THE FLATS – Derrick Favors “ready to go” after signing 10-day contract with his hometown Atlanta Hawks … Jose Alvarado gets “A’ mid-season grade … more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.
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FAVORS SIGNS 10-DAY CONTRACT WITH HAWKS
The Atlanta Hawks Wednesday announced the signing of 12-year NBA veteran center Derrick Favors to a 10-day contract. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
In 12 NBA seasons, Favors has seen action in 790 career games (503 starts), owning averages of 10.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.19 blocks in 24.3 minutes (.534 FG%, .663 FT%). He is one of only 12 active players with over 8,000 total points (8,354), 5,500 rebounds (5,608), 900 blocks (938) and 500 steals (577). Among active players, Favors ranks 17th in offensive rebounds (1,933), as well as 18th in field goal percentage (.534%) and blocks (938). Throughout his career, the newest Hawk has played for New Jersey (2010-11), Utah (2010-19, 2020-21), New Orleans (2019-20) and Oklahoma City (2021-22).
Selected by the New Jersey Nets with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, Favors was traded to the Utah Jazz on Feb. 23, 2011. Favors suited up for the Jazz for 10 seasons, recording 11.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.3 blocks in 644 games (413 starts) (.530 FG%, .670 FT%). He appeared in 42 playoff contests (14 starts) across five postseason runs with Utah, tallying 7.8 points, 5.7 boards and 1.0 block in 20.8 minutes (.587 FG%). Favors currently ranks fourth all-time in Utah history in total rebounds (4,626) and field goal percentage (.530 FG%), seventh in made field goals (2,976) and blocks (840), and eighth in games played (644).
Prior to returning to Utah in 2020-21, Favors saw action in 51 games (49 starts) for the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2019-20 campaign. He notched a streak of 22 consecutive made field goals from Jan. 16-23, marking the longest such streak in the NBA in the last 20 years. He most recently appeared in 39 games (18 starts) for Oklahoma City during the 2021-22 season, averaging 5.3 points and 4.7 rebounds in 16.7 minutes (.516 FG%, .640 FT%).
The Atlanta, Ga., native spent one season at Georgia Tech (2009-10), appearing in 36 games (35 starts), recording 12.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.1 blocks in 27.5 minutes (.611 FG%, .629 FT%). Favors was named ACC Rookie of the Year after leading all ACC freshmen in scoring, rebounding, double-doubles, blocked shots and field goal percentage. A graduate of South Atlanta High School, Favors will wear No. 33.
Official: We have signed center Derrick Favors to a 10-day contract.
More: https://t.co/KjSpKvEZ74 pic.twitter.com/rGx7t9Fa8L
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 11, 2023
“With Clint’s injury, we’re just looking to add some size to our roster.”
Hawks head coach Nate McMillan discusses the addition of local product Derrick Favors.@ChevyDealers | #GeorgiaDrivesChevy pic.twitter.com/cHsCDFEkxd
— Bally Sports: Hawks (@HawksOnBally) January 11, 2023
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FAVORS “READY TO GO” AFTER SIGNING WITH HAWKS
Newly signed Hawks center Derrick Favors dreamed of playing for the hometown team, or at least getting the chance to put on the jersey. Now he has that opportunity after the Hawks signed him to a 10-day contract Wednesday.
Favors’ deal with the Hawks includes the team’s next six games. So, he’ll have the chance to prove something.
“Oh, definitely a fan growing up,” Favors said. “Back when they had like Josh Smith, Joe Johnson, those guys. I’m definitely a fan, Al Horford. And just being from Atlanta has always been a dream to, you know, at least put the jersey on at least one time. So, it’s definitely a dream, and I’m blessed and humbled to be here.”
The 31-year-old Atlanta native will be available for the games against the Bucks, Pacers, Raptors, Mavericks and Knicks. The team has been without Clint Capela (right calf strain) for 11 of the past 12 games, and the team has needed some size to compete on the glass.
More from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Newly signed Hawks center Derrick Favors in the building. pic.twitter.com/lfKvz32lWL
— Lauren L. Williams (@WilliamsLaurenL) January 11, 2023
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ALVARADO GETS TOP GRADE AT MID-SEASON
Pelicans’ beat writer Christian Clark hands out mid-season grades for the New Orleans NBA team and awards Jose Alvarado with an “A.”
