There has never been a Skyforce player who has gone on to win an NBA Championship. Former NBA champions have come to Sioux Falls as veterans, clinging to a playing career they’re not yet ready to let go of, but no player has ever spent time developing with the Skyforce early in his career before moving on and achieving one of the sports’ highest honors.
Several Skyforce alumni have the chance to do that this year.
In total, 13 former Sioux Falls players have earned roster spots on seven different teams that will be entering “the bubble” down in Orlando when NBA play resumes. Some more cemented in their roles than others, but all have a chance to make a splash in what will most assuredly be an “anything could happen” scenario. The Miami HEAT carry a total of six players who have previously spent time with the Force, the most of any team for obvious reasons. The HEAT are joined by the Brooklyn Nets (2), Los Angeles Clippers (1), Denver Nuggets (1), Philadelphia 76ers (1), Orlando Magic (1) and Portland Trail Blazers (1) in carrying at least one Sioux Falls alumni on its roster.
Highlights from each of these players, along with information on where and when to watch them in action when the NBA resumes play is broken down below.
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Rodney McGruder: Los Angeles Clippers
Overview: Rodney McGruder played his way onto the Miami HEAT’s roster during training camp in 2016 and made himself an indispensable part of the team’s rotation throughout the remainder of the season. However, his role gradually declined following injuries and roster movement over the next two years. After being waived by the HEAT on April 7, 2019, the Los Angeles Clippers quickly snatched him off the waiver wire and followed by signing him to a multi-year contract last offseason.
Rodney McGruder drives in (@RodneyMcGruder)
Watch more Rodney McGruder: https://t.co/57yDnaeODW pic.twitter.com/0CAii55Qxx
— Clippers Clips Live (@Live_Clippers) March 11, 2020
There is no question what McGruder brings to the table for an organization. His work ethic is second-to-none. While in Miami, he earned the nickname “The Scavenger” and the name speaks for itself. McGruder has scratched and clawed his way to success simply by working harder than those around him, and now finds himself in a rotation alongside the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and company as the Clippers have a real shot at stealing the title this season.
Skyforce History: Sioux Falls claimed McGruder from the Available Player Pool on March 27, 2015. Between then and the start of next season, McGruder worked his way into a starting role for the Skyforce and his talents were put on full display under Head Coach Dan Craig during the 2015-16 season.
McGruder served as one of the most vital pieces to a team that set an NBA G League single-season record with 40 wins, and eventually delivered Sioux Falls its first championship since becoming members of the G League in 2007. The following offseason, McGruder earned an invitation to Miami for training camp, and proved too good to let go.
NBA Stats Breakdown:
Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OFF | DEF | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PF | TOV | PTS |
2016-17 | MIA | 78 | 65 | 25.2 | 2.44 | 5.90 | .413 | 0.94 | 2.82 | .332 | 0.56 | 0.91 | .620 | 1.21 | 2.08 | 3.28 | 1.59 | 0.59 | 0.23 | 1.79 | 0.72 | 6.37 |
2017-18 | MIA | 18 | 2 | 16.6 | 2.00 | 4.06 | .493 | 0.83 | 1.94 | .429 | 0.22 | 0.44 | .500 | 0.61 | 1.17 | 1.78 | 0.94 | 0.44 | 0.17 | 1.17 | 0.22 | 5.06 |
2018-19 | MIA | 66 | 45 | 23.5 | 2.82 | 6.98 | .403 | 1.20 | 3.41 | .351 | 0.79 | 1.09 | .722 | 0.91 | 2.70 | 3.61 | 1.70 | 0.55 | 0.18 | 1.74 | 0.97 | 7.62 |
2019-20 | LAC | 50 | 3 | 15.0 | 1.22 | 3.12 | .391 | 0.44 | 1.58 | .278 | 0.30 | 0.56 | .536 | 0.52 | 2.04 | 2.56 | 0.60 | 0.46 | 0.16 | 1.34 | 0.42 | 3.18 |
CAREER | 212 | 115 | 21.5 | 2.23 | 5.42 | .411 | 0.89 | 2.64 | .338 | 0.54 | 0.84 | .642 | 0.90 | 2.18 | 3.08 | 1.33 | 0.53 | 0.19 | 1.62 | 0.68 | 5.90 |
NBA G League Stats Breakdown:
Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OFF | DEF | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PF | TOV | PTS |
2014-15 * | All Teams | 29 | 7 | 23.1 | 3.83 | 8.14 | .470 | 0.79 | 2.31 | .343 | 0.90 | 1.52 | .591 | 1.31 | 2.62 | 3.93 | 1.41 | 0.52 | 0.10 | 1.79 | 1.24 | 9.34 |
2014-15 * | MNE | 26 | 7 | 22.9 | 3.92 | 8.42 | .466 | 0.77 | 2.31 | .333 | 0.96 | 1.65 | .581 | 1.31 | 2.65 | 3.96 | 1.35 | 0.54 | 0.12 | 1.77 | 1.23 | 9.58 |
2014-15 * | SXF | 3 | 0 | 24.8 | 3.00 | 5.67 | .529 | 1.00 | 2.33 | .429 | 0.33 | 0.33 | 1.000 | 1.33 | 2.33 | 3.67 | 2.00 | 0.33 | 0.00 | 2.00 | 1.33 | 7.33 |
2015-16 | SXF | 48 | 44 | 37.5 | 6.04 | 11.77 | .513 | 1.94 | 5.04 | .384 | 1.77 | 2.40 | .739 | 2.17 | 3.15 | 5.31 | 2.33 | 1.38 | 0.27 | 2.15 | 1.33 | 15.79 |
2017-18 | SXF | 2 | 2 | 22.5 | 6.50 | 15.00 | .433 | 0.50 | 5.50 | .091 | 0.00 | 0.50 | .000 | 1.50 | 3.50 | 5.00 | 1.00 | 0.50 | 0.00 | 0.50 | 0.00 | 13.50 |
CAREER | 79 | 53 | 31.8 | 5.24 | 10.52 | .498 | 1.48 | 4.05 | .366 | 1.41 | 2.03 | .694 | 1.84 | 2.96 | 4.80 | 1.96 | 1.04 | 0.20 | 1.97 | 1.27 | 13.37 |
Mark your calendars.
Clippers basketball is back in 34 days. #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/OLb5ZlZD1x
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) June 26, 2020
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Torrey Craig: Denver Nuggets
Overview: Torrey Craig was relatively unknown coming out of USC Upstate, and multiple years professionally in New Zealand and Australia before bursting onto the NBA scene during NBA Summer League in 2017. He was signed to a two-way contract by the Denver Nuggets and split time between Denver and the Sioux Falls Skyforce during his rookie campaign, but it quickly became evident that Craig belonged at the sports’ highest level.
🔄🔄TORREY CRAIG!! 🔄🔄#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/1HnIVM3bfF
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) November 21, 2019
Even as a two-way player, Craig became an important defensive role player for the Nuggets and has grown into that role substantially in the two years since. He has proven to be fearless, highlighted by his suffering of a broken nose and returning to play in the same game during last year’s NBA playoff run. He has become a more consistent shooter when called upon in recent years, but his impact on the game is often not accurately depicted by the “numbers” he puts up.
All love for Torrey Craig (broken nose) as he checks back in! 💪🙏#MileHighBasketball#NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/O7x0qH5nd2
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 2, 2019
Skyforce History: Craig, joining Sioux Falls as an affiliate player during the 2017-18 season, was immediately recognized as the best player on a roster that was filled with talent. This was highlighted by a near-five-by-five game in his Skyforce debut against the Memphis Hustle. In 36 minutes off the bench, Craig posted 24 points, six rebounds, six assists, five steals and four blocks. Some referred to him as the “G League’s Lebron James” during his short 15-game stint in the league.
