Magic's Paolo Banchero Has DWI-Related Charge Against Him from Time with Duke Dropped
Jul 29, 2022
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 09: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic brings the ball up the court against the Sacramento Kings during the 2022 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 09, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Orlando Magic rookie Paolo Banchero had a DWI-related charge from his time at Duke dropped this week.
Per Steve Wiseman of The Raleigh News & Observer, prosecutors in Orange County dropped the aiding and abetting an impaired driver charge against Banchero after Michael Savarino pleaded guilty to DWI on Wednesday.
In November, according to court records obtained by Wiseman, Savarino was arrested for DWI and Banchero was charged with aiding and abetting DWI.
North Carolina Highway Patrol arrested Savarino, former Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski's grandson, around 1:10 a.m. local time on a Sunday morning after pulling him over for a stop sign violation.
Sgt. Christopher Knox, spokesman for the N.C. Highway Patrol, told Wiseman there was a "strong odor of alcohol" in the vehicle.
Krzyzewski didn't discipline Banchero after he was charged. The freshman forward was in the starting lineup and played 26 minutes against Gardner-Webb on Nov. 16, two days after the situation occurred.
"We all learned from it," Banchero told reporters about the situation after a Nov. 22 win over Citadel. "I can't really say much about it. We learned from it and we handled it as a team. We've moved on, though. We want to get on with our season."
Savarino received 12 months' probation and is required to complete a treatment program as part of his plea agreement.
Banchero started all 39 games for the Blue Devils last season. He was named ACC Rookie of the Year and a consensus second-team All-American selection after averaging 17.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.
The Magic selected Banchero with the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NBA draft.
Magic's Paolo Banchero Reportedly Finalizing Endorsement Contract With Jordan Brand
Jul 28, 2022
Houston Rockets' Jabari Smith Jr., left, and Orlando Magic's Paolo Banchero look for a rebound during the first half an NBA summer league basketball game Thursday, July 7, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
The top overall pick is going with Jordan Brand.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Orlando Magic rookie Paolo Banchero is reportedly signing an endorsement deal with the iconic shoe company.
Banchero will join an impressive list of NBA stars signed to Jordan Brand, including Chris Paul, Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, Bam Adebayo, Zion Williamson, Bradley Beal, Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony.
A number of WNBA stars are also signed to the brand, including Rhyne Howard, Maya Moore and Kia Nurse.
Alongside joining that excellent company, Banchero is now the face of the Magic's rebuild, joining fellow young players like Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony, Franz Wagner, Wendell Carter Jr. and Markelle Fultz as the organization looks to construct a contender.
Banchero should have an instant impact on the team's offense, bringing the ability to create his own shot (17.2 PPG last year with Duke) with solid playmaking (3.2 APG) from his forward position.
"I've been in the gym with [Banchero] a little bit already, seeing him out here, just doing what he does," Anthony told ESPN's Nick Friedell this week. "He's going to help us a lot. And now I feel like we can really start building something."
The Magic haven't missed with the top overall pick in the past. In 2004, they selected Dwight Howard. In 1993, they took Chris Webber (he was later traded to the Golden State Warriors, with Penny Hardaway heading back to the Magic). The year prior they selected Shaquille O'Neal.
Webber and O'Neal are Hall of Famers, and Hardaway was on that trajectory before injuries hampered his career. Howard will get his plaque once he retires.
Banchero has big shoes to fill as a top overall pick of the Magic, in other words. Now we know those shoes will be Jordans.
NBA Rumors: Kemba Walker, Isaiah Thomas Contracts Considered by Hornets
Jul 25, 2022
PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 12: Kemba Walker #8 of the New York Knicks brings the ball up court during the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on February 12, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
The Charlotte Hornets are "considering" a reunion with Kemba Walker and have also discussed re-signing Isaiah Thomas, per Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic:
Hornets considering reunion with a former franchise cornerstone, among free-agent options, sources say: pic.twitter.com/mvjS1PlkTJ
Charlotte is seeking depth at point guard and could add one of the veteran options that has familiarity with the franchise.
Thomas finished last season with the Hornets, appearing in 17 games while averaging 8.3 points in just 12.9 minutes per game.
Walker began his career in Charlotte, playing eight seasons while earning three of his four All-Star selections. He averaged 25.6 points and 5.9 assists per game in his final season with the Hornets in 2018-19 before signing with the Boston Celtics in free agency.
