THE FLATS – Chris Bosh and 15 other members of the Class of 2021 will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame this weekend … Iman Shumpert named to cast of “Dancing with the Stars” for its 30th season … Sizing up Thaddeus Young and Derrick Favors with their new teams … more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.
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CHRIS BOSH TO BECOME FIRST YELLOW JACKET IN THE BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME
This week former Miami Heat star Chris Bosh will be enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall Fame as part of the Class of 2021.
This year’s class includes nine honorees from the North American and Women’s committees: ninth-winningest coach in NBA history Rick Adelman, two-time NBA champion and 11-time NBA All-Star Chris Bosh, NBA Finals MVP and 10-time NBA All-Star Paul Pierce, the first Black NBA head coach Bill Russell, four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and NBA Champion Ben Wallace, five-time NBA All-Star and NBA Rookie of the Year Chris Webber, two-time NCAA national champion Villanova coach Jay Wright, seven-time WNBA All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Yolanda Griffith and seven-time WNBA All-Star and three-time WNBA Most Valuable Player Lauren Jackson.
Distinguished committees focused on preserving all areas from the game also selected seven directly elected honorees: Val Ackerman, Cotton Fitzsimmons and Howard Garfinkel from the Contributor Committee, Clarence “Fats” Jenkins from the Early African American Pioneers Committee, Toni Kukoc from the International Committee, Bob Dandridge from the Veterans Committee and Pearl Moore from the Women’s Veterans Committee.
Enshrinement Weekend will begin at Mohegan Sun on Friday, September 10 with the headlining Tip-Off Celebration and Awards Gala. The Class of 2021 and over 50 returning Hall of Famers will then journey to Springfield, Mass. for the annual celebratory events taking place at the newly renovated Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and Springfield’s MassMutual Center.
.@chrisbosh was one of the most decorated power forwards of his era.
Follow his journey to the @Hoophall.
📰 https://t.co/q5hHl2ALTb— NBA TV (@NBATV) September 7, 2021
Finishing touches.#BoshHoF #21HoopClass pic.twitter.com/lCVY0ZALYr
— Chris Bosh (@chrisbosh) September 7, 2021
.@chrisbosh‘s transformation through his career in the NBA 👀 pic.twitter.com/cFUlSNdwha
— NBA TV (@NBATV) September 7, 2021
I’m thankful that Georgia Tech saw in me what I saw in me: Potential. Being a student athlete was HARD, but boy was it fun, taking home ACC Rookie of the Year honors.
My year at GT was transformative, and I’m forever thankful for it. #BoshHoF #21HoopClass pic.twitter.com/4pA9WzHinK
— Chris Bosh (@chrisbosh) September 1, 2021
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HOW CHRIS BOSH BECAME THE MODERN BLUEPRINT FOR THE MODERN NBA BIG
At 37, Chris Bosh is one of the five youngest Hall of Fame inductees in NBA history. Even though his career was cut short due to a blood clotting condition, Bosh still managed to carve out a legacy as an 11-time All-Star, a two-time champion and an Olympic gold medalist.
But his impact is more than bullet points: As a hyper-skilled and quick big man with a feathery jumper, Bosh epitomized the transformations of frontcourt players who have turned the NBA inside-out over the past two decades.
His career began in 2003 and ended prematurely in 2016. During that time, the NBA went through massive stylistic changes. So did Bosh.
Read more (subscription required)
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IMAN SHUMPERT NAMED TO CAST OF “DANCING WITH THE STARS”
“Dancing With the Stars” returns for season 30 on Sept. 20, and former Georgia Tech basketball star and NBA veteran Iman Shumpert has been named to the cast that will compete for the coveted Mirror Ball trophy.
The full list of stars — including Melanie C from the Spice Girls and former “Bachelor” star Matt James — was announced Wednesday on “Good Morning America.” Other celebs taking part in the series’ milestone season include “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Kenya Moore, country singer Jimmie Allen and talk show host Amanda Kloots.
A 10-year NBA veteran, Shumpert first played for the New York Knicks, who drafted him 17th overall in 2011, and most recently played for the Brooklyn Nets. He won the NBA championship as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.
“I have to focus on footwork a lot for basketball … so I’m gonna lean on my ability to take direction from being in basketball but hopefully my partner can just make sure that, you know, when the lights are on, we look good,” he said.
The 31-year-old has two daughters with wife, Teyana Taylor.
Y’all gone vote for me? #dwts pic.twitter.com/crkFVUnMAs
— Iman. (@imanshumpert) September 8, 2021
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PIVOTAL SEASON FOR JOSH OKOGIE
The Minnesota Timberwolves made an interesting selection when they decided to pick Josh Okogie with the 20th overall selection in the 2018 NBA Draft.
Okogie, a defense-first wing/forward combo, has had a mixed bag of a career so far, about to enter his fourth season on a one-year contract. From a statistical standpoint, Okogie has not changed much. Over the course of his three NBA seasons, he is averaging seven points three rebounds, and one assist per game with high-level perimeter defense.
Okogie, still only 23-years old in September, is still a young NBA player, and his defense alone makes him playable – although that value is worth slightly less given the additions of both Patrick Beverley and Taurean Prince – both of whom are at least capable defenders.
