The Motor City Auto Project
- Thread starter Hornso
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MCAP Auto #39 - Kwame Brown
2008-09 SP Signature Edition - 2 Star Signatures (with Patrick O'Bryant) 19/65
Consistently rated the "best high school basketballer" in the country, Brown went straight from high school to the NBA after nominating for the 2001 NBA Draft. A McDonald's All American & Mr. Georgia Basketball, he initially had signed a letter of intent with the University of Florida however he opted to go professional instead.
Impressed by his pre-draft workout Washington Wizards President Michael Jordan selected Kwame with the first pick in the Draft and signed him to a 3 year, $11.9m deal, but the 19 year old, was overwhelmed by his new life on & off the court and in turn struggled right off the bat. In 57 games his rookie season, the 6'11" Centre averaged 4.5 points per game on a terrible 38.7% shooting and only 3.5 rebounds.
His sophomore year in the league, Brown played more minutes for the Wizards, but his numbers stayed on par with his per-36 minute numbers from his rookie year. In 80 games (20 starts) he averaged 7.4 points, 5.3 rebounds & 1 block and managed 5 double-doubles. He started his 3rd season in the league as the Wizards starting Centre and has his best season statistically averaging 10.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists on 48.9% shooting, including spell where he put up 30 points & 19 rebounds and 27 points & 11 rebounds in back to back wins.
At the end of the season, Kwame knocked back a 5 year, $30m deal from Washington to test free agency the following year. He missed half the season due to injuries and was involved in feuds with Gilbert Arenas & his coach, Eddie Jordan. The Wizards made the playoffs but Kwame only made 3 appearances as they were swept in the 2nd round by the Heat.
In the offseason, Brown was traded with Laron Profit to the Lakers for Chucky Atkins & Caron Butler. He subsequently signed a 3 year, $25m contract, with the last season a team option. Brown found himself coming off the bench to Chris Mihm and struggled, particularly in his return to Washington, where he was "loudly booed", but when Mihm got injured late in the season Kwame took his opportunity and had a solid playoff series averaging 12.9 points and 6.6 rebounds in a losing 7 game series against the Suns.
He started the following season in LA, however injury struck again and he was surpassed by Andrew Bynum in the process. The following season the Lakers traded him to Memphis in the infamous deal to obtain Pau Gasol. After 15 appearances with the Grizzlies, the franchise opted not to renew his contract and Brown was a free agent.
The Pistons signed Kwame to a 2 year, $8m deal in 2008. Whilst in Detroit he played 106 games, averaging 3.8 points and 4.4 rebounds in 15 minutes. At the end of his deal he signed a 1 year, $7m contract with the Golden State Warriors but he only managed to play 9 games before being traded to Milwaukee with Monta Ellis & Ekpe Udoh for Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson. He never made an appearance for Milwaukee.
Brown finished his career a 76er. He signed a 2 year, $5.7m deal but only played 22 games in his first season in Philly and was waived during pre-season after suffering a hamstring injury.
Kwame suffered from a large amount of media criticism during his career (most notably Stephen A Smith Link 1, Link 2), especially being such a high profile draft pick which Kwame has recently started to clap back at. He has also been arrested 3 times for alcohol or marijuana related offences.
Overall Kwame Brown played 12 seasons, 607 games averaging 6.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
2008-09 SP Signature Edition - 2 Star Signatures (with Patrick O'Bryant) 19/65
Consistently rated the "best high school basketballer" in the country, Brown went straight from high school to the NBA after nominating for the 2001 NBA Draft. A McDonald's All American & Mr. Georgia Basketball, he initially had signed a letter of intent with the University of Florida however he opted to go professional instead.
Impressed by his pre-draft workout Washington Wizards President Michael Jordan selected Kwame with the first pick in the Draft and signed him to a 3 year, $11.9m deal, but the 19 year old, was overwhelmed by his new life on & off the court and in turn struggled right off the bat. In 57 games his rookie season, the 6'11" Centre averaged 4.5 points per game on a terrible 38.7% shooting and only 3.5 rebounds.
His sophomore year in the league, Brown played more minutes for the Wizards, but his numbers stayed on par with his per-36 minute numbers from his rookie year. In 80 games (20 starts) he averaged 7.4 points, 5.3 rebounds & 1 block and managed 5 double-doubles. He started his 3rd season in the league as the Wizards starting Centre and has his best season statistically averaging 10.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists on 48.9% shooting, including spell where he put up 30 points & 19 rebounds and 27 points & 11 rebounds in back to back wins.
At the end of the season, Kwame knocked back a 5 year, $30m deal from Washington to test free agency the following year. He missed half the season due to injuries and was involved in feuds with Gilbert Arenas & his coach, Eddie Jordan. The Wizards made the playoffs but Kwame only made 3 appearances as they were swept in the 2nd round by the Heat.
In the offseason, Brown was traded with Laron Profit to the Lakers for Chucky Atkins & Caron Butler. He subsequently signed a 3 year, $25m contract, with the last season a team option. Brown found himself coming off the bench to Chris Mihm and struggled, particularly in his return to Washington, where he was "loudly booed", but when Mihm got injured late in the season Kwame took his opportunity and had a solid playoff series averaging 12.9 points and 6.6 rebounds in a losing 7 game series against the Suns.
He started the following season in LA, however injury struck again and he was surpassed by Andrew Bynum in the process. The following season the Lakers traded him to Memphis in the infamous deal to obtain Pau Gasol. After 15 appearances with the Grizzlies, the franchise opted not to renew his contract and Brown was a free agent.
The Pistons signed Kwame to a 2 year, $8m deal in 2008. Whilst in Detroit he played 106 games, averaging 3.8 points and 4.4 rebounds in 15 minutes. At the end of his deal he signed a 1 year, $7m contract with the Golden State Warriors but he only managed to play 9 games before being traded to Milwaukee with Monta Ellis & Ekpe Udoh for Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson. He never made an appearance for Milwaukee.
Brown finished his career a 76er. He signed a 2 year, $5.7m deal but only played 22 games in his first season in Philly and was waived during pre-season after suffering a hamstring injury.
Kwame suffered from a large amount of media criticism during his career (most notably Stephen A Smith Link 1, Link 2), especially being such a high profile draft pick which Kwame has recently started to clap back at. He has also been arrested 3 times for alcohol or marijuana related offences.
Overall Kwame Brown played 12 seasons, 607 games averaging 6.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
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MCAP Auto #40 - Bill Laimbeer
2013-14 Panini Timeless Treasures - Timeless Signatures 015/299
The son of a company president, Bill Laimbeer went to high school in California, before attending the University of Notre Dame. He actually flunked out of Notre Dame his freshman year before re-entering after two semesters at a technical college. He played two seasons at Notre Dame averaging 7.3 points and 6 rebounds as the Fighting Irish went to the Final Four & Elite Eight in back to back years.
He was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the 65th pick in 1979, but spent the year playing in Italy with Pinti Inox Brescia, where he averaged 21.1 points and 12.5 rebounds. After a year abroad he returned to Cleveland where he played 131 games across 1.5 seasons, averaging 8.6 points and 7.4 rebounds. In February 1982, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons along with Kenny Carr for Phil Hubbard, Paul Mokeski and a 1st & 2nd round pick.
Laimbeer would of go on to be a core piece of the Detroit "Bad Boys", notorious for his poor sportsmanship and intentional, violent fouls designed to wear on opponents to the point where they were more focused on fighting instead of winning. It got to the point where the local media would help fuel the tension going into games;
The Pistons overcame disappointing setbacks against Bird's Celtics & Magic's Lakers to eventually climb the mountain and win Championships in 1989 & 1990 with Laimbeer playing a role on offence by setting picks for the teams star guards in Isiah Thomas & Joe Dumars and fading to the 3 point line as he was a good outside shooter for his era with the added benefit of keeping his man out of the paint.
Laimbeer of course would continue to be the spiritual leader of the Pistons, hardnosed Bad Boy defence and it was of course Laimbeer who led the infamous walk off on Jordan and his Bulls when they eventually overcame the Bad Boys in 1991. Laimbeer was incredibly durable, never playing less than 79 regular season games in a season except for his final season in 1993-94, where Laimbeer retired after breaking Isiah Thomas' hand during a fight in practice. Upset over the fight with his captain Laimbeer retired despite no bad blood with Thomas, fearing a fan backlash. He retired as the franchise leader in rebounds and had his number 40 jersey hung in the rafters in 1995.
