As some predicted, Duke guard Austin Rivers was selected by the New Orleans Hornets with the 10th pick of tonight’s NBA Draft. The Hornets were in need of a scoring guard and that is exactly what they got.

Rivers was the second selection by the rebuilding Hornets. They selected Anthony Davis with the number one pick of the night.

When his name was called, Rivers hugged every family member at his table, leaving his father for last. They embraced and Doc told Austin that he was ready.

The Hornets play his father’s team, the Boston Celtics, two times a season. Doc has said that Austin will go scoreless. Austin wants his dad to do well, just not against him. Should be something to look forward to.

Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers shocked many, as they selected Miles Plumlee with the 26th pick. Many took to Twitter to criticize the Pacers, but Larry Bird isn’t known to make the sexy or expected pick (this is Bird’s final draft as team president).

Bird feels that Plumlee’s play fits in with what the team already has. The Pacers focus on defense and rebuiling, which is a Miles specialty (if he stays out of foul trouble). Miles hustles all the time, plays hard, and dives for loose balls, which impressed the Pacers. They also expect him to be a fan-favorite (he was born in Indiana).

The Pacers were looking to replace the retired Jeff Foster and scouts picked Plumlee as his clone. The Pacers have done well in recent drafts, despite taking criticism for each pick.

Plumlee will join former Tarheel Tyler Hansbrough in Indiana.

The NBA Playoffs have begun the conference semifinals, as just eight teams remain. There are still quite a few former Duke men’s basketball players still competing.

The eight-seed Philadelphia Sixers upset the top-seed Chicago Bulls in six games to send two former Blue Devils home, Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng.

Boozer averaged 13.5 points and 9.8 rebounds. However he scored just three points (1-for-11 shooting) in the Game 6 loss. Deng averaged 14 points and 8.3 rebounds in the series loss. In wins, he averaged 20.5 PGG, but just eight points in losses.

However, there is still a former Blue Devil moving on from that series, Sixers starter Elton Brand. It was pretty cool watching Boozer and Brand guard each other. In the first round, Brand averaged eight points and 5.5 rebounds over 32.5 minutes.

The Sixers again lost their first game, a road game, this time to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. They only lost by one point. Just like they did against the Bulls, the Sixers returned home with the series tied at 1-1. However they were blown out last night in Philly. Brand has struggled (just 4.7 PPG) while not playing as many minutes (16).

» Continue reading “Blue Devils in the NBA Playoffs”

Duke has 16 former players in the NBA. Eight of those former players are members of playoff teams.

The Miami Heat have blown out the New York Knicks to take a 2-0 series lead heading into tonight’s game at Madison Square Garden.

Shane Battier comes off the bench for the Heat. In their Game 1 win, he went 2-of-8 (2-of-5 from three) for eight points. He hauled in six rebounds. In Game 2, Battier scored 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting (3-of-5 from beyond the arc). He also hauled in three rebounds.

Three former Blue Devils have faced off in the Chicago-Philadelphia series, which is tied at 1-1. Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng start for the Bulls, who will need them to step up with the loss of All-Star Derrick Rose. In the Game 1 win, Boozer scored nine points on 4-of-8 shooting. He hauled in seven rebounds and dished out four assists. Deng scored 17 points on 8-of-14 shooting. He hauled in six rebounds. In the loss, Elton Brand was the Sixers leading scorer: 19 points on 8-of-15 shooting. He hauled in seven rebounds and blocked four shots.

In the Game 2 loss, Boozer scored nine points, but made just 4-of-10 shots. Deng scored eight points on just 3-of-12 shooting. In the win for the Sixers, Brand scored 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting.

Game 3 gets underway Friday night in Philly.

» Continue reading “Former Blue Devils in the NBA Playoffs”

As I noted yesterday, there are plenty of former Duke players speckled across the NBA. I only covered a few yesterday and today I will cover the rest.

