It’s almost one month into the NBA season and there are several Wolfpack alumni headlining great play in the NBA and G-League.
Let’s take a look at how former members of the NC State men’s basketball team are doing in the NBA and G-League.
TJ Warren, Forward, Phoenix Suns
Warren has gotten his fourth year in professional basketball off to an impressive start. In his eighth game this season on Nov. 1, the Durham native scored a career-high 40 points in a 122-116 win over the Washington Wizards. He also chipped in 10 rebounds for a double-double.
Though the Suns have stumbled to a 6-11 record, Warren has continued to shine. He’s recorded point totals of 24, 27 and 35 points so far. His current averages of 18.1 points per game and 5.9 rebounds per game are on pace for career bests.
Dennis Smith Jr., Guard, Dallas Mavericks
The highly touted ninth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft has been a bright spot for the rebuilding Mavericks. Smith went on to score a season-high 27 points in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Nov. 14.
The rookie recorded a double-double in his first game as a pro on Oct. 18 with 16 points, 10 assists and three rebounds. He was also close to becoming the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double. He notched 22 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in a victory over the Wizards on Nov. 7.
Despite Smith’s early success, he has struggled with turnovers. The Fayetteville native has had three games where has committed six turnovers. He is currently averaging 3.5 turnovers per game, tied for eighth most in the league.
Lorenzo Brown, Guard, Toronto Raptors/Raptors 905
Brown is currently under a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors for the 2017-18 season. The contract allows Brown to split playing time between the Raptors and their G-League affiliate, the Raptors 905.
For Toronto, the 2013 second-round pick was brought up on Nov. 12 and has dressed in five games since. He played 18 minutes on Nov. 17 against the New York Knicks, recording three rebounds and three assists.
Brown flourished in the G-League, resulting in his calling to Toronto. In five games for Raptors 905, he averaged 19.8 points, six assists, 4.2 rebounds and 3.6 steals.
Maverick Rowan, Guard, Lakeland Magic
After deciding to forgo his remaining two years of NCAA eligibility, Rowan was drafted third overall in the G-League Draft on Oct. 21. Rowan was drafted by the Orlando Magic’s affiliate, the Lakeland Magic.
The 6-foot-7 forward has appeared in seven games, averaging 7.8 points per game shooting a 45.8 percent clip from long range. He logged a season-high 19 points in a Nov. 4 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves’ affiliate, the Iowa Wolves.
Terry Henderson, Guard, Greensboro Swarm
After the former Wolfpack sharpshooter was denied a sixth year of eligibility, Henderson has impressed with the Swarm. Henderson is shooting 40.3 percent from the floor and 38.9 percent from deep.
The 23-year-old from Raleigh is averaging 14.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game for the Swarm in six games this season.
