Tag: spencer dinwiddie

Nets trade Kyrie Irving, Markieff Morris to Mavericks for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith and draft picks

The Dallas Mavericks have acquired eight-time All-Star Kyrie Irving along with forward/center Markieff Morris in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets for guard Spencer Dinwiddie, forward Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2029 first-round pick and two future second-round picks.

“We’re excited to add Spencer and Dorian to our roster, while also securing draft compensation that will increase our flexibility moving forward,” said Nets General Manager Sean Marks. “Spencer is a dynamic, multi-talented guard who we are very familiar with from his previous stint in Brooklyn. Dorian is an experienced wing who brings perimeter shooting and defensive versatility to our group. Together, the two players will fit seamlessly with our roster and provide the team with proven veteran talent.”

Irving (6-2, 191) holds career averages of 23.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 34.2 minutes in 651 games (all starts) with Cleveland, Boston and Brooklyn. He has shot 47.1% (5,582-11,853 FG) from the floor, 39.1% (1,501-3,835 3FG) from 3-point range and 88.2% (2,508-of-2,842) from the foul line for his career. Irving has appeared in 40 games (all starts) for the Nets this season and is averaging 27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 36.9 minutes.

Irving is one of seven players averaging 27.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game in 2022-23. Among 40 players using two-or-more iso possessions/game, Irving’s 1.28 points/possession lead the NBA and are the highest for any player (min. 2.0 iso possessions/game) since the statistic was first tracked in 2015-16.

Upon the conclusion of the 2020-21 regular season, Irving became the ninth player in NBA history to join the 50-40-90 club after shooting 50.6% from the field, 40.2% from 3-point range and 92.2% from the free throw line. Irving became only the fourth player to average over 25.0 points while making the 50-40-90 club, joining Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Larry Bird.

The 30-year-old is an eight-time All-Star, a three-time All-NBA selection and helped Cleveland to their lone NBA Championship in 2016. Selected as a starter for the 2023 NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City, Irving has been an All-Star starter in each of the last five All-Star games in which he has played (2017-19, 2021 and 2023) and was named the All-Star Game MVP in 2014.

Irving was selected by Cleveland with the first overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft after a season at Duke University, where he averaged 17.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game in 11 games. As a high school senior at St. Patrick High School (NJ) in 2010, Irving was named a McDonald’s All-American, was selected to the First Team All-America by Parade Magazine and USA Today, and was named a finalist for the Naismith High School Player of the Year.

Born in Melbourne, Australia, while his father was playing professional basketball for the Bulleen Boomers, Irving moved to the United States when he was two years old. He elected to represent the United States national team and helped the Americans win a gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. With the win, Irving became just the fourth member of Team USA to capture the NBA championship and an Olympic gold medal in the same year, joining LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Scottie Pippen.

Irving’s community work includes his KAI Family Enterprise, which seeks to uplift underrepresented entrepreneurs and businesses that do not have access to proper guidance in the business world. Amongst his philanthropic endeavors, Irving has donated $1.5 million to help cover the salaries of WNBA players who opted out of the 2020 season during the COVID-19 pandemic, paid off the tuition for nine students at HBCU Lincoln University, gave $323,000 to Feeding America during the COVID-19 pandemic, and partnered with City Harvest to donate 250,000 meals across the New York area.

Irving will wear No. 2 for the Mavericks.

Morris (6-9, 250) holds career averages of 10.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 24.3 minutes over 742 games (377 starts) with Phoenix, Washington, Oklahoma City, Detroit, the L.A. Lakers, Miami and Brooklyn. He has shot 44.6% (3,051-6,844 FG) from the field, 34.2% (627-1,831 3FG) from beyond the arc and 77.8% (1,189-1,528 FT) from the free throw line in his career. Morris appeared in 27 games for the Nets in 2022-23 and averaged 3.6 points and 2.2 rebounds in 10.6 minutes.

Selected 13th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Suns, the University of Kansas product won an NBA Championship in 2020 with the Lakers. He averaged 5.9 points, 3.0 rebounds and 18.4 minutes per game in 21 games (2 starts) during the Lakers’ postseason run.

In the community, Markieff and his twin brother, Marcus, started the Family Over Everything Foundation to provide support and guidance that helps alleviate the burdens, financial and otherwise, faced by many single parents, families in underserved communities, and at-risk members of society.

Morris will wear No. 13 for the Mavericks.