He was not only a dynamic scorer, but a lockdown defender and someone who could lead an offense. He was in a league of his own from the jump. It was only a matter of time before his future in the NBA was solidified.
NBA Stats Breakdown:
Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OFF | DEF | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PF | TOV | PTS |
2017-18 | DEN | 39 | 5 | 16.1 | 1.59 | 3.51 | .453 | 0.44 | 1.49 | .293 | 0.56 | 0.90 | .629 | 1.03 | 2.23 | 3.26 | 0.64 | 0.31 | 0.38 | 1.62 | 0.51 | 4.18 |
2018-19 | DEN | 75 | 37 | 20.0 | 2.13 | 4.83 | .442 | 0.81 | 2.51 | .324 | 0.65 | 0.93 | .700 | 1.19 | 2.32 | 3.51 | 0.96 | 0.49 | 0.61 | 2.33 | 0.59 | 5.73 |
2019-20 | DEN | 50 | 19 | 17.4 | 1.92 | 4.16 | .462 | 0.72 | 2.18 | .330 | 0.40 | 0.62 | .645 | 0.96 | 2.16 | 3.12 | 0.68 | 0.36 | 0.64 | 2.24 | 0.44 | 4.96 |
CAREER | 164 | 61 | 18.3 | 1.94 | 4.31 | .450 | 0.70 | 2.16 | .321 | 0.55 | 0.83 | .669 | 1.08 | 2.25 | 3.33 | 0.80 | 0.41 | 0.57 | 2.13 | 0.52 | 5.13 |
NBA G League Stats Breakdown:
Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OFF | DEF | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PF | TOV | PTS |
2017-18 | SXF | 15 | 12 | 35.0 | 8.20 | 17.20 | .477 | 2.60 | 6.73 | .386 | 3.93 | 5.00 | .787 | 2.67 | 5.47 | 8.13 | 3.47 | 1.13 | 2.00 | 2.60 | 2.60 | 22.93 |
CAREER | 15 | 12 | 35.0 | 8.20 | 17.20 | .477 | 2.60 | 6.73 | .386 | 3.93 | 5.00 | .787 | 2.67 | 5.47 | 8.13 | 3.47 | 1.13 | 2.00 | 2.60 | 2.60 | 22.93 |
* * * * *
Duncan Robinson: Miami HEAT
Overview: To say that Duncan Robinson’s rise was “meteoric” might actually be an understatement. A two-way player for the Miami HEAT just a season ago, he’s now become one of the NBA’s most lethal three-point shooters in just his second season. Robinson’s 243 three-pointers made this season rank third in the NBA, trailing only James Harden (271) and Buddy Hield (244). However, Robinson’s shooting at a 44.8 percent clip from long distance this season, nearly a 10-percent increase on Harden’s 35.2 percent mark from three-point range this season.
How many players can make 8 3s in a half? Duncan Robinson is a top 3 shooter on the planet 🔥 pic.twitter.com/lL1Xlkt5kN
— Heat Nation (@HeatNationCom) July 1, 2020
Now, don’t get us wrong, we’re not comparing Robinson to Harden…but the sharpshooter has proven to be dangerous from the perimeter at every level he’s played in his career, and that continues to translate in the NBA. As other facets of his overall game improve, Robinson looks to be one of the many promising young talents in the HEAT’s rotation for years to come.
Duncan STAYS HOT with 7 3's 🔥@MiamiHEAT shooter Duncan Robinson (23 PTS) makes 7+ threes for the 3rd game in row! pic.twitter.com/2EMTr5DXnX
— NBA (@NBA) March 9, 2020
Skyforce History: Robinson appeared in 33 games as a Miami HEAT two-way player for the Sioux Falls Skyforce last season and all he did was set multiple franchise records on his way out the door. His 157 made three-pointers (remember, in just 33 games) marked a Skyforce franchise single-season record while his 48.3 percent mark from three-point range is both a Skyforce franchise and NBA G League record for a single-season.
Career-high 36 PTS (8 3PM) with the @SFSkyforce. Yes, #2WayPlayer @D_Bo20 was in a groove tonight 🔥@umichbball ↗️ @SFSkyforce ➡️ @MiamiHEAT pic.twitter.com/c09nIFEpal
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) March 20, 2019
Robinson was simply “unreal” during his time with Sioux Falls. Shots just kept falling…and falling. He’s proceeded to do something very similar for the HEAT this season and he’s become a key member of Miami’s starting lineup.
Robinson and fellow alumni Derrick Jones Jr. gave the Skyforce franchise its first taste at NBA All-Star weekend when both participated in skills competitions. Robinson was selected to participate in the NBA All-Star Three-Point shootout and Derrick Jones Jr. was selected to participate in (and ultimately win) the NBA Slam Dunk contest.
👀 From @nbagleague to @NBAAllStar Weekend in Chicago.
Two players. Two sets of skills.
One origin. One destination. ⭐️Robinson and Jones Jr. become first set of Skyforce alumni to participate in #NBAALLSTAR activities on the same weekend. 🔥
READ ➡️ https://t.co/xP7hH4MSHh pic.twitter.com/Jsy1yuXDkb
— Sioux Falls Skyforce (@SFSkyforce) February 14, 2020
NBA Stats Breakdown:
Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OFF | DEF | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PF | TOV | PTS |
2018-19 | MIA | 15 | 1 | 10.7 | 1.20 | 3.07 | .391 | 0.67 | 2.33 | .286 | 0.27 | 0.40 | .667 | 0.13 | 1.13 | 1.27 | 0.33 | 0.33 | 0.00 | 0.73 | 0.27 | 3.33 |
2019-20 | MIA | 65 | 60 | 30.0 | 4.40 | 9.43 | .467 | 3.74 | 8.35 | .448 | 0.74 | 0.82 | .906 | 0.14 | 3.12 | 3.26 | 1.40 | 0.54 | 0.23 | 2.75 | 0.92 | 13.28 |
CAREER | 80 | 61 | 26.4 | 3.80 | 8.24 | .461 | 3.16 | 7.22 | .438 | 0.65 | 0.74 | .881 | 0.14 | 2.75 | 2.89 | 1.20 | 0.50 | 0.19 | 2.38 | 0.80 | 11.41 |
NBA G League Stats Breakdown:
Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OFF | DEF | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PF | TOV | PTS |
2018-19 | SXF | 33 | 33 | 36.9 | 7.39 | 14.39 | .514 | 4.76 | 9.85 | .483 | 1.85 | 2.30 | .803 | 0.45 | 3.88 | 4.33 | 3.00 | 0.97 | 0.18 | 2.70 | 1.67 | 21.39 |
CAREER | 33 | 33 | 36.9 | 7.39 | 14.39 | .514 | 4.76 | 9.85 | .483 | 1.85 | 2.30 | .803 | 0.45 | 3.88 | 4.33 | 3.00 | 0.97 | 0.18 | 2.70 | 1.67 | 21.39 |
Miami Heat announce remaining schedule for NBA restart https://t.co/ocKoZDieho
— Hot Hot Hoops (@hothothoops) June 27, 2020
* * * * *
Josh Richardson: Philadelphia 76ers
Overview: Josh Richardson was drafted by the Miami HEAT in the 2nd round of the 2015 NBA Draft and spent the first four years of his career with the HEAT organization. His role increased with each season, resulting in Richardson starting his last 152 games over the course of his final two seasons in Miami. Last season, Richardson put up career-best numbers averaging 16.6 points, 4.1 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game and became one of the league’s hottest young commodities.
