through the draft or trades.
Wembanyama would be a top-tier addition for any team. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)Source: AFP
Dallas Mavericks: 3.0 per cent*
It cost the Mavericks a lot to blatantly tank at the end of the season to protect its lottery odds.
But you know what would make the $750,000 tanking fine worth it in the end? Somehow rising up to the top spot and taking Wembanyama.
Now obviously the chances of this happening are pretty slim, with the Mavericks only having a three per cent chance of winning this year’s lottery.
If somehow Dallas did end up being awarded the No. 1 overall pick, drafting Wembanyama would help address some of the team’s most pressing needs while also making them must-match television.
The Mavericks traded for Kristaps Porzingis, who was dubbed the ‘Unicorn’ by Kevin Durant early in his career, with the expectation he could be the team’s defensive anchor.
Injuries obviously spoiled Porzingis’ chance of having the kind of impact Dallas was hoping for but the Mavs could somewhat right the wrongs of that failed trade by landing Wembanyama.
The Mavericks have big decisions to make this summer. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFP
The Frenchman won’t solve all of their problems and there is still very much a need for Dallas to put the right supporting cast around Doncic, with perimeter defence a glaring need after Dorian Finney-Smith’s departure.
But The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie believes if the Mavericks were to somehow find themselves with the top pick in this year’s draft, it could be the start of a “very real potential dynasty”.
“Watching Luka Doncic and Victor Wembanyama would be like world-breaking,” Vecenie said on his ‘Game Theory’ podcast.
“What does Dallas desperately need? They need front-court size and rim protection. What does Victor Wembanyama provide? He brings all of that and more. What could they use in the frontcourt? Another shot creator next to Kyrie and Luka.
“This is like a very real potential dynasty if they don’t f*** up building their pieces around Luka and Victor Wembanyama.”
Wembanyama would be an intriguing addition at Dallas. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)Source: AFP
Chicago Bulls: 1.8 per cent**
Now, this pick will go to the Magic as part of the Nikola Vucevic trade, unless the Bulls jump into the top four. That, of course, includes winning the lottery entirely.
But honestly, even if Wembanyama would benefit from playing alongside an NBA veteran like DeMar DeRozan, Chicago may not be the best fit for him given the uncertainty surrounding its roster.
DeRozan, 33, is about to enter the last year of his deal while Nikola Vucevic, 32, is set to become a free agent.
“If you’re Chicago, you clearly have decisions,” NBA insider Shams Charania said on FanDuel TV’s ‘Run It Back’.
“DeMar DeRozan’s going into the last year of his deal next year so you’re going to have to make a decision. He’s eligible for a massive extension this summer, do you want to give him that?”
“Vucevic, also will be a free agent so Chicago will for sure have decisions to make.”
Will the Bulls keep Nikola Vucevic? (Photo by Quinn Harris / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFP
Obviously the Bulls would be in need of a boost to their frontcourt if Vucevic left and so, in that sense, Wembanyama would be an ideal addition.
There are just so many question marks over where this Chicago team is heading, coming off a season where it ranked 24th in the league in offensive efficiency despite having scoring options like DeRozan, Vucevic and Zach LaVine.
Wembanyama would help solve some of the team’s offensive issues given his ability to space the floor and open up driving lanes or opportunities to kick it out for 3-point attempts.
At least if the Bulls were to head in a new direction this summer and look towards rebuilding their roster, Wembanyama would be the perfect starting point.
Oklahoma City Thunder: 1.7 per cent
Talk about an embarrassment of riches. This is a team that wasn’t even supposed to have a winning record this season, let alone qualify for the play-in tournament.
Yet, the Thunder flipped the script and fast-tracked their rebuild on the back of a breakout season from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished fifth in MVP voting.
Meanwhile, Australian Josh Giddey built on a record-breaking rookie campaign to dispel any concerns over his fit with Gilgeous-Alexander, also making leaps in his 3-point shooting.
Add in the emergence of Jalen Williams and the fact OKC’s second overall pick Chet Holmgren did not even get on the court last season — and there are already plenty of reasons to be excited about the Thunder’s future.
