The Motor City Auto Project
- Thread starter Hornso
- Start date
MCAP Auto #61 - Jon Leuer
2019-20 Hoops - Great SIGnificance
Growing up in Long Lake, Minnesota, Leuer attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison as was played sparingly his freshman year, despite exploding for 25 points against Michigan. By the end of his sophomore year, he had become the Badgers starting Power Forward.
Leuer came of age in his Junior season, helping Wisconsin to a surprisingly good regular season and was rewarded by being selected in the USA Select Team to help the USA National Team prepare for the FIBA World Championships before finishing his college career by being named to the All-Big Ten first team.
Leuer was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 40th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, however he would first play in Germany with Skyliners Frankfurt as the NBA was locked out. He returned to Milwaukee for the 2011-12 season in December 2011 and played 46 games his rookie season, averaging 4.7 points and 2.6 rebounds in 12 minutes per game.
He found himself being traded to Houston after just 1 season in Milwaukee as he, Shaun Livingston, Jon Brockman and the 12th pick (Jeremy Lamb) went to the Rockets for Samuel Dalembert and the 14th pick in the draft (John Henson). He was waived by the Rockets under three weeks later and claimed off waivers by Cleveland. He made 9 appearances for the Cavs before being once again traded. This time the destination was Memphis, with Marresse Speights, Wayne Ellington, Josh Selby and a future first going the other way.
The Grizzlies signed Leuer to a 3 year, $3m deal after playing 19 games at the end of the season. He came off the bench in Memphis for a couple of seasons, averaging 4.7 points and 3 rebounds in 12 minutes per game. Jon then found himself being traded again, this time to Phoenix for the draft rights to Andrew Harrison. For the first time in his NBA career he would see over 15 minutes court time per game and unsurprisingly he put up career best numbers. In a contract year, 8.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game was enough to see him accept a 4 year, $40m deal from Detroit.
His first year in the Motor City was productive. He played 26 minutes a game, scoring 10.2 points with 5.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists, however ankle and then knee injury problems meant he missed significant court time and played only 49 games combined over the next two seasons. He was traded back to where it all started, for Tony Snell and the draft rights to Kevin Porter Jr but the Bucks waived him a few weeks later, stretching the remaining $10m he was owed over 3 years using the stretch provisions.
He announced his retirement at the end of the 2020 season. In the regular season he averaged 6.4 points and 3.8 rebounds over his 377 game NBA career.
2019-20 Hoops - Great SIGnificance
Growing up in Long Lake, Minnesota, Leuer attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison as was played sparingly his freshman year, despite exploding for 25 points against Michigan. By the end of his sophomore year, he had become the Badgers starting Power Forward.
Leuer came of age in his Junior season, helping Wisconsin to a surprisingly good regular season and was rewarded by being selected in the USA Select Team to help the USA National Team prepare for the FIBA World Championships before finishing his college career by being named to the All-Big Ten first team.
Leuer was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 40th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, however he would first play in Germany with Skyliners Frankfurt as the NBA was locked out. He returned to Milwaukee for the 2011-12 season in December 2011 and played 46 games his rookie season, averaging 4.7 points and 2.6 rebounds in 12 minutes per game.
He found himself being traded to Houston after just 1 season in Milwaukee as he, Shaun Livingston, Jon Brockman and the 12th pick (Jeremy Lamb) went to the Rockets for Samuel Dalembert and the 14th pick in the draft (John Henson). He was waived by the Rockets under three weeks later and claimed off waivers by Cleveland. He made 9 appearances for the Cavs before being once again traded. This time the destination was Memphis, with Marresse Speights, Wayne Ellington, Josh Selby and a future first going the other way.
The Grizzlies signed Leuer to a 3 year, $3m deal after playing 19 games at the end of the season. He came off the bench in Memphis for a couple of seasons, averaging 4.7 points and 3 rebounds in 12 minutes per game. Jon then found himself being traded again, this time to Phoenix for the draft rights to Andrew Harrison. For the first time in his NBA career he would see over 15 minutes court time per game and unsurprisingly he put up career best numbers. In a contract year, 8.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game was enough to see him accept a 4 year, $40m deal from Detroit.
His first year in the Motor City was productive. He played 26 minutes a game, scoring 10.2 points with 5.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists, however ankle and then knee injury problems meant he missed significant court time and played only 49 games combined over the next two seasons. He was traded back to where it all started, for Tony Snell and the draft rights to Kevin Porter Jr but the Bucks waived him a few weeks later, stretching the remaining $10m he was owed over 3 years using the stretch provisions.
He announced his retirement at the end of the 2020 season. In the regular season he averaged 6.4 points and 3.8 rebounds over his 377 game NBA career.
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MCAP Auto #62 - Ish Smith
2018-19 Hoops - Great SIGnificance
Smith spent his full four collegiate years at Wake Forest, where the point guard finished with averages of 9.2 points, 5.1 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. He's the only player in the school's history to register 1,000 points and 600 assists and his total of 612 assists is the second highest recorded at Wake Forest.
Ish was overlooked in the 2010 NBA Draft, but was signed by the Rockets before the start of the 2010-11 season. He made 28 appearances for Houston before being traded along with Shane Battier to Memphis for Hasheem Thabeet, DeMarre Carroll and a future first round pick in February. He made 15 appearances for the Grizzlies plus 5 limited playoff appearances before being waived in December 2011.
The Warriors instantly picked up Smith to fill in for an injury Stephen Curry. He played 6 games for Golden State over a month period before once again being waived. However the Magic signed him a few weeks later. After managing 20 games for Orlando, Smith had played 69 regular season games over 2 seasons with 4 different franchises, but it looked like he may have found a home in Florida as the Magic re-signed him to a two year, $1.8m deal in the off-season. It wasn't to be the case however as they Magic traded him at the deadline to Milwaukee in a deal that saw him, JJ Redick and Gustavo Ayon trade places with Beno Udrih, Doron Lamb and Tobias Harris.
The Bucks had Smith for 16 games, plus another handful junk time playoff appearances before he was traded in the off-season to Phoenix with former Piston Viacheslav Kravtsov for Caron Butler. He managed his longest stint in the NBA thus far, playing 70 games for the Suns, averaging 3.7 points, 2.6 assists and 1.8 rebounds but he was ultimately waived in the off-season. For those of you keeping score at home, that's now 191 games in 4 seasons with 6 different franchises.