In retirement Laimbeer founded a packaging company with his father which closed in 2002, before becoming head coach of the WNBA's Detroit Shock where he won three titles in 6 seasons. Unable to secure a head coach position in the NBA, Laimbeer joined the Timberwolves as an assistant in 2009 until 2012 when he re-joined the WNBA as head coach of the New York Liberty. He was fired in October 2014 after 2 seasons but was rehired in January 2015. In 2017 he moved to the Las Vegas Aces where in addition to head coach he was named head of basketball operations. He has just recently stepped down as head coach but will retain his role in the front office.
Lastly, some quirky facts about Bill. He appeared in episodes of "Land of the Lost" in the 1970s as his high school basketball team was used as characters on the show. In 1991, he had a Super Nintendo basketball game named after him called "Bill Laimbeer's Combat Basketball".
Across his career, Laimbeer averaged 12.9 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2 assists.
2013-14 Panini Timeless Treasures - Timeless Signatures 015/299
The son of a company president, Bill Laimbeer went to high school in California, before attending the University of Notre Dame. He actually flunked out of Notre Dame his freshman year before re-entering after two semesters at a technical college. He played two seasons at Notre Dame averaging 7.3 points and 6 rebounds as the Fighting Irish went to the Final Four & Elite Eight in back to back years.
He was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the 65th pick in 1979, but spent the year playing in Italy with Pinti Inox Brescia, where he averaged 21.1 points and 12.5 rebounds. After a year abroad he returned to Cleveland where he played 131 games across 1.5 seasons, averaging 8.6 points and 7.4 rebounds. In February 1982, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons along with Kenny Carr for Phil Hubbard, Paul Mokeski and a 1st & 2nd round pick.
Laimbeer would of go on to be a core piece of the Detroit "Bad Boys", notorious for his poor sportsmanship and intentional, violent fouls designed to wear on opponents to the point where they were more focused on fighting instead of winning. It got to the point where the local media would help fuel the tension going into games;
However "The Prince of Darkness" could also play ball. In fact Laimbeer would be an All-Star 4 of his first 5 full seasons in Detroit, averaging 16.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1 block per game. He also led the league in rebounds in 1983-84 & 1985-86.
The Pistons overcame disappointing setbacks against Bird's Celtics & Magic's Lakers to eventually climb the mountain and win Championships in 1989 & 1990 with Laimbeer playing a role on offence by setting picks for the teams star guards in Isiah Thomas & Joe Dumars and fading to the 3 point line as he was a good outside shooter for his era with the added benefit of keeping his man out of the paint.
Laimbeer of course would continue to be the spiritual leader of the Pistons, hardnosed Bad Boy defence and it was of course Laimbeer who led the infamous walk off on Jordan and his Bulls when they eventually overcame the Bad Boys in 1991. Laimbeer was incredibly durable, never playing less than 79 regular season games in a season except for his final season in 1993-94, where Laimbeer retired after breaking Isiah Thomas' hand during a fight in practice. Upset over the fight with his captain Laimbeer retired despite no bad blood with Thomas, fearing a fan backlash. He retired as the franchise leader in rebounds and had his number 40 jersey hung in the rafters in 1995.
In retirement Laimbeer founded a packaging company with his father which closed in 2002, before becoming head coach of the WNBA's Detroit Shock where he won three titles in 6 seasons. Unable to secure a head coach position in the NBA, Laimbeer joined the Timberwolves as an assistant in 2009 until 2012 when he re-joined the WNBA as head coach of the New York Liberty. He was fired in October 2014 after 2 seasons but was rehired in January 2015. In 2017 he moved to the Las Vegas Aces where in addition to head coach he was named head of basketball operations. He has just recently stepped down as head coach but will retain his role in the front office.
Lastly, some quirky facts about Bill. He appeared in episodes of "Land of the Lost" in the 1970s as his high school basketball team was used as characters on the show. In 1991, he had a Super Nintendo basketball game named after him called "Bill Laimbeer's Combat Basketball".
Across his career, Laimbeer averaged 12.9 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2 assists.
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MCAP Auto #41 - Saddiq Bey
2020-21 Panini National Treasures - Apprentice Ink 09/99
A 4 star recruit out of high school, Saddiq committed to North Carolina State, however he asked to be released from his letter of intent and signed to play with Villanova.
In his freshman year he averaged 8.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists. He was named to the Big East All-Freshman team.
The following season Bey significantly improved, putting up 16.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists in less minutes. He was unanimously selected first-team All-Big East, awarded the Robert V. Geasey Trophy as the top player in the Philadelphia Big 5 and the Julius Erving Award as the country's best small forward.
On the back of this success, Bey nominated for the 2020 NBA Draft where he was selected 19th overall by the Brooklyn Nets, but was acquired by the PIstons in a three team trade as they moved Bruce Brown & Luke Kennard to new homes.
The lowest of the Pistons three first round draft picks, it was Bey who would ultimately impress the most in his rookie season. He played 70 of the Pistons 72 games, averaging 12.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists, shooting 38% from beyond the arc. It was a spell in February where Bey made his name as he was named the Eastern Conference's Player of the Week on the back of a 30 point, 12 rebound performance in a win over the Celtics. He went on to make All-Rookie First Team and 4th in Rookie of the Year voting.
Saddiq has continued to produce in his second season in the Association, however he struggled a bit out of the gate with his deep ball deserting him early on until he donned a headband and headband 'Diq became a thing (for Pistons fans at least) in mid-December where he went on a run scoring 28, 23, 26, 15, 23, 23, 32, 21 & 34 over 9 games including a game winning three at home to San Antonio. Most notable for his outside shooting his rookie year, Saddiq has worked on his inside game over the second season as he continues to grow his game. This year he is averaging 15.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 60 appearances.
2020-21 Panini National Treasures - Apprentice Ink 09/99
A 4 star recruit out of high school, Saddiq committed to North Carolina State, however he asked to be released from his letter of intent and signed to play with Villanova.
In his freshman year he averaged 8.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists. He was named to the Big East All-Freshman team.
The following season Bey significantly improved, putting up 16.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists in less minutes. He was unanimously selected first-team All-Big East, awarded the Robert V. Geasey Trophy as the top player in the Philadelphia Big 5 and the Julius Erving Award as the country's best small forward.
On the back of this success, Bey nominated for the 2020 NBA Draft where he was selected 19th overall by the Brooklyn Nets, but was acquired by the PIstons in a three team trade as they moved Bruce Brown & Luke Kennard to new homes.
The lowest of the Pistons three first round draft picks, it was Bey who would ultimately impress the most in his rookie season. He played 70 of the Pistons 72 games, averaging 12.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists, shooting 38% from beyond the arc. It was a spell in February where Bey made his name as he was named the Eastern Conference's Player of the Week on the back of a 30 point, 12 rebound performance in a win over the Celtics. He went on to make All-Rookie First Team and 4th in Rookie of the Year voting.
Saddiq has continued to produce in his second season in the Association, however he struggled a bit out of the gate with his deep ball deserting him early on until he donned a headband and headband 'Diq became a thing (for Pistons fans at least) in mid-December where he went on a run scoring 28, 23, 26, 15, 23, 23, 32, 21 & 34 over 9 games including a game winning three at home to San Antonio. Most notable for his outside shooting his rookie year, Saddiq has worked on his inside game over the second season as he continues to grow his game. This year he is averaging 15.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 60 appearances.
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MCAP Auto #42 - Kelly Tripucka
2018-19 Panini Impeccable - Impeccable Pistons 77/99
(another nice auto for you @Dodgydave)
The son of an NFL Pro Bowl quarterback Frank Tripucka, Kelly played college basketball at Notre Dame (his Father's alma mater) and led the Fighting Irish in scoring each year.
The Pistons drafted Kelly with the 12th pick in the 1981 NBA Draft (funnily enough, future Pistons Championship duo Mark Aguirre & Isiah Thomas went #1 & #2 respectively) and he shot out of the gate to become an NBA All Star his rookie season. He started all 82 games, averaging 21.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals at small forward. His stellar season was acknowledged also by making the NBA All Rookie First Team.
He backed up his rookie year, with the highest scoring year of his career, averaging 26.5 points per game which was third best in the league behind Denver duo Alex English and Kiki Vandeweghe, however he missed a third of the season due to injury and played only 58 games.
