Ja Morant Wants to Know Why Reporter Didn't Vote Him as Rookie of the Year
Sep 19, 2020
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts after an assist in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
When the NBAannouncedMemphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant as the Rookie of the Year for the 2019-20 season on Sept. 3, the league noted he received 99 of 100 first-place votes.
Now it's been revealed Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times was the only voter who didn't rank Morant No. 1, instead opting to place the New Orleans Pelicans' Zion Williamson atop his ballot.
Morant took to Twitter on Saturday afternoon to seek Cowley's reasoning:
appreciate you 🤝 i’m not gonna do too much , ima let everybody else do dat . i just wanna know why lol 🤔👂🏽
Although there's no doubting Williamson's impact on the Pelicans upon his return from knee surgery in January, Morant built the more complete Rookie of the Year case while playing 43 additional games.
He was immediately thrust into a marquee role for Memphis, leading the team in both points (17.8) and assists (7.3) while also grading out as a plus-defender in ESPN's Real Plus-Minus.
It was a lot of responsibility for a first-year player, and not only did he excel, but he also did enough to help the Grizzlies earn a berth in the play-in game in the loaded Western Conference. They came up short against the more experienced Portland Trail Blazers, but it still set the stage for a bright future.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eXUXgp7-wk
Williamson and Morant, the first two picks in the 2019 NBA draft, will forever be linked, and their careers are each off to promising starts.
The Grizzlies' rising star was the rightful winner of the league's top rookie honor, however, and he's clearly taking names of those who disagree.
Ja Morant Named 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year over Zion Williamson, Kendrick Nunn
Sep 3, 2020
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) waits for time to expire in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant was named the 2019-20 NBA Rookie of the Year on Thursday.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson received the other first-place vote, though Miami Heat guard Kendrick Nunn finished second by a comfortable margin.
Morant was the No. 2 pick last June and exceeded his lofty expectations with an average of 17.8 points and 7.3 assists per game, immediately becoming the go-to option for the Grizzlies.
The 21-year-old made a significant jump in competition from the past two seasons at Murray State, but the 6'3" point guard easily transitioned to the NBA and remained efficient with a 50.9 effective field-goal percentage, including 33.5 percent from three-point range.
Though Memphis was expected to be far down the standings, the South Carolina native helped lead the squad to theWestern Conference play-in game, where it fell to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Williamson was also impressive with an average of 22.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, but he only made 24 appearances because of a knee injury.
"I feel like I've done enough. I deserve it," he said of the award. "I feel like my play this year proved all that."
The voters seemed to agree, handing Morant the first major honor of what could be an exciting career.
NBA 2K21: Best Young Stars to Build a Franchise Around in MyGM and MyLeague
Sep 3, 2020
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic reacts during the second half against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Kim Klement/Pool Photo via AP)
One of the guilty pleasures of any NBA 2K game is the ability to get an updated virtual edition of the league and its best up-and-coming players.
And then take them into MyGM and MyLeague, of course.
While the playoffs proceed as planned from the bubble in Orlando, Florida, 2K Sports still has a Friday launch date for NBA 2K21.
There is one small catch, though: The player ratings included in the game at launch will mirror the current player ratings in NBA 2K20 given the playoffs have yet to crown a champ and big items such as the draft and free agency haven't happened.
Still, it's pretty easy to see which players stand out as the best young stars to build around over the long term in the upcoming game (and which stars are likely to get ratings bumps when the big ratings patch happens).
Take Luka Doncic as the perfect example. The No. 3 pick from the 2018 draft kept the Dallas Mavericks right in the thick of it in the Western Conference playoffs before succumbing to the second-seeded Los Angeles Clippers in a 4-2 series.
But Doncic capped off a downright incredible season in which he averaged 28.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 8.8 assists while shooting 46.3 percent from the floor. That epic six-game series saw him average 31 points, 9.8 rebounds and 8.7 assists while bumping his shooting percentage to 47.4 percent.
Grabbing a 6'7" guard with that sort of scoring potential at all of 21 years old is a no-brainer in long-term modes like MyGM. Doncic had already elevated his rating to the 95-plus area and there's no reason to think that changes anytime soon.
Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz is another Western Conference powerhouse to consider for such a role. His third season saw him post averages of 24 points and 4.3 assists while shooting 44.9 percent from the floor.
Like Doncic, all Mitchell did in the playoffs was erupt in a seven-game series against Denver, ultimately losing but averaging 36.3 points on 52.5 percent shooting from the floor, highlighted by two games with 51-plus points.
Soon to be just 24 years old, one of the NBA's premier young scorers makes for an obvious choice when players have to start building a franchise around a centerpiece, as that sub-90 rating isn't going to hold for much longer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLsDWPsx23c
One really can't rattle off about the next wave of big NBA superstars under the age of 25 or so without talking about New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson, who turned 20 in July.
The 2019 draft's top pick only got in 24 games last season, yet he averaged 22.5 points and 6.3 rebounds while shooting 58.3 percent from the floor—a mid-80s rating will go mid-90s in a hurry.
Realistically, the NBA is in such a talent-rich era when it comes to the next generation of stars that it would be hard for players to mess up picking out solid foundational building blocks for MyGM and MyLeague.
So far, 2K Sports has kept the two modes shrouded in mystery for the most part, only offering the following in a new developer blog:
"Sit in the boss' chair, and make decisions that matter not only to your player or team—but to the entire franchise and league. From drafting impact rookies to trading players to relocating your team, every move, big or small, counts towards the long-term success—or failure—of your basketball franchise."
Given the depth of the modes in the past, it's hard to envision an NBA 2K release that won't feature these modes prominently while they guarantee players keep coming back for more.
It certainly doesn't hurt that players will have a vast arsenal of younger superstars to pick from while formulating rosters for the future in the pursuit of building dynasties. At one point, NBA 2K21 cover star Damian Lillard was mentioned in the same manner, so a future cover star could easily be one of the above.
2020 NBA Mock Draft: Predictions for Where Top Prospects Will Land in 1st Round
Aug 23, 2020
LaMelo Ball of the Illawarra Hawks brings the ball up during their game against the Sydney Kings in the Australian Basketball League in Sydney, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
Georgia guard Anthony Edwards is the early favorite to go to the Minnesota Timberwolves with the first overall pick when the 2020 NBA draft begins Oct. 16, but there's still time for movement atop the class.
This year's group doesn't feature a prospect on the level of 2019's top selection, Zion Williamson, a bona fide superstar in the making from the moment he entered the NBA. There are a lot of players with All-Star upside, however, which is going to make a limited scouting period amid the COVID-19 pandemic tricky to navigate.
Let's check out an updated mock draft for the first round following Thursday's lottery results. That's followed by a closer look at the top prospects available.
1st-Round Mock Draft
1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards, G, Georgia
2. Golden State Warriors: Deni Avdija, F, Maccabi Tel Aviv
3. Charlotte Hornets:LaMelo Ball, G, Illawarra Hawks
4. Chicago Bulls: Obi Toppin, F, Dayton
5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Killian Hayes, G, Ulm
6. Atlanta Hawks: James Wiseman, C, Memphis
7. Detroit Pistons: Tyrese Haliburton, G, Iowa State
8. New York Knicks: Onyeka Okongwu, F, USC
9. Washington Wizards: Aaron Nesmith, F, Vanderbilt
10. Phoenix Suns: Precious Achiuwa, F, Memphis
11. San Antonio Spurs: Patrick Williams, F, Florida State
12. Sacramento Kings: Isaac Okoro, F, Auburn
13. New Orleans Pelicans: Devin Vassell, G, Florida State
14. Boston Celtics (via MEM): Tyrese Maxey, G, Kentucky
15. Orlando Magic: Tyrell Terry, G, Stanford
16. Portland Trail Blazers: Saddiq Bey, F, Villanova
17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via BKN): Cole Anthony, G, North Carolina
Too often, prospect evaluations only focus on the upside. In that regard, it's easy to see why Edwards is emerging as the near consensus No. 1 pick. His offensive ability is unmatched in the class and gives him a legitimate chance to win an NBA scoring title during his prime.