The Rockets signed Smith again before the 2014-15 season, but he was waived before the start of the season. He then found himself signing for the injury struck Thunder who were able to acquire him via a hardship exemption. Once the exemption had expired, the club retained Smith and released Sebastian Telfair instead, but it was still a short stay in Oklahoma. He played 30 games before being traded to New Orleans in a bit of a nothing deal. The Pelicans waived him the same day. The ever resilient Smith kept himself in the league however, signing with Philadelphia a few days later.
Ish saw out the season as a 76er. He played 25 games but for the first time in his career, saw himself get more than 15 minutes per game (27 per game) and responded by putting up 12 points, 6.1 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. He didn't return to Philly though, not immediately anyway. In the off-season he signed with Washington, however like the Rockets the season before, he was waived after only playing in some pre-season games. He was then claimed off waivers by New Orleans, the franchise who traded for him and cut him within 12 hours less than a year earlier. He came off the bench for the Pelicans but once again got decent back up minutes before once again being traded. This time back to Philly in exchange for two second round draft picks. Back in Philly he played and started 50 games, averaging 14.7 points, 7 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals.
Smith signed a 3 year, $18m deal with the Detroit Pistons for the 2016-17 season and for the first time in his career actually spent consecutive full seasons playing for the same franchise. Ish played 219 games for the Pistons, with averages of 9.8/4.5/2.8 playing two full seasons before a torn adductor and a back injury impacted his third season.
Once again a free agent, Smith signed a 2 year, $12m deal with the Wizards and played out his contract in the back up point guard role. For the 2021-22 season, Smith signed a 2 year, $9.25m deal with Charlotte, but he was traded back to Washington mid season with Vernon Carey Jr for Montrezl Harrell.
This current off-season he was traded to Denver with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope for Monte Morris and Will Barton. If he plays one regular season game for the Nuggets he will hold the NBA record for the most number of teams played for by a single player.
Smith is about to start his 13th season in the NBA. He's managed 719 regular season games for 12 different franchises with averages of 7.6 points, 3.9 assists and 2.5 rebounds.
His path looks as follows; Houston > Memphis > Golden State > Orlando > Milwaukee > Phoenix > Houston > Oklahoma City > New Orleans > Philadelphia > Washington > New Orleans > Philadelphia > Detroit > Washington > Charlotte > Washington > Denver > ?
The cockroach of the NBA.
2018-19 Hoops - Great SIGnificance
Smith spent his full four collegiate years at Wake Forest, where the point guard finished with averages of 9.2 points, 5.1 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. He's the only player in the school's history to register 1,000 points and 600 assists and his total of 612 assists is the second highest recorded at Wake Forest.
Ish was overlooked in the 2010 NBA Draft, but was signed by the Rockets before the start of the 2010-11 season. He made 28 appearances for Houston before being traded along with Shane Battier to Memphis for Hasheem Thabeet, DeMarre Carroll and a future first round pick in February. He made 15 appearances for the Grizzlies plus 5 limited playoff appearances before being waived in December 2011.
The Warriors instantly picked up Smith to fill in for an injury Stephen Curry. He played 6 games for Golden State over a month period before once again being waived. However the Magic signed him a few weeks later. After managing 20 games for Orlando, Smith had played 69 regular season games over 2 seasons with 4 different franchises, but it looked like he may have found a home in Florida as the Magic re-signed him to a two year, $1.8m deal in the off-season. It wasn't to be the case however as they Magic traded him at the deadline to Milwaukee in a deal that saw him, JJ Redick and Gustavo Ayon trade places with Beno Udrih, Doron Lamb and Tobias Harris.
The Bucks had Smith for 16 games, plus another handful junk time playoff appearances before he was traded in the off-season to Phoenix with former Piston Viacheslav Kravtsov for Caron Butler. He managed his longest stint in the NBA thus far, playing 70 games for the Suns, averaging 3.7 points, 2.6 assists and 1.8 rebounds but he was ultimately waived in the off-season. For those of you keeping score at home, that's now 191 games in 4 seasons with 6 different franchises.
The Rockets signed Smith again before the 2014-15 season, but he was waived before the start of the season. He then found himself signing for the injury struck Thunder who were able to acquire him via a hardship exemption. Once the exemption had expired, the club retained Smith and released Sebastian Telfair instead, but it was still a short stay in Oklahoma. He played 30 games before being traded to New Orleans in a bit of a nothing deal. The Pelicans waived him the same day. The ever resilient Smith kept himself in the league however, signing with Philadelphia a few days later.
Ish saw out the season as a 76er. He played 25 games but for the first time in his career, saw himself get more than 15 minutes per game (27 per game) and responded by putting up 12 points, 6.1 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. He didn't return to Philly though, not immediately anyway. In the off-season he signed with Washington, however like the Rockets the season before, he was waived after only playing in some pre-season games. He was then claimed off waivers by New Orleans, the franchise who traded for him and cut him within 12 hours less than a year earlier. He came off the bench for the Pelicans but once again got decent back up minutes before once again being traded. This time back to Philly in exchange for two second round draft picks. Back in Philly he played and started 50 games, averaging 14.7 points, 7 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals.
Smith signed a 3 year, $18m deal with the Detroit Pistons for the 2016-17 season and for the first time in his career actually spent consecutive full seasons playing for the same franchise. Ish played 219 games for the Pistons, with averages of 9.8/4.5/2.8 playing two full seasons before a torn adductor and a back injury impacted his third season.
Once again a free agent, Smith signed a 2 year, $12m deal with the Wizards and played out his contract in the back up point guard role. For the 2021-22 season, Smith signed a 2 year, $9.25m deal with Charlotte, but he was traded back to Washington mid season with Vernon Carey Jr for Montrezl Harrell.
This current off-season he was traded to Denver with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope for Monte Morris and Will Barton. If he plays one regular season game for the Nuggets he will hold the NBA record for the most number of teams played for by a single player.
Smith is about to start his 13th season in the NBA. He's managed 719 regular season games for 12 different franchises with averages of 7.6 points, 3.9 assists and 2.5 rebounds.
His path looks as follows; Houston > Memphis > Golden State > Orlando > Milwaukee > Phoenix > Houston > Oklahoma City > New Orleans > Philadelphia > Washington > New Orleans > Philadelphia > Detroit > Washington > Charlotte > Washington > Denver > ?