The NBA season begins tomorrow (Christmas Day) and the preseason was shortened to just two games, so here is how the rest of the former Blue Devils did in those two games:

Grant Hill, who re-signed with the Phoenix Suns, played just one preseason game (their last one). He went just 2-for-8 from the field for eight points. He did play 26 minutes.

Dunleavy & Battier via Duke Blue Planet

Mike Dunleavy signed with the Milwaukee Bucks once the lockout was over. He started both of the Bucks preseason games (0-2) and averaged 14.5 points over an average of 27 minutes. He also shot 50% from the field while averaging three rebounds and 3.5 assists. He also did not commit a turnover.

Josh McRoberts signed with the LA Lakers once the lockout was over. In their two games, he came off the bench to go 2-for-2 from the field. He also hauled in three rebounds in about an average of 16.5 minutes.

Sheldon Williams, who just signed with the NJ Nets, may see more playing time with the foot injury to big man Brook Lopez. He started both of the Nets preseason games (0-2) and averaged four points in an average of 22.9 minutes. He shot 50% from the field and hauled in eight rebounds.

Dahntay Jones went just 2-for-11 in the Indiana Pacers’ two preseason games (0-2). That turns out to an average of three points in an average of 14 minutes.

Shane Battier, who just signed with the Miami Heat, did not play in the preseason due to a strained left quad.

It wasn’t just the veterans who had decent preseasons.

Cleveland Cavaliers press conference

The number 1 pick in this past NBA draft, Kyrie Irving, played well coming off the bench for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He averaged 16 points and 26 minutes in those two games. He did commit five turnovers in his first game (though he scored 21 points), but settled down and did not commit a turnover in his next game. He shot 34.6% while averaging four rebounds and three assists.

Fellow rookie, Nolan Smith, is competing for the backup point guard spot with the Portland Trailblazers. He only averaged nine minutes in their two games for an average of two points. He did however average 2.5 rebounds.

*Tune in Christmas Day to ABC, ESPN, and TNT as the NBA season kicks off with five games throughout the day and night.

Flickr/Keith Allison

The Orlando Magic must not have liked virtually everyone talking about how the Atlanta Hawks would be moving on to the second round. The Magic led by at least 20 points for most of the game. The Magic won 101-76 and live another day. Former Dukie JJ Redick was the second leading scorer in the game with 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting in 19 minutes. He also had three rebounds and three assists. The Magic and Hawks meet for Game 6 on Thursday night.

The Indiana Pacers kept trying to mount comebacks but the Chicago Bulls took full control of the game at the end of the third quarter and pulled away in the fourth quarter as they won 116-89. The Bulls won the series 4-1. Former Blue Devil Carlos Boozer scored just two points on 1-of-5 shooting in 15 minutes as he battled foul trouble. Luol Deng scored 24 points on 7-of-14 shooting in 40 minutes. Deng also had six rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.

In the loss, former Dukie Dahntay Jones scored 10 points off the bench on 3-of-7 shooting in just 11 minutes. Mike Dunleavy scored four points on 1-of-6 shooting with three rebounds and two steals. Josh McRoberts put up a goose egg in the points column in just nine minutes as he was ejected in the third quarter. These three former Blue Devils are headed into the offseason.

Check out what others are saying about the two games:

Bench lifts Magic, force Game 6 TrueHoop

Jason Richardson, JJ Redick help keep Magic alive Asbury Park Press

Hawks drop Game 5 in 101-76 loss to Magic A-T-Elle Hoops

Rose, Deng help eliminate Pacers USA Today

Bulls blowout Pacers to advance to second round Galesburg.com

Hit the road jack! Bulls say goodbye to Pacers and hello to round 2 Kissing the Rim

Why the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs are overrated:Fan’s view Yahoo Sports

The Indiana Pacers survived Game 4 against the Chicago Bulls and survived to cut into the Bulls series lead (3-1). The Pacers led by as much as 18 in the fourth quarter, only to see their lead dwindle to just one point with 15 seconds left (can we say deja’vu?). Danny Granger made his free throws to take a 87-84 lead and the Bulls had the chance to tie the game in the closing seconds. However Joakim Noah couldn’t find a shooter, which left former Dukie Carlos Boozer to take the potential game-tying three. Instead it rimmed out and the Pacers held on in front of their home fans.

