With the NBA preseason wrapping up and the regular season starting next week, we take a look at how some of the most notable former Blue Devil standouts are faring in the NBA. Check back with the Blue Zone each week for a Duke in the NBA update.
Jabari Parker, Milwaukee Bucks: In seven preseason games so far, the second overall pick of the 2014 NBA Draft has averaged 15.1 points and 6.29 rebounds per game. The Bucks hoped he would come in and be an immediate impact. Parker has shown this preseason that he is ready to lead the Bucks as a rookie. With 13 points and six rebounds against the Knicks Oct. 20 and 18 points and 9 rebounds against the Timberwolves on the two days later, Parker has been the offensive weapon the Bucks front office imagined. With only two turnovers over that same span, Parker is committed to not making mistakes. The Bucks will count on Parker at small forward when the season starts next week.
Rodney Hood, Utah Jazz: The Salt Lake Tribune has called the Mississippi State transfer “the draft’s biggest steal”. The 21st overall pick of this summer’s NBA Draft has averaged 24.7 minutes in six preseason games so far. With 7.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, Hood is growing into his complementary combo-guard role on a Jazz team stacked with young shooters. He will look to compete with Gordon Hayward and Trey Burke for minutes as he gets used to Duke alum Quin Snyder’s offense. Hood had a big game last Sunday against the Lakers, with nine points and five rebounds in limited action off the bench.
Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers: Since coming back from an ankle tweak earlier in the preseason, Irving has shown why everybody expects the Cavaliers to be favorites to win the title. Along with Lebron James and Kevin Love, Irving has been lighting up the preseason. He scored 28 points on 10-of-19 shooting against the Bulls Monday and scored 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting against the Grizzlies Wednesday. The two-time All-Star will look to help the Cavaliers reach new heights when the season starts Tuesday.
Luol Deng, Miami Heat: A longtime member of the Chicago Bulls, Deng signed with the Miami Heat this summer after the departure of Lebron James. Deng has had some inconsistencies while learning Erik Spoelstra's offense in South Beach. Against the Rockets Tuesday, despite playing 31 minutes, Deng only managed four points on 2-of-7 shooting. He will be looked upon to help lead a new-look Heat team after James’ departure as the regular season commences.
Mason Plumlee, Brooklyn Nets: After battling through some inconsistencies as a rookie last year, Plumlee has found his own as a complementary piece to Kevin Garnett and Brook Lopez in the Nets’ rotation. With Garnett resting and Lopez battling injuries, Plumlee has excelled off late. In his last two preseason games, Plumlee has reorded a double-double, with 20 points and 17 rebounds against the 76ers Monday and 15 points and 11 rebounds against the Celtics Wednesday. New head coach Lionel Hollins will likely utilize Plumlee more early in the season to keep his other big men fresh for later in the year.
Carlos Boozer, Los Angeles Lakers: Boozer has provided a much-needed versatile presence to coach Byron Scott’s offense. With Scott planning to embrace a more old-fashioned approach to the game, emphasizing two-pointers instead of 3-pointers and a more hard-nosed style of play, Boozer will be used even more. Also with Steve Nash out for the year, Boozer’s veteran presence will be essential. In seven preseason games played, Boozer has averaged 12.6 points, 1.9 steals and 4.4 rebounds per contest. Against the Jazz Oct.19 he provided a little bit of everything, with 19 points, 6 steals and 9 rebounds.
Austin Rivers, New Orleans Pelicans: Although he is averaging 8.1 points and 3.6 assists in 26.0 minutes per game this preseason, the Pelicans announced yesterday that they would not pick up the fourth-year option on Rivers’ rookie contract. It remains to be seen if they will sign him to a longer-term contract depending on how he gels with Tyreke Evans, Jrue Holiday and Eric Gordon in the guard rotation this upcoming season.
Kyle Singler, Detroit Pistons: Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy brought in forwards Caron Butler and Cartier Martin this offseason for some additional competition with Singler. But although he is slightly one-dimensional, Singler is one of the smartest players on the roster, a fact that Van Gundy recognizes. He has averaged 10.1 points and 2.7 rebounds in seven games played this preseason, included a 19-point, three-steal performance against the 76ers Thursday.
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