Josh Giddey and Chet Holmgren. Ian Maule/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
With all that in mind, adding a one-of-a-kind talent like Wembanyama to that young core would just be plain unfair.
Wembanyama and the 7-foot Holmgren would make up one of the lengthiest and most intriguing frontcourts in basketball with potential for so much more when they fill out.
Of course, expectations will be even higher at OKC next season if it was to luck out and draft Wembanyama, but playoffs would’ve been the goal even without the 19-year-old.
Toronto Raptors: 1.0 per cent
With Nick Nurse gone, the Raptors are on the lookout for a new coach and — potentially — a completely fresh direction to head in.
So why not completely start things from scratch with a franchise-altering player like Wembanyama?
Drafting Wembanyama wouldn’t necessarily require the Raptors to start from scratch anyway. Toronto has already embraced the positionless basketball revolution, acquiring long, versatile wings who can defend across multiple positions.
Fred VanVleet is one Raptors player whose future is up in the air. (Photo by Carmen Mandato / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFP
The French phenom’s versatility in both his offensive and defensive game makes him the perfect fit should Toronto continue that approach.
Like Chicago though, there are genuine question marks over what the Raptors’ roster could look like next season, with Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr. and Jakob Poeltl all a chance of leaving.
Poeltl will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer while the same goes for VanVleet and Trent Jr. if they decline their player options.
The Raptors could decide to move on from their veteran players and rebuild around Wembanyama and the impressive Scottie Barnes, or they could keep a few of them and once again hover in and around playoff contention with the hope for more.
The odds are obviously not in Toronto’s favour though, with the Raptors having just a one per cent chance of winning this year’s lottery.
Victor Wembanyama’s versatility would suit Toronto. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)Source: AFP
New Orleans Pelicans: 0.5 per cent
Look, it’s highly unlikely the Pelicans jump all the way to top spot and to be completely honest, they have other things worth worrying about anyway.
Starting with Zion Williamson’s health. You know, the former first overall pick has struggled to stay on the court since being drafted by the Pelicans back in 2019.
For a team that has been cursed by injury in recent years, maybe landing Wembanyama would be the basketball gods’ way of apologising? But even that seems a stretch.
If anything, Wembanyama landing in New Orleans would be his best chance of tasting immediate success in the NBA given the state of the Pelicans roster.
Can Zion Williamson stay healthy? (Photo by Rob Carr / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFP
With Williamson hopefully healthy again and Brandon Ingram and C.J. McCollum still on the roster, there won’t be any pressure on Wembanyama to be a leading contributor right away.
It’s all but a pipe dream at this stage but the idea of Wembanyama and Williamson as frontcourt partners is too good not to imagine, even if it is only a 0.5 per cent chance of happening.
* = Dallas’ pick will go to New York if it’s outside of top 10, which would require one of Teams 11-14 to jump ahead of Dallas
** = Chicago’s pick will go to Orlando if it’s outside the top 4, meaning the Bulls need to jump up the order to keep it
Far from home, confronted by a sell-out crowd on a rainy and miserable London night, and beset by a host of injuries. If the Matildas wanted a brutal test to prove where they stand ahead of the World Cup, they could hardly have asked for a better one than England posed on Wednesday morning.
But the Matildas stunned the world number four side 2-0 in the finest win of coach Tony Gustavsson’s tenure, taking a massive step forward in their World Cup preparations thanks to goals from captain Sam Kerr and young defender Charli Grant.
Here are the biggest talking points from the match. IS IT TIME TO START BELIEVING?
“I think there are many teams that could win the World Cup. I think Australia’s one of them.”
They are the words of Sarina Wiegman, England manager, immediately after watching her superstar team’s 30-game unbeaten streak come unstuck at the hands of Sam Kerr and the Matildas.
As a player, Wiegman represented the Netherlands 104 times. As a manager, she is a three-time winner of FIFA’s award for the best women’s coach of the year, guided England to a first-ever European Championship and a two-and-a-half year unbeaten run – and before that, she took the Dutch to a runners-up finish at the 2019 Women’s World Cup.