The cockroach of the NBA.
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MCAP Auto #63 - Josh Smith
2013-14 Panini Preferred - Panini's Choice Award Blue 11/20
Josh Smith grew up in Powder Springs, Georgia and played AAU basketball with Dwight Howard. For the final year of high school, Smith moved to Oak Hill Academy in Virginia where he teamed up with Rajon Rondo, leading the school to a 38-0 record. Smith was rated as the 3rd best college prospect in the country, the best small forward prospect and a 2014 McDonald's All American. He committed to play for Indiana University but ended up heading straight to the NBA.
Smith was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks with the 17th pick in the 2004 NBA Draft. He started the majority of the season at small forward and averaged 9.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.9 blocks his rookie year and was rewarded with NBA All-Rookie Second Team selection. Smith also won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest at that years' All-Star Weekend.
An athletic wing, Smith was known for his highlight dunks and blocks. He registered 500 career blocks in March 2007, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to do so.
He signed an offer sheet with Memphis in the 2008-09 off season but the Hawks quickly matched it, earning Josh $58m over 5 years.
By the time the Hawks had grown into a playoff team, J-Smoove was now playing the 4 and was putting up 17.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 2.8 blocks per game, although his assist numbers were often negated by the equivalent amount of turnovers. He matched his previous mark by becoming the youngest player to 1,000 career blocks in February 2010 and made that season's NBA All-Defensive Second Team.
He was a significant part of the Hawks core which regularly made the playoffs through the late 00s and early 10s but he walked away as a free agent to become the Pistons' marquee player for the 2013-14 season when he signed a 4 year, $54m deal. Whilst still maintaining his career numbers on paper, Smith's star would quickly fall. Whilst less than 5 seasons ago Smith would shoot 50% from the field and limit his attempts from deep, in the Motor City his field goal percentage would fall to a career low 41.9% whilst his 26.4% three point percentage did not warrant his 3.4 attempts per game. He would make it only 28 games into the second year of his contract, shooting 39% from the field and 24% from deep when the Pistons cut the cord on their free agent acquisition. Waiving him and stretching his contract for years into the future. The Pistons were still paying him in 2020.
Once he cleared waivers, the Houston Rockets bit and took Josh on the cheap. In Houston he was asked to do much less and played a role coming off the bench. He averaged 12 points, 6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 blocks in 25 minutes per game. He kept chucking from deep but managed to shoot a near career high 33%. The Rockets went all the way to the Conference Finals but they lost to the Warriors in 5 games.
At the end of the season Smith signed with the Clippers as they looked to push for a championship with Chris Paul, Blake Griffin & co but despite being only 30 years old his time in the league were numbered. He played 32 games for the Clips before being traded back to Houston for cash. His second stint in Houston was unsuccessful as he shot just over 34% from the field and played limited minutes as the Rockets were once again eliminated by the Warriors.
For the 2016-17 Smith headed to China for a three month stint with the Sichaun Blue Whales where he averaged 18.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2 blocks coming off the bench. He then joined Maccabi Haifa of Israel on their US tour trying to get back into the NBA. In October 2017, he signed with New Orleans on a hardship exemption playing a total of 12 minutes over 3 games, scoring 2 points, 4 rebounds and 3 fouls.
In 894 regular season games, Smith averaged 14.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.9 blocks per game on 45.2% shooting from the field and 28.5% from deep on 1.8 attempts per game.
He still holds his block records including, the youngest player to register 10 blocks in a game at the age of 19 years & 13 days. He is also one of three players in NBA history to register 30 points, 17 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals and 3 blocks in a game, the other two players are Charles Barkley and LeBron James...
2013-14 Panini Preferred - Panini's Choice Award Blue 11/20
Josh Smith grew up in Powder Springs, Georgia and played AAU basketball with Dwight Howard. For the final year of high school, Smith moved to Oak Hill Academy in Virginia where he teamed up with Rajon Rondo, leading the school to a 38-0 record. Smith was rated as the 3rd best college prospect in the country, the best small forward prospect and a 2014 McDonald's All American. He committed to play for Indiana University but ended up heading straight to the NBA.
Smith was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks with the 17th pick in the 2004 NBA Draft. He started the majority of the season at small forward and averaged 9.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.9 blocks his rookie year and was rewarded with NBA All-Rookie Second Team selection. Smith also won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest at that years' All-Star Weekend.
An athletic wing, Smith was known for his highlight dunks and blocks. He registered 500 career blocks in March 2007, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to do so.
He signed an offer sheet with Memphis in the 2008-09 off season but the Hawks quickly matched it, earning Josh $58m over 5 years.
By the time the Hawks had grown into a playoff team, J-Smoove was now playing the 4 and was putting up 17.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 2.8 blocks per game, although his assist numbers were often negated by the equivalent amount of turnovers. He matched his previous mark by becoming the youngest player to 1,000 career blocks in February 2010 and made that season's NBA All-Defensive Second Team.
He was a significant part of the Hawks core which regularly made the playoffs through the late 00s and early 10s but he walked away as a free agent to become the Pistons' marquee player for the 2013-14 season when he signed a 4 year, $54m deal. Whilst still maintaining his career numbers on paper, Smith's star would quickly fall. Whilst less than 5 seasons ago Smith would shoot 50% from the field and limit his attempts from deep, in the Motor City his field goal percentage would fall to a career low 41.9% whilst his 26.4% three point percentage did not warrant his 3.4 attempts per game. He would make it only 28 games into the second year of his contract, shooting 39% from the field and 24% from deep when the Pistons cut the cord on their free agent acquisition. Waiving him and stretching his contract for years into the future. The Pistons were still paying him in 2020.
Once he cleared waivers, the Houston Rockets bit and took Josh on the cheap. In Houston he was asked to do much less and played a role coming off the bench. He averaged 12 points, 6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 blocks in 25 minutes per game. He kept chucking from deep but managed to shoot a near career high 33%. The Rockets went all the way to the Conference Finals but they lost to the Warriors in 5 games.
At the end of the season Smith signed with the Clippers as they looked to push for a championship with Chris Paul, Blake Griffin & co but despite being only 30 years old his time in the league were numbered. He played 32 games for the Clips before being traded back to Houston for cash. His second stint in Houston was unsuccessful as he shot just over 34% from the field and played limited minutes as the Rockets were once again eliminated by the Warriors.