Despite producing quality numbers over two years with the Celtics (19.9 PPG, 4.8 APG), injuries were a major story for Walker, and he was traded and waived last offseason before landing with the New York Knicks. That preceded a dreadful season where he averaged 11.6 points and 3.5 assists per game, both career lows.
The Knicks needed to send first-round pick Jalen Duren to the Detroit Pistons just to get out of Walker's contract.
After agreeing to a buyout with Detroit, the 32-year-old could get another chance with the team that drafted him.
Thomas, 33, has been on the move even more in recent years, appearing for seven different organizations in the last five seasons. He's played just 109 games since he joined the Denver Nuggets in 2018-19 and has struggled to secure a spot in any rotation since then.
The two-time All-Star could still be an option for Charlotte after he "emerged as a positive locker-room leader" last year, per Charania.
LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier are the team's top options in the backcourt, and James Bouknight can provide depth, but another veteran presence could be valuable on the young roster.
Thomas reached double figures in seven of his 17 games with the Hornets, all off the bench, which could help the team get back into the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Hornets' Miles Bridges Pleads Not Guilty to Domestic Violence, Child Abuse Charges
Jul 20, 2022
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 30: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 30, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Charlotte Hornets defeated the New York Knicks 125-114. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Charlotte Hornets restricted free agent Miles Bridges pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a felony charge of injuring a child’s parent and two felony counts of child abuse under circumstances or conditions likely to cause great bodily injury or death, according to Roderick Boone and Michael Gordon of the Charlotte Observer.
Bridges was arrested in Los Angeles on June 29 and accused of assaulting his girlfriend in front of their two children.
The woman who said Bridges assaulted her shared pictures of injuries in a social media post and a copy of her medical report, which stated she was the "adult victim of physical abuse by male partner" and had suffered "assault by strangulation; brain concussion; closed fracture of nasal bone; contusion of rib; multiple bruises; strain of neck muscle."
In a since-deleted post, she wrote: "I hate that it has come to this but I can't be silent anymore. I've allowed someone to destroy my home, abuse me in every way possible and traumatize our kids for life. I have nothing to prove to the world, but I won't allow anyone who could do something so horrible to have no remorse and paint a picture of something I'm not."
The woman also said the alleged abuse happened in front of their children.
"Children who witness family violence are especially vulnerable and the impact on them is immeasurable," Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon said. "Mr. Bridges will be held accountable for his actions."
Bridges, 24, was one of the top restricted free agents in the NBA heading into the offseason and was given the $7.9 million qualifying offer from the Hornets, which can't be rescinded since the July 13 deadline to do so has passed.
Both the team and Bridges would have to agree to waive it.
"We are aware of the charges that were filed today against Miles Bridges," the Hornets said in a statement Tuesday after Bridges was officially charged. "These are very serious charges that we will continue to monitor. As this is a legal matter, we will have no further comment at this time."
Kyle Korver, Hawks Reportedly Finalizing Contract to Join Team in Front-Office Role
Jul 19, 2022
Milwaukee Bucks guard Kyle Korver (26) in the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, March 9, 2020, in Denver. The Nuggets won 109-95. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Longtime NBA shooting guard Kyle Korver is joining the Atlanta Hawks for a front-office role, per Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic.
Korver, who played in the NBA from 2003-20, served as a player development coach for the Brooklyn Nets last season. He suited up for six teams during his NBA career, including the Hawks from 2012-17.
Korver made his lone All-Star team as a member of the 2014-15 Hawks, who finished first in the Eastern Conference standings and reached the East Finals.
Korver got rave reviews for the first stop of his post-playing career, per Chris Milholen of NetsDaily:
Lots of Nets praised Kyle Korver last season. He notably helped out Kessler Edwards, Nic Claxton, and Ben Simmons with shooting. He was a Nets player development coach last season. https://t.co/ABAk3QxXv1
However, Korver is going to switch gears and go the front-office route with the move to Atlanta.
The former Creighton star, who shot 42.9 percent from three-point range for his career, joins a Hawks team that figures to make big improvements after adding San Antonio Spurs point guard Dejounte Murray via trade. He and Trae Young now form a dynamic backcourt for a Hawks team that won 43 games and reached the playoffs last year.
Korver joins a front office run by president of basketball operations Travis Schlenk. That office also includes another former NBA player in Landry Fields, who was promoted to general manager on July 1. Fields, a former Stanford standout, played in the NBA for five seasons with the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors.