Wiegman knows what it takes to win a World Cup. Her team is narrowly second-favourites in the betting market to do so this year. So when she says the Aussies are in the mix when the Cup kicks off in 99 days, believe her.
“I think they have some ingredients that are really good,” she said.
“They’re aggressive, they’re tight, today in the 18-yard box, they were good with the headers.”
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A couple of years ago – when Tony Gustavsson took charge of the side in September 2020 ¬– the prospect of an Aussie World Cup win on home soil seemed far-fetched.
The checklist of problems facing the Matildas was lengthy: a thin squad with an over-reliance on a core group of veterans; defensive vulnerability; attacking profligacy; an inability to manage games or effectively execute a tactical plan for a full 90 minutes.
Sam Kerr of Australia. Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
The 935 days under the Swedish coach’s rule have been a rollercoaster ride for Aussie fans. There were gutting defeats where one or more of those problems reared their ugly heads. There were flashes of promise, moments of magic, too. Plenty of those. But win or lose, Gustavsson didn’t change his tune. His belief in the squad’s potential, and his faith in the painstaking process of realising that potential, never wavered.
Today, after the greatest win of his tenure, others might finally believe the Matildas can go all the way and lift a trophy that seemed far out of reach a couple of years ago.
But things are different for Tony.
“This might sound a bit strange,” he said. “It hasn’t changed my mind at all … The internal belief has always been there.”
Belief, yes, but mixed with humility – and an unshakeable focus on the end goal.
Gustavsson added: “But I also think it’s very important we don’t get carried away. We need to stay very, very humble.”
Sam Kerr made a similar point.
“Unfortunately beating England tonight doesn’t win us anything,” Kerr said. “I wouldn’t be here if it did,” she joked, “I’d be out celebrating!”
Beating one team – no matter how good they might be – does not win you a World Cup.
But the belief that the Matildas can match it with the best has now been backed up with proof.
As Gustavsson said: “We know that on any given day we might not be the best team, but we can beat the best team.”
Matildas end England’s 30-game streak! | 01:06
THE SQUAD — AND A SILVER LINING TO BIG WORRY
Let’s go back to that list of problems that faced the Matildas when Gustavsson arrived. Firstly, an over-reliance on a group of veteran players. Football Australia’s ‘Women’s Performance Gap’ report published in December 2020 presented a host of worrying findings.
Australia had some of the worst squad depth among 12 top nations, having used the fewest number of players in the four years from 2017-2020 – and giving ‘Fringe’ players the fewest number of minutes.
Gustavsson’s mandate was clear: broaden the pool of Matildas while simultaneously preparing for the biggest tournament in Australian football history.
Today’s starting XI against England shows the end result of the concerted effort to increase the depth of the squad.
Clare Hunt is 24. Ellie Carpenter is 22. Kyra Cooney-Cross is 21. Charlotte Grant is 21. Mary Fowler is 20. Alternatively, consider who wasn’t playing. Steph Catley, Emily van Egmond, Caitlin Foord, Emily Gielnik, Elise Kellond-Knight, Alanna Kennedy, Chloe Logarzo, Kyah Simon – the list goes on and on and on, and tallies well over 700 international caps of experience. All of those veterans are injured.
Tameka Yallop, yet another centurion, went down with an ankle injury against England, as did Sydney FC star Cortnee Vine. An update on their status has not yet been released.
No wonder Gustavsson is frustrated.
Tony Gustavsson, head coach of Australia. Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
“Enough is enough,” Gustavsson said of the injuries.
“I mean, we had enough of this now in terms of injuries, and I just hope enough is enough and that there’s time enough for these players to get back, and I can’t comment on how severe it is.
“But if this win came with too big of a price, then it will hurt me and the team, and I hope it’s not that severe.”
But as Gustavsson pointed out, it’s not the first time his Matildas have been beset by a wave of injuries. Two years ago, an injury-struck Matildas team faced Germany and the Netherlands and were demolished: 5-0 and 5-2. Today was proof of just how far the project has come. “We’ve spent two years investing in depth in this roster,” he said.