Former Blue Devil Dahntay Jones provided good defense on Derrick Rose for the second straight game, holding Rose to just 15 points on 6-of-22 shooting. Jones had five points in his 21 minutes. Josh McRoberts and Mike Dunleavy played solid minutes for the Pacers. McRoberts scored six points in 22 minutes, along with three rebounds and two assists (he was on the court at the end). Dunleavy had seven points in 11 minutes.

Boozer contributed 15 points on 6-of-15 shooting and 13 rebounds in his 36 minutes while another former Dukie, Luol Deng, had 16 points on 5-of-14 shooting in 45 minutes.

The Memphis Grizzlies got another three-pointer to win a game, this time Zach Randolph hit the winner with 41.9 seconds left to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 91-88. The Grizzlies took a 2-1 series lead. Former Blue Devil Shane Battier scored nine points on 4-of-7 shooting in 27 minutes.

Not this time ESPN-Chicago

Rose sprains ankle, but returns ESPN.com

Next Stop, United Center for Game 5 Kissing the Rim

Father knows rest: Papa Battier ready Hang Time Blog

Menphis wins Game 3, 91-88 NBA.com (video of Battier One on One)

The Philadelphia Sixers did everything they could to salvage a home court victory, but the Miami Heat were just too much in Game 3. Former Dukie Elton Brand scored 21 points and pulled down 11 rebounds for the Sixers.

The Chicago Bulls beat the Indiana Pacers to take a 3-0 series lead. The Pacers again kept the game close as they lost 88-84. Derrick Rose again led the Bulls in scoring but was held under 30 points (23) for the first time. Two former Blue Devils had solid games. Luol Deng scored 21 points, had six rebounds, and six assists (the assists led the team). Carlos Boozer only scored four points but he hauled in a team-high 11 rebounds.

For the Pacers, three former Blue Devils scored. Mike Dunleavy scored six points while Josh McRoberts scored nine in the loss. Dahntay Jones got his first action of the playoffs and he scored 11 points on 5-of-9 shooting.

Heat Take Commanding 3-0 Series Lead over Sixers AerysSports

No Credit? That’s fine with Deng Kissing the Rim

From bad to worse for Boozer Chicago Tribune

Miami takes it in Philly, goes up 3-0 NBA.com

Apparently the Miami Heat did NOT want the Philadelphia Sixers to have a lead or even be in the game at any point during Game 2. Let’s just say it was an ugly game for the Sixers as only one starter scored in double-figures (Jrue Holiday with 12 points), while the other four scored a total of 17 points. Former Duke Blue Devil Elton Brand scored three points on 1-of-5 shooting in 30 minutes. He collected seven rebounds. The Sixers were pounded 94-73.

The Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers game was much more interesting. At the half, the Pacers yet again held the lead, but could not hold on for the victory. The former Blue Devils on the Pacers, Josh McRoberts and Mike Dunleavy again came off the bench. McRoberts scored six points on 3-of-9 shooting in 17 minutes, while Dunleavy scored 8 points on 3-of-5 shooting in 13 minutes. McRoberts added six rebounds, while Dunleavy contributed four assists.

For the Bulls, Derrick Rose again had a 30+ point game. Former Dukies Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng had solid games in the starting lineup. Boozer scored 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting in 42 minutes. He also hauled in 16 rebounds. Deng provided 14 points on just 3-of-13 shooting in 39 minutes. The Bulls took the game 96-90.