NBA Summer League 2022: Hot Takes for Jaden Ivey, Top Players from Day 3 In Las Vegas
Jul 10, 2022
Las Vegas, NV - JULY 9: Jaden Ivey #23 of the Detroit Pistons shoots a free throw during the game against the Washington Wizards during the 2022 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2022 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
NBA Summer League in Las Vegas has already been full of memorable moments from the league's rising stars, and that was no different on Saturday at Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion.
Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero and Jabari Smith Jr. delivered impressive performances during Saturday's action to help their respective teams earn a victory on Day 3 of action in Las Vegas.
That said, here's a look at what stood out to NBA fans and experts on social media from Saturday's games.
Paolo Banchero "Too Good" for Summer League
In Day 3 of Summer League action, the Orlando Magic, led by Paolo Banchero, defeated the Sacramento Kings 94-92 in double overtime in what was one of the more exciting matchups from Saturday's action.
Banchero finished with 23 points, six rebounds, six assists, four steals and two blocks. He made 6-of-15 shots from the field and made 11-of-15 free-throw attempts, but missed his only attempt from three-point range.
The Duke product also notched the game-winning block and assist in double overtime to lift the Magic over the Kings.
Banchero's continued success in Summer League action earned him some praise on social media on Saturday, including fans saying that he is "too good" to be playing in Las Vegas.
Paolo Banchero looks like a veteran not a rookie.
His ability to master the game is just amazing to watch. Future star.
Paolo Banchero is looking like a future star again today with a huge blocked shot in Vegas. 23 points, 6 assists with the Orlando Magic going 2-0. He did have some turnover issues trying to involve teammates.
— Blue Devil Nation (@BlueDevilNation) July 9, 2022
The Magic selected Banchero with the first overall pick in the 2022 draft out of Duke, picking him over Chet Holmgren and Jabari Smith Jr.
Banchero had an impressive freshman season with the Blue Devils, averaging 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.1 steals in 39 games while shooting 47.8 percent from the floor and 33.8 percent from deep.
That said, after starring at Duke, it's no surprise that 19-year-old is finding early success in Summer League action.
Jaden Ivey Done in Summer League After Suffering Ankle Injury?
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Washington Wizards 105-99 on Saturday, but it was a costly game for the franchise as they lost standout rookie Jaden Ivey in the process.
Ivey played just five minutes in Day 3 of Summer League, putting up 11 points and two assists, before exiting with an ankle injury. He made both of his shots from the field, his only three-point attempt and all six of his free-throws.
The 20-year-old suffered the ankle injury after landing on the foot of Wizards forward Isaiah Todd with 4:52 to play in the first quarter. He was visibly in pain and grabbed his right leg before making three free-throws and exiting.
While Ivey's status moving forward is unclear, there's speculation that he might be done with Summer League altogether, which would be a huge blow for the Pistons.
5th overall pick Jaden Ivey has hurt his right ankle/shin and is limping pretty badly. Flagrant foul for Isaiah Todd for getting under Ivey on his shot. Ivey had been cooking early against the Wizards. Wouldn't be surprised if that's the last we see Ivey this Summer League.
Marvin Bagley III on Jaden Ivey: He lived up to the hype of what was around his name. He was starting to heat up today before the injury. I like what I've seen.
The Pistons selected Ivey fifth overall in the 2022 draft out of Purdue. He was widely regarded as the best point guard available in this year's class after averaging 17.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 36 games while shooting 46 percent from the floor and 35.8 percent from deep in his sophomore season with the Boilermakers.
If Ivey doesn't return to Summer League, he's already shown flashes of his potential. In his first game Summer League game, he finished with 20 points, six rebounds and six assists, which is promising for Detroit.
Battle of the 2022 No. 2 and No. 3 Picks
The Houston Rockets defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 90-88 on Saturday, and both Chet Holmgren and Jabari Smith Jr., the No. 2 and No. 3 picks in the 2022 draft, turned in decent outings for their respective teams.
Holmgren finished with 12 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and four blocks for the Thunder. However, he made just 3-of-10 shots from the field and missed his only attempt from three-point range.
Smith, meanwhile, finished with 12 points, nine rebounds, one assists, four steals and three blocks for the Rockets. He made just 5-of-19 shots from the field and 2-of-9 shots from deep.
While it was more of an off night for both players in the shooting department, they were lauded for their defensive performances.
