THE FLATS – Reports say that the Toronto Raptors want to sign Thaddeus Young … Look back at the 2007 NBA draft when Young was selected 12th overall … What is Josh Okogie’s future in Minnesota? … Jose Alvarado visits NOLA Boys and Girls Club … Michael Devoe and Jordan Usher continue pre-draft workouts … more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.
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REPORT: RAPTORS WANT TO RE-SIGN THADDEUS YOUNG
From Raptors Rapture and HoopsHype:
“The Toronto Raptors were a bit more robust on the bench in the second half of the 2021-22 season than they were in prior months, and the performance of Thad Young had a ton to do with that. He was exactly the type of selfless veteran mentor that a young squad needed.
After acquiring him from the San Antonio Spurs in a move that saw the Raptors finally part with Goran Dragic, Young helped inject new life into a Raptors bench that had ranked among the worst in the league for large chunks of the season. Young used his impending free agency as a springboard to push the Raptors to the postseason.
The Raptors have to make some tough decisions in the offseason, as both Young and Chris Boucher are free agents. Irrespective of what happens with No. 25, the latest buzz is making it seem like Masai Ujiri desperately wants to make sure that Young comes back to Toronto.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that the Raptors want to bring back Young for 2022-23 and beyond. Raptors insider Blake Murphy laid out a path towards resigning him. With about $31 million in wiggle room under the tax threshold, Toronto could sign Young and Boucher while using the mid-level exception.”
Young is rated as a mid-level exception, No. 6 among available power forwards, by John Hollinger in The Athletic: “I struggled with whether to list Young at center or power forward, but at 6 foot 8 and 235 pounds, his optimal usage case is next to a center who can shoot. Young’s ability to defend the perimeter in switches against smaller players remains a plus even at 34, but his inability to stretch the floor makes him a liability if he can’t play from the elbows on offense. He’s a crafty passer and still spins in enough short-range lefty bank shots to keep defenses honest, whether as a small-ball five or a more traditional four. If the Raptors don’t bring him back, he should have a strong market on a short-term deal for at least the taxpayer midlevel exception.”
Sources: The Raptors and All-Star Fred VanVleet are expected to discuss a possible contract extension this offseason. He’s is eligible for 3 years, $89 million or he can decline his player option for the 2023-24 season and extend for 4 years, $114 million. https://t.co/JnXTP4VF7S
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 13, 2022
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15 YEARS AGO: THADDEUS YOUNG NBA DRAFT REWIND
The Philadelphia 76ers entered the 2007 NBA draft just looking to build something again. They suffered through a tough 2006-07 season after trading away franchise stalwart Allen Iverson after 15 games and then waiving Chris Webber as they slumped to a 35-47 record.
The Sixers held the 12th pick in the draft and a versatile big man fell in their laps in the form of Thaddeus Young out of Georgia Tech. The long, lanky lefty did it all for the Sixers as he earned the respect of his coaches and teammates right away.
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JOSH OKOGIE’S FUTURE IN MINNESOTA
Josh Okogie went from the starting five early in the 2021-22 season to one of the last guys off Chris Finch’s bench after about 41 games. What happened to cause such a drastic fall off? Was it his lack of offensive consistency, a log jam at the 2-guard, or just an overall fit issue? We may never know. But Okogie may need to make changes in his game if he wants to return to Minnesota next season.
Okogie’s first couple of seasons in the NBA were promising. He looked to be a key piece in what the Timberwolves were trying to build. We saw some holes in his offensive repertoire early, but his defensive aggressiveness and the heart he played with allowed Wolves fans to occasionally overlook those flaws.
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ALVARADO MAKES SPECIAL DELIVERY TO BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB
New Orleans Pelicans player Jose Alvarado put his “Waitr jersey” on today and made a special delivery to a local Boys and Girls Club. Along with the delivery service Waitr, Alvarado dropped by the Westbank Boys and Girls Club earlier today for lunch, snacks and fun activities with the kids.
The Second Harvest Food Bank in New Orleans provided the lunch for 40 children who get their meals at the Westbank Boys and Girls Club now that schools are closing for the summer. But today was special as Alvarado took part in the club’s after-lunch activities including special basketball competitions with the kids while they enjoyed extra snacks provided by Alvarado and Waitr.
Jose Alvarado visiting Boys & Girls Club in Gretna. He walked in to kids saying, Jose, Jose, Jose, Jose!!! pic.twitter.com/nrTCQF7jM6
— juan kincaid (@juangkincaid) June 9, 2022
Jose Alvarado at the Boys and Girls Club on the Westbank this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/yax1mwFXIt
— Christian Clark (@cclark_13) June 9, 2022
.@AlvaradoJose15 delivered snacks to @BGCA_Clubs and spent time with the kids today. ❤️🏀 pic.twitter.com/Gyvai113p6
— Octagon Basketball (@OctagonBsktball) June 9, 2022
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MICHAEL DEVOE WORKS OUT FOR WIZARDS
Good energy in the gym today for pre-draft workouts ⚡
Ochai Agbaji | @KUHoops
Ryan Allen | @DelawareMBB
MarJon Beauchamp | @gleagueignite
Michael Devoe | @GTMBB
Brady Manek | @UNC_Basketball
Cole Swider | @Cuse_MBB pic.twitter.com/96cmTY1AeR— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) June 10, 2022
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JORDAN USHER WORKS OUT FOR KINGS
Today’s Kings Pre Draft Workout 👑
▪️ James Akinjo
▪️ Jamaree Bouyea
▪️ Taz Sherman
▪️ Jordan Usher
▪️ Joshua Minott
▪️ Jeremy SochanWatch the workout here ➡️ https://t.co/nPZOKig82i pic.twitter.com/OBFXEUoDPB
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) June 14, 2022
#ProJackets on Social Media
Iman Shumpert recalls the lessons he learned from his own dad, which he says have shaped the father he is today: “When I be having to do stuff for my daughter, I really do tap into what he did, what he stood for, how he moved.” https://t.co/f3suf3FtGi
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) June 17, 2022
“We have big brands and we use all of the different products that people are making money off of. Why not have equity? Why not have stake in these companies?”