Check out more NBA Playoff news:

Heat cruise to 94-73 win in Game 2 nba.com

The Heat sizzle in Game 2 victory over the Sixers aeryssports

Chicago takes Game 2, 96-90 nba.com

And check out Kissing the Rim for all the Bulls news.

Despite losing for most of the game, the Chicago Bulls used a dominant performance from MVP candidate Derrick Rose (39 points on 10-of-23 shooting and six assists). For the Bulls, former Duke players Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer started the game, with Deng playing over 41 minutes. Deng contributed 18 points and 10 rebounds while Boozer added 12 points and 6 rebounds.

In their 104-99 loss to the Bulls, the Indiana Pacers had great performances from Tyler Hansbrough (22 points) and Danny Granger (24 points). Former Dukies Mike Dunleavy and Josh McRoberts came off the bench. Dunleavy was 0-for-3 from the field in 15 minutes, while McRoberts scored four points on 1-of-6 shooting and pulled down five rebounds. Dahntay Jones did not play. Game 2 is Monday night.

The Philadelphia Sixers came out quicly against the Miami Heat in the first quarter, but the Heat came out firing in the second quarter. The Heat took the game 97-89 behind their Big Three. Former Blue Devil Elton Brand led the Sixers in minutes (40) while scoring 17 points and pulling down seven rebounds. Game 2 is Monday night.

The Orlando Magic received a dominant performance from Dwight Howard, who scored 46 points and had 19 rebounds. However outside of guard Jameer Nelson (27 points), Howard did not receive any help. The Atlanta Hawks won the game 103-93 as five players scored in double-figures and shot 51% as a team. JJ Redick returned after missing the final 17 regular season games to play a little over 18 minutes. Redick went 2-for-6 from the field with four points. Guard Chris Duhon did not play. The Magic and Hawks meet again on Tuesday.

Browse and see what others are saying about the first night of the NBA Playoffs:

Rose carries Bulls to Game 1 win NBA.com

Bulls Stun Pacers with Game 1 Win Kissing the Rim

Heat squeeze out Game 1 win NBA.com

The Sixers Make the Heat Sweat out a Game 1 Victory AerysSports

Atlanta wins despite Howard NBA.com

Hawks Upset Magic at Home to Take Game 1 A-T-Elle Hoops

*The NBA.com links to video highlights.

With the NBA playoffs set to begin this weekend, the Duke Blue Devils have quite a few former players on playoff-bound teams. Many are impact players on their respective teams. All the former Dukies heading to the NBA playoffs represent Eastern Conference teams (except for Shane Battier with the Memphis Grizzlies).

Carlos Boozer against the Wizards (Flickr/Keith Allison)

The number one seed in the East (and overall number one seed), the Chicago Bulls, have the possible league MVP in Derrick Rose. The Bulls also rely heavily on fellow starters, and Duke alum, Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng. Boozer was averaging 17.5 points per game along with 9.7 rebounds per game since starting the season recovering from injury. He averaged 31.9 minutes a game and shot 51% from the field. Boozer scored a season-high 34 points (on 13-of-17 shooting in just 26 minutes) at the Toronto Raptors on December 15^th. He pulled down a season-high 22 rebounds against the NY Knicks on April 12^th.

Deng was averaging 17.4 points per game and 5.8 rebounds per game. He is averaging 39.1 minutes per game while shooting 46% from the field. Deng scored a season-high of 40 points against the Portland Trailblazers back on November 1^st. He pulled down a season-high 12 rebounds on back-to-back games in January. Will both consistently provide Rose scoring options? If so, the Bulls should reach the Finals.

To get more in-depth coverage of the Bulls, check out KISSING THE RIM, a site run by my fellow AerysSports reporter Nabila Abedin. She gives her own insight, while also providing links to other Bulls coverage in her “Bulls Breakfast Digest”.