Chet Holmgren is going to be a devastating guy flying in from the weak side to block shots. He’s up to four blocks in tonight’s game against Houston.
Chet Holmgren just drove it into the lane on Jabari, wheeled and made a little left-handed jump hook over Jabari. If he can consistently do THAT in the NBA, look out.
Chet Holmgren blocks are so impactful. Not only do they stop a bucket, but with how fast and athletic this team wants to play more often than not it’ll lead to easy transition buckets.
Both Holmgren and Smith have played well throughout Summer League, and it's clear both players will likely become cornerstones for their respective franchises moving forward, both offensively and defensively.
Magic's Paolo Banchero Talks Summer-League Debut: 'Always Had a Chip on My Shoulder'
Jul 8, 2022
ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 24: Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic talks to the media during the Orlando Magic Draft Press Conference on June 24, 2022 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
Paolo Banchero made a strong impression during his Orlando Magic debut Thursday night in Las Vegas Summer League action, finishing the 91-77 win against the Houston Rockets with 17 points, six assists and four rebounds.
Speaking to ESPN's Cassidy Hubbarth after the game, Banchero discussed his performance and the matchup with No. 3 pick Jabari Smith, noting he's "always had a chip on my shoulder."
Many were surprised when Orlando used its top pick on the Duke product as he didn't have a predraft meeting or workout with the club prior to his selection, Shams Charania reported on Stadium.
As a freshman last year for the Blue Devils, Banchero powered the team to a Final Four appearance while averaging 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.
The 6'10" forward has an NBA-ready body with a polished offensive skill set and was widely regarded as one of the top three players in this year's draft class.
"Powerful and skilled, Paolo Banchero projects as the draft's most pro-ready scorer," B/R's Jonathan Wasserman wrote in his scouting report. "His ability to self-create, shoot off the dribble, hit threes and play-make carves out a path toward NBA stardom."
For his part, Banchero isn't short on confidence when it comes to his potential for superstardom.
"My ceiling is as high as I want it to be. Which is limitless. I set a lot of goals for myself every stage of my career. So I want to do all that—NBA Rookie of the Year, be an All-Star, make the playoffs, everything a basketball player on this stage would want to do, I want to do, plus more. But at first, I want to win. That's the most important thing."
The Magic have dwelled in the NBA's basement for years, but with Banchero anchoring their young core it appears an ascent up the standings could soon be on the way.
LiAngelo Ball Announced as Part of Hornets' 2022 NBA Summer League Team Roster
Jul 2, 2022
BRIDGEPORT, CT - MARCH 8: LiAngelo Ball #3 of the Greensboro Swarm warms up prior to the game against the Westchester Knicks on March 8th, 2022 at Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/NBAE via Getty Images)
LiAngelo Ball is back in the NBA, at least for the summer.
The brother of LaMelo Ball and Lonzo Ball was announced as part of the Charlotte Hornets' NBA Summer League roster on Friday. It will be his second straight year suiting up for the Hornets in summer-league action.
Ball has not had the standout career that both of his brothers—Hornets star LaMelo Ball and Chicago Bulls veteran Lonzo Ball—have had.
Ball played high school basketball in Chino Hills, California, before committing to play college basketball at UCLA. However, he left UCLA during his freshman season in 2017 after he and two of his teammates were arrested on shoplifting charges in China and suspended.
The 23-year-old went on to play for Prienai Vytautas of the Lithuanian Basketball League and the Los Angeles Ballers of the Junior Basketball League in 2018 before declaring for the NBA draft in March 2018.
Ball went undrafted but returned to play professionally for the Hornets during last year's summer league. He then declared for the G League draft and was selected by the Greensboro Swarm, the Hornets affiliate.
In 28 regular-season games with the Swarm, Ball averaged 4.6 points and 1.1 rebounds while shooting 39.5 percent from the floor and 35.7 percent from deep. He averaged 13.2 minutes per game.
Returning to the NBA Summer League allows Ball to continue working on his game with a Charlotte organization that clearly believes in his abilities. That said, the Hornets will likely be more focused on the development of Kai Jones, the 19th overall pick in the 2021 draft, and Mark Williams, the 15th overall pick in the 2022 draft.
The Hornets open up summer-league action with a matchup against the Indiana Pacers on July 8.
