Front page photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images | Top photo Tolga Adanali/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images
THE FLATS – Reports have Moses Wright hospitalized and possibly sidelined long-term … Could Suns consider trading Josh Okogie? … more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.
WRIGHT REPORTEDLY FACING LONG-TERM ABSENCE
Olympiacos Piraeus lost to Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade for EuroLeague Round 12, playing without Sasha Vezenkov and Moses Wright.
While Vezenkov’s condition isn’t worrisome, and the Bulgarian forward is expected to be back shortly, the same doesn’t apply to Wright’s case. According gazzetta.gr’s Konstantinos Melayess, the American big man, has contracted a germ, and the club has reason to believe that he might be facing a long-time absence, which could amount to 3 months.
The initial diagnosis of Wright was a respiratory infection, and the estimates had him sidelined for a period of 15 days. However, the player continues to receive treatment at the hospital, where he was admitted the previous days (since the beginning of the week). The medical staff is constantly monitoring his condition and conducting all medical tests.
Wright has averaged 4.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.3 blocks over 11 EuroLeague outings this season. He averaged 11.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 0.5 assists, and one block in the Greek Basket League.
Moses Wright reportedly might miss up to 3 months of action 🤕 pic.twitter.com/oA7pIwKmp1
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) November 29, 2024
COULD SUNS TRADE OKOGIE?
Sitting at 11–8, the Suns remain something of an enigma, largely due to injuries disrupting their lineup. What’s clear is their dependency on the Big Three of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal. Without at least two of them on the floor, the Suns are winless at 0-5.
There’s no shortage of areas for improvement. Reducing their league-high $221.3 million payroll, which is $32.8 million over the second apron, is one challenge. Adding size in the interior, bolstering defense across positions, and finding players who can contribute offensively are also crucial.
The most tradeable contract on the Suns’ roster is arguably Josh Okogie’s. With a $16 million deal spanning two years and $8.3 million due this season, his contract is well-suited for the trade market. As it becomes an expiring contract next year, it holds strong appeal for teams looking to clear future payroll.
Pairing Okogie’s contract with a first-round pick could sweeten the deal, potentially yielding a return that addresses the Suns’ needs. This flexibility makes Okogie’s contract a valuable asset as Phoenix explores ways to strengthen its roster.
Josh Okogie has performed admirably in limited action this season. Through 10 games, he’s averaging 8.5 points in 15.8 minutes while posting career highs in field goal percentage (53.4%) and three-point shooting (52.6%). Any scout reviewing recent footage might see the potential of a high-energy player who has elevated his offensive production.
Okogie trade could save millions, spark Phoenix Suns roster enhancements.
(by @DarthVoita)https://t.co/XbUybXY1fa
— Bright Side of the Sun (@BrightSideSun) December 3, 2024
ALVARADO PROGRESSING, TO BE RE-EVALUATED IN 2 WEEKS
From CBS Sports
Jose Alvarado (hamstring) continues progressing through rehab and will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks.
Alvarado has been sidelined since Nov. 11 due to a left hamstring strain. Dejounte Murray’s return to action on Nov. 27 coupled with the emergence of two-way player Brandon Boston has salvaged New Orleans’ backcourt around CJ McCollum, but depth remains thin beyond this trio.
#PROJACKETS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
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Brandon Ingram getting work in with player development coach Jose Alvarado pic.twitter.com/2vXk1XTjIA
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) December 1, 2024
EuroBasket #ProJackets Weekly Update
Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC
- Moses Wright (6’10”-C-1998, played in 2017-21, plays pro in Greece)
- Jordan Usher (6’7”-SF-1998, played in 2019-22, plays in France)
- Josh Okogie (6’4”-G-1998, played in 2016-18, currently in the NBA Phoenix Suns)
- Michael Devoe (6’5”-G-1999, played in 2018-22, plays pro in Germany)
- Khalid Moore (6’7”-F-2000, played in 2018-22, plays in France)
- Josh Heath (6’1”-PG-1994, played in 2014-17, currently in Belgium)
- Abdoulaye Gueye (6’9”-C-1994, played in 2014-15, plays pro in Turkey)
- Brandon Alston (6’5”-G-1995, played in 2017-19, plays in Portugal)
- James Banks III (6’10”-F/C-1998, played in 2018-20, currently in Greece)
- Ben Lammers (6’10”-C-1995, played in 2014-18, plays pro in Spain)
Other former Georgia Tech players who play in pro basketball:
- Jose Alvarado (6’0”-PG-1998, played in 2017-21) plays for New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA
- Trae Golden (6’3”-PG-1991, played in 2013-14) signed for Fujian Sturgeons in Chinese CBA
- Ja’von Franklin (6’7”-F/C-1998, played in 2023-23) signed for Windrose Giants Antwerp in Belgian Pro Basketball League
- Avi Schafer (6’9”-F/C-1998, played in 2017-19) plays for SeaHorses Mikawa in Japanese B1 League
- Glen Rice Jr. (6’6”-F-1991, played in 2009-12) plays for Cocodrilos in Venezuelan SPB
- Marcus Georges-Hunt (6’5”-F-1994, played in 2012-16) plays for Sichuan Blue Whales in Chinese CBA
- Rodney Howard (6’11”-F, played in 2020-23) plays for Craiova in Romanian Liga Nationala
- Evan Jester (6’7”-F-1999, played in 2017-19) plays for Atlanta Aliens in the ABA
- Charles Mitchell (6’8”-F/C-1993, played in 2014-16) plays for Dorados de Chihuahua in Mexican LNBP
- Gani Lawal (6’9”-F/C-1988, played in 2007-10) plays for Toros Del Valle in Colombian Liga WPlay
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Georgia Tech basketball alumni.