The following year he helped the Pistons make the playoffs for the first time in the better part of a decade on the back of another All Star season and averaged over 20 points per game for the third straight year. In the playoffs Tripucka would average 27.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2.2 steals, however the Pistons would be eliminated in the first round to the Knicks in 5 games.
Injury once again impacted in an even year of his career and Kelly once again missed over 20 games. The year also saw his scoring output dip below 20 points per game for the first time in his NBA career as he averaged 19.1 and although the Pistons advanced to the 2nd round of the playoffs before being eliminated by the Celtics in 6, Tripucka was held to less than 15 points per game.
His 5th season in the league would prove to be his last in the Motor City. Despite putting up 20 points per game during a healthy regular season and 21.8 points per game in the playoffs, the organisation looked to shake things up after another first round exit to the Atlanta Hawks. Tripucka found himself being traded to Utah along with Kent Benson for Adrian Dantley and two future 2nd round picks.
Tripucka got along in Utah about as well as oil and water. He clashed with coach Frank Layden for his lack of involvement in the offence as Layden preferred to develop young duo Karl Malone & John Stockton. He spent two miserable seasons in Salt Lake averaging just over 9 points per game before being traded to the new Charlotte Hornets franchise for Mike Brown in 1988.
Tripucka found his game again in North Carolina. Once again the focal point of the offence, he averaged 22.6 points per game in his first season there, before he and the team regressed its second year. In his last season in Charlotte he came off the bench for the first time in his career and averaged 7 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists and he was let go at the end of the season.
During his time in Charlotte he found the opportunity to take a pot shot at Karl Malone & coach Layden...
After failing to find another NBA team, he signed for CSP Limoges in France, however he replaced by Tim Legler after only 7 games, averaging 17.6 points per game.
Overall he averaged 17.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal per game in the NBA, however his points per game in Detroit was 21.6.
After calling time on his basketball career, Tripucka has spent a lot of time in broadcasting, calling games for the Pistons, Nets & Knicks for over 15 years. He has been named to the Polish-American Hall of Fame, New Jersey Boys' Basketball Player of the Century and one of the Pistons top 50 players of all time.
2018-19 Panini Impeccable - Impeccable Pistons 77/99
(another nice auto for you @Dodgydave)
The son of an NFL Pro Bowl quarterback Frank Tripucka, Kelly played college basketball at Notre Dame (his Father's alma mater) and led the Fighting Irish in scoring each year.
The Pistons drafted Kelly with the 12th pick in the 1981 NBA Draft (funnily enough, future Pistons Championship duo Mark Aguirre & Isiah Thomas went #1 & #2 respectively) and he shot out of the gate to become an NBA All Star his rookie season. He started all 82 games, averaging 21.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals at small forward. His stellar season was acknowledged also by making the NBA All Rookie First Team.
He backed up his rookie year, with the highest scoring year of his career, averaging 26.5 points per game which was third best in the league behind Denver duo Alex English and Kiki Vandeweghe, however he missed a third of the season due to injury and played only 58 games.
The following year he helped the Pistons make the playoffs for the first time in the better part of a decade on the back of another All Star season and averaged over 20 points per game for the third straight year. In the playoffs Tripucka would average 27.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2.2 steals, however the Pistons would be eliminated in the first round to the Knicks in 5 games.
Injury once again impacted in an even year of his career and Kelly once again missed over 20 games. The year also saw his scoring output dip below 20 points per game for the first time in his NBA career as he averaged 19.1 and although the Pistons advanced to the 2nd round of the playoffs before being eliminated by the Celtics in 6, Tripucka was held to less than 15 points per game.
His 5th season in the league would prove to be his last in the Motor City. Despite putting up 20 points per game during a healthy regular season and 21.8 points per game in the playoffs, the organisation looked to shake things up after another first round exit to the Atlanta Hawks. Tripucka found himself being traded to Utah along with Kent Benson for Adrian Dantley and two future 2nd round picks.
Tripucka got along in Utah about as well as oil and water. He clashed with coach Frank Layden for his lack of involvement in the offence as Layden preferred to develop young duo Karl Malone & John Stockton. He spent two miserable seasons in Salt Lake averaging just over 9 points per game before being traded to the new Charlotte Hornets franchise for Mike Brown in 1988.
Tripucka found his game again in North Carolina. Once again the focal point of the offence, he averaged 22.6 points per game in his first season there, before he and the team regressed its second year. In his last season in Charlotte he came off the bench for the first time in his career and averaged 7 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists and he was let go at the end of the season.
During his time in Charlotte he found the opportunity to take a pot shot at Karl Malone & coach Layden...
After failing to find another NBA team, he signed for CSP Limoges in France, however he replaced by Tim Legler after only 7 games, averaging 17.6 points per game.
Overall he averaged 17.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal per game in the NBA, however his points per game in Detroit was 21.6.
After calling time on his basketball career, Tripucka has spent a lot of time in broadcasting, calling games for the Pistons, Nets & Knicks for over 15 years. He has been named to the Polish-American Hall of Fame, New Jersey Boys' Basketball Player of the Century and one of the Pistons top 50 players of all time.
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MCAP Auto #43 - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
2013-14 Panini Preferred - Panini’s Choice Award Blue 17/25 (Full Auto)
2013-14 Panini - Rated Rookies (Short Auto)
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, or KCP, came out of high school a 5 star prospect and McDonald's All American. He was ranked the 3rd best high school shooting guard and 12th best prospect in the country. With his college scholarship he decided to remain local and attend the University of Georgia.
As a freshman he averaged 13.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.2 assists as he was named to the SEC All Freshman team along with Bradley Beal, Anthony Davis & Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. The following season he averaged 18.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2 steals and 1.8 assists on his was to being named SEC Player of the Year.
Declaring for the 2013 NBA Draft, he was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the 8th pick and featured in 80 games his rookie season, the last of which he put up a season high 30 points. Overall he averaged 5.9 points & 2 rebounds per game. The following year saw him make the familiar sophomore leap. He played every game as a starter and was considered by coach Stan Van Gundy as the team's best defender. He finished the season with averages of 12.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.1 steals.
KCP continued to deliver this standard of performance throughout his time in the Motor City and although his stat line continued to improve slightly the following year, he continue to struggle scoring the ball efficiently. Overall his four seasons in Detroit saw him shooting 40.5% from the field and 33.4% from deep on just under 5 attempts per game and the Pistons opted renounce his rights at the end of his contract.
Suddenly a free agent, KCP signed a 1 year, $18m deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. His performances remained stable on a poor Lakers squad, although he did manage to shoot over 38% from deep for the first time in his career.
Five days after LeBron James announced he was going to be a Laker, KCP signed with the franchise on another 1 year contract, this time for $12m. Despite bagging King James, the Lakers struggled and failed to make the playoffs again and despite playing every game KCP only started 23 times. Regularly discussed if he was good enough to be part of LBJ's supporting cast in LA, Caldwell-Pope reupped for the franchise for a 3rd time in as many years. This time committing to a 2 year, $16m contract. It would prove to be a good decision.
In the interrupted COVID-19 season, the Lakers would go on to win the Championship in the bubble and KCP would start every single playoff game on his way to getting a ring. In the 6 game series win over Miami, KCP averaged 12.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal per game. After winning a ring, KCP opted out of the 2nd year of his contract and re-signed with the Lakers on a 3 year, $40m deal.
The following season, KCP saw his scoring dip below 10 points per game for the 2nd season in a row, but he'd polished his 3 point shot to the point he shot over 40% from deep for the first time in his career, though key injuries to Anthony Davis amongst others saw the Lakers bow out of the playoffs to the Phoenix Suns.
In the off-season, Caldwell-Pope was traded for the first time in his career to the Washington Wizards as part of the deal for the Lakers to acquire Russell Westbrook and has delivered what we have come to expect from him.
Thus far in his NBA career he has played 673 regular season games, averaging 11.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.1 steals.
Shortly before leaving the Pistons, Pope was arrested for driving under the influence and was suspended 2 games. After moving to Los Angeles, he pleaded guilty to a prohibition violation he committed and was sentenced to 25 days in jail, however was able to leave the facility for games and practice but was unable to leave the state of California.