“We had Western Sydney Wanderers [Hunt’s team] in the A-League against Man United out here. We had Charli Grant, who plays for Vittsjö, a mid-table team in Sweden, against Chelsea – all these big names, big clubs. “We might not have the biggest resources, the most players in the big clubs in the big leagues, but what we have is heart, and commitment, and pride to represent Australia.”
Injuries are an unfortunate fact of life – never more than in tournament football, where the turnaround between games is short. But the silver lining to the long line of injuries has been more chances to expose young or fringe players to elite international opponents – and giving them a chance to prove they belong.
GRANT AND THE YOUNG GUNS STAKES HER CLAIM TO STARTING SPOT
One of those rough diamonds has been Charlotte Grant. A rampaging fullback with seemingly endless energy – and boundless personality to boot – the 21-year-old finally stepped out of the shadows left by two of Australia’s bigger superstars: Ellie Carpenter and Steph Catley.
Carpenter spent most of the last 12 months recovering from an ACL tear. In that time, Grant proved herself a more-than capable replacement at right back.
But Carpenter is back – and back to her best, as her form in recent weeks for French giants Olympic Lyonnais as well as her performance against England proves.
Luckily for Grant, the other side of the defensive line has an absence. Steph Catley has been out for a month with a non-contact foot injury, and Gustavsson said when the squad for this camp was announced that: “When it comes to the World Cup, it’s too early to comment.”
Assuming she is fit, there’s no guarantee that Catley – so brilliant and so reliable for the Matildas for a decade – will get her starting spot back. That’s how good Grant has been, with her maiden international goal just reward for a fantastic performance on both ends of the pitch.
“To get a goal was just so exciting, I am just pumped,” she said.
“I just put my head on it and hoped for the best and I am just glad it went in the back of the net”.
Charlotte Grant of Australia celebrates. Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Her brilliance gives Gustavsson the kind of headache he will love to have. And Grant wasn’t the only youngster to put her name up in lights. Five-cap Clare Hunt was fantastic in centre-back alongside centurion Clare Polkinghorne.
21-year-old Kyra Cooney-Cross was equally superb next to vastly experienced 30-year-old Katrina Gorry in central midfield.
Former Matilda Grace Gill said on Channel 10: “I thought across the game, she got better and better.
“As the side started to fatigue, I thought she really grew into the game. There’s a few occasions where she just ran into space ball at her feet. She’s still outrunning players for speed, with the ball at her feet on the dribble and then connecting and finding players in in on the past.
“And she’s also got this wonderful ability to shoot from range, which we saw her line up on a couple of occasions, too.”
But one very difficult decision on who to start at the World Cup might be all-but-locked in: Mackenzie Arnold as goalkeeper.
Player of the tournament in the three-match Cup of Nations series in February, she has now started five-straight games for the Matildas despite plenty of competition at the position – and her superb performance against England has plenty of pundits pencilling her in to hold onto her No. 1 spot come July.
From Kevin Garnett to Kyle Lowry and even top 2023 draft prospect Scoot Henderson — Joe Abunassar has worked with and helped develop NBA players for 25 years.
But Abunassar, founder of Impact Basketball and a pioneer in player development in the NBA, is at the point of his career now where he doesn’t just train anyone.
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Green sinks ABSURD 4-pt buzzer beater | 00:47
Thu, 30 Mar
Thursday March 30th
“I’m at a stage where I don’t like to work with a lot of guys that I don’t enjoy working with,” he told foxsports.com.au.
There’s a reason that he’s always made time for Josh Green over the past four years though, including the “big summer” that the Australian credits for his transformation this season.
Even from the first time Abunassar met Green, then a 19-year-old draft hopeful, the veteran trainer saw enough in the Sydney native to suggest he could be “something special”.
“The thing that struck me about Josh is, one — he’s a super kid, really good person and he works his arse off,” Abunassar said.