For the 2016-17 Smith headed to China for a three month stint with the Sichaun Blue Whales where he averaged 18.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2 blocks coming off the bench. He then joined Maccabi Haifa of Israel on their US tour trying to get back into the NBA. In October 2017, he signed with New Orleans on a hardship exemption playing a total of 12 minutes over 3 games, scoring 2 points, 4 rebounds and 3 fouls.
In 894 regular season games, Smith averaged 14.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.9 blocks per game on 45.2% shooting from the field and 28.5% from deep on 1.8 attempts per game.
He still holds his block records including, the youngest player to register 10 blocks in a game at the age of 19 years & 13 days. He is also one of three players in NBA history to register 30 points, 17 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals and 3 blocks in a game, the other two players are Charles Barkley and LeBron James...
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MCAP Auto #64 - Rick Mahorn
2013-14 Panini Intrigue - Red White & Blue Autographs 91/99
Mahorn attended Hampton University. During his time there he averaged 20.3 points per game and left the school as the holder of 18 different basketball records. In his final season with the Pirates (1979-80) he averaged 27.6 points and 15.8 rebounds per game.
The Washington Bullets selected Mahorn with the 35th pick in the 1980 NBA Draft and he spent his rookie season as the back up power forward, making 52 regular season appearances averaging 4.8 points and 4.1 rebounds in 13 minutes per game. However, the following season he became the Bullets starter and averaged a career high 12.2 points per game.
Mahorn retained his starting role in Washington, but his production and minutes decreased each season until he was traded to the Pistons with Mike Gibson for Dan Roundfield before the start of the 1985-86 season. Rick was unhappy with the trade initially and showed up to training overweight and out of shape, however after being taken aside by new teammate and positional rival Bill Laimbeer, Mahorn bought into his new role mainly coming off the bench.
After spending most of his second season in Detroit as a backup, Mahorn started all 15 playoff games as the Pistons lost to the Celtics in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. From then on, Mahorn would find himself starting more often than not as a part of the "Bad Boy" Pistons. In fact Detroit, Pistons announcer George Blaha dubbed him "The Baddest Bad Boy of them all".
Also known as "McNasty", Mahorn and the Pistons finally got over the hump and won the Championship in the 1988-89 season with Mahorn averaging 5.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.5 fouls in 21 minutes per game throughout the playoffs. Mahorn was still celebrating at the Pistons Championship parade when he was informed by GM Jack McCloskey that Minnesota had selected Mahorn with the 2nd pick in the expansion draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves after he was not one of the eight players the Pistons made unavailable. McCloskey tried to reacquire Mahorn but was not successful. He is known to be still bothered by the experience, as shown in the 2014 ESPN documentary about the Bad Boys, as he was brought to tears when discussing it.
Mahorn did not show in Minnesota and forced the Timberwolves hand to trade him, to Philadelphia, where he teamed up with previous nemesis Charles Barkley to form the duo "Thump N' Bump". During his time in Philly he averaged 9.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists & 1 block, but both seasons the team were stopped in the Conference Semis by Jordan and the Bulls. Mahorn was rewarded for his season by being named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team.
McNasty then took his game to Europe as he played the 1991-92 season with Virtus Roma in Italy before returning to the NBA after one season to become a role player on the New Jersey Nets. Mahorn then rejoined the Pistons in 1996-97 before spending more season as a 40 year old in Philadelphia before retiring at the end of the 1998-99 season.
Post NBA career, Mahorn became a special comments broadcaster on Pistons radio and was an assistant coach to Bill Laimbeer with Detroit's WNBA team. The Shock won the championship in 2006 & 2008 under their guidance. He then became interim coach of the Shock in 2009, which he held until the franchise moved to Tulsa.
In 2017, he became the head coach of Trilogy who were the champions of the BIG3's inaugural season. He is the only person in history to have a NBA, WNBA & BIG3 championship. The following year he was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame.
Over his career Mahorn played 1,117 regular season games averaging 6.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1 assist in 23 minutes.
2013-14 Panini Intrigue - Red White & Blue Autographs 91/99
Mahorn attended Hampton University. During his time there he averaged 20.3 points per game and left the school as the holder of 18 different basketball records. In his final season with the Pirates (1979-80) he averaged 27.6 points and 15.8 rebounds per game.
The Washington Bullets selected Mahorn with the 35th pick in the 1980 NBA Draft and he spent his rookie season as the back up power forward, making 52 regular season appearances averaging 4.8 points and 4.1 rebounds in 13 minutes per game. However, the following season he became the Bullets starter and averaged a career high 12.2 points per game.
Mahorn retained his starting role in Washington, but his production and minutes decreased each season until he was traded to the Pistons with Mike Gibson for Dan Roundfield before the start of the 1985-86 season. Rick was unhappy with the trade initially and showed up to training overweight and out of shape, however after being taken aside by new teammate and positional rival Bill Laimbeer, Mahorn bought into his new role mainly coming off the bench.
After spending most of his second season in Detroit as a backup, Mahorn started all 15 playoff games as the Pistons lost to the Celtics in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. From then on, Mahorn would find himself starting more often than not as a part of the "Bad Boy" Pistons. In fact Detroit, Pistons announcer George Blaha dubbed him "The Baddest Bad Boy of them all".
Also known as "McNasty", Mahorn and the Pistons finally got over the hump and won the Championship in the 1988-89 season with Mahorn averaging 5.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.5 fouls in 21 minutes per game throughout the playoffs. Mahorn was still celebrating at the Pistons Championship parade when he was informed by GM Jack McCloskey that Minnesota had selected Mahorn with the 2nd pick in the expansion draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves after he was not one of the eight players the Pistons made unavailable. McCloskey tried to reacquire Mahorn but was not successful. He is known to be still bothered by the experience, as shown in the 2014 ESPN documentary about the Bad Boys, as he was brought to tears when discussing it.
Mahorn did not show in Minnesota and forced the Timberwolves hand to trade him, to Philadelphia, where he teamed up with previous nemesis Charles Barkley to form the duo "Thump N' Bump". During his time in Philly he averaged 9.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists & 1 block, but both seasons the team were stopped in the Conference Semis by Jordan and the Bulls. Mahorn was rewarded for his season by being named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team.