Kevin Durant Trade Rumors: Star Only Wants Heat Move If Butler, Adebayo, Lowry Stay
Jul 1, 2022
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 25: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts during Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Barclays Center on April 25, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Boston Celtics defeated the Brooklyn Nets 116-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Brooklyn Nets star forward Kevin Durant requested a trade Thursday, and the Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat are on his wish list.
KD, however, reportedly isn't interested in the Heat unless Miami can keep Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Kyle Lowry, per Sam Amick of The Athletic:
"As for the Miami possibility that also seems to be in play, I'm told there's a significant obstacle on that front. Durant, it seems, would only want to play on a Heat team that includes Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Kyle Lowry. So even if the Heat were willing to move Butler in a deal as a way of satisfying the Nets' (understandably pricey) request, doing so would leave Durant discontented from the start."
Durant should return a massive haul. The 33-year-old just averaged 29.9 points per game on 51.8 percent shooting with 7.4 rebounds and a career-high 6.4 assists in 2021-22.
There's a logistical issue at play with a potential Durant-Heat trade, as Amick noted:
"As others have pointed out, Adebayo comes with a complication of his own even beyond the fact that Durant likely wants him to stay. Since teams aren't allowed to have two players on designated rookie-max extensions who came their way via trade, Brooklyn would have to trade Ben Simmons to bring in Adebayo. If the Heat's best offer is centered on Tyler Herro, I just don't see how that ever gains any traction."
There are tea leaves that indicate Phoenix will be Durant's destination. For starters, the Suns are led by head coach Monty Williams, who was an assistant with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2015-16, Durant's last season with the organization. Per Amick, Williams and Durant have a "close relationship."
ESPN's Brian Windhorst also predicted Durant will end up in Arizona.
"I believe, ultimately, that Kevin Durant will be a Phoenix Sun." - @WindhorstESPN just now on ESPN Radio
The Heat have stiff competition in the Suns alone, and many other teams are undoubtedly interested in KD. At least one superstar wants his team to pursue Durant, per Jason Dumas of KRON4 News.
Source: It’s unclear whether Kevin Durant is interested in joining the 76ers, but Joel Embiid has made it clear to management that he wants them to exhaust every option in trying to acquire Durant.
It's been a shocking offseason thus far, but a quartet of Durant, Butler, Adebayo and Lowry appears unlikely.
Report: Kevin Huerter Traded to Kings; Hawks Get Justin Holiday, Mo Harkless, Pick
Jul 1, 2022
Atlanta Hawks guard Kevin Huerter (3) drives to the basket against the defense of Memphis Grizzlies guard De'Anthony Melton (left) in the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Nikki Boertman)
Kevin Huerter's time with the Atlanta Hawks has come to an end.
Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Hawks will trade Huerter to the Sacramento Kings for Justin Holiday, Maurice Harkless and a future first-round pick.
According to Wojnarowski, the draft pick going to Atlanta is lottery-protected in 2024, top-12-protected in 2025 and top-10-protected in 2026.
The trade saves the Hawks some money. Huerter, whose four-year, $65 million contract extension signed in October kicks in next season, is owed $14.5 million in 2022-23.
Holiday and Harkless, who are both on expiring contracts, will earn a combined $10.9 million. The Hawks also recoup a first-round pick after they traded first-rounders in 2023, 2025 and 2027, plus a pick swap in 2026, to acquire Dejounte Murray from the San Antonio Spurs.
Murray has two seasons remaining on his contract. The 25-year-old is eligible to sign an extension, but it's unclear if he's looking to get a deal done quickly.
Prior to the trade, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported on The Hoop Collective podcast (h/t Sports Illustrated's Zach Dimmitt) that Murray and his agent, Rich Paul, "made it known" he wouldn't extend this summer and "probably not" next summer because his current deal limits how much of a raise he can get in a new contract.
Holiday can replace some of the three-point shooting Huerter brought to Atlanta's offense. He has a 36.5 career success rate from behind the arc.
Harkless is a decent role player who gives Hawks head coach Nate McMillan more depth. He averaged 4.6 points and 2.4 rebounds per game in 47 appearances with the Kings in 2021-22.
As the Kings look to end their long playoff drought, Huerter can help improve their offense. They ranked 16th in points per game (110.3) and 25th in offensive rating (109.9) last season, per Basketball Reference.
Huerter averaged a career-high 12.1 points per game and made a career-best 38.9 percent of his three-point attempts in 74 appearances with Atlanta last season. He will likely play in the starting lineup while Davion Mitchell comes off the bench for incoming head coach Mike Brown.