New Sixer Josh Richardson
“Every time we were about to play Philly, we would always be like, ‘It’s about to be a blood bath, so just prepare yourself.’
Defense is where we hang our hats at, we share the ball, and we are playing for a championship. Straight up.”#Sixers pic.twitter.com/cMX58J1mJd
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) July 13, 2019
Over the summer, Richardson was ultimately sent to Philadelphia in the blockbuster sign-and-trade that brought Jimmy Butler to Miami. Though Philly’s lineup hasn’t quite achieved its full potential yet, Richardson picked up right where he left off last season and is averaging 13.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists per contest with his new club.
Skyforce History: As a rookie during the 2015-16 season, Richardson was assigned to the Sioux Falls Skyforce and appeared in four games under then-Head Coach Dan Craig. Though his stint with the Skyforce was short, it accomplished its goal in allowing the HEAT to see what he could do in extended minutes. Two of Richardson’s four games with the Force came during the 2015-16 NBA G League Showcase, where he helped lead Sioux Falls to a 2-0 record and a Showcase victory.
NBA Stats Breakdown:
Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OFF | DEF | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PF | TOV | PTS |
2015-16 | MIA | 52 | 2 | 21.3 | 2.37 | 5.23 | .452 | 1.02 | 2.21 | .461 | 0.81 | 1.21 | .667 | 0.40 | 1.65 | 2.06 | 1.40 | 0.69 | 0.48 | 2.06 | 0.67 | 6.56 |
2016-17 | MIA | 53 | 34 | 30.5 | 3.81 | 9.68 | .394 | 1.42 | 4.28 | .330 | 1.13 | 1.45 | .779 | 0.66 | 2.51 | 3.17 | 2.64 | 1.13 | 0.74 | 2.49 | 1.23 | 10.17 |
2017-18 | MIA | 81 | 81 | 33.2 | 4.93 | 10.93 | .451 | 1.57 | 4.15 | .378 | 1.48 | 1.75 | .845 | 0.85 | 2.67 | 3.52 | 2.85 | 1.49 | 0.93 | 2.46 | 1.73 | 12.90 |
2018-19 | MIA | 73 | 73 | 34.8 | 5.79 | 14.05 | .412 | 2.25 | 6.30 | .357 | 2.73 | 3.16 | .861 | 0.74 | 2.86 | 3.60 | 4.08 | 1.08 | 0.47 | 2.74 | 1.55 | 16.56 |
2019-20 | PHL | 48 | 46 | 30.7 | 5.12 | 11.96 | .429 | 1.46 | 4.46 | .327 | 2.10 | 2.67 | .789 | 0.77 | 2.60 | 3.38 | 3.08 | 0.94 | 0.71 | 2.50 | 1.90 | 13.81 |
CAREER | 307 | 236 | 30.7 | 4.54 | 10.65 | .426 | 1.59 | 4.40 | .362 | 1.70 | 2.09 | .814 | 0.70 | 2.50 | 3.21 | 2.90 | 1.11 | 0.67 | 2.47 | 1.45 | 12.37 |
NBA G League Stats Breakdown:
Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OFF | DEF | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PF | TOV | PTS |
2015-16 | SXF | 4 | 4 | 38.2 | 8.75 | 18.50 | .473 | 2.75 | 7.00 | .393 | 3.00 | 4.25 | .706 | 1.50 | 3.00 | 4.50 | 3.75 | 2.50 | 1.25 | 2.75 | 2.00 | 23.25 |
CAREER | 4 | 4 | 38.2 | 8.75 | 18.50 | .473 | 2.75 | 7.00 | .393 | 3.00 | 4.25 | .706 | 1.50 | 3.00 | 4.50 | 3.75 | 2.50 | 1.25 | 2.75 | 2.00 | 23.25 |
Sixers schedule for NBA restart in Orlando#Sixers pic.twitter.com/KJdWOxZNGK
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) June 26, 2020
* * * * *
Derrick Jones Jr.: Miami HEAT
Overview: Derrick Jones Jr. went undrafted in the 2016 NBA Draft, but before the 2016-17 season began, he signed a multi-year contract with the Phoenix Suns. He floated between the NBA and NBA G League throughout his rookie season, appearing in 32 NBA games and 19 G League games over the course of the year.
Jones Jr. saw even less NBA time in his second season with the Suns, and eventually Phoenix waived him on December 7, 2017. Not long after, the Miami HEAT swooped in and signed Jones Jr. to a two-way contract for the remainder of the season, and after signing a multi-year contract with the club the following offseason has been working his way into a more consistent role ever since.
This season has been his best to-date, appearing in 51 games (15 starts) and averaging career-highs of 8.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.1 steals in 24.5 minutes per contest. Jones Jr. has a flare for the dramatic, making eight points feel more like twenty with his high-flying acrobatics. This season has been highlighted by his winning of the 2020 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. He had participated in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest on one other occasion in 2017.
Derrick Jones Jr. is the 2020 #ATTSlamDunk 🏆! #PhantomCam pic.twitter.com/SDNcBaKfp3
— NBA (@NBA) February 16, 2020
Skyforce History: Jones Jr. appeared in 13 games (11 starts) for the Sioux Falls Skyforce after being signed to a two-way contract by the Miami HEAT. While with Sioux Falls, Jones Jr. put his versatility on full display, seeing a bump in production across the board. In total, he averaged career-best marks of 19.9 points and 7.8 rebounds while shooting 51.2 percent from the field and 35.6 percent from three-point range.