McNasty then took his game to Europe as he played the 1991-92 season with Virtus Roma in Italy before returning to the NBA after one season to become a role player on the New Jersey Nets. Mahorn then rejoined the Pistons in 1996-97 before spending more season as a 40 year old in Philadelphia before retiring at the end of the 1998-99 season.
Post NBA career, Mahorn became a special comments broadcaster on Pistons radio and was an assistant coach to Bill Laimbeer with Detroit's WNBA team. The Shock won the championship in 2006 & 2008 under their guidance. He then became interim coach of the Shock in 2009, which he held until the franchise moved to Tulsa.
In 2017, he became the head coach of Trilogy who were the champions of the BIG3's inaugural season. He is the only person in history to have a NBA, WNBA & BIG3 championship. The following year he was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame.
Over his career Mahorn played 1,117 regular season games averaging 6.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1 assist in 23 minutes.
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MCAP Auto #65 - Luka Garza
2021-22 Panini Contenders - Rookie Season Ticket Premium
Garza grew up in Washington D.C. aiming to follow in the footsteps his father who played college basketball for Idaho. Despite growing to over 2m as a high school freshman, Garza was not able to dunk until he was a sophomore. As a high school senior he averaged 24.6 points, 11.7 rebounds & 2.5 blocks on his was to being named D.C. Gatorade Player of the Year.
A four-star recruit, Garza opted to attend Iowa. After impressing in his first two years Garza really started to make a name for himself as a junior. Named Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week after putting up 44 points against Michigan and a 21 point double double against Minnesota. At the close of the regular season he was named Big Ten Player of the Year and National Player of the Year by the Sporting News and his averages of 23.9 points and 9.8 rebounds were enough to earn first-team All-American honours. He declared for the 2020 NBA Draft but ended up withdrawing and returned to school for his senior year.
Garza had another accolade laden senior season at Iowa. Once again he was named Big Ten Player of the Year, a consensus first-team All-American and was named Sporting News Player of the Year for the second straight season, making him the first repeat winner since Michael Jordan in 1983 & 1984. During the season he became Iowa's all-time leading scorer and it was announce his #55 jersey would be retired by the program.
Luka was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the 52nd pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and was signed to a two-way contract by the Pistons. The center made 32 appearances for Detroit, including 5 starts and averaged 5.8 points and 3.1 rebounds in 12.2 minutes per game, but spent significant time with the franchise's G-League team. Despite limited opportunities Garza had three 20 point games during the season, but his athletic limitations hurt him on the defensive end of the floor and the Pistons declined his team option at the end of the season.
He joined the Trail Blazers for the 2022 Summer League and despite starting, saw his minutes limited to approximately 14 per game as the Blazers went on to win the tournament.
In August, 2022 it was announced that Luka Garza had signed a contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
2021-22 Panini Contenders - Rookie Season Ticket Premium
Garza grew up in Washington D.C. aiming to follow in the footsteps his father who played college basketball for Idaho. Despite growing to over 2m as a high school freshman, Garza was not able to dunk until he was a sophomore. As a high school senior he averaged 24.6 points, 11.7 rebounds & 2.5 blocks on his was to being named D.C. Gatorade Player of the Year.
A four-star recruit, Garza opted to attend Iowa. After impressing in his first two years Garza really started to make a name for himself as a junior. Named Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week after putting up 44 points against Michigan and a 21 point double double against Minnesota. At the close of the regular season he was named Big Ten Player of the Year and National Player of the Year by the Sporting News and his averages of 23.9 points and 9.8 rebounds were enough to earn first-team All-American honours. He declared for the 2020 NBA Draft but ended up withdrawing and returned to school for his senior year.
Garza had another accolade laden senior season at Iowa. Once again he was named Big Ten Player of the Year, a consensus first-team All-American and was named Sporting News Player of the Year for the second straight season, making him the first repeat winner since Michael Jordan in 1983 & 1984. During the season he became Iowa's all-time leading scorer and it was announce his #55 jersey would be retired by the program.
Luka was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the 52nd pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and was signed to a two-way contract by the Pistons. The center made 32 appearances for Detroit, including 5 starts and averaged 5.8 points and 3.1 rebounds in 12.2 minutes per game, but spent significant time with the franchise's G-League team. Despite limited opportunities Garza had three 20 point games during the season, but his athletic limitations hurt him on the defensive end of the floor and the Pistons declined his team option at the end of the season.
He joined the Trail Blazers for the 2022 Summer League and despite starting, saw his minutes limited to approximately 14 per game as the Blazers went on to win the tournament.
In August, 2022 it was announced that Luka Garza had signed a contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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MCAP Auto #66 - Isaiah Livers
2021-22 Panini Contenders - Rookie Season Ticket Premium
Born and bred in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Isaiah Livers committed to the University of Michigan in 2016. He was named Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year and Michigan Mr. Basketball in 2017 in the closest Michigan Mr. Basketball vote in history, edging out Xavier Tillman. The 6'8" PF was considered a 4 star recruit coming out of high school.
Livers started his freshman year coming off the bench but replaced Duncan Robinson as starter as the Wolverines went all the way the National Championship game, losing to Villanova. Livers played 20 minutes in the final, registering 4 rebounds and 1 steal.
In his sophomore season Livers lead the Bit Ten Conference in three point shooting percentage, hitting 42.6% of his attempts. Following his junior year, Livers nominated for the 2020 NBA Draft but did not hire an agent and returned to Michigan for his senior year. As a senior Livers averaged 13.1 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists and was named second-team All Big Ten. During the 2021 Big Ten Tournament, Livers suffered a stress injury to his foot and had surgery in April, ruling him out for a minimum of 6 months.
Livers was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the 42nd pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and signed a 3 year, $4.5m contract with the Pistons. Due to his pre-existing injury, Livers missed the majority of his rookie season, but featured in 19 games at the end of the season averaging 6.4 points, 3 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 20 minutes as well as shooting 42.2% from deep.
2021-22 Panini Contenders - Rookie Season Ticket Premium
Born and bred in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Isaiah Livers committed to the University of Michigan in 2016. He was named Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year and Michigan Mr. Basketball in 2017 in the closest Michigan Mr. Basketball vote in history, edging out Xavier Tillman. The 6'8" PF was considered a 4 star recruit coming out of high school.