Dinwiddie (6-5, 215) was acquired by Dallas along with Dāvis Bertāns from the Washington Wizards on Feb. 10, 2022, in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis and a protected second-round pick. Over his two partial seasons with the Mavericks, Dinwiddie averaged 17.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 32.3 minutes per game over 76 games (60 starts).

Finney-Smith (6-7, 220) went undrafted in 2016 but signed with Dallas as a free agent on July 8, 2016. He was re-signed in July 2019, and then signed a contract extension with the Mavericks on Feb. 12, 2022. During his seven seasons with Dallas, Finney-Smith averaged 8.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 27.8 minutes over 434 games (322 starts).

On new Wizards point guard Spencer Dinwiddie

Spencer Dinwiddie’s time with the Nets revealed he has some big-time talent. Then injuries put that show on hold. Now he’s on the Wizards, alongside star scoring guard Bradley Beal. Here’s the Washington Times:

[Russell] Westbrook is now gone, which leaves Beal, once again, having to adjust to a new backcourt partner. Upon trading Westbrook to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Wizards brought in Spencer Dinwiddie to be their starting point guard — giving him a three-year, $54 million contract as part of a five-team sign-and-trade. His arrival marks the fourth straight year Beal and the Wizards will have a new starting point guard on opening night: John Wall in 2018, Ish Smith in 2019, Westbrook in 2020 and now Dinwiddie.

Compared to Wall and Westbrook — two All-Star point guards — Dinwiddie brings a fundamentally different style to Washington. Wall and Westbrook thrived on racing out in transition, using their game-changing speed to get downhill and attack the rim. Dinwiddie, however, is more measured: the former Brooklyn Nets guard has a quick first step, but plays at a slower pace.

With Washington’s first preseason game Tuesday against the Houston Rockets, the Wizards have spent training camp getting used to Dinwiddie leading the offense.

Should the Heat pursue Spencer Dinwiddie in free agency?

Here’s the Sun Sentinel answering one of their reader’s questions, on if Nets free agent guard Spencer Dinwiddie would be a good addition to the Miami Heat:

I believe he would be an excellent fit . . . if fully healthy. Among the reasons Spencer Dinwiddie might fall to the Heat’s price point in free agency would be the fact that he is coming back from a partially torn ACL. Still, he is confident enough to the point that he elected to bypass his $12.3 million player option from the Nets. For the Heat, the question becomes whether they can afford another risk on a player with such a recent injury, after coming up short in their move with Victor Oladipo. At least with Oladipo, the Heat have the direct medical reports. When signing an outside player, it’s even riskier. But yes, Spencer can play on the ball and off the ball, which helps in the Heat’s system with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. And at 6-5, there is decent size, as well. But if Dinwiddie, then no Kyle Lowry. So it also could come down to how that sits with Butler, or if Kyle will opt to sign elsewhere. Basically, Spencer could be one of many moving parts for the Heat this offseason, including potentially in a sign-and-trade.

Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie undergoes ACL reconstruction surgery

Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery on his right knee this morning. The procedure was performed by Dr. Riley Williams III at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

Dinwiddie will begin rehabilitation next week and the team expects him to make a full recovery.

In three games this season, Dinwiddie has averaged 6.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 21.4 minutes per game. Through seven NBA seasons, Dinwiddie has registered averages of 12.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 25.7 minutes per contest.

Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie suffers season-ending injury

Injury has struck the Brooklyn Nets, as guard Spencer Dinwiddie has been diagnosed with a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament of the right knee.

The injury occurred during the third quarter of last night’s game in Charlotte.

Surgery is scheduled to take place next week.

Dinwiddie suffered major injury earlier in his career, yet was able to rise up, and last season became a big-time contributor to a Nets team that was playing without Kevin Durant and spent lots of time without Kyrie Irving as well.

This season, which just began last week, he’d been starting at shooting guard and was taking on an increased defensive role.

In three games this season, Dinwiddie has averaged 6.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 21.4 minutes per game.

Through seven NBA seasons, Dinwiddie has registered averages of 12.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 25.7 minutes per contest.

Dinwiddie has a player option reportedly worth around $12.3 million for next season.

Spencer Dinwiddie asking fans to buy his next team-signing decision

Here’s the Detroit Free Press summarizing the latest tech-inspired creativity from Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie:

Since the Detroit Pistons traded him during the 2016 offseason, Spencer Dinwiddie has established himself as one of the NBA’s best point guards and most creative thinkers.