.@yungsmoove21 on the growth of athletes becoming investors.@paragon_mktg x #SBJBIS pic.twitter.com/0qxAzT4tp0
— Sports Business Journal (@SBJ) June 15, 2022
So proud! Thad is on a panel for athletes in tech! pic.twitter.com/X57pLOuIe5
— Shekinah Young (@Mrs___Young21) June 15, 2022
Thaddeus Young among the legends like😂 pic.twitter.com/AlipzytUnm
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) June 14, 2022
Late night stream, come say waddup https://t.co/qGyJw6vB1V
— Josh Okogie (@CallMe_NonStop) June 14, 2022
GTA 😊 pic.twitter.com/5RdmARebU8
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) June 8, 2022
— Dennis 3D Scott (@Dennis3DScott) June 12, 2022
#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 |
Georgia Tech #ProJackets Eurobasket Report
Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC (June 9, 2022)
Josh Heath (6’1”-PG-1994, graduated ‘2017, plays pro in Belgium) led his Belgian team Stella Artois Leuven Bears to a 2-point victory over the seventh-ranked Okapi Aalst (9-1) 73-71 in the BNXT League last Saturday. He was MVP of the game. Heath recorded 21 points and had 4 steals in 33 minutes. Stella Artois Leuven Bears (8-2) is placed third in the BNXT League. It was his team’s third consecutive victory in a row. Heath has relatively good stats this year 13.6ppg, 2.7rpg, 6.3apg and 1.6spg in 31 games he played so far.
Experienced Alade Aminu (6’10”-F/C-87, graduated ‘2009, plays in Puerto Rico) led Gigantes de Carolina to a victory against the third-ranked Cangrejeros (8-9) 82-75 in the Puerto Rican BSN on Tuesday night. Aminu recorded a double-double by scoring 14 points and getting 16 rebounds. He also added 2 blocks. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in Group B. Gigantes de Carolina (13-4) is placed first. Aminu has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages 16.3ppg, 11.3rpg and 1.3apg.
Ben Lammers (6’10”-C-1995, graduated ‘2018, currently in Germany) managed to help ALBA Berlin in a victory against the closely-ranked EnBW Ludwigsburg (23-11) 89-84 in the German BBL in Friday night’s game. Lammers recorded only 4 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks in 12 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. ALBA Berlin (27-6) is placed first in the BBL. It was his team’s 11th consecutive victory in a row. This year Lammers averages 6.9ppg, 4.3rpg and 1.1bpg in 21 games.
Marcus Georges-Hunt (6’5”-F-1994, graduated ‘2016, plays pro in Puerto Rico) contributed to an easy victory against the sixth-ranked Grises (6-10) crushing them 107-72 in the Puerto Rican BSN last Wednesday. Georges-Hunt recorded 18 points. Mets de Guaynabo (8-10) is placed fourth in Group B. This season Georges-Hunt has very high stats. He averages 19.3ppg, 4.3rpg and 1.5apg. Georges-Hunt is a naturalized Virgin Islander. .
Other former Georgia Institute of Technology players, who play in pro basketball:
- Adam Smith (6’1”-PG-1992) plays for Hapoel UNET Holon in Israeli Winner League
- Charles Mitchell (6’8”-F/C-1993) plays for Regatas in Argentinian La Liga
- Josh Okogie (6’4”-G-1998) plays for Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA
- Derrick Favors (6’10”-F-1991) plays for Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA
- Jose Alvarado (6’0”-PG-1998) plays for New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA
- Thaddeus Young (6’8”-F-1988) plays for Toronto Raptors in the NBA
- Trae Golden (6’3”-PG-1991) plays for Fujian Sturgeons in Chinese CBA
- Avi Schafer (6’8”-C-1998) plays for SeaHorses Mikawa in Japanese B1 League
- Zachery Peacock (6’8”-F/C-1987) plays for FOS Provence Basket in French Betclic ELITE ProA
- Gani Lawal (6’9”-F/C-1988) plays for Champagne Chalons-Reims Basket in French Betclic ELITE ProA
- Glen Rice Jr. (6’6”-F-1991) plays the Power in the Big3 League
- Brandon Alston (6’5”-G-1995) plays for Decin in Czech Republic NBL
- James Banks III (6’10”-F/C-1998) plays for Texas Legends in the NBA G League
- Moses Wright (6’9”-F-1998) plays for Texas Legends in the NBA G League
- Daniel Miller (6’11”-C-1991) plays for Levanga Hokkaido Sapporo in Japanese B1 League
- Anthony McHenry (6’8”-SF-1983) plays for Shinshu BW in Japanese B1 League
- James White (6’9”-F-1993) played for Mauricio Baez in Dominican Rep. TBS last year
- Will Bynum (6’0”-PG-1983) plays for Bivouac in the Big3 League
- Robert Sampson (6’8”-F-1992) plays for Yamaguchi in Japanese B3 League
- Abdoulaye Gueye (6’9”-F-1994) plays for I.Ramat Gan in Israeli National League
- Evan Jester (6’7”-F-1999) plays for New Bayazet in Armenian Caucasus BL
- Shembari Phillips (6’3”-G-1997) plays for EPG Baskets Koblenz in German ProB
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Georgia Tech basketball alumni.