Livers started his freshman year coming off the bench but replaced Duncan Robinson as starter as the Wolverines went all the way the National Championship game, losing to Villanova. Livers played 20 minutes in the final, registering 4 rebounds and 1 steal.
In his sophomore season Livers lead the Bit Ten Conference in three point shooting percentage, hitting 42.6% of his attempts. Following his junior year, Livers nominated for the 2020 NBA Draft but did not hire an agent and returned to Michigan for his senior year. As a senior Livers averaged 13.1 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists and was named second-team All Big Ten. During the 2021 Big Ten Tournament, Livers suffered a stress injury to his foot and had surgery in April, ruling him out for a minimum of 6 months.
Livers was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the 42nd pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and signed a 3 year, $4.5m contract with the Pistons. Due to his pre-existing injury, Livers missed the majority of his rookie season, but featured in 19 games at the end of the season averaging 6.4 points, 3 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 20 minutes as well as shooting 42.2% from deep.
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As per my signature I have new cards to add but I'm determined not to post any until I get up to date with my player summaries. I just finished Jon Leuer and Ish Smith (his is worth checking out...), so once I knock out Rick Mahorn, Josh Smith, Andre Drummond & Chauncey Billups I'll get on with the rest.
MCAP Auto #67 - Rodney White
2001-02 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection - Signatures
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, White attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. As a freshman he averaged 18.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game and was subsequently named ESPN's Freshman of the Year. On the back of this success White, entered the 2001 NBA Draft and was selected with the 9th pick by the Detroit Pistons (one pick before Joe Johnson).
The 6'9" power forward had issues with Pistons coach Rick Carlisle his rookie season and only appeared in 16 games averaging 3.5 points & 1 rebound in 8 minutes. Denver then acquired White after his first season, for Mengke Bateer, Don Reid & a 2004 first round pick (turned out to be Josh Smith).
White's displayed some of his impressive offensive game in Denver, but ultimately his lack of commitment on the defensive end saw him clash with ahead coach once again, but at least he saw some court time. White played 186 times for the Nuggets over 2.5 seasons averaging 7.7 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists.
Drafting Carmelo Anthony meant that it was time for the Nuggets to cut their losses on White and they traded him with Nikoloz Tskitishvili to Golden State for Eduardo Nájera, Luis Flores, and a future first round pick (Petteri Koponen). The pick was later used to help acquire Allen Iverson.
White once again only managed 16 appearances for the Warriors, averaging 3.6 points in 9 minutes before being released at the end of the season.
From 2005 onwards White spent the best part of a decade playing overseas, featuring for teams in Spain, Italy, China, Puerto Rico, Israel, South Korea and the Philippines before ceasing playing in 2013.
2001-02 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection - Signatures
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, White attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. As a freshman he averaged 18.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game and was subsequently named ESPN's Freshman of the Year. On the back of this success White, entered the 2001 NBA Draft and was selected with the 9th pick by the Detroit Pistons (one pick before Joe Johnson).
The 6'9" power forward had issues with Pistons coach Rick Carlisle his rookie season and only appeared in 16 games averaging 3.5 points & 1 rebound in 8 minutes. Denver then acquired White after his first season, for Mengke Bateer, Don Reid & a 2004 first round pick (turned out to be Josh Smith).
White's displayed some of his impressive offensive game in Denver, but ultimately his lack of commitment on the defensive end saw him clash with ahead coach once again, but at least he saw some court time. White played 186 times for the Nuggets over 2.5 seasons averaging 7.7 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists.
Drafting Carmelo Anthony meant that it was time for the Nuggets to cut their losses on White and they traded him with Nikoloz Tskitishvili to Golden State for Eduardo Nájera, Luis Flores, and a future first round pick (Petteri Koponen). The pick was later used to help acquire Allen Iverson.
White once again only managed 16 appearances for the Warriors, averaging 3.6 points in 9 minutes before being released at the end of the season.
From 2005 onwards White spent the best part of a decade playing overseas, featuring for teams in Spain, Italy, China, Puerto Rico, Israel, South Korea and the Philippines before ceasing playing in 2013.
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MCAP Auto #68 - Brian Williams aka. Bison Dele
1997-98 SP Authentic - Sign of the Times
The son of an R&B artist from The Platters, Brian Williams grew up in Fresno, California after his Mum split from his musician father. She later remarried, but once again got divorced and moved away with her two sons, Kevin & Brian. Brian was a talented track athlete but a growth spurt pushed him towards basketball. He attended high school in Las Vegas, but returned to California for his senior year where he was a McDonald's All American.
He elected to attend the University of Maryland averaging 12.5 points and 6 rebounds as a freshman. He then sat out a year to transfer to the University of Arizona where he played two seasons. As a junior he averaged 14 points and 7.8 rebounds and subsequently nominated for the 1991 NBA Draft after being named 1st team All Pac-10.
The young Orlando Magic drafted the 6'9" Williams as a PF/C with the 10th pick in the draft, but Williams didn't settle in Orlando and only played 69 name games in two seasons as he battled clinical depression, thought to be driven by his troubled childhood (his relationship with his step-father was "strict" and he often "berated" his step-children).
The Magic then traded Brian to the Denver Nuggets for Anthony Cook, Todd Lichti and a 1994 2nd round draft pick. Williams was the backup centre to Dikembe Mutombo, who coincidentally was drafted just six picks before him, but he had a successful stint in Denver, playing 80 games his first season and a further 63 the following one, making it his longest tenure during his NBA career. During his time in Colorado, he averaged 8 points and 5.2 rebounds in 19 minutes.
Before the start of the 1995-96 season the Nuggets traded Williams to the Los Angeles Clippers for Elmore Spencer. He had a career year with the Clippers, starting 65 games, averaging 15.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.1 steals, however he overplayed his negotiation position in free agency and suddenly found himself out of the NBA until the Chicago Bulls came calling at the tail end of the 1996-97 season. He managed to play nine games for the Bulls before the playoffs began as they went on to the win the title as backup centre to Luc Longley, playing 19 times in the post-season. Teammate Steve Kerr said they wouldn't have won the title without him, as the Jazz took the MJ, Scottie & Rodman Bulls to 6 games in the Finals.
Following on from his post-season success, the Detroit Pistons signed him to a max contract and Williams responded with the best season of his career. He averaged 16.2 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists in his first season. In the off-season Williams then elected to change his name to Bison Dele to honour his Cherokee/African heritage.
