THE FLATS – Dennis Scott will be inducted into Orlando Magic Hall of Fame … Jose Alvarado and young Pelicans’ core comes into its own … Michael Devoe turns in big performance in win for G League Clippers … Thaddeus Young keeps Raptors steady as injuries mount … more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.
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DENNIS SCOTT TO BE INDUCTED INTO MAGIC HALL OF FAME
Dennis Scott will become the 12th inductee into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame, CEO Alex Martins has announced. Date and time for the induction ceremony will be determined at a later date.
“Dennis (Scott) still remains one of the elite, long-range shooters in both Orlando Magic and NBA history,” said Martins. “His ability to shoot from beyond the three-point arc was a major key to our success during his time in Orlando and his records stand to this day. We are proud to make Dennis the next inductee into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame.”
Originally selected in the first round (fourth overall) of the 1990 NBA Draft by Orlando, Scott played seven seasons with the Magic from 1990-97. He played in 446 regular season games (322 starts) with Orlando, averaging 14.8 ppg., 3.1 rpg. and 2.3 apg. in 30.7 minpg., while shooting .403 (981-2,432) from three-point range.
During the 1995-96 campaign, Scott set a then-NBA single season-record with 267 three-pointers made, a standard that lasted for ten years. The 267 three-pointers made remains the franchise record for most made in a season. On April 18, 1996 vs. Atlanta, Scott connected on 11 three-pointers, breaking the then-NBA single game-record, a mark that lasted for almost seven seasons. The 11 three-pointers made also remains the franchise record for most made in a game.
Congratulations, 3D! 🎉
The @OrlandoMagic announced that @Dennis3DScott will become the newest inductee into the team’s Hall of Fame pic.twitter.com/lQU1WVfcWl
— NBA TV (@NBATV) November 27, 2022
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PELICANS YOUNG CORE COMES INTO ITS OWN
It was Jose Alvarado‘s turn to shine on the big stage. His duel with eventual Hall of Famer Chris Paul catapulted Jose to becoming a household name. It solidified his nickname of Grand Theft Alvarado. From there, Alvarado would appear on numerous NBA shows and start making his rounds as a media darling. Alvarado was beginning to gain the respect of his peers and opposing coaches. All three players have built upon the foundation of last season.
Jose Alvarado sought the help of Spurs great Tony Parker to train during the offseason, and it has paid major dividends. Alvarado has incorporated Parker’s signature teardrop into his offensive repertoire and made defenses pay for it in the pick-n-roll.
Alvarado has also improved his 3-point shooting tremendously, going from 29% as a rookie to over 42% this season. While he made his reputation in this league last year as a defensive player, this year, he is becoming a complete player on both sides of the ball with his playmaking.
The Crossover ➡️ The Dime ➡️ The Dunk ➡️ The Reaction 🤯🤯🤯@AlvaradoJose15 | @Zionwilliamson | @PelicansNBA | #Pelicans pic.twitter.com/nQKadzVYOX
— Bally Sports New Orleans (@BallySportsNO) November 29, 2022
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DEVOE TURNS IN BIG PERFORMANCE IN WIN
Michael Devoe finished with 23 points (10-15 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), six rebounds, four steals and two rebounds in 30 minutes during Wednesday’s 119-101 Ontario Clippers’ win over the Oklahoma City Blue.
Prior to this game, Devoe was a limited contributor for Ontario, averaging only 3.4 points and 2.1 rebounds per night. However, when he got the opportunity to showcase his skills, he stepped up to the plate, finishing as the second-leading scorer while also being active in the passing lanes and finishing with a team-high four steals.
From CBSSports.com
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OKOGIE TURNS IN SOLID PERFORMANCE FOR SUNS
Josh Okogie produced seven points (2-4 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 3-4 FT), two rebounds, one assist, one block and two steals in 14 minutes during last Friday’s 108-102 win over the Pistons.
Okogie tied his season-high seven points while also contributing a season-high two steals. However, his role is set to be reduced with Landry Shamet (concussion) expected back Saturday and Chris Paul (heel) shortly thereafter.
From CBSSports.com
Wewwww this defense from Josh Okogie pic.twitter.com/PNhTvZRWAX
— Mavs/Magic Draft (@MavsDraft) November 26, 2022
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YOUNG COMES UP BIG AS INJURIES HAMPER RAPTORS
Thaddeus Young has been essential to the Raptors going 4-4 without Pascal Siakam (and a host of other players), which is quite a development for a player who picked up three Did Not Play- Coach’s Decision designations before Siakam’s absence, and had not topped 11 minutes in any of those nine games. Young is obviously not going to light up a box score on most nights, but he is averaging more than 23 minutes per game since Siakam hurt his adductor, is shooting 59 percent from the floor and averaging 5.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game.
The Raptors have outscored opponents by 4.6 points per 100 possessions, key since he has been thrown in as the starting centre recently, with the opening unit dealing with multiple health issues. His shortcomings as a starting centre were evident as the Atlanta Hawks burned the Raptors via the Trae Young-Clint Capela lob a few times on Saturday, with Thad Young not able to help and recover with the speed and athleticism that Precious Achiuwa might if he were in the same situation. Without that type of lob threat, though, Thad Young’s intelligence and relative switchability have been a boon: The Raptors are allowing just 103.9 points per 100 possessions when he’s been on the floor during Siakam’s absence, and 119.7 when he’s sitting. The Raptors’ offensive rebounding and turnover creation have improved with him on the floor, too.
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