Alvarado is one of the NBA’s best backup point guards. He injects energy into the game any time he steps onto the floor. Alvarado intuitively understands how to play the “0.5 basketball” that Green preaches. He gets the Pelicans into their offense early in possessions and keeps the ball moving. Defensively, he plays much bigger than he is. He leads the Pelicans in steals and is second in deflections.
El boricua Jose Alvarado con una “a lo Rondo” 🤪
📲 https://t.co/MuTuX7Mpyrpic.twitter.com/eSzYeuoFnc
— NBA Latam (@NBALatam) January 8, 2023
Great photo of Jose Alvarado and #Pelicans sellout crowd from first half pic.twitter.com/wbE1savvVO
— Jim Eichenhofer (@Jim_Eichenhofer) January 7, 2023
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YOUNG, BARNES DOWNPLAY HEATED EXCHANGE
Scottie Barnes and Thaddeus Young were spotted arguing during warmups before the second half of the Toronto Raptors’ win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.
Young appeared to be making sure Barnes was ready, while Barnes took exception to the notion it was necessary.
“That’s my boy. I love Thad,” Barnes said. “We gave each other hugs. … That’s my boy, always.”
“We just had a disagreement,” Young added. “He actually told me he loved me. I told him I love him back. You know, no different than brothers going back and forth. Especially when we’re both passionate about the game. I think that’s one of the biggest things. We’re both passionate about what we’re doing, our craft and making sure that we get ourselves a win.”
From RealGM/The Athletic
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#ProJackets on Social Media
Daddy pic.twitter.com/U8kVZTcmVt
— Shekinah Young (@Mrs___Young21) January 11, 2023
The signature Josh Okogie put-back. pic.twitter.com/o1qaGeQUl6
— Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) January 11, 2023
Josh Okogie never stops working. pic.twitter.com/ScKZ62N6h3
— Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) January 2, 2023
The scrappiest player in the league: @AlvaradoJose15 😤 https://t.co/WbZxL1RnZM pic.twitter.com/EbMGaGeOSg
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 10, 2023
It’s Crunchy with my guy! @JaredSGreenberg Mr. Captain 🧑✈️ Crunchy! #LeaveIt pic.twitter.com/AVUKatE4c8
— Dennis 3D Scott (@Dennis3DScott) January 9, 2023
This 👇… You don’t want to miss Episode 12! https://t.co/aWJ1xIwhXI
— Mark Price (@Mark25Price) January 10, 2023
Yellow Jackets in Professional Basketball
Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC
Moses Wright (6’9”-F-1998, graduated ‘2021, plays pro in China) led Zhejiang Golden Bulls to a victory over the closely-ranked Guandong Tigers (18-4) 114-103 in the Chinese CBA last Saturday. He was MVP of the game. Wright had a double-double by scoring 34 points and getting 16 rebounds in 37 minutes; quite an impressive performance considering it’s only his second season in pro basketball. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Zhejiang Golden Bulls (19-3) are placed first in the CBA. It’s Wright’s first year with the team. Wright has relatively good stats this season 11.7ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.2apg, 1.1bpg and 1.3spg in 19 games he played so far.
Adam Smith (6’1”-PG-1992, graduated ‘2016, plays in Spain) could not help Bilbao (7-7) in their last game on Wednesday. Despite Smith’s very good performance Bilbao was defeated 92-79 on the road by the lower-ranked Unicaja (#11). He was the top scorer with 15 points. Smith also added 3 passes. It’s Smith’s first season with the team. He has relatively good stats this year 13.5ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.8apg and 1.3spg.
Ben Lammers (6’10”-C-1995, graduated ‘2018, currently in Germany) contributed to an easy victory against one of league’s weakest teams Skyliners (3-10) crushing them 99-74 in the German BBL in Tuesday night’s game. He recorded 9 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in just 14 minutes. ALBA Berlinis placed first in the BBL. This year Lammers averages 6.3ppg and 4.5rpg in six games.
Trae Golden (6’3”-PG-1991, graduated ‘2014, plays pro in China) was the major contributor in a Beijing Royal Fighters’ victory against the closely-ranked Jilin Tigers (11-12) 110-95 in the Chinese CBA last Friday. Golden recorded a double-double by scoring 30 points and making 14 passes. He also added 7 rebounds. Beijing Royal Fighters (9-13) are placed 15th in the CBA. It was his team’s first victory after six consecutive loses. Golden has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages 23.0ppg, 4.9rpg and 6.2apg.