“That in itself drew me to him and wanting to help him. He has an incredible work ethic and then you put on top of that his very unique power and athleticism and speed.
“… My first time working with him, that’s what really struck me — he’s a really good kid who’s got some really unteachable skills, he’s so fast and so powerful and just amazing body control and athleticism. Once he honed his skills, I knew he could be something special.”
But at the end of the Western Conference finals last year Green, who Dallas drafted in 2020 with the 18th overall pick, found himself out of the rotation and at a crossroads.
The 21-year-old played just 17 minutes across the five games against Golden State, too hesitant in offence or as Green himself put it — playing “hot potato” with the basketball.
It made it hard to justify giving him significant minutes in the pressure cooker that is playoffs basketball, even if Green was still bringing his typical high energy on the defensive end.
Head coach Jason Kidd gave Green limited minutes in the playoffs last season. (Photo by Sam Hodde / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFP
“Coach Jason Kidd empowered him to be OK with making mistakes during his second season last year, but it was clear Josh still didn’t trust his shot and his skills and would play what he called ‘hot potato’ with the ball whenever he had possession,” Callie Caplan told foxsports.com.au.
“He couldn’t wait to get rid of it and not mess up.”
Caplan covers the Mavericks for Dallas Morning News and has had a front-row seat to Green’s transformation, which was already generating plenty of buzz in the preseason.
But generating buzz is one thing. Living up to it is another challenge entirely.
Although Caplan said there was already a “sign” Green was in a position to do just that during the first week of training camp.
“My first sign that Josh’s improvement was legit, and not just talk from the coaches wanting to boost his confidence, came during their open practice during the first week of training camp,” she said.
“During that September 30 workout, Josh was everywhere — hitting threes, bringing the ball up in transition, finishing at the rim, looking active on defence.
“That’s when I started to realise how much his work in the summer set him up for a transformational third season.”
Which again brings us back to Impact Basketball, described by Abunassar as “a one-stop shop for basketball players who are trying to improve”.
Abunassar reckons the program has put “about” 300 players into the NBA over the past 25 years, from Garnett and Chauncey Billups to more recent prospects like Tyrese Haliburton and Ziaire Williams.
Tyrese Haliburton worked with Abunassar. (Photo by Andy Lyons / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFP
Getting into the NBA is just the first step. After that, it’s all about making an impact.
And for a player like Green, a coronavirus-impacted rookie season and lack of rotation minutes in the 2021-22 playoffs left him needing to find a way to take that next step last summer. That’s where Abunassar came in.
“I love players like Josh that are really kind of at the crossroads of their career and really need to grow up into the game,” Abunassar said.
“To make themselves a name in the league.”
Now Green is doing just that, with Dallas coach Jason Kidd declaring in December that he has “all the talents” to be a “superstar” and that all his hard work would pay off — literally.
“He’s going to make a lot of money,” Kidd said.
It’s been quite the turnaround for Green and it all started with one phone call last year, just a day after his Mavericks had been eliminated from the NBA playoffs.
‘AT A DIFFERENT LEVEL’: INSIDE GREEN’S TWO-MONTH TRANSFORMATION
Abunassar often jokes with Green that he speaks more with him than either of his sons.
“So him calling me every day isn’t an issue,” the renowned trainer laughs.
Ever since Abunassar first starting work with Green, he took the time to get to know him — both on and off the court, spending time with the Australian’s mother and sister when they visited Dallas last month.
There is a level of comfort and trust there. So in one of the lowest points of his young career, when Green found himself out of the rotation and in need of advice, he knew who to call.
“He did not have a great playoffs run in the sense that he lost his minutes and so many players when that happens, they point the finger,” Abunassar said.
“But what Josh did is he called me the day after or maybe the night of and said, ‘I’ve got to get better’. He said, ‘I have to have a big summer. I have to get better’.
“And of course, somebody like myself, who sometimes fights with players to understand that, was extremely pleased to hear that. It spoke to his focus.”
A focus to always get better, even if it meant early morning wake-ups and “two-straight months of just incredible commitment”, as Abunassar put it.
