With the NBA playoffs having started this past weekend, we’re taking a look at how former Wolfpack players have fared throughout the NBA season.
T.J. Warren, Forward, Phoenix Suns
In his fourth season in the league, Warren posted career highs in points, assists and rebounds while shooting 50 percent from the field. Playing in 65 games, all of which he started, Warren has yet to hit the 70-game threshold during his career. Injuries have taken a toll on Warren throughout his time in the NBA, and this year was no exception.
Warren suffered a left knee sprain March 17, in what was a breakout fourth year for the Suns’ forward and missed the final 11 games of the season. Playing in only nine games since the All-Star break, Warren averaged 21 points during that time but saw zero wins. Playing on a young team has its challenges, but after finishing last in the NBA, Warren hopes to help the Suns rebound next season and be over .500 for the first time since 2013-14.
Dennis Smith Jr., Guard, Dallas Mavericks
Smith put together quite the rookie season, finishing with averages of 15.2 points, 5.2 assists and 3.8 rebounds, while playing almost 30 minutes per game. Head coach Rick Carlisle put his full trust in Smith and left him in charge of the offense, which saw him finish second behind Donovan Mitchell in rookie usage percentage.
It was not the most efficient first season for the Fayetteville native, who shot 39.5 percent from the field and 31.3 percent from three, but starting in March, Smith turned it up to a new level. Over the last 15 games, Smith averaged 17.1 points while shooting 41.7 percent from the field and 33.8 percent from distance. Not only did he increase his scoring, but during the same period Smith boosted his distribution to the tune of 6.5 assists.
Finishing the season strong was a major key for Smith and the Mavericks, who will look to add another top-draft pick this offseason to complement their star guard.
Lorenzo Brown, Guard, Toronto Raptors
After carrying the Raptors 905 to the G-League championship game, Brown was named MVP of the league. He averaged 18.8 points and 8.9 assists during the regular season for the 905 and was the go-to player in the playoffs, where he averaged 37 minutes per game. Brown started the season with a two-way contract, but his MVP season earned him a full NBA contract as the Raptors signed him to a deal on the last day of the regular season, making him available for the playoffs.
On April 9, one day after dropping 20 points, seven rebounds and eight assists in the first game of the G-League finals, Brown had an NBA season-high with 11 points and five rebounds to carry the Raptors to a victory over the Detroit Pistons. The playoffs are a long process and take a toll on players’ health, so look for Brown to get some meaningful minutes if the Raptors end up going far or suffer any injuries.
C.J. Williams, Forward, Los Angeles Clippers
After signing a two-way contract to begin the season, Williams became the second Wolfpacker to upgrade to a full NBA contract when the Clippers signed him at the end of the season. With all the injuries they suffered, the Clippers had to rely on two-way players Williams to provide meaningful minutes, although two-way contracts limit G-League players to just 45 days with their NBA affiliate, including practices and travel.
Williams showed the Clippers he was worthy of more than just 45 days, as he started 17 games for them while averaging 5.5 points on 44.2 percent shooting. Although his offense isn’t the most prolific, Williams provides solid defense, and when given the opportunity, has proven he can hit shots at a consistent rate.