2013-14 Panini Preferred - Panini’s Choice Award Blue 17/25 (Full Auto)
2013-14 Panini - Rated Rookies (Short Auto)
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, or KCP, came out of high school a 5 star prospect and McDonald's All American. He was ranked the 3rd best high school shooting guard and 12th best prospect in the country. With his college scholarship he decided to remain local and attend the University of Georgia.
As a freshman he averaged 13.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.2 assists as he was named to the SEC All Freshman team along with Bradley Beal, Anthony Davis & Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. The following season he averaged 18.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2 steals and 1.8 assists on his was to being named SEC Player of the Year.
Declaring for the 2013 NBA Draft, he was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the 8th pick and featured in 80 games his rookie season, the last of which he put up a season high 30 points. Overall he averaged 5.9 points & 2 rebounds per game. The following year saw him make the familiar sophomore leap. He played every game as a starter and was considered by coach Stan Van Gundy as the team's best defender. He finished the season with averages of 12.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.1 steals.
KCP continued to deliver this standard of performance throughout his time in the Motor City and although his stat line continued to improve slightly the following year, he continue to struggle scoring the ball efficiently. Overall his four seasons in Detroit saw him shooting 40.5% from the field and 33.4% from deep on just under 5 attempts per game and the Pistons opted renounce his rights at the end of his contract.
Suddenly a free agent, KCP signed a 1 year, $18m deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. His performances remained stable on a poor Lakers squad, although he did manage to shoot over 38% from deep for the first time in his career.
Five days after LeBron James announced he was going to be a Laker, KCP signed with the franchise on another 1 year contract, this time for $12m. Despite bagging King James, the Lakers struggled and failed to make the playoffs again and despite playing every game KCP only started 23 times. Regularly discussed if he was good enough to be part of LBJ's supporting cast in LA, Caldwell-Pope reupped for the franchise for a 3rd time in as many years. This time committing to a 2 year, $16m contract. It would prove to be a good decision.
In the interrupted COVID-19 season, the Lakers would go on to win the Championship in the bubble and KCP would start every single playoff game on his way to getting a ring. In the 6 game series win over Miami, KCP averaged 12.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal per game. After winning a ring, KCP opted out of the 2nd year of his contract and re-signed with the Lakers on a 3 year, $40m deal.
The following season, KCP saw his scoring dip below 10 points per game for the 2nd season in a row, but he'd polished his 3 point shot to the point he shot over 40% from deep for the first time in his career, though key injuries to Anthony Davis amongst others saw the Lakers bow out of the playoffs to the Phoenix Suns.
In the off-season, Caldwell-Pope was traded for the first time in his career to the Washington Wizards as part of the deal for the Lakers to acquire Russell Westbrook and has delivered what we have come to expect from him.
Thus far in his NBA career he has played 673 regular season games, averaging 11.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.1 steals.
Shortly before leaving the Pistons, Pope was arrested for driving under the influence and was suspended 2 games. After moving to Los Angeles, he pleaded guilty to a prohibition violation he committed and was sentenced to 25 days in jail, however was able to leave the facility for games and practice but was unable to leave the state of California.
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MCAP Auto #44 - Mark Aguirre
2021-22 Panini Noir - Freeze Frame Signatures 58/99
A Chicago native, McDonald's All American & Mr Basketball USA, Mark Aguirre elected to attend local DePaul University. As a freshman he led the Blue Demons to the Final Four where they lost to Larry Bird's Indiana State. The following two seasons he was named consensus first team All-American and won various Player of the Year awards including the Naismith Player of the Year award in 1980. He left college as a junior and nominated for the 1981 NBA Draft.
Aguirre was selected with the #1 pick in the draft by the Dallas Mavericks, one pick ahead of Isiah Thomas. The small forward averaged 18.7 points, 4.9 rebounds. 3.2 assists in 28 minutes, featuring mostly off the bench his rookie year. He then went on a run of 6 straight seasons were he averaged no less than 22.6 points in any of them, topping out in 1983-84 where he averaged 29.5 points per game (second best in the league after Adrian Dantley). The 1983-84 season marked the first season he became an All-Star. A feat he would achieve twice more in 1986-87 & 1987-88.
Led by Aguirre's scoring, the Mavericks started competing in the Playoffs, beginning with the 1983-84 season. In his first appearance, the Mavericks managed to defeat the Supersonics in 5 games (3-2), before losing to the Conference champion Lakers 4-1 in the next round. The following season he averaged 29.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4 assists but the Mavs lost to the Blazers in the first round 3-1. In 1985-86, the Mavs once again progressed past the first round before succumbing to the Lakers again, however the biggest disappointment came in 1986-87 where the 55 win Mavericks lost to the 39-43 Supersonics in the first round.
In the 1987-88 season, the Mavericks finally achieved some post-season success. They once again won over 50 games and this time they delivered, taking care of the Rockets & the Nuggets on their way to the Western Conference Finals where they once again run into the Los Angeles Lakers. Aguirre led the series in scoring, putting up 24.7 points per game, but the series was decided by home court advantage and the Mavs were eliminated 4-3.
During his time with the Mavs, Aguirre had repeated conflicts with coach Dick Motta as well as teammates in Rolando Blackman, Derek Harper and James Donaldson, which led to the wheels coming off the Mavs in the 1988-89 season. With their record going backwards, owner Donald Carter, who wanted Aguirre to be a Maverick for like, reluctantly traded him to the Pistons for Adrian Dantley and a first round pick.
Aguirre turned out to the be the final missing piece in Detroit's quest to win a championship. He accepted his role of taking less shots and focusing on defense. Where he had previously been averaging over 20 points per game as a Mav, he put up 14-15 points per game as a Piston as they won back to back championships in 1989 & 1990. Aguirre remained with the Pistons for several years after the championships and was accepting of losing his minutes to Dennis Rodman as age and injuries started to take their toll.
In 1993 the Pistons released Aguirre and he signed with the Clippers for $150,000. He put up 10.6 points per game as a 34 year old in 39 games for the Los Angeles team before retiring at the end of the season.
Overall, Aguirre was a 2 time champion, 3 time All Star and averaged 20 points, 5 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 923 regular season games.
He has had his #24 retired by the DePaul Blue Demons and was inducted in the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. He was also a member of the 1980 Olympic basketball team which did not compete due to the boycott of the Moscow Olympics, however still received a Congressional Gold Medal.
2021-22 Panini Noir - Freeze Frame Signatures 58/99
A Chicago native, McDonald's All American & Mr Basketball USA, Mark Aguirre elected to attend local DePaul University. As a freshman he led the Blue Demons to the Final Four where they lost to Larry Bird's Indiana State. The following two seasons he was named consensus first team All-American and won various Player of the Year awards including the Naismith Player of the Year award in 1980. He left college as a junior and nominated for the 1981 NBA Draft.
Aguirre was selected with the #1 pick in the draft by the Dallas Mavericks, one pick ahead of Isiah Thomas. The small forward averaged 18.7 points, 4.9 rebounds. 3.2 assists in 28 minutes, featuring mostly off the bench his rookie year. He then went on a run of 6 straight seasons were he averaged no less than 22.6 points in any of them, topping out in 1983-84 where he averaged 29.5 points per game (second best in the league after Adrian Dantley). The 1983-84 season marked the first season he became an All-Star. A feat he would achieve twice more in 1986-87 & 1987-88.
Led by Aguirre's scoring, the Mavericks started competing in the Playoffs, beginning with the 1983-84 season. In his first appearance, the Mavericks managed to defeat the Supersonics in 5 games (3-2), before losing to the Conference champion Lakers 4-1 in the next round. The following season he averaged 29.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4 assists but the Mavs lost to the Blazers in the first round 3-1. In 1985-86, the Mavs once again progressed past the first round before succumbing to the Lakers again, however the biggest disappointment came in 1986-87 where the 55 win Mavericks lost to the 39-43 Supersonics in the first round.
In the 1987-88 season, the Mavericks finally achieved some post-season success. They once again won over 50 games and this time they delivered, taking care of the Rockets & the Nuggets on their way to the Western Conference Finals where they once again run into the Los Angeles Lakers. Aguirre led the series in scoring, putting up 24.7 points per game, but the series was decided by home court advantage and the Mavs were eliminated 4-3.