It's also important to consider the downside, though. How much bust potential does a player have?
Deni Avdija features a high floor thanks to his athletic 6'9'' frame, all-around skill set and high-pressure pro experience, having helped lead Maccabi Tel Aviv to three straight Israeli Basketball Premier League titles. He was also named the league's Most Valuable Player for the 2019-20 season.
He can't match Edwards' scoring ability and may never become more than a team's second or third option at that end of the floor, but he's more advanced in just about every other category compared to the Georgia product. He's a strong two-way player who will make a significant impact in transition.
The 19-year-old Israeli sensation is the safest bet from the class to become a consistent high-end asset, and that warrants the top spot in a group without a Williamson or a Ja Morant.
2. Anthony Edwards, G, Georgia
Edwards is a special talent at the offensive end. His single season with the Bulldogs allowed him to showcase elite shot-creating ability. He attacks the rim with power and aggression, and he showed a willingness to shoot from seemingly anywhere inside the half-court stripe, a growing a trend in the NBA.
Whether he can harness that scoring potential is the key to his future.
The 19-year-old Atlanta native averaged 19.1 points for Georgia, but he shot just 40.2 percent from the field, including 29.4 percent on threes. There's often a fine line between being an offensive force and a volume scorer whose positive impact is offset by the number of touches it takes to achieve it.
Make no mistake: Edwards is worthy of his top-three distinction in this class and could well be its best player over the long haul. His limited impact as a playmaker, averaging just 2.8 assists at UGA, means his shooting efficiency must improve to maximize his impact.
It does leave a smidgen of bust potential, however, which is why Avdija took the top spot.
3. LaMelo Ball, G, Illawarra Hawks
LaMelo Ball, 19, possesses the length of a frontcourt player, the slashing ability of a wing scorer and the playmaking vision of a point guard, the position he's most often played throughout his development. It's a unique combination of skills that's going to make him a matchup problem with his 6'7" frame.
He was named the NBL Rookie of the Year while playing for the Illawarra Hawks in Australia, and his time overseas in recent years, including a stop in Lithuania with BC Prienai, should help him make a smooth transition to the NBA.
He faces many of the same questions that his brother, New Orleans Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball, did three years ago in regard to his shooting stroke. The elder Ball has made strides, shooting 37.5 percent from beyond the arc this season, which gives hope LaMelo can do the same in the coming years.
Ball can still score consistently, using his size to get into the center of the defense, where he's capable of finishing at the rim or using his vision to create open looks for teammates.
Finding a team that will allow him a lot of time with the ball in his hands right away and the freedom to use his creativity is his best chance to succeed.
Zion Williamson Signed 'National Treasures' Rookie Card Auctions for $56K
Aug 22, 2020
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts after a basket in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Rusty Costanza)
Zion Williamson might only be 24 games into his NBA career, but the New Orleans Pelicans star is already a heavy hitter on the memorabilia market.
Goldin Auctions listed a Williamson rookie card from Panini National Treasures that not only featured a swatch of his jersey but also the 20-year-old's autograph. The final bidding reached $56,000.
The card is one of 99 produced and received a nine-out-of-10 grade from Beckett Grading Services.
Williamson was already a massive star when he arrived in the NBA, and the 2019 No. 1 overall pick lived up to the hype in the limited time fans got to see him on the court. He averaged 22.5 points and 6.3 rebounds while shooting 58.3 percent from the field.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hduhfVnAVHo
The 6'6", 285-pound forward can already hold his own physically in the league, so it's scary to think how good he can be once he masters the finer details of the game and potentially develops a jumper.
The price for Williamson's rookie card might seem steep, but it could skyrocket in the years ahead.
Zion Williamson Signed, Game-Used Rookie Shoes Sell for $24K at Auction
Aug 19, 2020
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson reacts before an NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Kim Klement/Pool Photo via AP)
NBA fans did not get to see Zion Williamson face LeBron James in the first round of the playoffs like many envisioned when the season restarted at Walt Disney World Resort, but they had the chance to win the shoes the New Orleans Pelicans rookie wore during a regular-season matchup.