Josh Okogie has a chance to solidify himself as a high-level rotation player this coming season, but if he fails to do so, that could mean that the Timberwolves choose to move on from him – whether it be at the trade deadline or by letting Okogie walk in free agency in 2022.
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SIZING UP THADDEUS YOUNG IN SAN ANTONIO
When the news broke that the Spurs were acquiring Thaddeus Young along with Al-Farouq Aminu (as well as some picks) for DeMar DeRozan in a sign-and-trade transaction with the Bulls, it was fair to wonder if the veteran forward would even set foot in San Antonio. Aminu wasn’t expected to draw much interest after a two-year decline, but Young should have intrigued other teams.
The original transaction is now done, and there hasn’t been any rumors about potential trades, so it seems like both players are here to stay. Which could actually be a good thing, since Young in particular actually has a lot to offer that other players in the team can’t provide.
Young has always been a good defender. He’s strong but mobile, which means he’s sturdy enough hold his own inside and on the boards against traditional power forwards and nimble enough to hang with more perimeter-oriented ones. His quick hands make him disruptive, while his experience and knowledge of the game allow him to make reads and be a great help defender. Having someone who can handle tough assignments if needed but who can also bring leadership to the defensive side for the second unit would be huge. For a starting group that will likely have three above average defenders, Young could be a good luxury to have, but for a bench group trying to find an identity after the departure of two major pieces, having Young to set the tone on the defensive end could be game-changing.
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EVALUATING DERRICK FAVORS IN OKC
After spending nine of the last ten seasons with the Utah Jazz, Derrick Favors was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder this summer. At 30 years old, he certainly isn’t a piece of their long-term future, but could benefit from a large role on a rebuilding team.
Standing at 6-foot-9, Favors has been a starter for the majority of his career and likely will fill a similar role in Oklahoma City. With that in mind, he’ll be one of the few veterans on the roster and will be tasked with mentoring some of the younger players.
Favors is a former third overall pick and a solid piece to have on the team.
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#ProJackets on Social Media
Sneaker head @yungsmoove21. He had to start his organization over. pic.twitter.com/O2ycw2iI1q
— Shekinah Young (@Mrs___Young21) August 27, 2021
— Shekinah Young (@Mrs___Young21) August 27, 2021
Blessed to see another year around the sun! pic.twitter.com/Qf9wtfWenz
— Josh Okogie (@CallMe_NonStop) September 2, 2021
He once held the NBA record for most 3-pointers made in a game with 11! Now that’s just a Thursday night for some guys 😂
Happy 53rd Birthday @Dennis3DScott!
— Bovada (@BovadaOfficial) September 5, 2021
#PROJACKETS IN THE NBA/G LEAGUE IN 2023-24
| PLAYER | DATA | NUMBERS | TEAM |
|---|---|---|---|
 | JOSE ALVARADO Team: New Orleans Pelicans Number: 15 NBA Experience: 3rd year Years at Georgia Tech: 2017-21 Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y. Status: Active | 6-0, 179 lbs 2023-24 Stats 7.1 ppg 2.3 rpg 2.1 apg 41.2% FG | Record: 49-33 Standing: 7th place, -8.0 GB Streak: L1 Last 10: 5-5 |
 | JAMES BANKS III Team: Maine Celtics Number: 5 G League Experience: 3rd year Years at Georgia Tech: 2018-20 Hometown: Atlanta, Ga. Status: Active | 6-10, 250 lbs 2023-24 Stats 5.3 ppg 4.7 rpg 1.5 bpg 54.2% FG | Record: 21-13 Standing: 2nd place, -1.0 GB Streak: W1 Last 10: 8-2 |
 | MICHAEL DEVOE Team: Memphis Hustle Number: 10 G League Experience: 2nd year Years at Georgia Tech: 2017-21 Hometown: Orlando, Fla. Status: Active | 6-4, 183 lbs 2023-24 Stats 13.9 ppg 3.9 rpg 3.1 apg 47.4% FG | Record: 15-19 Standing: 12th, -9.0 GB Streak: W1 Last 10: 3-7 |
 | DERRICK FAVORS Team: Windy City Bulls (G League) Number: 14 NBA Experience: 12 seasons Years at Georgia Tech: 2009-10 Hometown: Atlanta, Ga. Status: Active | 6-9, 265 lbs 2023-24 Stats 6.2 ppg 4.7 rpg 0.7 bpg 66.7% FG | Record: 15-19 Standing: 13th place, -7.0 GB Streak: L1 Last 10: 4-6 |
 | JOSH OKOGIE Team: Phoenix Suns Number: 2 NBA Experience: 5 seasons Years at Georgia Tech: 2016-18 Hometown: Snellville, Ga. Status: Active | 6-4, 213 lbs 2023-24 Stats 4.6 ppg 2.6 rpg 1.1 apg 41.7% FG | Record: 49-33 Standing: 6th place, -8.0 GB Streak: W3 Last 10: 7-3 |
 | THADDEUS YOUNG Team: free agent Number: 30 NBA Experience: 16 seasons Years at Georgia Tech: 2006-07 Hometown: Memphis, Tenn. Status: Active | 6-8, 235 lbs 2023-24 Stats 4.2 ppg 3.0 rpg 1.7 apg 60.2% FG | Record: 49-33 Standing: 6th place, -8.0 GB Streak: W3 Last 10: 7-3 |