During his time with the Mavs, Aguirre had repeated conflicts with coach Dick Motta as well as teammates in Rolando Blackman, Derek Harper and James Donaldson, which led to the wheels coming off the Mavs in the 1988-89 season. With their record going backwards, owner Donald Carter, who wanted Aguirre to be a Maverick for like, reluctantly traded him to the Pistons for Adrian Dantley and a first round pick.
Aguirre turned out to the be the final missing piece in Detroit's quest to win a championship. He accepted his role of taking less shots and focusing on defense. Where he had previously been averaging over 20 points per game as a Mav, he put up 14-15 points per game as a Piston as they won back to back championships in 1989 & 1990. Aguirre remained with the Pistons for several years after the championships and was accepting of losing his minutes to Dennis Rodman as age and injuries started to take their toll.
In 1993 the Pistons released Aguirre and he signed with the Clippers for $150,000. He put up 10.6 points per game as a 34 year old in 39 games for the Los Angeles team before retiring at the end of the season.
Overall, Aguirre was a 2 time champion, 3 time All Star and averaged 20 points, 5 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 923 regular season games.
He has had his #24 retired by the DePaul Blue Demons and was inducted in the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. He was also a member of the 1980 Olympic basketball team which did not compete due to the boycott of the Moscow Olympics, however still received a Congressional Gold Medal.
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MCAP Auto #45 - Adrian Dantley
2014-15 Panini Spectra - Hall of Fame Autograph Materials 29/60
After attending high school in Maryland and being named Mr. Basketball USA, Dantley accepted a scholarship to the University of Notre Dame. Averaging 18.3 points and 9.1 rebounds as a freshman, he exploded in his sophomore year averaging 30.4 points and 10.2 rebounds which led to him being a consensus first team All-American selection, which he also achieved in his junior year whilst he also won the Oscar Robertson Trophy. He was a part of the Notre Dame side that famously defeated UCLA to end their 88 game winning streak. In 1976, he also represented Team USA at the Olympics and won the gold medal in Montreal.
On the back of those achievements he nominated for the 1976 NBA Draft and was taken with the 6th pick by the Buffalo Braves (behind John Lucas, Scott May, Richard Washington, Leon Douglas & Wally Walker). The 6'5" small forward won the starting role for the Braves and scored over 20 ppg his rookie season, which won him the Rookie of the Year award. He then became the first Rookie of the Year to be traded after winning the award as they dealt him & Mike Banton to Indiana for All-Star Billy Knight.
Dantley was then traded just 23 games into his second season. Averaging 26.5 points per game (3rd highest in the NBA) the Pacers traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers with Dave Robisch for James Edwards, Earl Tatum and cash. Playing on a team with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Dantley's scoring opportunities dropped and his scoring average dropped to 21.5 over the course of the season.
In his third season in the Association suffered some injury issues and despite playing 60 games, his points per game fell to a then low 17.3. His misfortune also gave opportunity to Jamaal Wilkes. With a decision to make, the Lakers traded the 23 year old Dantley to Utah before the start of the 1979-80 season, meaning he had been traded 3 times in 3 years.
In Salt Lake City, Dantley was given the opportunity to display his talents. In his first season, he averaged 28 points per game and was named the franchise's first All-Star since moving from New Orleans. He followed this up with back to back seasons over averaging over 30 points , which led to another two All-Star appearances and winning the league's scoring title in 1980-81.
Unfortunately torn ligaments in his wrist, meant he was limited to 22 games in the 1982-83 season, but he came back strongly in 1983-84 once again earning All-Star honours and winning the scoring title for a second time, averaging 30.6 points per game. The Jazz would also go on to make the playoffs for the first time since relocating and Dantley averaged 32.2 points per game as they overcame Denver in the first round before losing to Phoenix in 6 games.
AD or The Teacher would go on to make another two All-Star teams in the following two seasons, but the Jazz were unable to progress past the 2nd round of the playoffs and Dantley didn't feature in the 1985-86 post-season (due to injury???).
Before the start of the 1986-87 season, Dantley and coach Frank Layden were butting heads over contract negotiations, so the Jazz traded AD to the Pistons for Kelly Tripuka & Kent Benson. With Dantley joining a core of Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Vinnie Johnson & Bill Laimbeer the Pistons grew from competitors to contenders and whilst Dantley saw less opportunities to score he still averaged over 20 points per game as the Pistons lost to the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals over 7 games including a 32 point performance in Game 4.
In 1987-88 the Pistons went one better, making the NBA Finals. Dantley scored 34 points in Game 1 of the Finals versus the Lakers on a 14-16 shooting performance, however the Pistons would lose in 7 games as Isiah Thomas famously succumbed to an ankle injury in the last two games of the series.
During the following season, Dantley would be traded to Dallas along with a first round pick for Mark Aguirre. Dantley claims he was forced out with Isiah Thomas, although he also regularly clashed with coach Chuck Daly and GM Jack McCloskey over being a more focal point of the offense and losing minutes to Dennis Rodman. Of course the Pistons would go on to win back to back titles with Aguirre whilst Dantley would join an average Mavericks team.
In his second season in Dallas he broke his leg towards the end of the season and was waived by the Mavs in April 1990. Exactly 1 year later, the Milwaukee Bucks signed Dantley for the end of the 1990-91 season. AD came off the bench for the Bucks in 10 games, averaging 5.7 points and was used scarcely in their first round playoff sweep by the 76ers.
At 35 years old and not getting much burn in the Association, Dantley headed to Italy for a season with Breeze Arese where he averaged 26.7 points per game before moving into coaching.
He was an assistant at Towson University from 1993-1996 and then later at the Denver Nuggets from 2003-2011. He even spent some time as Nuggets head coach, as George Karl took medical leave to fight cancer.
Dantley had his #4 jersey retired by the Jazz in 2007 and was inducted in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.
The 6 time All-Star, 2 time All-NBA & Scoring champion averaged 24.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal in his 955 regular season games.
2014-15 Panini Spectra - Hall of Fame Autograph Materials 29/60
After attending high school in Maryland and being named Mr. Basketball USA, Dantley accepted a scholarship to the University of Notre Dame. Averaging 18.3 points and 9.1 rebounds as a freshman, he exploded in his sophomore year averaging 30.4 points and 10.2 rebounds which led to him being a consensus first team All-American selection, which he also achieved in his junior year whilst he also won the Oscar Robertson Trophy. He was a part of the Notre Dame side that famously defeated UCLA to end their 88 game winning streak. In 1976, he also represented Team USA at the Olympics and won the gold medal in Montreal.
On the back of those achievements he nominated for the 1976 NBA Draft and was taken with the 6th pick by the Buffalo Braves (behind John Lucas, Scott May, Richard Washington, Leon Douglas & Wally Walker). The 6'5" small forward won the starting role for the Braves and scored over 20 ppg his rookie season, which won him the Rookie of the Year award. He then became the first Rookie of the Year to be traded after winning the award as they dealt him & Mike Banton to Indiana for All-Star Billy Knight.
Dantley was then traded just 23 games into his second season. Averaging 26.5 points per game (3rd highest in the NBA) the Pacers traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers with Dave Robisch for James Edwards, Earl Tatum and cash. Playing on a team with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Dantley's scoring opportunities dropped and his scoring average dropped to 21.5 over the course of the season.
In his third season in the Association suffered some injury issues and despite playing 60 games, his points per game fell to a then low 17.3. His misfortune also gave opportunity to Jamaal Wilkes. With a decision to make, the Lakers traded the 23 year old Dantley to Utah before the start of the 1979-80 season, meaning he had been traded 3 times in 3 years.
In Salt Lake City, Dantley was given the opportunity to display his talents. In his first season, he averaged 28 points per game and was named the franchise's first All-Star since moving from New Orleans. He followed this up with back to back seasons over averaging over 30 points , which led to another two All-Star appearances and winning the league's scoring title in 1980-81.
Unfortunately torn ligaments in his wrist, meant he was limited to 22 games in the 1982-83 season, but he came back strongly in 1983-84 once again earning All-Star honours and winning the scoring title for a second time, averaging 30.6 points per game. The Jazz would also go on to make the playoffs for the first time since relocating and Dantley averaged 32.2 points per game as they overcame Denver in the first round before losing to Phoenix in 6 games.
AD or The Teacher would go on to make another two All-Star teams in the following two seasons, but the Jazz were unable to progress past the 2nd round of the playoffs and Dantley didn't feature in the 1985-86 post-season (due to injury???).