NBA Stats Breakdown:
Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OFF | DEF | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PF | TOV | PTS |
2016-17 | PHX | 32 | 8 | 17.0 | 2.12 | 3.78 | .562 | 0.09 | 0.34 | .273 | 0.91 | 1.28 | .707 | 1.22 | 1.25 | 2.47 | 0.38 | 0.44 | 0.41 | 1.97 | 0.41 | 5.25 |
2017-18 * | All Teams | 20 | 8 | 12.3 | 1.05 | 2.65 | .396 | 0.15 | 0.90 | .167 | 0.80 | 1.20 | .667 | 1.05 | 0.85 | 1.90 | 0.45 | 0.20 | 0.65 | 1.20 | 0.35 | 3.05 |
2017-18 * | MIA | 14 | 8 | 15.2 | 1.36 | 3.50 | .388 | 0.21 | 1.14 | .188 | 0.79 | 1.29 | .611 | 1.36 | 1.07 | 2.43 | 0.43 | 0.21 | 0.64 | 1.57 | 0.43 | 3.71 |
2017-18 * | PHX | 6 | 0 | 5.5 | 0.33 | 0.67 | .500 | 0.00 | 0.33 | .000 | 0.83 | 1.00 | .833 | 0.33 | 0.33 | 0.67 | 0.50 | 0.17 | 0.67 | 0.33 | 0.17 | 1.50 |
2018-19 | MIA | 60 | 14 | 19.2 | 2.67 | 5.40 | .494 | 0.47 | 1.52 | .308 | 1.23 | 2.03 | .607 | 1.60 | 2.40 | 4.00 | 0.62 | 0.77 | 0.70 | 2.05 | 0.72 | 7.03 |
2019-20 | MIA | 51 | 15 | 24.5 | 3.25 | 6.33 | .514 | 0.67 | 2.47 | .270 | 1.73 | 2.22 | .779 | 1.12 | 3.06 | 4.18 | 1.12 | 1.06 | 0.71 | 2.24 | 0.53 | 8.90 |
CAREER | 163 | 45 | 19.6 | 2.55 | 5.04 | .505 | 0.42 | 1.51 | .276 | 1.27 | 1.84 | .690 | 1.31 | 2.19 | 3.50 | 0.71 | 0.72 | 0.64 | 1.99 | 0.55 | 6.78 |
NBA G League Stats Breakdown:
Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OFF | DEF | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PF | TOV | PTS |
2016-17 | NAS | 19 | 17 | 32.0 | 5.37 | 10.74 | .500 | 0.63 | 2.47 | .255 | 3.05 | 5.00 | .611 | 2.05 | 3.53 | 5.58 | 1.00 | 1.21 | 1.42 | 3.53 | 1.47 | 14.42 |
2017-18 * | All Teams | 29 | 22 | 29.0 | 6.34 | 12.76 | .497 | 1.59 | 4.69 | .338 | 3.17 | 4.62 | .687 | 1.59 | 5.86 | 7.45 | 1.86 | 1.28 | 1.76 | 2.59 | 1.59 | 17.45 |
2017-18 * | NAS | 16 | 11 | 29.0 | 6.00 | 12.38 | .485 | 1.25 | 3.94 | .317 | 2.19 | 3.69 | .593 | 1.88 | 5.31 | 7.19 | 1.81 | 1.12 | 1.81 | 3.00 | 1.81 | 15.44 |
2017-18 * | SXF | 13 | 11 | 29.1 | 6.77 | 13.23 | .512 | 2.00 | 5.62 | .356 | 4.38 | 5.77 | .760 | 1.23 | 6.54 | 7.77 | 1.92 | 1.46 | 1.69 | 2.08 | 1.31 | 19.92 |
CAREER | 48 | 39 | 30.2 | 5.96 | 11.96 | .498 | 1.21 | 3.81 | .317 | 3.12 | 4.77 | .655 | 1.77 | 4.94 | 6.71 | 1.52 | 1.25 | 1.62 | 2.96 | 1.54 | 16.25 |
* * * * *
Hassan Whiteside: Portland Trail Blazers
Overview: Hassan Whiteside has had a rollercoaster of an NBA career. It began when he was selected in the 2nd round of the 2010 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings and was later signed to a multi-year contract before his rookie season began.
He spent most of his first two seasons playing in the NBA G League on assignment for the Reno Bighorns before the Kings ultimately waived him on July 14, 2012. Whiteside then jumped around the G League during the 2012-13 season before falling out of basketball completely.
Thus began one of the best comebacks the NBA has ever seen. Whiteside reshaped his body during his time away from the game, and the Memphis Grizzlies noticed. The Grizz swept him up, and Whiteside appeared in just three games for Memphis’ then-affiliate the Iowa Energy before the Miami HEAT acted. The HEAT signed Whiteside to a multi-year deal on November 24, 2014 and he’s taken full advantage of his second chance.
OFFICIAL: Miami Heat sign Hassan Whiteside, waive Shannon Brown: http://t.co/5UNm8uL0on
— Hot Hot Hoops (@hothothoops) November 25, 2014
In July of 2016 Whiteside became the first player in NBA history to transition from making the league’s minimum salary to signing a max offer. The HEAT signed Whiteside to a four-year, $98M deal during the 2016 free agency frenzy, a deal he is now in his final season of after being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers last summer.
Skyforce History: Whiteside’s Skyforce connection is two separate tales. His initial stint with the Skyforce came after he had fallen out of the NBA during the 2012-13 season, where he appeared in seven games (three starts) for Sioux Falls before being quickly traded to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
He later returned to the Skyforce for a one-game assignment shortly after being acquired by the HEAT in 2014. He posted 21 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks on 10-11 FG before being recalled the next day, and he has stuck in the NBA ever since.
NBA Stats Breakdown:
Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OFF | DEF | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PF | TOV | PTS |
2010-11 | SAC | 1 | 0 | 1.8 | 0.00 | 0.00 | .000 | 0.00 | 0.00 | .000 | 0.00 | 0.00 | .000 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 2.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
2011-12 | SAC | 18 | 0 | 6.0 | 0.67 | 1.50 | .444 | 0.00 | 0.00 | .000 | 0.28 | 0.67 | .417 | 0.89 | 1.28 | 2.17 | 0.00 | 0.17 | 0.83 | 0.67 | 0.28 | 1.61 |
2014-15 | MIA | 48 | 32 | 23.8 | 5.06 | 8.06 | .628 | 0.00 | 0.00 | .000 | 1.62 | 3.25 | .500 | 3.02 | 7.02 | 10.04 | 0.12 | 0.56 | 2.56 | 2.69 | 1.21 | 11.75 |
2015-16 | MIA | 73 | 43 | 29.1 | 5.66 | 9.34 | .606 | 0.00 | 0.00 | .000 | 2.93 | 4.51 | .650 | 3.26 | 8.59 | 11.85 | 0.41 | 0.60 | 3.68 | 2.75 | 1.88 | 14.25 |
2016-17 | MIA | 77 | 77 | 32.6 | 7.04 | 12.64 | .557 | 0.00 | 0.00 | .000 | 2.92 | 4.65 | .628 | 3.81 | 10.32 | 14.13 | 0.74 | 0.73 | 2.09 | 2.94 | 2.00 | 17.00 |
2017-18 | MIA | 54 | 54 | 25.3 | 5.78 | 10.70 | .540 | 0.04 | 0.04 | 1.000 | 2.37 | 3.37 | .703 | 3.22 | 8.22 | 11.44 | 1.00 | 0.70 | 1.74 | 2.43 | 1.70 | 13.96 |
2018-19 | MIA | 72 | 53 | 23.3 | 5.39 | 9.44 | .571 | 0.03 | 0.22 | .125 | 1.51 | 3.38 | .449 | 3.57 | 7.78 | 11.35 | 0.78 | 0.64 | 1.89 | 2.67 | 1.35 | 12.32 |
2019-20 | POR | 61 | 61 | 31.3 | 6.85 | 11.08 | .618 | 0.07 | 0.11 | .571 | 2.51 | 3.69 | .680 | 4.00 | 10.25 | 14.25 | 1.21 | 0.39 | 3.07 | 2.93 | 1.92 | 16.28 |
CAREER | 404 | 320 | 26.8 | 5.76 | 9.91 | .582 | 0.02 | 0.06 | .320 | 2.26 | 3.73 | .606 | 3.38 | 8.44 | 11.83 | 0.69 | 0.59 | 2.44 | 2.65 | 1.63 | 13.80 |
NBA G League Stats Breakdown:
Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OFF | DEF | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PF | TOV | PTS |
2010-11 | RNO | 14 | 3 | 10.5 | 1.93 | 3.79 | .509 | 0.00 | 0.00 | .000 | 0.50 | 1.21 | .412 | 1.07 | 1.64 | 2.71 | 0.07 | 0.21 | 2.14 | 1.57 | 0.93 | 4.36 |