So about a week after the postseason ended, Green moved to Las Vegas and linked up again with Abunassar, who had clear instructions from the Mavericks on what to work on.
“They needed Josh to shoot the ball better, they needed him handling the ball better and they needed him to finish better,” Abunassar said.
Green also understood the gravity of what this, his third year in the league, meant in determining the trajectory of his career moving forward. It wasn’t so much that he had anything to prove to anybody though.
“I always knew who I was as a player,” Green told foxsports.com.au.
“It was more of just when the opportunity was going to happen.”
And with Jalen Brunson off to the New York Knicks, that opportunity had presented itself and left Dallas without a clear secondary ball-handler to ease the pressure on Luka Doncic.
“I knew that there was going to be [an] opportunity with Jalen not coming back, and as much as that sucked, I just had to make sure that I was ready,” Green added.
“I mean it’s my third year, so I was like, ‘I’ve adjusted to the NBA. I feel confident, ready to go, it feels normal. So now it’s time to go to work and have full confidence in myself.
“… I also knew that if anything, I wanted to prove [to] myself how much work I can put into myself, and really benefit from it. So, going into the off-season, I came out with a strict plan. “It was a tough off-season for sure, but it was also a lot of fun. It showed me how much I really love playing basketball and being around basketball to be honest.”
A TYPICAL DAY FOR GREEN AT IMPACT BASKETBALL
9am-10.30am: Stretch, get treatment, skill work
10.30am-12.30pm: Lifting weights, gym work
12.30pm-2pm: Games of 5-on-5 basketball
2pm-6pm: Free time
6pm-7pm: Evening activities (such as boxing or pilates)
Green was also able to lock in his nutrition as well as strength and conditioning, taking his bodyweight down from 99 kilograms to 95 and body fat from 10 per cent to seven per cent.
But it was the work Green did with Kyle Lowry and, in particular, two words of advice from the six-time All-Star and NBA champion that continues to guide the Australian.
“Josh plays with a very high motor,” Abunassar said.
“Kyle really showed Josh how to slow down and I think that really helped him. Kyle kept stopping him and saying, ‘Hey, hey, hey. Slow down. Slow down’.
“Josh can get to shots easy but he is going so fast, which is a good problem to have. Absolutely a huge motor, non-stop.
“It’s interesting because when he was playing 18, 20, 22 minutes and then tried to play 32 minutes at the same level, he was dying out there. He’s adjusted now but it took a while.
“… He played one-on-one, they drilled together and I think that Josh seeing and understanding the confidence that Kyle had in him really helped him, because as a young player confidence is something that kind of comes from the validation of veterans.”
For Lowry, it was a way of giving back, having been mentored himself by Garnett and Chauncey Billups in the early years of Abunassar’s program when he was still developing his game.
Kyle Lowry passed on his wisdom to Josh Green. Andy Lyons/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
It didn’t matter how long it would take, be it five minutes or even “sometimes 30 minutes”.
“As long as he got the point across,” Green added.
“He had the best interests in me and making sure I’m ready to go.
“He’s very, very good on the offensive end in just being patient, maintaining the dribble and he’s always been very good at that. So I’d say that’s the biggest thing [he taught me] and just creating room for your own shot and using your body to your advantage.”
It wasn’t just Lowry either. Tremmell Darden, who Abunassar described as the best player he trained to never make the NBA, and former Chicago Bulls guard Randy Brown also worked with Green.
It didn’t matter who it was though. Abunassar always heard the same thing from all the veteran players that walked through the doors at Impact.
“Every NBA vet than came in said, ‘Man, that young kid is good’. He was busting people’s arses to be honest,” Abunassar said.
“Guys like DeMarcus Cousins and other veterans playing in the gym went, ‘Man, that kid is good’. He was just at a different level this summer and he had it in his mind.
“You have guys like Lowry and Chauncey Billups and Ty Lue, my clients who were head coaches and would come through the gym with their guys and comment, ‘I really like that Green kid’. So everyone who saw him saw something that he was really growing in his game and again, for a young kid that is empowering. I think that helped him out a lot.”