Jose Alvarado (6’0”-PG-1998, graduated ‘2021, plays in the NBA) was not able to help the New Orleans Pelicans (24-16) in their last game. Despite his good performance the New Orleans Pelicans (24-16) lost 117-127 in Dallas to the Mavericks. Alvarado scored 14 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and dished 7 assists in 28 minutes; not bad, considering it’s only his second season in pro basketball. It’s Alvarado’s first year with the team. Alvarado has relatively good stats this season 9.2ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.1apg and 1.2spg in 39 games.
Jordan Usher (6’7”-F-1999, graduated ‘2022, currently in Turkey) was not able to secure a victory for Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul in their game against Bursaspor in the Turkish BSL. Despite his good performance in Monday night’s game He was the second best scorer with 12 points. Usher has relatively good stats this season 14.3ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.3apg and 1.1spg.
Josh Heath (6’1”-PG-1994, graduated ‘2017, plays pro in Belgium) contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Okapi Aalst 88-69 in the BNXT League last Saturday. Heath recorded 11 points and added 9 assists in 33 minutes. This year he averages 8.6ppg, 2.2rpg and 6.6apg in five games.
Experienced Thaddeus Young (6’8”-F-1988, graduated ‘2007, plays in the NBA) couldn’t help the Toronto Raptors in their game against the Indiana Pacers in the NBA. He cannot count Monday’s game as one of the best ones. Young scored only 2 points. His team were defeated 122-114 in the NBA. This season he averages 4.9ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.6apg and 1.1spg.
Josh Okogie (6’4”-G-1998, graduated ‘2018, currently in the NBA) couldn’t help the Phoenix Suns in their game against the New York Knicks in the NBA. Okogie cannot count Monday’s game as one of the best ones. He scored only 2 points in 5 minutes on the court. His team were badly defeated by 19 points 102-83 in the NBA. This year Okogie averages 4.3ppg and 2.8rpg in 34 games. He is a naturalized Nigerian.
Anthony McHenry (6’8”-SF-1983, graduated ‘2005, plays pro in Japan) managed to help Shinshu Brave Warriors Nagano to win against the eighth-ranked Niigata Albirex 73-62 in the Japanese B1 League last Friday. He recorded only 2 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. This season McHenry averages 9.1ppg, 6.8rpg, 3.4apg and 1.1spg.
Other former Georgia Tech players, who play in pro basketball:
- Derrick Favors (6’10”-F-1991) signed 10-day contract with Atlanta Hawks in the NBA
- Avi Schafer (6’8”-C-1998) plays for SeaHorses Mikawa in Japanese B1 League
- Alade Aminu (6’10”-F/C-1987) played for Gigantes de Carolina in Puerto Rican BSN few monts ago
- Zachery Peacock (6’8”-F/C-1987) played for FOS Provence Basket in French Betclic ELITE ProA last year
- James Banks III (6’10”-F/C-1998) plays for Texas Legends in the NBA G League
- Kammeon Holsey (6’8”-F-1990) played for College Park SkyHawks in the NBA G League last year
- Daniel Miller (6’11”-C-1991) played for Levanga Hokkaido Sapporo in Japanese B1 League last year
- Brandon Alston (6’5”-G-1995) plays for Batumi in Georgian Superleague
- Marcus Georges-Hunt (6’5”-F-1994) plays for Kuwait in Kuwaiti D1
- Charles Mitchell (6’8”-F/C-1993) plays for Obera in Argentinian La Liga
- Tadric Jackson (6’2”-G-1994) plays for Atlanta Aliens in the ABA
- Evan Jester (6’7”-F-1999) plays for Atlanta Aliens in the ABA
- Abdoulaye Gueye (6’9”-C-1994) plays for Samsunspor in Turkish TBL
- Glen Rice Jr. (6’6”-F-1991) played for Power in the Big3 last year
- Michael Devoe (6’5”-G-1999) plays for Ontario Clippers in the NBA G League
- Shembari Phillips (6’3”-G-1997) played for EPG Baskets Koblenz in German ProB last year
- Gani Lawal (6’9”-F/C-1988) plays for Runa Basket in Russian Superleague 1
- Will Bynum (6’0”-PG-1983) played for Bivouac in the Big3 last year
- Robert Sampson (6’8”-F-1992) plays for Tokyo HT in Japanese B3 League
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Georgia Tech basketball alumni.
#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 |