Before the start of the 1986-87 season, Dantley and coach Frank Layden were butting heads over contract negotiations, so the Jazz traded AD to the Pistons for Kelly Tripuka & Kent Benson. With Dantley joining a core of Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Vinnie Johnson & Bill Laimbeer the Pistons grew from competitors to contenders and whilst Dantley saw less opportunities to score he still averaged over 20 points per game as the Pistons lost to the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals over 7 games including a 32 point performance in Game 4.
In 1987-88 the Pistons went one better, making the NBA Finals. Dantley scored 34 points in Game 1 of the Finals versus the Lakers on a 14-16 shooting performance, however the Pistons would lose in 7 games as Isiah Thomas famously succumbed to an ankle injury in the last two games of the series.
During the following season, Dantley would be traded to Dallas along with a first round pick for Mark Aguirre. Dantley claims he was forced out with Isiah Thomas, although he also regularly clashed with coach Chuck Daly and GM Jack McCloskey over being a more focal point of the offense and losing minutes to Dennis Rodman. Of course the Pistons would go on to win back to back titles with Aguirre whilst Dantley would join an average Mavericks team.
In his second season in Dallas he broke his leg towards the end of the season and was waived by the Mavs in April 1990. Exactly 1 year later, the Milwaukee Bucks signed Dantley for the end of the 1990-91 season. AD came off the bench for the Bucks in 10 games, averaging 5.7 points and was used scarcely in their first round playoff sweep by the 76ers.
At 35 years old and not getting much burn in the Association, Dantley headed to Italy for a season with Breeze Arese where he averaged 26.7 points per game before moving into coaching.
He was an assistant at Towson University from 1993-1996 and then later at the Denver Nuggets from 2003-2011. He even spent some time as Nuggets head coach, as George Karl took medical leave to fight cancer.
Dantley had his #4 jersey retired by the Jazz in 2007 and was inducted in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.
The 6 time All-Star, 2 time All-NBA & Scoring champion averaged 24.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal in his 955 regular season games.
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MCAP Auto #46 - Jose Calderon
2018-19 Panini Spectra - In The Zone Autographs Neon Blue 29/60
José Manuel Calderón Borrallo was born and raised in Villanueva de la Serena in Spain. Following in his father's footsteps Calderon enjoyed playing basketball and was offered the chance to play professionally after winning a junior championship. As a 17 year old he played for Diputación Foral Alava before joining Lucentum Alicante in the Spanish 2nd Division in 1999. He led them his side to promotion, however they were relegated back to the second division the following season.
Following relegation, Calderon joined First Division team Fuenlabrada which lead to his opportunity to become a Spanish international, resulting in him playing at the 2002 FIBA World Championships. After one season with Fuenlabrada he moved to TAU Vitoria where he played three seasons, winning the King's Cup in 2004 whilst finishing as runners-up in the First Division and the EuroLeague.
Previously passed over in the 2003 NBA Draft, Raptors GM Rob Babcock convinced Jose to sign with the Raptors for the 2005-06 season, on a 3 year, $7m deal. The 6'3" point guard, made his NBA debut as a 24 year old and finished his rookie season averaging 5.5 points, 4.5 assists and 2.2 rebounds in 64 games, shooting just 42% from the field and 16% from deep. Playing back up to T.J. Ford, Calderon improved his game in his second season, averaging 8.7 points and 5 assists per game on improved shooting which helped the Raptors make the playoffs. Although the Raptors lost the New Jersey Nets in 6 games, Calderon had an impact averaging 13 points and 5.3 assists per game.
By his third season, Calderon had turned into a very efficient player on the offensive end. Despite being on course to break the league record at one point, he still went on to lead the Association in Assist to Turnover ratio (5.38:1) and also would have been a member of the 50-40-90 (FG%-3PT%-FT%) club had he managed to take another 16 free throws. Calderon became the Raptors starting point guard due to an injury to Ford, however upon Ford returning, he managed to keep the role which lead to Ford being frustrated. Calderon selflessly asked the coaching staff to start Ford and the duo continued to co-exist, but the Raptors were once again eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
He re-signed with the Raps the off-season to a multi year deal (possibly 5 years, $45m) as Ford left for Indiana. Calderon had a record breaking season...he set the second-longest streak in NBA history for consecutive free throws made with 87, he became the franchise leader for career assists (1795), tied the franchise record for most assists in a game (19) and set an NBA record for highest FT% in a season. However the Raptors had a poor season and his defense was put under the spotlight.
Jarrett Jack was brought in the following season to be Jose's back up, but upon sitting out 12 game mid-season due to an injury, Calderon lost his starting spot and failed to win it back. Ever the professional he worked well with Jack to the franchise' benefit, however they would once again miss the playoffs.
Calderon remained Toronto's starting point guard in the following seasons as the team continued to struggle. After 7 and a bit seasons in Canada, he was traded to Detroit in a deal that sent Tayshaun Prince to Memphis and Rudy Gay to Toronto. In 525 games in Toronto, he would average 10 points and 7.2 assists per game.
Calderon was on fire from deep in the Motor City, in that last 28 games of the season, he shot 52% from behind the three point arc, which resulted in him shooting a career high 46.1% for the season. A free agent, Calderon signed a 4 year, $29m deal with the Dallas Mavericks. He started every game for the Mavs but his assist statistics started to fall off a cliff. He finished the season averaging 11.4 points and 4.7 assists per game but the Mavs lost to the Spurs in 7 games in his first playoff appearances in over half a decade.
The Mavs quickly changed tack and traded Calderon to the Knicks in the off-season in a package deal for Tyson Chandler. He continued to start in New York but missed half the season with an Achilles tendon injury. In his 2nd season in the Big Apple he managed to hit a game winner against the Lakers.
Now a 34 year old, in the off-season Calderon was traded to the Bulls in the deal to acquire Derrick Rose, before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers a fortnight later for the draft rights to Ater Majok. He made 24 appearances for the Lakers before being waived in February 2017. He was set to be signed by the Golden State Warriors, however Durant injured his knee and the Warriors suddenly had other needs. They honoured their agreement by signing Jose and instantly waiving him, earning him $415,000 for 2 hours of time. The Hawks swooped on him to back up Dennis Schroder as they were eliminated in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs by the Wizards in 6 games.
Once again a free agent, Calderon signed with the Cavs on a 1 year, $1.4m deal, backing up Kyrie Irving. He would play minimal minutes in their playoff run but he was a part of the squad that made it to the Finals and got swept by the Warriors...at least it meant he won a Playoff Series for the first time in his career.
He returned to Detroit for one final season in 2018-19 and announced his retirement after they were swept by the Bucks in the first round.
Internationally, Calderon won Gold medals in the 2006 FIBA World Cup and 2011 EuroBasket, whilst netting 2 silver medals and a bronze at three Olympics. He also is 2nd all time in Raptors Franchise history with assists, having been passed by Kyle Lowry.
In 895 regular season games, he averaged 8.9 points, 5.8 assists and 2.4 rebounds in 26 minutes.
Retired, he joined the Players Association as a special assistant to the executive director but has recently joined the Cleveland Cavaliers as a special advisor to the front office. He also co-owns an organic pig farm and possibly has one of the worst Basketball Reference nicknames of all time in "Mr. Catering".
2018-19 Panini Spectra - In The Zone Autographs Neon Blue 29/60
José Manuel Calderón Borrallo was born and raised in Villanueva de la Serena in Spain. Following in his father's footsteps Calderon enjoyed playing basketball and was offered the chance to play professionally after winning a junior championship. As a 17 year old he played for Diputación Foral Alava before joining Lucentum Alicante in the Spanish 2nd Division in 1999. He led them his side to promotion, however they were relegated back to the second division the following season.
Following relegation, Calderon joined First Division team Fuenlabrada which lead to his opportunity to become a Spanish international, resulting in him playing at the 2002 FIBA World Championships. After one season with Fuenlabrada he moved to TAU Vitoria where he played three seasons, winning the King's Cup in 2004 whilst finishing as runners-up in the First Division and the EuroLeague.