Williamson's game-used signed shoes from a Feb. 25 matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers sold through Fanatics Auctions on Wednesday for the winning bid of $24,000.
There was a minimum bid of $5,000 before bidding ended Wednesday.
The description on the auction website explains they are Air Jordan 34 "Bayou Boys" P.E. shoes that Williamson wore while finishing with 29 points and six rebounds in the loss. He signed his name on the left toe and "GAME USED 2/25/20 VS LAKERS 29 PTS 6 REBS" on the right toe with black felt-tip marker.
"These gold and tan shoes feature a reflective faux gator material with gator details that are inspired by Williamson's aggressive playing style down in the Bayou State," the website explained. "The sharp teeth accent at the base of the tongue represent the ferocious gators found in the swamps of the Bayou. The heel counters of the shoes are decorated with the words 'BAYOU' on the left shoe, and 'BOYS' on the right one."
The Pelicans made Williamson the face of the franchise when they selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft.
While injuries surely cost him a realistic chance at Rookie of the Year, he averaged 22.5 points and 6.3 rebounds in 24 games.
Alvin Gentry Fired as Pelicans Head Coach After Missing Playoffs
Aug 15, 2020
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 28: Head coach Alvin Gentry of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts druing the first half against the LA Clippers at the Smoothie King Center on January 28, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
The New Orleans Pelicans have fired head coach Alvin Gentry, the team announced Saturday. He served in the role for five seasons.
Per Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix, current Los Angeles Clippers assistant Tyronn Lue is considered a leading candidate to replace Gentry.
Lue previously worked with Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin from 2014-17 with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The New York Times' Marc Stein reported that Jason Kidd, currently an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Lakers, is similarly up for consideration, also noting both Lue and Kidd will likely feature in the Brooklyn Nets' coaching search.
Gentry, 65, compiled a lackluster 175-225 record during his tenure, including a 30-42 mark in 2019-20.
The Pelicans are trying to begin a significant resurgence after a rebuilding process that landed the team Zion Williamson as the new face of the franchise with the top pick in the 2019 NBA draft.
Williamson quickly showed he's already well on his way to becoming one of the NBA's most electrifying players after a late start to his rookie campaign because of a knee injury. He's joined by Brandon Ingram, Jrue Holiday and Lonzo Ball to create an intriguing core.
The front office decided it was best to get a new voice to lead the coaching staff before expectations rise considerably heading into the 2020-21 season.
A trade request by superstar power forward Anthony Davis previously hovered over the franchise like a cloud leading up to the 2019 NBA trade deadline.
Davis ultimately remained with the team for the duration of the campaign, but Gentry admitted the situation created some issues in remarks following a victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder that February.
"To tell you the truth, this whole thing has been a dumpster fire," he told reporters. "It's just hard, you know, we want guys to be professional and do this, but it's hard for guys to go through what they've been through. To be able to come out and beat a team of that quality, I'm happy for all the guys."
Davis was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2019 offseason.
Although the distractions could be blamed for impacting the 2018-19 campaign, the fact the Pelicans made the postseason just once in Gentry's five years likely played a bigger role in his departure.
In all, the former head coach of the Miami Heat, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns now holds a 510-595 career record across 17 seasons.
Gentry won an NBA title with the Golden State Warriors (2015) and an NCAA championship with Kansas (1988) during his time as an assistant.
Pelicans' Zion Williamson to Work on Getting His Body 'Where It Needs to Be'
Aug 13, 2020
Los Angeles Clippers' Patrick Beverley, left, loses the ball as New Orleans Pelicans' Zion Williamson defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Kevin C. Cox/Pool Photo via AP)
Zion Williamson is already one of the NBA's most physically imposing players at just 20 years old.
Standing 6'6" and 284 pounds with an ability to float to the rim, it's hard to imagine what a more polished version of the New Orleans Pelicans rookie could look like.
He's going to spend the offseason finding out.
After his team was officially eliminated from postseason contention, Williamson told reporters Thursday that he plans to spend the offseason working on his body.
"I'll talk to my coaches and see what I need to do better from their point of view," Williamson said. "Talk to my player development coaches as well, see what I need to do better from their point of view. Just work on every part of my game and work on getting my body where it needs to be."