2011-12 | RNO | 11 | 5 | 18.9 | 3.36 | 6.45 | .521 | 0.00 | 0.00 | .000 | 1.09 | 3.18 | .343 | 2.82 | 3.64 | 6.45 | 0.36 | 0.55 | 2.91 | 2.64 | 1.45 | 7.82 |
2012-13 * | All Teams | 36 | 3 | 11.8 | 2.56 | 4.50 | .568 | 0.00 | 0.03 | .000 | 1.44 | 2.17 | .667 | 1.86 | 3.44 | 5.31 | 0.19 | 0.39 | 1.92 | 1.36 | 0.94 | 6.56 |
2012-13 * | RGV | 29 | 0 | 10.6 | 2.21 | 4.14 | .533 | 0.00 | 0.03 | .000 | 1.24 | 1.83 | .679 | 1.69 | 3.03 | 4.72 | 0.17 | 0.31 | 2.03 | 1.24 | 0.83 | 5.66 |
2012-13 * | SXF | 7 | 3 | 16.4 | 4.00 | 6.00 | .667 | 0.00 | 0.00 | .000 | 2.29 | 3.57 | .640 | 2.57 | 5.14 | 7.71 | 0.29 | 0.71 | 1.43 | 1.86 | 1.43 | 10.29 |
2014-15 * | All Teams | 4 | 4 | 28.0 | 10.00 | 11.50 | .870 | 0.00 | 0.00 | .000 | 1.75 | 2.75 | .636 | 3.75 | 11.00 | 14.75 | 0.75 | 0.50 | 5.00 | 3.25 | 2.75 | 21.75 |
2014-15 * | IWA | 3 | 3 | 28.7 | 10.00 | 11.67 | .857 | 0.00 | 0.00 | .000 | 2.00 | 3.00 | .667 | 4.33 | 11.33 | 15.67 | 0.33 | 0.67 | 5.33 | 4.33 | 2.33 | 22.00 |
2014-15 * | SXF | 1 | 1 | 26.0 | 10.00 | 11.00 | .909 | 0.00 | 0.00 | .000 | 1.00 | 2.00 | .500 | 2.00 | 10.00 | 12.00 | 2.00 | 0.00 | 4.00 | 0.00 | 4.00 | 21.00 |
CAREER | 65 | 15 | 13.7 | 3.02 | 5.11 | .590 | 0.00 | 0.02 | .000 | 1.20 | 2.17 | .553 | 1.97 | 3.55 | 5.52 | 0.23 | 0.38 | 2.32 | 1.74 | 1.14 | 7.23 |
NBA releases schedule for season restart. Blazers return to play against Grizzlies on July 31 pic.twitter.com/LfEihQMC7P
— Jamie Goldberg (@Jamiebgoldberg) June 26, 2020
* * * * *
Khem Birch: Orlando Magic
Background: Birch was picked up by the Miami HEAT after going undrafted in the 2014 NBA Draft. After joining the HEAT for training camp, he was allocated to the Sioux Falls Skyforce as an affiliate player, where he would spend his rookie campaign.
Birch decided to cut ties with the G League the following season and test the market overseas. From 2015 to 2017 Birch played for both Usak Sportlif in the Turkish Basketball League and Olympiacos in the HEBA 1A and Euroleague.
An opportunity to join the Orlando Magic for training camp in 2017 brought Birch back to the United States, where he played his way on to the Magic’s opening day roster. In his first season with Orlando, he split time playing on assignment for the Lakeland Magic where he was named to the All-NBA G League Midseason Eastern Conference Team. For each of the past two seasons, he’s played exclusively for the NBA club, carving out an important reserve role for himself.
Skyforce History: Birch had a stellar rookie campaign during the 2014-15 season while playing for the Skyforce. He appeared in all but one regular season game (49) and averaged 11.2 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in just 26.4 minutes per contest.
Defensive Player of the Year @acraft4 headlines the 2014-15 All-Defensive First Team list! http://t.co/J3Sp0bR44l pic.twitter.com/WUkXDOmvxl
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) April 22, 2015
His performance earned him NBA G League All-Rookie First Team and All-Defensive First Team honors, and his 70.3 percent field goal percentage that season stood as a single-season franchise record until he was surpassed by Marcus Lee (73.8 percent) during the 2019-20 season.
NBA Stats Breakdown:
Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OFF | DEF | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PF | TOV | PTS |
2017-18 | ORL | 42 | 0 | 13.8 | 1.62 | 3.00 | .540 | 0.00 | 0.00 | .000 | 1.00 | 1.45 | .689 | 1.67 | 2.62 | 4.29 | 0.81 | 0.36 | 0.50 | 1.33 | 0.50 | 4.24 |
2018-19 | ORL | 50 | 1 | 12.9 | 1.82 | 3.02 | .603 | 0.00 | 0.02 | .000 | 1.16 | 1.66 | .699 | 1.58 | 2.22 | 3.80 | 0.76 | 0.36 | 0.58 | 1.44 | 0.40 | 4.80 |
2019-20 | ORL | 40 | 24 | 19.4 | 1.40 | 2.88 | .487 | 0.00 | 0.03 | .000 | 1.02 | 1.68 | .612 | 1.75 | 2.75 | 4.50 | 0.88 | 0.40 | 0.53 | 1.82 | 0.57 | 3.83 |
CAREER | 132 | 25 | 15.1 | 1.63 | 2.97 | .548 | 0.00 | 0.02 | .000 | 1.07 | 1.60 | .668 | 1.66 | 2.51 | 4.17 | 0.81 | 0.37 | 0.54 | 1.52 | 0.48 | 4.33 |
NBA G League Stats Breakdown:
Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OFF | DEF | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PF | TOV | PTS |
2014-15 | SXF | 49 | 33 | 26.4 | 4.45 | 6.35 | .701 | 0.00 | 0.02 | .000 | 2.33 | 3.47 | .671 | 3.45 | 6.10 | 9.55 | 1.24 | 0.63 | 1.76 | 2.22 | 1.24 | 11.22 |
2017-18 | LAK | 21 | 20 | 31.9 | 5.57 | 9.24 | .603 | 0.00 | 0.00 | .000 | 2.81 | 3.57 | .787 | 3.38 | 6.29 | 9.67 | 2.48 | 1.19 | 2.57 | 2.76 | 2.19 | 13.95 |
CAREER | 70 | 53 | 28.0 | 4.79 | 7.21 | .663 | 0.00 | 0.01 | .000 | 2.47 | 3.50 | .706 | 3.43 | 6.16 | 9.59 | 1.61 | 0.80 | 2.00 | 2.39 | 1.53 | 12.04 |
The Orlando Magic’s schedule for the NBA restart… pic.twitter.com/8K6dgJ67Iq
— Orlando Pinstriped Post (@OPPMagicBlog) June 26, 2020
* * * * *
Tyler Johnson: Brooklyn Nets
Overview: Tyler Johnson went undrafted in the 2014 NBA Draft and began his professional career as an affiliate player with the Sioux Falls Skyforce. While with the Skyforce, he appeared in 15 games (15 starts) and averaged 18.5 points per game before earning two separate NBA Call-Ups to the Miami HEAT. Following his second 10-day contract with the club, the HEAT signed Johnson to a multi-year deal.
OFFICIAL: Miami HEAT signs Tyler Johnson to a 10-day contract. Details: http://t.co/DXY7R57E3T pic.twitter.com/FKKNt0FtYF
— x – Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 12, 2015
Johnson spent nearly the first five years of his career with the HEAT, including earning a four-year, $50M contract after the HEAT matched Brooklyn’s offer sheet during the summer of 2016. Johnson later was traded to the Phoenix Suns along with teammate Wayne Ellington in exchange for Ryan Anderson in a salary swap.
Heat will match Nets' four-year, $50 million offer sheet to Tyler Johnson. (via @MazzESPN) pic.twitter.com/mF2MMBbBgh
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 10, 2016
Johnson stayed with the Suns until being waived on February 10, 2020. Most recently, Johnson signed with the Brooklyn Nets on June 24, 2020, in advance of play resuming in Orlando. Johnson may have a chance to play meaningful minutes for a Nets team that finds itself extremely short-handed heading to Orlando.