Previously passed over in the 2003 NBA Draft, Raptors GM Rob Babcock convinced Jose to sign with the Raptors for the 2005-06 season, on a 3 year, $7m deal. The 6'3" point guard, made his NBA debut as a 24 year old and finished his rookie season averaging 5.5 points, 4.5 assists and 2.2 rebounds in 64 games, shooting just 42% from the field and 16% from deep. Playing back up to T.J. Ford, Calderon improved his game in his second season, averaging 8.7 points and 5 assists per game on improved shooting which helped the Raptors make the playoffs. Although the Raptors lost the New Jersey Nets in 6 games, Calderon had an impact averaging 13 points and 5.3 assists per game.
By his third season, Calderon had turned into a very efficient player on the offensive end. Despite being on course to break the league record at one point, he still went on to lead the Association in Assist to Turnover ratio (5.38:1) and also would have been a member of the 50-40-90 (FG%-3PT%-FT%) club had he managed to take another 16 free throws. Calderon became the Raptors starting point guard due to an injury to Ford, however upon Ford returning, he managed to keep the role which lead to Ford being frustrated. Calderon selflessly asked the coaching staff to start Ford and the duo continued to co-exist, but the Raptors were once again eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
He re-signed with the Raps the off-season to a multi year deal (possibly 5 years, $45m) as Ford left for Indiana. Calderon had a record breaking season...he set the second-longest streak in NBA history for consecutive free throws made with 87, he became the franchise leader for career assists (1795), tied the franchise record for most assists in a game (19) and set an NBA record for highest FT% in a season. However the Raptors had a poor season and his defense was put under the spotlight.
Jarrett Jack was brought in the following season to be Jose's back up, but upon sitting out 12 game mid-season due to an injury, Calderon lost his starting spot and failed to win it back. Ever the professional he worked well with Jack to the franchise' benefit, however they would once again miss the playoffs.
Calderon remained Toronto's starting point guard in the following seasons as the team continued to struggle. After 7 and a bit seasons in Canada, he was traded to Detroit in a deal that sent Tayshaun Prince to Memphis and Rudy Gay to Toronto. In 525 games in Toronto, he would average 10 points and 7.2 assists per game.
Calderon was on fire from deep in the Motor City, in that last 28 games of the season, he shot 52% from behind the three point arc, which resulted in him shooting a career high 46.1% for the season. A free agent, Calderon signed a 4 year, $29m deal with the Dallas Mavericks. He started every game for the Mavs but his assist statistics started to fall off a cliff. He finished the season averaging 11.4 points and 4.7 assists per game but the Mavs lost to the Spurs in 7 games in his first playoff appearances in over half a decade.
The Mavs quickly changed tack and traded Calderon to the Knicks in the off-season in a package deal for Tyson Chandler. He continued to start in New York but missed half the season with an Achilles tendon injury. In his 2nd season in the Big Apple he managed to hit a game winner against the Lakers.
Now a 34 year old, in the off-season Calderon was traded to the Bulls in the deal to acquire Derrick Rose, before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers a fortnight later for the draft rights to Ater Majok. He made 24 appearances for the Lakers before being waived in February 2017. He was set to be signed by the Golden State Warriors, however Durant injured his knee and the Warriors suddenly had other needs. They honoured their agreement by signing Jose and instantly waiving him, earning him $415,000 for 2 hours of time. The Hawks swooped on him to back up Dennis Schroder as they were eliminated in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs by the Wizards in 6 games.
Once again a free agent, Calderon signed with the Cavs on a 1 year, $1.4m deal, backing up Kyrie Irving. He would play minimal minutes in their playoff run but he was a part of the squad that made it to the Finals and got swept by the Warriors...at least it meant he won a Playoff Series for the first time in his career.
He returned to Detroit for one final season in 2018-19 and announced his retirement after they were swept by the Bucks in the first round.
Internationally, Calderon won Gold medals in the 2006 FIBA World Cup and 2011 EuroBasket, whilst netting 2 silver medals and a bronze at three Olympics. He also is 2nd all time in Raptors Franchise history with assists, having been passed by Kyle Lowry.
In 895 regular season games, he averaged 8.9 points, 5.8 assists and 2.4 rebounds in 26 minutes.
Retired, he joined the Players Association as a special assistant to the executive director but has recently joined the Cleveland Cavaliers as a special advisor to the front office. He also co-owns an organic pig farm and possibly has one of the worst Basketball Reference nicknames of all time in "Mr. Catering".
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MCAP Auto #47 - Greg Monroe
2011-12 Panini Preferred - Silhouettes Prime 02/25
Coming out of high school in his native Louisiana, the McDonald's All-American Monroe, was rated a 5 star prospect, the top rated Power Forward and 8th highest rated prospect in the country. Electing to attend Georgetown University he was named Big East Rookie of the Year and NCAA Freshman All-American honours on the back of 12.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. He followed this up with 16.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.5 blocks as a sophomore, but Georgetown crashed out of the NCAA tournament in the first round as a 3 seed.
"Moose" nominated for the 2010 NBA Draft and was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the 7th pick (notable picks after him include Gordon Haywood at #9 and Paul George at #10). After coming off the bench for his first 20 appearances, Monroe developed into the Pistons' starting Centre by the end of the season, averaging 9.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game. It was enough for him to finish 6th in NBA Rookie of the Year voting and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team behind First Team big men Blake Griffin & DeMarcus Cousins.
Listed at 6'10", Monroe wasn't a flashy player but continued to develop well for the Pistons. He started all 66 of their regular season games, in the lockout-shortened season averaging 15.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.3 steals. The level of production he would maintain throughout his time in the Motor City. The rebuilding Pistons continued to struggle and troubles on the defensive end of the floor, plus the addition of rookie centre Andre Drummond gave the Pistons pause as to whether to tie Monroe down long term. Before the 2014-15 season, the franchised offer him a one-year qualifying offer, which Monroe signed, making him available as an unrestricted free agent in the 2015 offseason. At this time, he received a 3 year, $50m offer from Milwaukee and after 5 seasons in Detroit, Monroe was a Buck. He left with averages of 14.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game.
In Milwaukee, Monroe maintain the level of production he had delivered in Detroit. However, after one season coach Jason Kidd relegated Monroe to coming off the bench for the entire season. Of course his numbers suffered as a result, but with the play of developing superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, Moose made the playoffs for the first time in his career. He put up 13.2 points and 7.3 rebounds in 23 minutes as the Bucks lost to the Raptors in 6 games.
Barely into the following season the Bucks punted on their big free agent acquisition of only two years ago, by sending him and future picks to Phoenix for Eric Bledsoe. He struggled with a calf issue upon arrival, but only made 20 appearances for the Suns before they waived him in February. A week later he was signed by the Boston Celtics as a back up for Al Horford. In a game against Chicago, Moose came off the bench to produce 19 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists to become the first Celtics centre to register a triple-double since Robert Parish in 1987. He went to the Playoffs for the second time in his career, but he Celtics lost in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Cavs in 7 games.
Ahead of the 2018-19 season, Monroe was signed by the Toronto Raptors on a 1 year, $2.1m deal. He made 38 appearances for the Raps before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets with a 2nd round pick for cash and was instantly waived in February 2019. The following month, he returned to the Celts on a 10 day contract, but it was not renewed. He was then subsequently picked up by the Philadelphia 76ers and started a playoff game(!). The 76ers would crash out in 7 games to his old teammates in Canada on Kawhi Leonard's crazy series winning buzzer beater.
Monroe went from from starting a playoff game to being out of the league the following season. He signed with Bayern Munich in Germany for 2019-20 and then Russian side Khimki for 2020-21 before his contract was terminated in January 2021. Later that year he signed with the Capital City Go-Go of the NBA G-League.
If you thought his NBA career was over at this point, incredibly you'd be dead wrong. Having been a member of 6 different NBA franchises, the global pandemic gave Monroe a chance to expand on this. Firstly he was signed by the Timberwolves on a 10 day contract in later 2021, making 4 appearances. At the conclusion of that short contract, he signed a 10 day contract with the Washington Wizards, playing an additional 2 games before returning to the G League. In February 2022, he returned to Milwaukee on another 10 day contract, playing 5 games. The following month, Utah signed him to a 10 day contract at the conclusion of which he signed a deal until the end of the season with Minnesota where he currently sits on the bench during his 4th career playoff run. This season alone, he has made 14 appearances with 4 different franchises.
Currently his NBA career stands at 646 regular season games averaging 13 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.1 steals in 27 minutes.
He is also the last Piston to wear the #10 jersey as the number was retired in honour of Dennis Rodman during Moose's time in Detroit. Rodman let Monroe continue to wear it for the additional 4 years.
