THE FLATS – Iman Shumpert continues to draw raves on “Dancing with the Stars”… Thaddeus Young finding his place in the Spurs offense … Jarrett Jack transitions into coaching career … more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.
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IMAN SHUMPERT DESERVES TO WIN “DTWS” – HERE’S WHY
We’ve gotten to the point where just about everyone can get a 40 on “Dancing with the Stars.”
On Monday’s “Janet Jackson Night,” Suni Lee, Melora Hardin and Amanda Kloots got perfect scores and Jojo Siwa was just one off (thanks to judge Len Goodman) with a 39. Two away? Cody Rigsby with a 38.
To be honest? The real showstopper was Iman Shumpert who did such a great production number to “Rhythm Nation” he should have been declared a finalist as soon as he finished. He got a 35 but for someone who’s almost twice as tall as his partner he showed incredible style and grace. The improvement he has made since the beginning is astounding – and it shouldn’t be ignored. Others (like Kloots and Siwa) have dancing experience; he’s a rookie who could now pass for professional.
When he was placed in the head-to-head dance-off with Hardin, Shumpert held his own and easily could have gotten the bonus points had he been placed in competition with one of the lesser dancers.
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FANS ROOT FOR SHUMPERT AS HE ENTERS SEMIFINALS
If there is anyone who proved to be a wildcard on this season of ‘Dancing With The Stars’, it would have to be Iman Shumpert. The NBA star might have had a rocky start, but has soon built quite the reputation as a dancer. Each week, his improvement is noticeable and as the judges and fans agree, he’s been an all-round joy to watch.
For ‘Janet Jackson Night‘, Shumpert was certainly feeling the pressure, as his wife Teyana Taylor happens to be a huge fan of Jackson. Apart from this, a lot was riding on his performance, as the semi-finals are near. Shumpert and pro Daniella Karagach danced the Cha Cha to ‘Rhythm Nation’.
Iman is a prime example of how choreography can really make a huge difference if he had been with Peta Chip he likely would’ve been out weeks ago. Once Daniella gets a ringer it’s over for almost everyone.
— Thomas 🎄 (@ThomDWTS) November 9, 2021
Iman Shumpert is still in the competition!!!
I’m so happy for him! #DWTS
— B (@thepizzapopo_) November 9, 2021
We are looking forward 2 seeing @imanshumpert & his partner @DKaragach dance the Cha Cha 2 #RhythmNation on @JanetJackson night on @DancingABC ! Don’t 4get 2 cast your vote 4 them if they are your faves! #DancingWithTheStars pic.twitter.com/VaLZxZpBpF
— EnterTeenment News (@TeenmentNews) November 8, 2021
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JARRETT JACK TRANSITIONS INTO COACHING CAREER
Jarrett Jack wasn’t ready to transition into coaching just yet despite teams asking him to join their organizations to do something he saw in his future anyway.
He was “hell bent” on playing one more season and looked to return to the G League Ignite to serve as their point guard and veteran leader.
Then his agent called.
“He was like, ‘Hey man, Phoenix called,’” Jack said. “’They want to know if you open to joining their coaching staff.’ And I was like, oh wow. That opportunity felt little different.”
Jack played with Chris Paul for Monty Williams in New Orleans and was teammates with Suns General Manager James Jones in Portland when Williams was an assistant there under Nate McMillan.
“Me and CP is family,” Jack said. “I know what they’re about.”
AZCentral Q&A with Jarrett Jack: Part 1 | Part 2
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THADDEUS YOUNG FINDING HIS PLACE IN SPURS OFFENSE
Over the last week, Thaddeus Young has begun to settle in with the young Spurs squad he joined as part of the DeMar DeRozan trade this past offseason. Thanks to the ongoing absence of Jakob Poeltl, Thad’s playing time has ticked upward, and he’s averaged about 25 minutes per contest in the 3 games they’ve played without Big Jak. Those extra minutes have been good for him and the Spurs.
For Thad, it’s clear the extra playing time has allowed him to find a level of comfort in the Spurs offensive system. That’s to be expected, of course, but in the first few games of the season, it seemed much farther off. Witness, for instance, his awkward shuffle as he tries to find the right angle to set this screen for Dejounte Murray.
“If you make a basketball cut and aren’t lazy with it, you’re going to be rewarded. He sees it, and he’s going to throw it every time,” head coach Gregg Popovich said of the veteran.
Thad Young is really wonderful in this role as a DHO/passing hubpic.twitter.com/dRFV74m7WL
— Tom Petrini (@RealTomPetrini) November 8, 2021
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DERRICK FAVORS LOGS 21 MINUTES IN START VS PELICANS
Derrick Favors played 21 minutes and scored nine points (4-7 FG, 0-1 3P, 1-2 FT) while chipping in six boards, two assists, and a steal in a win over the Pelicans on Wednesday. Favors is averaging 6.6 points and 6.0 rebounds this season for the Thunder, who have won their last three in a row. Favors has averaged 7.0 points and 7.9 rebounds over that stretch.
Lesson learned: you disrespect Derrick Favors, you lose to Derrick Favors. pic.twitter.com/9J5NBkDweb
— Bruno Starzz (@getsit) November 5, 2021
Derrick Favors has been the most impactful player for OKC on both sides of the ball.
People have clowned him for missing lay-ups but intelligent veterans who impact young players is what we need.
(Offensive/Defensive Rating)
Favors ON: 107.32/108.74
Favors OFF: 93.27/111.91 pic.twitter.com/8KPgnghNKM— Thunder Moneyball (@geola388) November 4, 2021
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THE LAMINATOR HAS DUNK OF THE NIGHT