Josh Green received plenty of validation from veteran players while training at Impact. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Whether it would translate into tangible results on the court remained a mystery, that was until Green started playing one-on-one, and later piling on the points in five-on-five games.
“When we were doing the finishing and the ball-handling, it’s almost like the foundation of the house, you don’t know how the house is going to look when you’re finished with it,” Abunassar said.
“But when we started playing pick-up, we would play one-on-one with Kyle Lowry, Jamaal Franklin and Josh would just be consistently getting baskets and was just quick with his dribble and he was just really, really sharp.
“And then in the five-on-five, there were games where we were going to 11 and he’d score eight of the points. When they do that one or two times that’s fine, but he was doing it every day.
“In the middle of August, we started talking about his schedule because he went back to Dallas in the beginning of September, and I told him, ‘You’re ready’. He was like the finished product. We need to get this kid in front of someone immediately.”
By training camp in early October, Green was launching threes without hesitation and finishing with confidence at the rim.
“It’s Josh Green’s world,” Dallas champion Brendan Haywood said on the NBA stream, “and we’re just living in it right now”.
THE NEXT CHALLENGE FOR FAST-IMPROVING GREEN AS PAYDAY NEARS
Green’s new-found confidence in his jumper saw the Australian take a significant leap in his three-point shooting this season, draining a career-high 40.5 per cent from beyond the arc.
Caplan said Green’s confidence has been a “complete turnaround” from his first two seasons in the league, stepping into shots he “never would’ve taken last year”.
“This season, he’s obviously cut down on the mistakes he’s making, but that’s in large part because he believes he can have great success,” she said.
“He’s a completely different player, and it’s been amazing to watch his growth.”
Josh Green is growing in confidence. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
And while the Australian has naturally hit a shooting slump or two during the season, there’s one thing you can always guarantee from the 22-year-old — hustle.
The kind of hustle that saw Green steal the ball from Anthony Lamb, twice, and then sink a three-point shot late in the third quarter against Golden State this month.
That sort of activity and energy on both ends of the floor, but particularly in defence, is how Green continues to find ways to impact winning — even if not reflected on the box score.
But Green has been filling the box score this season, averaging 9.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 53.5 per cent from the floor (all career-high numbers).
A lot of that, again, goes back to the confidence Green has in himself and his game. Confidence that Green said comes from the work he has put in, not just this summer but his “whole life”.
“I feel like I’ve earned everything I’ve gotten in my life in basketball,” he said.
“I came over to America not really being a big basketball player. I had no offers from schools, my first offer was from a D2 school, and it was the coolest thing in my life that D2 offer, it will still probably be the coolest thing I’ve ever done.
“Seeing moments like that, I feel like I’ve proved to myself that I’ve earned everything and I don’t want it any other way really, you know. I like working for everything I get.”
That includes a big payday, with Green rookie extension eligible this summer and otherwise set to enter restricted free agency if he can’t come to a deal with Dallas before then.
“I definitely think he’s going to get paid,” Dalton Trigg, editor-in-chief for Dallas Basketball, told foxsports.com.au.
“It’s hard to get a good feel for his market as a restricted free agent, but I could see him potentially getting somewhere in the ballpark of what Finney-Smith signed with the Mavs around this time last year — four years, $56 million.
“If he can carry his regular-season production into the postseason while the Mavs make another deep run, I think that would be good value for Green going forward.”
Josh Green could be a key part of the Mavericks’ future. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
But unfortunately for Green and the Mavericks, that deep postseason run looks unlikely at this stage. In fact, Dallas is in a battle to even qualify for the play-in tournament now.
Green himself has hit a scoring slump recently, managing just seven points in his past three appearances despite having only earlier this month scored 20-plus in three-straight games.
There was one constant in all three of those games though — no Luka Doncic or Kyrie Irving.
It’s something the Australian has openly admitted to struggling with since Dallas traded for Irving, working out how to coexist on offence with two ball-dominant guards.