2011-12 Panini Preferred - Silhouettes Prime 02/25
Coming out of high school in his native Louisiana, the McDonald's All-American Monroe, was rated a 5 star prospect, the top rated Power Forward and 8th highest rated prospect in the country. Electing to attend Georgetown University he was named Big East Rookie of the Year and NCAA Freshman All-American honours on the back of 12.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. He followed this up with 16.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.5 blocks as a sophomore, but Georgetown crashed out of the NCAA tournament in the first round as a 3 seed.
"Moose" nominated for the 2010 NBA Draft and was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the 7th pick (notable picks after him include Gordon Haywood at #9 and Paul George at #10). After coming off the bench for his first 20 appearances, Monroe developed into the Pistons' starting Centre by the end of the season, averaging 9.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game. It was enough for him to finish 6th in NBA Rookie of the Year voting and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team behind First Team big men Blake Griffin & DeMarcus Cousins.
Listed at 6'10", Monroe wasn't a flashy player but continued to develop well for the Pistons. He started all 66 of their regular season games, in the lockout-shortened season averaging 15.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.3 steals. The level of production he would maintain throughout his time in the Motor City. The rebuilding Pistons continued to struggle and troubles on the defensive end of the floor, plus the addition of rookie centre Andre Drummond gave the Pistons pause as to whether to tie Monroe down long term. Before the 2014-15 season, the franchised offer him a one-year qualifying offer, which Monroe signed, making him available as an unrestricted free agent in the 2015 offseason. At this time, he received a 3 year, $50m offer from Milwaukee and after 5 seasons in Detroit, Monroe was a Buck. He left with averages of 14.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game.
In Milwaukee, Monroe maintain the level of production he had delivered in Detroit. However, after one season coach Jason Kidd relegated Monroe to coming off the bench for the entire season. Of course his numbers suffered as a result, but with the play of developing superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, Moose made the playoffs for the first time in his career. He put up 13.2 points and 7.3 rebounds in 23 minutes as the Bucks lost to the Raptors in 6 games.
Barely into the following season the Bucks punted on their big free agent acquisition of only two years ago, by sending him and future picks to Phoenix for Eric Bledsoe. He struggled with a calf issue upon arrival, but only made 20 appearances for the Suns before they waived him in February. A week later he was signed by the Boston Celtics as a back up for Al Horford. In a game against Chicago, Moose came off the bench to produce 19 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists to become the first Celtics centre to register a triple-double since Robert Parish in 1987. He went to the Playoffs for the second time in his career, but he Celtics lost in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Cavs in 7 games.
Ahead of the 2018-19 season, Monroe was signed by the Toronto Raptors on a 1 year, $2.1m deal. He made 38 appearances for the Raps before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets with a 2nd round pick for cash and was instantly waived in February 2019. The following month, he returned to the Celts on a 10 day contract, but it was not renewed. He was then subsequently picked up by the Philadelphia 76ers and started a playoff game(!). The 76ers would crash out in 7 games to his old teammates in Canada on Kawhi Leonard's crazy series winning buzzer beater.
Monroe went from from starting a playoff game to being out of the league the following season. He signed with Bayern Munich in Germany for 2019-20 and then Russian side Khimki for 2020-21 before his contract was terminated in January 2021. Later that year he signed with the Capital City Go-Go of the NBA G-League.
If you thought his NBA career was over at this point, incredibly you'd be dead wrong. Having been a member of 6 different NBA franchises, the global pandemic gave Monroe a chance to expand on this. Firstly he was signed by the Timberwolves on a 10 day contract in later 2021, making 4 appearances. At the conclusion of that short contract, he signed a 10 day contract with the Washington Wizards, playing an additional 2 games before returning to the G League. In February 2022, he returned to Milwaukee on another 10 day contract, playing 5 games. The following month, Utah signed him to a 10 day contract at the conclusion of which he signed a deal until the end of the season with Minnesota where he currently sits on the bench during his 4th career playoff run. This season alone, he has made 14 appearances with 4 different franchises.
Currently his NBA career stands at 646 regular season games averaging 13 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.1 steals in 27 minutes.
He is also the last Piston to wear the #10 jersey as the number was retired in honour of Dennis Rodman during Moose's time in Detroit. Rodman let Monroe continue to wear it for the additional 4 years.
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MCAP Auto #48 - Jason Maxiell
2005-06 Upper Deck Trilogy - Signs of Stardom
Maxiell spent his four seasons of college basketball playing for the Cincinnati Bearcats. In his senior year, he led the Conference USA in blocked shots and ranked 18th in the country. His 91 blocks for the season, is the 2nd highest in Cincinnati Bearcats history. He also finished 2nd in Cincinnati history for blocked shots over his career.
Coming out of college, the solid 6'7" PF/C was selected by the Detroit Pistons in the 2005 NBA Draft. He came off the bench for the Pistons squad of the mid-late 2000s who were regularly competing in the playoffs. He even registered 6 playoff starts in the 2007-08 season as the Pistons lost in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Boston Celtics.
Following this, Maxiell signed a 4 year, $20m deal with the franchise in the 2008 off-season in a season where he averaged 7.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks. Nicknamed "The Baby Eater", Jason was a blue collar, stereotypical Piston who played hard defence. He continued to come off the bench, however as the squad declined, his starts and minutes improved. He picked up his player option with the Pistons for the 2012-13 season and started 71 games, averaging 6.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks before being allowed to leave as a free agent at the end of the season.
Maxiell signed a 2 year, $5m contract with the Orlando Magic, however he only made 34 appearances before being waived in July 2014. He then signed a 1 year, $1.3m deal with the Charlotte Hornets for the 2014-15 season. He played 61 games, averaging 3.3 points and 3.3 rebounds in 14 minutes.
His NBA career over, Maxiell spent a year in China, then the Philippines and finally Turkey before signing a contract with the Detroit Pistons which allowed him to retire as a member of the franchise.
During his time in Detroit, Maxiell averaged 6.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 19.1 minutes over 8 seasons and 523 regular season games.
In 2018 Maxiell admitted on American Television of cheating on his high-school sweetheart, wife since 2010 Brandi Maxiell, with 341 women before and during his marriage. They continue to be married and have a son together. Brandi, the CEO of her own cosmetics line, is set to be a regular cast member on the latest season of Basketball Wives.
2005-06 Upper Deck Trilogy - Signs of Stardom
Maxiell spent his four seasons of college basketball playing for the Cincinnati Bearcats. In his senior year, he led the Conference USA in blocked shots and ranked 18th in the country. His 91 blocks for the season, is the 2nd highest in Cincinnati Bearcats history. He also finished 2nd in Cincinnati history for blocked shots over his career.
Coming out of college, the solid 6'7" PF/C was selected by the Detroit Pistons in the 2005 NBA Draft. He came off the bench for the Pistons squad of the mid-late 2000s who were regularly competing in the playoffs. He even registered 6 playoff starts in the 2007-08 season as the Pistons lost in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Boston Celtics.
Following this, Maxiell signed a 4 year, $20m deal with the franchise in the 2008 off-season in a season where he averaged 7.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks. Nicknamed "The Baby Eater", Jason was a blue collar, stereotypical Piston who played hard defence. He continued to come off the bench, however as the squad declined, his starts and minutes improved. He picked up his player option with the Pistons for the 2012-13 season and started 71 games, averaging 6.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks before being allowed to leave as a free agent at the end of the season.
Maxiell signed a 2 year, $5m contract with the Orlando Magic, however he only made 34 appearances before being waived in July 2014. He then signed a 1 year, $1.3m deal with the Charlotte Hornets for the 2014-15 season. He played 61 games, averaging 3.3 points and 3.3 rebounds in 14 minutes.
His NBA career over, Maxiell spent a year in China, then the Philippines and finally Turkey before signing a contract with the Detroit Pistons which allowed him to retire as a member of the franchise.
During his time in Detroit, Maxiell averaged 6.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 19.1 minutes over 8 seasons and 523 regular season games.
In 2018 Maxiell admitted on American Television of cheating on his high-school sweetheart, wife since 2010 Brandi Maxiell, with 341 women before and during his marriage. They continue to be married and have a son together. Brandi, the CEO of her own cosmetics line, is set to be a regular cast member on the latest season of Basketball Wives.
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