Nissan #ProJackets Basketball Report

Jan. 14, 2016

By Wiley Ballard –

Following a discouraging season-ending ACL injury, Jarrett Jack took the first step on his road to recovery by undergoing successful surgery Wednesday morning. Elsewhere Derrick Favors continues to be sidelined by back spasms while Chris Bosh prepares to lead Miami through an arduous road schedule.  All of that and more can be found in this week’s basketball edition of the Nissan #ProJackets Report.

Chris Bosh – Chris Bosh has started off his New Year right. The forward is averaging 20 points and eight rebounds per game in 2016. Last week the Miami Heat began a tumultuous road stretch last week in which they will play 14 of 16 games on the road. For Chris Bosh that means a lengthy time away from his family and a break from making his trademark funny facial expressions on the Heat bench. And although Bosh is clearly fun-loving, and at times a little goofy, the veteran has displayed difference-making leadership skills this season which head coach Erik Spoelstra calls his “most valuable asset.” The Heat visit the Denver Nuggets Friday night at 9 p.m.

Derrick Favors – Derrick Favors has missed eleven straight games with back spasms and has not played since Christmas. Over that stretch, the Jazz are 5-6 and have scored 100 points or more just twice. Coach Quin Snyder has assured the media that there is nothing “structurally wrong” with Favors’ back. So far in 26 games, the sixth year veteran is averaging a career-best 16.8 points per game and is widely considered one of the most efficient big men in the NBA. Some media expected Favors to return Thursday night against Sacramento, but no official announcement has been made. The Jazz and Kings tip off at 9 p.m. in Salt Lake City.

Jarrett Jack – Jarrett Jack underwent season-ending knee surgery Wednesday morning in Manhattan. Officially diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, the point guard anticipates a full recovery and plans to return for the 2016-17 season. Jack’s season averages in 32 games as the Brooklyn Nets starting point guard were 12.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and a team-high 7.4 assists per game.

Anthony Morrow – After scoring double digits in three straight games to begin the New Year, Anthony Morrow has again struggled to capture consistency. The sharpshooter is shooting 43.9 percent from beyond the arc over his last 11 games, but has played more than 20 minutes just twice in that stretch. Playing with two of the top volume shooters in the NBA (Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook) means that there will be fewer shots to go around. Not to mention, it’s hard to find fault in Oklahoma City’s 28-12 record. So in the meantime, Morrow will likely continue to occupy a reduced role for first-year head coach Billy Donovan. The Thunder return to action tomorrow night against the Minnesota Timberwolves on ESPN at 7 p.m.

Iman Shumpert – Ever since Iman Shumpert returned to the floor following wrist surgery, everyone in Cleveland has been talking about one thing: his hands. LeBron James and Kyrie Irving have each identified Shumpert’s metacarpi as the NBA’s best. Most recently the small forward stripped twelve-time All-NBA performer Dirk Nowitzki in the final seconds of regulation. The turnover forced overtime where Cleveland closed out Dallas 110-107 for their eighth straight victory. Shumpert explained the origins of quick reflexes to Cleveland.com. Tonight, Cleveland battles long-time nemesis San Antonio in a nationally televised game at 8 p.m. on TNT.

Thaddeus Young – The firing of head coach Lionel Hollins was the leading headline out of Brooklyn this week. Hollins, hired in July 2014, was let go and replaced by interim head coach Tony Brown. Meanwhile Thaddeus Young and Brook Lopez made headlines of their own by discussing their recruitment of free agents for 2016-17. As for the Nets of today, Brooklyn snapped a 10-game home losing streak Wednesday night against rival New York 110-104. Young added 19 points and 11 rebounds for his 19^th double-double of the season. Brooklyn hosts Portland Friday night at 7:30 p.m.