The NBA Playoffs are underway, and although no NC State alumni will be represented, there were a handful who made big impacts for their respective NBA or developmental league teams throughout the 2016-17 season.
T.J. Warren, Phoenix Suns
After missing almost a month early in the season due to a head injury, Warren became a consistent starter for the Suns, starting 59 of the 66 games he played in. On the season, Warren averaged 14.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 31 minutes per game. All of these totals are up from his previous two seasons, which is an encouraging sign that he has adapted a more aggressive style of play.
Although his shooting percentage was slightly down from last season, it still sits at a respectable 49.5 percent. This deficit could likely be attributed to higher usage in the Suns’ offense, as he is attempting almost three more shots per game than he was in 2015-16. Additionally, his free-throw percentage is up to 77.3 percent. However, while he was never seen as a prolific 3-point shooter, his percentage from beyond the arc is down to 26.5 despite attempting the same amount of shots.
As a team, the Suns finished second-worst in the NBA with a 24-58 record. While Devin Booker is the rising superstar on the team after leading the team in scoring, including a 70-point performance against Boston March 24, look for Warren to be a key part of the rebuilding process after finishing third on the team in scoring.
Lorenzo Brown, Grand Rapids Drive
Throughout his career, Brown has bounced all over the place between the NBA, the D-League and even China. This season, Brown spent most his campaign in China before coming back to the D-League for the last 11 games of the year.
Brown was dominant in those 11 games, averaging 23.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, four assists and 1.7 steals per game. His most notable performances came against Fort Wayne March 25, where he scored a season-high 31 points on 65 percent from the field against Westchester March 30, in which he finished just one board shy of a triple-double with 19 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds.
Brown was almost called up to play for the Detroit Pistons, but a technicality with clearing a roster spot prohibited the transaction from processing. Still, with a stellar showing in the D-League, Brown will likely get another shot in the NBA, whether it be with the Pistons or another team that notices his talent.
Cat Barber, Greensboro Swarm
Barber stepped up as the Swarm’s starting point guard, averaging 16.4 points, 4.7 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game on the season. After being traded from the 87ers, he bumped those totals up to 18.8 points and 5.5 assists in 37.7 minutes per game through 19 games. As a consistent contributor, Barber could benefit from time with the Swarm as he looks for a shot up to the big league.
Scott Wood, Santa Cruz Warriors
Another alumnus who has bounced around the professional leagues for a while, former Wolfpack sharpshooter Scott Wood found his niche with the Santa Cruz Warriors this season. Wood tallied 14 points and 4.2 rebounds per game and started all but one game as he helped Santa Cruz into the D-League playoffs. His stellar shooting from his college days remained true in the D-League, as he shot 44.6 percent from the field, 43 percent from 3-point range and an astounding 94.3 percent from the free-throw line. Additionally, Wood won the D-League’s 3-point contest.
C.J. Williams, Texas Legends
Since going pro in 2012, Williams has played in France, Italy and the D-League. He spent the entirety of this season with the Texas Legends, totaling 12.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 29.3 minutes per game, starting 39 of 50 games. He also shot 43.6 percent from the floor, 38.2 percent from distance and 80 percent from the charity stripe.
C.J. Leslie, Raptors 905
As a part-time starter with the Raptors, Leslie has been an impactful role player with 11.4 points and six rebounds per game while shooting 54.4 percent from the field. Leslie’s play has helped elevate the Raptors to the D-League playoffs, where they currently hold a one-game advantage in the semifinals against the Maine Red Claws.
Ralston Turner, Greensboro Swarm
The former Wolfpack 3-point ace saw limited playing time as shooting guard with the Swarm this season. In 37 games played and three starts, Turner tallied 4.4 points and 1.6 rebounds per game. While he only attempted 3.4 shots per game, he made them count with a 40.9 3-point percentage.
Then-freshman guard Anthony “Cat” Barber jumps for a layup against Florida Gulf Coast Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013. Barber had 12 points in the Wolfpack's 82-62 win over the Eagle's at PNC Arena.