Williamson didn't delve into specifics, instead saying he'll sit down with the Pelicans and see what they need him to do better.
The 2019 No. 1 overall pick suffered a torn meniscus during the preseason that delayed his regular-season debut until late January, and his conditioningremainedan issue inside the NBA's bubble. He was subject to a minutes restriction during his first few games both in January and during the restart.
That kept him out of close games down the stretch, as his overall health outweighed a potential postseason run in 2020.
Williamson knows he could've done more, but he's still a rookie adjusting to the daily grind of the NBA.
"There were a few rough patches where I was trying to get a rhythm," Williamson said. "That's part of the game and part of coming back from injury. But you know, I feel like the coaches and training staff handled it very well. Just to be able to play one minute in an NBA game, I'm grateful for that."
Williamson ended his first season with 22.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. As he prepares for the 2020-21 campaign, making sure his body can withstand a full NBA schedule—especially one that's scheduled toopentraining camps weeks after the playoffs wrap up in October—remains the most important item on his to-do list.
Zion Williamson on Rookie Season with Pelicans: 'It's Been a Crazy Journey'
Aug 13, 2020
FILE - In this March 6, 2020, file photo, New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson walks onto the court during the second half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat in New Orleans. The rookie sensation’s availability to play remained unclear as the season’s resumption in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, approached. He left the NBA’s so-called “bubble” setup on July 16 to attend to an unspecified family medical matter. A week later, the club had yet to provide an update on his possible return. (AP Photo/Rusty Costanza, File)
The first season in the NBA for Zion Williamson was unique, to say the least.
Zion Williamson on his rookie #NBA season: "It’s been a crazy journey." Since his draft night, he celebrated both his 19th and 20th birthdays. His first summer league game was halted in 4Q by an earthquake. His first regular season was suspended by a pandemic
The New Orleans Pelicans star played just 24 games as his team failed to earn a spot in the postseason, but he still remains confident about the future.
"We're not in the playoffs and we didn't reach the goal we wanted to reach, but our potential for the future is bright," Williamson said Thursday, per Jim Eichenhofer. "That's a starting point. We just build off that."
Beyond Williamson, the Pelicans are loaded with young talent, including Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Jaxson Hayes, while Jrue Holiday and JJ Redick are among the veterans still under contract for next season.
Ingram is a restricted free agent, but New Orleans can match any offer to keep the All-Star on the roster.
Going 2-5 in Orlando, Florida, was a massive disappointment considering the opportunity to make the playoffs or at least earn a spot in the play-in series, but there should still be high hopes for this franchise.
It's especially true if Williamson can stay healthy for a full season.
The 2019 No. 1 overall pick began his career with the kind of hype reminiscent of LeBron James' pro debut, but a knee injury sidelined him to start the season. He impressed when he was on the court, though, averaging 22.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game in just 27.8 minutes.
If he maintains that level of production as his minutes ramp up, individual and team success in 2020-21 seem inevitable.
Zion Williamson Ruled Out for Pelicans vs. Magic Restart Finale with Knee Injury
Aug 12, 2020
New Orleans Pelican's Zion Williamson warms up for the team's NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Kevin C. Cox/Pool Photo via AP)
Andrew Lopez of ESPN reported the news, noting Brandon Ingram (right knee soreness) and Jrue Holiday (right elbow soreness) will also miss the game.
The Pelicans have understandably been cautious with Williamson throughout his rookie campaign. He didn't make his NBA debut until Jan. 22 after undergoing surgery on a torn meniscus in October.
Even after debuting, the Pelicans didn't allow him to play more than 30 minutes in a single game until Feb. 2. The 20-year-old was carefully monitored when the season resumed in July, playing fewer than 22 minutes in three of the first four games.
When Williamson has played, he's been a game-changer. The Duke product leads all rookies with 22.5 points per game and is averaging 6.3 rebounds.
New Orleans' future is tied directly to Williamson's development. The franchise will take every step to ensure his long-term health, and sitting him Thursday makes sense since the Pelicans have already been eliminated from playoff competition.