Expect Tyler Johnson to shine with Brooklyn Nets (via @AdamCStratton) https://t.co/qNq62UN0wm
— NetsDaily (@NetsDaily) July 5, 2020
Skyforce History: Johnson was stellar in his 15 games with the Skyforce. He stuffed the stat sheet with 18.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists before earning multiple 10-day contracts and eventually a multi-year deal with the Miami HEAT. A true NBA G League alumni, Johnson, along with Hassan Whiteside, signed one of the most lucrative contracts of any former Skyforce players.
NBA Stats Breakdown:
Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OFF | DEF | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PF | TOV | PTS |
2014-15 | MIA | 32 | 2 | 18.8 | 2.19 | 5.22 | .419 | 0.56 | 1.50 | .375 | 1.00 | 1.47 | .681 | 0.44 | 2.09 | 2.53 | 1.31 | 1.03 | 0.28 | 1.31 | 0.94 | 5.94 |
2015-16 | MIA | 36 | 5 | 24.0 | 3.28 | 6.72 | .488 | 0.75 | 1.97 | .380 | 1.42 | 1.78 | .797 | 0.78 | 2.25 | 3.03 | 2.19 | 0.67 | 0.39 | 1.83 | 1.31 | 8.72 |
2016-17 | MIA | 73 | 0 | 29.8 | 4.89 | 11.29 | .433 | 1.27 | 3.42 | .372 | 2.67 | 3.48 | .768 | 0.68 | 3.33 | 4.01 | 3.19 | 1.15 | 0.60 | 2.41 | 1.23 | 13.73 |
2017-18 | MIA | 72 | 39 | 28.5 | 4.29 | 9.88 | .435 | 1.65 | 4.50 | .367 | 1.47 | 1.79 | .822 | 0.47 | 2.97 | 3.44 | 2.29 | 0.83 | 0.47 | 2.06 | 1.12 | 11.71 |
2018-19 * | All Teams | 57 | 22 | 26.8 | 3.81 | 9.23 | .413 | 1.58 | 4.56 | .346 | 1.67 | 2.23 | .748 | 0.60 | 2.44 | 3.04 | 2.91 | 0.95 | 0.47 | 1.70 | 1.35 | 10.86 |
2018-19 * | MIA | 44 | 10 | 25.5 | 3.89 | 9.11 | .426 | 1.64 | 4.64 | .353 | 1.39 | 2.00 | .693 | 0.43 | 2.32 | 2.75 | 2.55 | 0.91 | 0.48 | 1.64 | 1.43 | 10.80 |
2018-19 * | PHX | 13 | 12 | 31.2 | 3.54 | 9.62 | .368 | 1.38 | 4.31 | .321 | 2.62 | 3.00 | .872 | 1.15 | 2.85 | 4.00 | 4.15 | 1.08 | 0.46 | 1.92 | 1.08 | 11.08 |
2019-20 | PHX | 31 | 3 | 16.6 | 2.10 | 5.52 | .380 | 0.77 | 2.68 | .289 | 0.77 | 1.03 | .750 | 0.32 | 1.35 | 1.68 | 1.61 | 0.39 | 0.26 | 1.39 | 0.77 | 5.74 |
CAREER | 301 | 71 | 25.7 | 3.77 | 8.77 | .430 | 1.23 | 3.44 | .358 | 1.67 | 2.17 | .770 | 0.56 | 2.61 | 3.18 | 2.44 | 0.89 | 0.45 | 1.90 | 1.16 | 10.45 |
NBA G League Stats Breakdown:
Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OFF | DEF | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PF | TOV | PTS |
2014-15 | SXF | 15 | 15 | 34.5 | 6.60 | 13.47 | .490 | 1.33 | 3.13 | .426 | 3.93 | 4.87 | .808 | 1.33 | 3.00 | 4.33 | 4.27 | 0.93 | 0.40 | 2.47 | 1.73 | 18.47 |
CAREER | 15 | 15 | 34.5 | 6.60 | 13.47 | .490 | 1.33 | 3.13 | .426 | 3.93 | 4.87 | .808 | 1.33 | 3.00 | 4.33 | 4.27 | 0.93 | 0.40 | 2.47 | 1.73 | 18.47 |
The Nets schedule in Orlando. pic.twitter.com/5wVzpyG9qW
— Ryan Field (@RyanFieldABC) June 26, 2020
* * * * *
Chris Silva: Miami HEAT
Overview: Chris Silva plays going 100 mph at all times. Hustle plays, loose balls, chase-down blocks, you name it…Chris Silva does it. The rookie out of South Carolina originally signed a two-way contract with the Miami HEAT on July 11, 2019 but proved to be a valuable piece of the HEAT’s early-season rotation. The HEAT never sent him to Sioux Falls, but rather used up all his NBA days as part of his two-way deal before converting Silva to a standard NBA contract.
OFFICIAL: The Miami HEAT have signed two-way player Chris Silva to an NBA contract. pic.twitter.com/nCSuSnRutY
— x – Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 15, 2020
He’s appeared in 41 games for the HEAT this season, and though he’s averaged just 7.5 minutes per game, Silva usually does something exciting in the minutes he’s been given. His role is to bring energy off the bench, and if nothing else, he does that extremely well. Chris Silva IS energy.
Silva has an incredible story. After leaving his home country of at the age of 15 to pursue his dream of playing basketball in America, Silva has rarely gotten the chance to see his family. During the holiday season this year, the Miami HEAT and NBA partnered to reunite Silva with his mom for the first time in three years.
This is awesome. Watch @MiamiHEAT Chris Silva see his Mom for the first time in 3 years..The Heat with the help of @nba commisioner Adam Silver helped make it a great Holiday Season❤️ pic.twitter.com/CUcnKNtv3S
— MarkJonesESPN (@MarkJonesESPN) December 28, 2019
Skyforce History: Though he never appeared in a game for Sioux Falls while under his two-way contract, Silva was assigned to the Skyforce for a two-game homestand shortly after he was converted to a standard deal. Silva likely would have appeared in at least a few more games with Sioux Falls had the NBA G League season not been cut short, simply to get more minutes and stay fresh.
In his first action for the Skyforce this season, @MiamiHEAT assignee Chris Silva posted 13 points and 4 blocks all in 17 minutes off the bench! 💪 pic.twitter.com/0fI8TqteiL
— Sioux Falls Skyforce (@SFSkyforce) January 25, 2020
NBA Stats Breakdown:
Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OFF | DEF | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PF | TOV | PTS |
2019-20 | MIA | 41 | 0 | 7.5 | 1.05 | 1.68 | .623 | 0.00 | 0.05 | .000 | 0.83 | 1.20 | .694 | 1.32 | 1.34 | 2.66 | 0.51 | 0.22 | 0.44 | 1.95 | 0.76 | 2.93 |
CAREER | 41 | 0 | 7.5 | 1.05 | 1.68 | .623 | 0.00 | 0.05 | .000 | 0.83 | 1.20 | .694 | 1.32 | 1.34 | 2.66 | 0.51 | 0.22 | 0.44 | 1.95 | 0.76 | 2.93 |
NBA G League Stats Breakdown:
Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OFF | DEF | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PF | TOV | PTS |
2019-20 | SXF | 2 | 0 | 17.9 | 5.00 | 6.00 | .833 | 0.00 | 0.00 | .000 | 1.00 | 2.00 | .500 | 1.00 | 4.00 | 5.00 | 2.00 | 0.50 | 2.50 | 5.50 | 3.00 | 11.50 |
CAREER | 2 | 0 | 17.9 | 5.00 | 6.00 | .833 | 0.00 | 0.00 | .000 | 1.00 | 2.00 | .500 | 1.00 | 4.00 | 5.00 | 2.00 | 0.50 | 2.50 | 5.50 | 3.00 | 11.50 |
The @MiamiHEAT NBA Comeback seeding games schedule! #WholeNewGame pic.twitter.com/9CSi3dU8Po
— NBA (@NBA) June 27, 2020
* * * * *
Gabe Vincent: Miami HEAT
Overview: After going undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft, Gabe Vincent got a shot with the Sacramento Kings NBA G League affiliate, the Stockton Kings. Fresh out of UC Santa Barbara and originally from Stockton, the hometown kid was getting a shot at professional basketball. However, it quickly became more than that.
