THE FLATS – Derrick Favors and the New Orleans Pelicans begin the NBA’s restart tonight with the first of their eight-game sprint to qualify for the playoffs. The Pelicans, who take on Favors’ former team, the Utah Jazz, are one of 22 NBA teams at Disney’s Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Fla., who will play eight games over the next two weeks to determine the 16-team playoff field.
This week’s #ProJackets Report compiles more of the latest news, stories and social media posts on former Jackets and their activities of the past week.
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NBA PRESENTING NEW LOOK, GAME EXPERIENCE
The league’s marketing motto for the restart of the season at Walt Disney World is “Whole New Game,” and in many respects, that’s very true. The arenas that will be used for the exhibitions, the seeding games that start July 30 and then the playoffs that are scheduled for mid-August through mid-October set up much differently than usual — all with safety during a pandemic very much in mind. READ MORE
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PELICANS’ OUTLOOK FAVORABLE
After New Orleans faces Utah Thursday night, the Pelicans have the Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis, Sacramento, Washington, San Antonio, Sacramento again and Orlando in their bid to gain the eighth seed in East. ESPN has New Orleans at No. 14 in its power rankings. READ MORE
CBSSports.com reported that Derrick Favors logged 13 minutes as a starter during Saturday’s 119-104 scrimmage win over the Nuggets, Favors’ first scrimmage action. He registered six points (3-4 FG), four rebounds, one assist, and one steal. “The biggest news here is that Favors looks ready to play, and he should be the team’s starting center once play resumes later this month. The former Jazz big man was averaging 9.2 points and 9.9 rebounds in 24.2 minutes per game before play got suspended in early March.”
The Pelicans are excited to have Zion Williamson back from a four-day quarantine resulting from the rookie having to leave Orlando to tend to a family emergency. “The most important thing is we hope everything’s OK with him,” Favors said Saturday, shortly after the NBA revealed the four-day quarantine determination. “He went away for personal reasons. So, it’s good to see. Whatever it was, hope everything went fine and OK and he’s back with us. And I know everybody’s excited to have him back. I know he’s excited to be back.”
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OFF-SEASON RUMORS PERSIST ABOUT FAVORS’ FUTURE
NBC Sports Bay Area’s Drew Stiller considers whether the Golden State Warriors might be interested in signing Derrick Favors with the NBA’s taxpayer mid-level exception.
“Derrick Favors — the No. 3 overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft — just turned 29 years old July 15. Before reading that sentence, you might have thought the 10-year veteran was 32 or 33. Nope.
So should he be high on the list of players the Warriors might target with the taxpayer mid-level exception (scheduled to be around $6 million) this offseason?
In a vaccum, the answer is “definitely.” But there are myriad variables to consider.”
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YOUNG SUBJECT OF TRADE RUMORS
NBC Sports Chicago reports that Thaddeus Young could be the Chicago Bull’s most readily available player to trade. Young, 32, is a rock-solid 13-year NBA veteran who gave the Bulls nearly 25 minutes and 10.3 points a game, while shooting 35.3% from three. He gets his points without needing plays run for him. More importantly, he’s a quality defender who can disrupt passing lanes with his 7’1″ wingspan. A number of teams could use him at the four to stretch the floor and give them quality minutes every night. READ MORE
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WILL BYNUM TALKS ABOUT HIS GAME, MOVE TO GEORGIA TECH
Georgia Tech Final Four star Will Bynum talked shop on Knuckleheads with Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles. “Just some backstory: Bynum is the reason for this podcast. We wanted to highlight players that the casual fan might not know, but who the NBA community reveres and honors. Will the Thrill is that hooper. We hear about his start in Chicago, the myth being made. His move to Lute Olson’s Arizona and why he left for Georgia Tech. The hours he spent on his craft. His overseas journey. Finally busting into the NBA. To his new life as a trainer. Will talks about the game like the craftsman he is. But don’t let his humble nature fool you. The man is a basketball savant and a teacher. He helped D-Rose get his game back solid. He can also hit you with the oral history of how the Shammgod traveled the world and back again. You can’t miss this one. It’s extra-extra-special. Will means everything to Chicago hoops. His impact is felt throughout the city. It’s an honor to have Will Bynum join the show.” LISTEN
In the interview, Bynum relates an interesting reflection on his move from Arizona to Georgia Tech and how he matured in the process. READ MORE
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OKOGIE TO PARTICIPATE IN YOUTH ESSAY CONTEST
The Timberwolves Josh Okogie will be a judge in a youth essay contest focused around criminal justice reform being organized by the Minneapolis Star-Tribune and Augsburg University’s Urban Debate League in partnership with the Timberwolves and the WNBA’s Lynx. READ MORE
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#PROJACKETS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
The NBA will have fans appear virtually on video boards surrounding the court live during games. The home team will choose 300 fans per game. Player families can be on it too. I saw it demoed today and it’s honestly really cool. Super innovative. It’ll begin during seeding games. pic.twitter.com/cyiBaYG54e
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) July 24, 2020
Both of our kids birthdays are a week apart. We did that. pic.twitter.com/qx0cRYdRF9
— Shekinah Young (@Mrs___Young21) July 23, 2020
Still keeping my D I S T A N C E pic.twitter.com/cq8nmV5xQq
— Josh Okogie (@CallMe_NonStop) July 27, 2020
A little perspective in case you forgot.. pic.twitter.com/Pok6dq2Qsl
— Josh Okogie (@CallMe_NonStop) July 23, 2020
In general, I hate Game One. They are even harder when you are playing against one of your idols, Tim Duncan, who won his first championship when I was a freshman in HS in 1999.
My latest newsletter –> The Last Chip https://t.co/ySYSHogEs8
— Chris Bosh (@chrisbosh) July 22, 2020
I’m glad mental health issues are being addressed in the NBA differently. Players are actually talking about meditation, about taking time for themselves, & doing different things to calm their minds. It’s important! Appreciate this write up @GQMagazine 🙏🏿https://t.co/CWm2b287c8
— Chris Bosh (@chrisbosh) July 29, 2020
1 Step, 2 Step, walk it out! #NewHipAlert SideLineShorty! ReHab Life… pic.twitter.com/OSrwc3SbY4
— Dennis 3D Scott (@Dennis3DScott) July 22, 2020
FINALLY I have the studio all to myself- ha. Great to be back!
Gametime on @NBATV with @Dennis3DScott (from home) coming up at 11 East pic.twitter.com/1Q3tEu7gPE— Matt Winer (@MattWinerTV) July 26, 2020
Marbury: “You can be the President of the United States, nobody ever told you that?”
“Nobody told me that.”@StarburyMarbury inspiring the youth 🙌
pic.twitter.com/MCk4OkswdM— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) July 16, 2020
Canceld that real quick 😂 #AKidFromConeyIsland pic.twitter.com/cxejFEANUt
— I AM PEACE STAR (@StarburyMarbury) July 15, 2020
@chibbs_1 One of the best to ever do it. Floor general legend. pic.twitter.com/OAiWgjXm8q
— New Era Sports Media (@newerasportsav) July 29, 2020
My guys ,I love Them.Thank you much love always lethal weapon 3 and Coach Cremins! pic.twitter.com/oStQaNqASN
— Kenny Anderson (@chibbs_1) July 27, 2020
3-0 feels pretty good
(we know they’re scrimmages don’t yell at us)#WontBowDown | @Zatarains pic.twitter.com/Rt2Hty74i3
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) July 28, 2020
#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 |