Being shifted from the starting side in late February for Justin Holiday, who the Mavericks signed in the buyout market, obviously didn’t help either.
And while a developmental coach like Kidd has largely helped empower Green, that decision – even if it quickly reversed – was an “odd” one according to Trigg.
“When he lost his starting spot to Holiday, a guy who had only been on the team for a few games, I thought that affected him mentally a little bit,” Trigg said.
“And I can’t really blame him either.”
The Mavericks looked very different after the trade deadline. (Photo by Tim Heitman / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFP
The talent is clearly there and Green has shown enough flashes to suggest there is still plenty of growth left in him.
After all, he is only 22 years old and this is really just his second full season in the league.
But finding a supporting cast that can both score and also defend is proving a tough task for the Mavericks, who look set to enter the summer still in a state of flux.
“I think the entire team has been in a rut since the Kyrie Irving trade,” Caplan said.
“While Josh hasn’t been the reason they’re losing, he’s still been affected by the large-scale changes the team and rotation has undergone.
“He’s mentioned learning to play with two superstars now, not just one, as the reason he’s had a dip in production since the All-Star break, but he’s shown great maturity in not making excuses for the adjustment period.
“I also think he’s taken on a much larger role since Dorian Finney-Smith left in the trade, and the ‘third-year wall’ Jason Kidd referenced recently is real. Every minute and possession Josh plays now is one more than he’s ever played in an NBA season, and the grind is something he’ll continue to adjust to.”
Josh Green fights for every possession. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
The grind will continue into the off-season too, irrespective of what Dallas’ squad looks like next year, with the Mavericks planning on using Green more in pick-and-rolls.
That will be just one focus for Abunassar, who has already started speaking with both the Dallas coaching staff and Green himself to put together a list of goals to work on next summer.
And while the Mavericks may fall well short of playoff expectations, Green’s growth along with that of teammate Jaden Hardy casts a shining light on what otherwise seems a season destined to end in disappointment.
“I view Josh as the Mavericks’ third-most important player behind Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, and I think the team’s executives and coaching staff think the same,” Caplan said.
“Dallas should make it a huge priority to extend Josh’s contract this season to secure his long-term future on a deal that he could likely outplay over the next couple of years.
“The Mavericks then can use Josh as a centrepiece for another blockbuster trade or continue to pace his development so he can be a championship-level starting role player in the near future.”
The Mavericks didn’t trade Green before the deadline. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
But whatever the future may hold for Green, wherever the 22-year-old may end up – he always knows the door at Impact Basketball will always be open.
For some players, it’s a revolving door of sorts. For Green though, it was home for over two months last year.
He could’ve easily gone home instead, back to his real home in Australia for the first time in four years. No one would’ve questioned it and Green did do just that eventually.
But only briefly and only once he was convinced going home wouldn’t mean losing all the progress he had worked so hard for.
“In the NBA, these guys have a lot of money and have a lot of free time in the summer, so they can do whatever they want,” Abunassar said.
“They can travel, a lot of guys move around a lot, a lot of guys want to go on vacation here and do this and that. That’s fine but Josh came to Vegas after one week and never left until he actually visited home and went back to Australia in early August.
“He gave me two-straight months of just incredible commitment and it’s not easy, it’s hard work and it was every day. He focused his brain to committing his time to spending his summer on his career, which was huge.”
Green is being rewarded for all his hard work. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Now he’s reaping the rewards and for Abunassar, more impressive than anything else is the fact that even after all these years, Green is the same person that first walked through the doors at Impact back in 2020.
“It’s funny because he went to IMG when he was a junior, so he’s been on his own now for six years, really living on his own,” Abunassar said.
“So even though he’s only 22 years old, he’s quickly had to grow up. People forget these young NBA guys, he’s just turned 22 in November but people look at them like they’re 40-year-old people and they’re still kids.
“Most of us at 22 had no clue what is going on. Now you get put in these positions where you’re living on your own, you’re getting a good amount of money and you have a good amount of pressure on you.
“I think he’s handled it really well by just staying Josh. He’s the same. He’s just Josh.”