Gabe Vincent played a BIG part in helping the @StocktonKings tie the #NBAGLeague single-game 3PM record (31) 🔥 @iamgabevincent2
35 PTS | 7 REB | 3 AST | 9 👌@UCSBbasketball ↗️ @StocktonKings pic.twitter.com/ISDL0Y6CDs
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) December 18, 2019
Vincent never stopped working, and burst onto the scene as one of the G League’s best scorers in his second year as a professional this season. The Miami HEAT, among other teams, took notice. The HEAT were able to steal Vincent and signed him as a two-way player on January 8, 2020. He has lived up to the hype ever since.
OFFICIAL: The Miami HEAT have signed guard Gabe Vincent to a two-way contract and waived guard Daryl Macon. https://t.co/w2HIylnXUo
— x – Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 8, 2020
“His game is going to go to another level,” said Adam Simon, HEAT Vice President of Basketball Operations. “How it’ll translate and how he’ll be able to make it on the HEAT, that’s to be determined. But I think everything that we had hoped for, when we two-wayed him during the season, I think we’re very pleased.”
Gabe Vincent with back-to-back treys pic.twitter.com/reDnzIHw8E
— Joseph Beguiristain (@JoeBeguiristain) February 6, 2020
Skyforce History: Vincent appeared in 11 games for Sioux Falls while under two-way contract this season, and the Skyforce went 9-2 over that span. His consistency and his ability to impact winning helped Sioux Falls and Head Coach Eric Glass turn a much-needed corner before the G League season was ultimately shut down.
Our Miami HEAT #TwoWayPlayer was on 🔥🔥 against the Santa Cruz Warriors. Coming off the bench, Gabe Vincent led all scorers with 23 points shooting 5-8 from deep. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/awK3bjmZGL
— Sioux Falls Skyforce (@SFSkyforce) March 7, 2020
“It’s incredibly difficult to make the jump that Gabe made this season, but it’s even more remarkable that he did it for two different teams,” said Skyforce Head Coach Eric Glass. “He joined us mid-season and fit in seamlessly with our group. He was able to impact winning immediately and his strong character and leadership helped to elevate our locker room. As an organization, we are extremely proud of Gabe and I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to coach him.”
Vincent’s efforts not only earned him the first NBA Call-Up of his career, but resulted in him being named as the NBA G League’s Most Improved Player for the 2019-20 season.
In the @nbagleague, players are constantly “making the leap” and accomplishing their dreams of playing in the @NBA. This year, it was Gabe Vincent’s turn. 💯
READ >> https://t.co/7HMOtiTEzK pic.twitter.com/ej0btMThvF
— Sioux Falls Skyforce (@SFSkyforce) June 25, 2020
NBA Stats Breakdown:
Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OFF | DEF | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PF | TOV | PTS |
2019-20 | MIA | 6 | 0 | 6.9 | 0.67 | 3.17 | .211 | 0.67 | 2.67 | .250 | 0.00 | 0.00 | .000 | 0.00 | 0.50 | 0.50 | 0.50 | 0.17 | 0.00 | 0.33 | 0.00 | 2.00 |
CAREER | 6 | 0 | 6.9 | 0.67 | 3.17 | .211 | 0.67 | 2.67 | .250 | 0.00 | 0.00 | .000 | 0.00 | 0.50 | 0.50 | 0.50 | 0.17 | 0.00 | 0.33 | 0.00 | 2.00 |
NBA G League Stats Breakdown:
Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OFF | DEF | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PF | TOV | PTS |
2018-19 | STO | 24 | 3 | 18.6 | 3.29 | 8.71 | .378 | 1.25 | 4.29 | .291 | 0.92 | 1.29 | .710 | 0.54 | 1.75 | 2.29 | 2.58 | 0.83 | 0.42 | 2.29 | 1.17 | 8.75 |
2019-20 * | All Teams | 31 | 3 | 29.3 | 7.26 | 16.13 | .450 | 4.16 | 10.26 | .406 | 1.55 | 1.68 | .923 | 0.71 | 2.42 | 3.13 | 2.10 | 1.16 | 0.23 | 3.16 | 1.55 | 21.06 |
2019-20 * | STO | 20 | 3 | 31.8 | 8.35 | 17.60 | .474 | 4.40 | 10.40 | .423 | 1.80 | 2.00 | .900 | 0.70 | 3.20 | 3.90 | 2.20 | 1.25 | 0.25 | 3.50 | 1.85 | 23.65 |
2019-20 * | SXF | 11 | 0 | 24.8 | 5.27 | 13.45 | .392 | 3.73 | 10.00 | .373 | 1.09 | 1.09 | 1.000 | 0.73 | 1.00 | 1.73 | 1.91 | 1.00 | 0.18 | 2.55 | 1.00 | 16.36 |
CAREER | 55 | 6 | 24.6 | 5.53 | 12.89 | .429 | 2.89 | 7.65 | .378 | 1.27 | 1.51 | .843 | 0.64 | 2.13 | 2.76 | 2.31 | 1.02 | 0.31 | 2.78 | 1.38 | 15.69 |
The @MiamiHEAT NBA Comeback seeding games schedule! #WholeNewGame pic.twitter.com/9CSi3dU8Po
— NBA (@NBA) June 27, 2020
* * * * *
KZ Okpala: Miami HEAT
Overview: The Project. The Kid. Baby Giannis. Miami HEAT rookie KZ Okpala has been called many things since being drafted in the 2nd round of the 2019 NBA Draft. The wiry forward has a lot of raw talent, but the HEAT drafted him knowing it may take him a season or two to build a little strength onto his slim frame and to develop some of his skills.
Udonis Haslem on Heat rookie teammate KZ Okpala, "The first thing I told him, 'I like you adding all that new stuff to your game. I can't wait to shut it down.' For me, I love the work he's put him, to see what he's got." https://t.co/HAbKyNRLkH
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) May 31, 2020
Okpala is nothing if not versatile. At 6-8, he handles the ball like a guard and thrives at getting to the basket. He’s come a long way in just his first season as a professional and HEAT fans have been excited about his development in the G League.
KZ Okpala TOOK OVER on Wednesday night. He scored a team-high 22 points and grabbed a career-high 16 rebounds in the win over the Hustle. 😤 pic.twitter.com/kNqFKSR3LV
— Sioux Falls Skyforce (@SFSkyforce) February 20, 2020
Skyforce History: Okpala played a total of 20 games on assignment in Sioux Falls this season, and was making strides as the G League was ultimately shut down for the year. In total, he averaged 11.7 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.
However, during the month of February Okpala was averaging 13.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and had an offensive rating of 105.3 opposed to a defensive rating of 92.3 for a net rating of 13.0. As Okpala got more comfortable finishing around the rim, the rest of his game slowly fell into place for him this season and the Skyforce benefited greatly from it.