His second season in the Motor City didn't go as well. He only managed 49 regular season appearances and after a season of strained tensions in the locker room he walked away from the remaining 5 years & $35m on his contract and retired from the NBA after eight seasons and 413 regular season appearances. Overall he averaged 11 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists.
After ending his NBA career Bison Dele headed to Lebanon then the Mediterranean and later Australia where he would spend large amounts of time in the outback. He built a boat and learned to sail, enticing his girlfriend & long time acquaintance Serena Karlan out to sail around the Pacific with him, along with captain Bertrand Saldo and later his brother, Miles Dabord (name changed from Kevin Williams). It was reported Serena was upset that Miles joined the trip.
The group set sail from Moorea, Tahiti, and were headed to Hawaii via the remote Tuamoto and Marquesas Islands in the South Pacific, however nobody would ever see Bison Dele, Serena Kerlan or Bertrand Saldo again. Their boat was later found in Tahiti, renamed and repainted, while Miles Dabord turned up in Phoenix, pretending to be Bison Dele in order to buy $152,000 in gold.
Dabord's version of events say him and his brother had fought, and that Karlan had been accidentally hit and died when her head struck part of the boat. When Saldo wanted to report her death, a panicked Dele killed him; Dabord then shot his brother in self-defense, threw the bodies overboard and subsequently fled back to the U.S.
Whether this is true or not, we'll never know. Dabord overdosed on insulin and slipped into a coma before dying soon later.
For a deep dive into Bison's life as well as more details on Miles Dabord and Serena Karlan, check out this excellent article from Sports Illustrated which includes a humourous detail from his relationship with Madonna.
RIP Bison Dele.
1997-98 SP Authentic - Sign of the Times
The son of an R&B artist from The Platters, Brian Williams grew up in Fresno, California after his Mum split from his musician father. She later remarried, but once again got divorced and moved away with her two sons, Kevin & Brian. Brian was a talented track athlete but a growth spurt pushed him towards basketball. He attended high school in Las Vegas, but returned to California for his senior year where he was a McDonald's All American.
He elected to attend the University of Maryland averaging 12.5 points and 6 rebounds as a freshman. He then sat out a year to transfer to the University of Arizona where he played two seasons. As a junior he averaged 14 points and 7.8 rebounds and subsequently nominated for the 1991 NBA Draft after being named 1st team All Pac-10.
The young Orlando Magic drafted the 6'9" Williams as a PF/C with the 10th pick in the draft, but Williams didn't settle in Orlando and only played 69 name games in two seasons as he battled clinical depression, thought to be driven by his troubled childhood (his relationship with his step-father was "strict" and he often "berated" his step-children).
The Magic then traded Brian to the Denver Nuggets for Anthony Cook, Todd Lichti and a 1994 2nd round draft pick. Williams was the backup centre to Dikembe Mutombo, who coincidentally was drafted just six picks before him, but he had a successful stint in Denver, playing 80 games his first season and a further 63 the following one, making it his longest tenure during his NBA career. During his time in Colorado, he averaged 8 points and 5.2 rebounds in 19 minutes.
Before the start of the 1995-96 season the Nuggets traded Williams to the Los Angeles Clippers for Elmore Spencer. He had a career year with the Clippers, starting 65 games, averaging 15.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.1 steals, however he overplayed his negotiation position in free agency and suddenly found himself out of the NBA until the Chicago Bulls came calling at the tail end of the 1996-97 season. He managed to play nine games for the Bulls before the playoffs began as they went on to the win the title as backup centre to Luc Longley, playing 19 times in the post-season. Teammate Steve Kerr said they wouldn't have won the title without him, as the Jazz took the MJ, Scottie & Rodman Bulls to 6 games in the Finals.
Following on from his post-season success, the Detroit Pistons signed him to a max contract and Williams responded with the best season of his career. He averaged 16.2 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists in his first season. In the off-season Williams then elected to change his name to Bison Dele to honour his Cherokee/African heritage.
His second season in the Motor City didn't go as well. He only managed 49 regular season appearances and after a season of strained tensions in the locker room he walked away from the remaining 5 years & $35m on his contract and retired from the NBA after eight seasons and 413 regular season appearances. Overall he averaged 11 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists.
After ending his NBA career Bison Dele headed to Lebanon then the Mediterranean and later Australia where he would spend large amounts of time in the outback. He built a boat and learned to sail, enticing his girlfriend & long time acquaintance Serena Karlan out to sail around the Pacific with him, along with captain Bertrand Saldo and later his brother, Miles Dabord (name changed from Kevin Williams). It was reported Serena was upset that Miles joined the trip.
The group set sail from Moorea, Tahiti, and were headed to Hawaii via the remote Tuamoto and Marquesas Islands in the South Pacific, however nobody would ever see Bison Dele, Serena Kerlan or Bertrand Saldo again. Their boat was later found in Tahiti, renamed and repainted, while Miles Dabord turned up in Phoenix, pretending to be Bison Dele in order to buy $152,000 in gold.
Dabord's version of events say him and his brother had fought, and that Karlan had been accidentally hit and died when her head struck part of the boat. When Saldo wanted to report her death, a panicked Dele killed him; Dabord then shot his brother in self-defense, threw the bodies overboard and subsequently fled back to the U.S.
Whether this is true or not, we'll never know. Dabord overdosed on insulin and slipped into a coma before dying soon later.
For a deep dive into Bison's life as well as more details on Miles Dabord and Serena Karlan, check out this excellent article from Sports Illustrated which includes a humourous detail from his relationship with Madonna.
RIP Bison Dele.
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Iron Clad Lou
OzCardTrader
This was on Dateline i think. Good ep
Iron Clad Lou
OzCardTrader
MCAP Auto #69 - Spencer Dinwiddie
2014-15 Panini Prizm - Autographs Blue Pulsar 107/249
2014-15 Panini Preferred - Unparalled Signatures 06/50
Spencer Dinwiddie attended William Taft High School in California. In 2011 he was named John R. Wooden California High School Player of the Year. Rated a 3-star recruit, Dinwiddie elected to play college basketball for Colorado, knocking back schools including Harvard & Oregon.