The Bulls opponent in the first round of the playoffs, the Indiana Pacers, have three former Blue Devils on their roster. One of which (Mike Dunleavy) played with Boozer on the 2001 National Championship team at Duke. Dunleavy was averaging 11.2 points per game for the Pacers while starting 44 of the 61 games he played. He also averaged 4.5 rebounds a game. Dunleavy shot 46% from the field, while shooting 40% from three-point land and 80% from the free-throw line. He scored a season-high 30 points (on 12-of-16 shooting in 31 minutes) against the NJ Nets on January 28^th.

Dahntay Jones, who sat out the 2001 season at Duke due to the transfer rule, was averaging 6.3 points per game in his average of 13.1 minutes a game. He scored a season-high 19 points (in 19 minutes) on February 11^th against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Josh McRoberts seems to have found a home in Indiana after surprisingly leaving Duke early in 2007. He was averaging 7.4 points a game and 5.3 rebounds a game in an average of 22.2 minutes. He is shooting 54.7% from the field. McRoberts has started 51 of the 72 games he has played. He scored a season-high 20 points (on 8-of-11 shooting) at the Bulls on January 29^th (though it was a loss). He pulled down a season-high 13 rebounds (with 15 points) in 28 minutes against the Detroit Pistons on March 30^th.

Elton Brand against the Wizards (Flickr/Keith Allison)

The Philadelphia Sixers started out the season poorly under new head coach Doug Collins (father of current Duke assistant coach Chris Collins). They were just 6 and 16 through the first two months of the season. However they bought into Collins’ system and vastly improved. A big reason why is Elton Brand, who is finally healthy. Brand was averaging 15 points a game and 8.3 rebounds a game during the regular season. He started all 81 games he played while averaging 34.7 minutes. He also shot 51.2% from the floor. Brand scored a season-high 33 points (on 14-of-23 shooting in 42 minutes) against the NY Knicks on February 4^th. Unfortunately for the Sixers, they have to face the preseason favorite Miami Heat in the first round (as the Sixers dropped below the NY Knicks by losing five of their last seven games).

Speaking of the Knicks, former Duke forward (and WNBA star Candace Parker’s husband) Shelden Williams is one of their bench players after a trade from the Denver Nuggets. Williams has moved around the NBA since leaving Duke. He was averaging 3.9 points and 2.9 rebounds a game since joining the now Carmelo Anthony-led Knicks. Williiams has started six of the 17 games he has played with the Knicks, while averaging 11.6 minutes. The Knicks will open the playoffs against the Boston Celtics. Check out fellow AerysSports reporter Stacey Gotsulias’ BeatKnicks site for all the Knicks news.

JJ Redick (Flickr/Keith Allison)

Many questioned whether sharp-shooter JJ Redick would make it in the NBA. Now five years with the Orlando Magic, Redick comes off the bench averaging 25.4 minutes. He has struggled with his shot when not getting minutes in the past, but he has had a solid season. He averaged 10.1 points per game while shooting 44% from the field, 39.7% from three-point land, and 87.5% from the free-throw line. Redick scored a season-high 29 points 9-of-12 shooting in 39 minutes) at the Denver Nuggets on December 14^th (though it was a Magic loss).

Joining Redick in Orlando is fellow guard Chris Duhon. Duhon’s main job is to backup Jameer Nelson, as he only averaged 2.5 points and 2.3 assists per game. He averaged 15 minutes a game in the 51 games he played in. The Magic open the playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks.

Starting the season with the Houston Rockets, Shane Battier started all 59 games that he played in. He averaged 30.8 minutes and 8.6 points per game. However he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies (the team he was originally drafted by) and became a bench player. He played in 23 games and averaged 24 minutes a game. His points per game also decreased (5 points per game), as did his shooting percentages, though he did average four rebounds a game. The Grizzlies earned the 8-seed in the NBA playoffs, matching up with the San Antonio Spurs in the first round.

There are 10 former Blue Devils participating in the NBA playoffs and I hope to keep updating game-by-game.