BEAST MODE ENGAGED. 🚀 KZ Okpala had himself a night! The @MiamiHEAT assignee notched his first career double-double scoring 22 points and pulling down 14 rebounds. pic.twitter.com/CgVVH3ZruN
— Sioux Falls Skyforce (@SFSkyforce) January 18, 2020
NBA Stats Breakdown:
Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OFF | DEF | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PF | TOV | PTS |
2019-20 | MIA | 5 | 0 | 5.2 | 0.60 | 1.00 | .600 | 0.00 | 0.20 | .000 | 0.20 | 0.40 | .500 | 0.20 | 0.80 | 1.00 | 0.20 | 0.40 | 0.20 | 0.40 | 0.20 | 1.40 |
CAREER | 5 | 0 | 5.2 | 0.60 | 1.00 | .600 | 0.00 | 0.20 | .000 | 0.20 | 0.40 | .500 | 0.20 | 0.80 | 1.00 | 0.20 | 0.40 | 0.20 | 0.40 | 0.20 | 1.40 |
NBA G League Stats Breakdown:
Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OFF | DEF | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PF | TOV | PTS |
2019-20 | SXF | 20 | 20 | 28.6 | 3.75 | 10.20 | .368 | 0.55 | 1.95 | .282 | 2.00 | 3.15 | .635 | 1.85 | 5.30 | 7.15 | 2.05 | 1.30 | 1.10 | 3.50 | 2.50 | 11.65 |
CAREER | 20 | 20 | 28.6 | 3.75 | 10.20 | .368 | 0.55 | 1.95 | .282 | 2.00 | 3.15 | .635 | 1.85 | 5.30 | 7.15 | 2.05 | 1.30 | 1.10 | 3.50 | 2.50 | 11.65 |
The @MiamiHEAT NBA Comeback seeding games schedule! #WholeNewGame pic.twitter.com/9CSi3dU8Po
— NBA (@NBA) June 27, 2020
* * * * *
Jeremiah Martin: Brooklyn Nets
Overview: Jeremiah Martin began this season as an affiliate player with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, and quickly became a lethal scoring option off the bench early in the season. It didn’t take long for teams to notice, and the Brooklyn Nets were ultimately the team that plucked him from the G League ranks. Martin signed a two-way contract with the Nets on January 15, 2020 and has since split time between the Nets and their G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets.
OFFICIAL | The Brooklyn Nets have signed Jeremiah Martin to a two-way contract! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/y1PDYhCUyQ
— Sioux Falls Skyforce (@SFSkyforce) January 16, 2020
He’s appeared in just three games for Brooklyn, but was posting solid numbers for Long Island before the G League was shut down for the remainder of the season. In 16 games (nine starts) with Long Island, Martin posted 16.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per contest.
Jeremiah Martin’s first basket in the NBA with the Brooklyn Nets. Played along side of Chris Chiozza tonight both from the City of Memphis. pic.twitter.com/FPs2HSHwZx
— Raymond Chiozza (@Byegosh) February 6, 2020
With a depleted Brooklyn roster heading into the Orlando bubble, Martin may have a chance at getting some more NBA time as someone who has been in the system for a good portion of the season.
Skyforce History: As mentioned, Martin joined the Sioux Falls Skyforce as an affiliate player after having spent Summer League and training camp with the Miami HEAT. Martin quickly carved out an important bench role for Sioux Falls, averaging 18.5 points and 5.0 assists in just under 30 minutes per contest.
NBA Stats Breakdown:
Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OFF | DEF | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PF | TOV | PTS |
2019-20 | BRK | 3 | 0 | 5.3 | 0.33 | 1.67 | .200 | 0.00 | 0.33 | .000 | 0.00 | 0.00 | .000 | 0.00 | 0.67 | 0.67 | 0.67 | 0.33 | 0.33 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.67 |
CAREER | 3 | 0 | 5.3 | 0.33 | 1.67 | .200 | 0.00 | 0.33 | .000 | 0.00 | 0.00 | .000 | 0.00 | 0.67 | 0.67 | 0.67 | 0.33 | 0.33 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.67 |
NBA G League Stats Breakdown:
Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OFF | DEF | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PF | TOV | PTS |
2019-20 * | All Teams | 37 | 12 | 30.4 | 6.41 | 13.68 | .468 | 1.08 | 3.59 | .301 | 2.43 | 3.49 | .698 | 0.70 | 2.70 | 3.41 | 4.54 | 1.84 | 0.57 | 2.41 | 2.41 | 17.73 |
2019-20 * | SXF | 21 | 3 | 29.4 | 6.76 | 13.86 | .488 | 1.05 | 3.71 | .282 | 2.38 | 3.43 | .694 | 0.71 | 2.24 | 2.95 | 4.95 | 1.57 | 0.38 | 2.43 | 2.57 | 18.48 |
2019-20 * | LIN | 16 | 9 | 31.6 | 5.94 | 13.44 | .442 | 1.12 | 3.44 | .327 | 2.50 | 3.56 | .702 | 0.69 | 3.31 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 2.19 | 0.81 | 2.38 | 2.19 | 16.75 |
CAREER | 37 | 12 | 30.4 | 6.41 | 13.68 | .468 | 1.08 | 3.59 | .301 | 2.43 | 3.49 | .698 | 0.70 | 2.70 | 3.41 | 4.54 | 1.84 | 0.57 | 2.41 | 2.41 | 17.73 |
The Nets schedule in Orlando. pic.twitter.com/5wVzpyG9qW
— Ryan Field (@RyanFieldABC) June 26, 2020
* * * * *
Kyle Alexander: Miami HEAT
Overview: What Kyle Alexander can bring to the table for the Miami HEAT is largely left unproven to this point in the season. After showing flashes as an affiliate player for the Sioux Falls Skyforce early in the season, Alexander signed a two-way contract with the HEAT on January 15, 2020. However, he has since been sidelined with a knee injury and has yet to appear in an NBA game. What we do know is that the HEAT think Alexander is a worthy investment, and fans are eager for his return to play.
OFFICIAL: The Miami HEAT have signed forward/center Kyle Alexander to a two-way contract. https://t.co/RZJjm3OuZa
— x – Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 15, 2020
Skyforce History: Alexander joined the Skyforce as an affiliate player this season after having gone through training camp with the Miami HEAT. He had earned the nickname “The Anchor” while at Tennessee for his defensive prowess and leadership, and that name held true during his time in Sioux Falls.
He turned heads in his first glimpse at NBA G League action, nearing a triple-double with 10 points, 14 rebounds and eight blocks against the Iowa Wolves. He turned in seven double-doubles in total while averaging 10.6 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game on the season. He also tallied multiple blocks in 14 contests this year.
NBA G League Stats Breakdown:
Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OFF | DEF | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PF | TOV | PTS |
2019-20 | SXF | 23 | 21 | 25.1 | 4.39 | 6.35 | .692 | 0.04 | 0.13 | .333 | 1.09 | 1.52 | .714 | 3.17 | 5.91 | 9.09 | 0.96 | 0.70 | 2.17 | 2.96 | 1.30 | 10.57 |
CAREER | 23 | 21 | 25.1 | 4.39 | 6.35 | .692 | 0.04 | 0.13 | .333 | 1.09 | 1.52 | .714 | 3.17 | 5.91 | 9.09 | 0.96 | 0.70 | 2.17 | 2.96 | 1.30 | 10.57 |
The @MiamiHEAT NBA Comeback seeding games schedule! #WholeNewGame pic.twitter.com/9CSi3dU8Po
— NBA (@NBA) June 27, 2020