Dinwiddie helped the Buffaloes to their first NCAA Tournament birth since 2002-03 and was named to the Pac 12 All-Freshman team. He improved the following season to make the Pac 12 All-First Team as Colorado made back-to-back NCAA Tournaments for the first time since 1963, with the side this time winning their opening game and progressing to the second round.
As a junior, Spencer helped lead the Buffaloes to a 14-2 record, making them an underdog success story, however the wheels came off when he ruptured his ACL and was ruled out for 12 months. He elected to forgo his senior year and nominated for the 2014 NBA Draft despite being injured.
Dinwiddie was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the 38th pick in the Draft (one pick before future Piston Jerami Grant and three picks before future MVP Nikola Jokic). Due to the injury Dinwiddie missed the start of the season but ended up playing 34 games his rookie year. He ended up coming off the bench 4.3 points, 3.1 assists and 1.4 rebounds in 13 minutes per game, however his field goal % (30.2%) and three point % (18.5%) were very poor.
Spencer put up similar stats the following season, but only featured in 12 regular season games as he was behind Brandon Jennings & Steve Blake in the pecking order so he spent a lot of time on assignment in the G-League. At the end of the season, the Pistons traded Dinwiddie to Chicago for Cameron Bairstow, both players were then waived by their new franchises a couple of weeks later. The Bulls re-signed Dinwiddie for the pre-season but once again released him.
Brooklyn then signed Dinwiddie in December 2016, which proved to be the turning point in his career averaging 7.3 points, 3.1 assists and 2.8 rebounds playing back up point guard. The following season he spent the majority of the season as a starter and returned 12.6 points & 6.6 assists per game, as well as winning the Skills challenge at All-Star weekend. The Nets then signed Dinwiddie to a 3 year, $34m contract extension prior to the 2018-19 season but Dinwiddie was relegated to a 6th man role behind D'Angelo Russell.
The 2019-20 season turned out to be Dinwiddie's best season to date. He remained in a back up role, this time to new Net Kyrie Irving however Irving missed significant time with a shoulder injury and Spencer broke out, averaging 20.6 points, 6.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds. During the season he switched his number to #8 to honour the late Kobe Bryant, however his season was ended prematurely by a partial ACL tear.
Just three games into his 2020-21 season, Dinwiddie was used in a sign-and-trade deal which saw him join Washington and Russell Westbrook head to the Lakers. Dinwiddie's deal was a healthy 3 years, $54m. He didn't spend long in the nation's capital however, as the Wizards moved him in February of that season to Dallas along with Davis Bertans for Kristaps Porzingis and a future 2nd round pick. He averaged 14 points off the bench for the Mavs in their playoff run that ended in the Western Conference Finals to the eventual champion Warriors.
Thus far in 2022-23 Dinwiddie has started every game alongside Luka Doncic , averaging 16.7 points and 5.1 assists.
Off the court it is notable that Dinwiddie converted his first extension with the Nets into cryptocurrency, an area he is extremely vocal about online via social media. He is the co-founder of the Social Crypto App Calaxy.
2014-15 Panini Prizm - Autographs Blue Pulsar 107/249
2014-15 Panini Preferred - Unparalled Signatures 06/50
Spencer Dinwiddie attended William Taft High School in California. In 2011 he was named John R. Wooden California High School Player of the Year. Rated a 3-star recruit, Dinwiddie elected to play college basketball for Colorado, knocking back schools including Harvard & Oregon.
Dinwiddie helped the Buffaloes to their first NCAA Tournament birth since 2002-03 and was named to the Pac 12 All-Freshman team. He improved the following season to make the Pac 12 All-First Team as Colorado made back-to-back NCAA Tournaments for the first time since 1963, with the side this time winning their opening game and progressing to the second round.
As a junior, Spencer helped lead the Buffaloes to a 14-2 record, making them an underdog success story, however the wheels came off when he ruptured his ACL and was ruled out for 12 months. He elected to forgo his senior year and nominated for the 2014 NBA Draft despite being injured.
Dinwiddie was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the 38th pick in the Draft (one pick before future Piston Jerami Grant and three picks before future MVP Nikola Jokic). Due to the injury Dinwiddie missed the start of the season but ended up playing 34 games his rookie year. He ended up coming off the bench 4.3 points, 3.1 assists and 1.4 rebounds in 13 minutes per game, however his field goal % (30.2%) and three point % (18.5%) were very poor.
Spencer put up similar stats the following season, but only featured in 12 regular season games as he was behind Brandon Jennings & Steve Blake in the pecking order so he spent a lot of time on assignment in the G-League. At the end of the season, the Pistons traded Dinwiddie to Chicago for Cameron Bairstow, both players were then waived by their new franchises a couple of weeks later. The Bulls re-signed Dinwiddie for the pre-season but once again released him.
Brooklyn then signed Dinwiddie in December 2016, which proved to be the turning point in his career averaging 7.3 points, 3.1 assists and 2.8 rebounds playing back up point guard. The following season he spent the majority of the season as a starter and returned 12.6 points & 6.6 assists per game, as well as winning the Skills challenge at All-Star weekend. The Nets then signed Dinwiddie to a 3 year, $34m contract extension prior to the 2018-19 season but Dinwiddie was relegated to a 6th man role behind D'Angelo Russell.
The 2019-20 season turned out to be Dinwiddie's best season to date. He remained in a back up role, this time to new Net Kyrie Irving however Irving missed significant time with a shoulder injury and Spencer broke out, averaging 20.6 points, 6.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds. During the season he switched his number to #8 to honour the late Kobe Bryant, however his season was ended prematurely by a partial ACL tear.
Just three games into his 2020-21 season, Dinwiddie was used in a sign-and-trade deal which saw him join Washington and Russell Westbrook head to the Lakers. Dinwiddie's deal was a healthy 3 years, $54m. He didn't spend long in the nation's capital however, as the Wizards moved him in February of that season to Dallas along with Davis Bertans for Kristaps Porzingis and a future 2nd round pick. He averaged 14 points off the bench for the Mavs in their playoff run that ended in the Western Conference Finals to the eventual champion Warriors.
Thus far in 2022-23 Dinwiddie has started every game alongside Luka Doncic , averaging 16.7 points and 5.1 assists.
Off the court it is notable that Dinwiddie converted his first extension with the Nets into cryptocurrency, an area he is extremely vocal about online via social media. He is the co-founder of the Social Crypto App Calaxy.
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That is a beauty. Really nice card. Well done mate.
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