In his Twitter bio, he describes himself as a “tech guy with a jumper,” and some of his recent ideas have supported that. In September, he attempted to convert his three-year, $34 million contract extension with the Nets into a digital investment. The NBA rejected his plan, citing collective bargaining agreement rules.

Dinwiddie’s latest idea is also likely a violation of CBA rules, but that won’t stop him from trying. On Friday, Dinwiddie announced a GoFundMe with a $24,632,600 goal — the rough value of 2625.8 bitcoin. If met, he will allow fans to choose where he signs his next contract. If he falls short of that goal, he’ll donate the money to charity.

Spencer Dinwiddie onto Team Nigeria?

Here’s some interesting international basketball news, via the New York Post:

Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie is planning to acquire a Nigerian passport to play for Nigeria in the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, according to The Athletic.

Dinwiddie, who was not among the 44 players who were announced as finalists for spots on Team USA, can be eligible to play for Nigeria if he is successful in his quest for a passport. He confirm The Athletic’s report with a simple reply on his Twitter page.

“Well now y’all know lol,” Dinwiddie tweeted.

Dinwiddie had a good season for the Nets in 2019-20, and for many weeks was considered a contender to make the All-Star team.

Nets stay hot, beat Nuggets 105-102

We’ll be writing about this ourselves later tonight, but for right now, here’s the Denver Post reporting:

Brooklyn guard Spencer Dinwiddie bullied his way to the rack twice in the final minute as the Nets hung on to beat the Nuggets 105-102. The loss dropped Denver to 14-7 and 1-2 on this road trip with a matchup at Philadelphia on Tuesday.

“They dominated the paint 66-22,” said Nuggets coach Michael Malone. “That third quarter was a joke. … Seemed like it was layup lines out there. We took away the 3-point line, but there was no resistance at the rim.”

The loss spoiled a strong 3-point shooting night from Jerami Grant, who poured in five of Denver’s 18 makes. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray combined for 45 points, but Brooklyn’s relentless inside attack undermined their productivity.

The Nets have looked like a blatantly better team with Spencer Dinwiddie running the show lately. Kyrie Irving isn’t set to return just yet, but once he does, Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson will have some interesting decisions to make.

Spencer Dinwiddie and Luka Doncic named NBA Players of the Week

Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie and Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic were named East and West NBA Players of the Week for gamesplayed from Monday, Nov. 18, through Sunday, Nov 24, 2019.

And this is fun: It’s the first Players of the Week award for either player.

Dinwiddie led Brooklyn to a 3-1 record on the week, recording averages of 25.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.3 steals in 33.3 minutes per game. Dinwiddie began the week by totaling 28 points, five rebounds and eight assists in 33 minutes in a loss to the Indiana Pacers on Nov. 18. He followed up that performance by leading Brooklyn to the first of a season-best three straight victories, registering 20 points, four rebounds, eight assists and two steals in 37 minutes in a 101-91 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Nov. 20. Dinwiddie then posted 23 points, seven assists and two steals in 28 minutes in a 116-97 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Nov. 22. The six-year NBA veteran rounded out the week by registering his second 30-point game of the season, totaling 30 points, four rebounds, four assists and no turnovers in 35 minutes in a 103-101 win at the New York Knicks on Nov. 24.

Doncic (6-7, 230) led the Mavericks to a perfect 4-0 week with averages of 37.0 points (.554 FG%, .444 3FG%, .788 FT%), 8.5 rebounds and 11.8 assists per game and victories over San Antonio (Nov. 18), Golden State (Nov. 20), Cleveland (Nov. 22) and Houston (Nov. 24). He posted at least 30 points and 10 assists in all four games, becoming the youngest player in NBA history (20 years, 269 days) to record four consecutive 30-point, 10-assist efforts (the previous youngest was Oscar Robertson at 22 years, 34 days). He also led all players outright in scoring all in four games and led the Mavericks outright in assists in all four.

Spencer Dinwiddie soon eligible for Nets extension

Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie has started zero of the 22 games he’s played this season, yet is 3rd in scoring at 16.0 ppg in 27.6 minutes per game for the 8-14 Nets. With the recent injury to Caris LeVert there has been even more pressure than expected on Nets guards, including Dinwiddie. But beyond that injury and focusing on the future more than the present, the Nets will soon have a huge decision to make. Here’s the New York Post reporting:

A week from Saturday, the Nets can give Spencer Dinwiddie up to a four-year, $47.5 million extension, and he hopes they do.

He prefers staying in Brooklyn to free agency. But even though the deal looks like a bargain for the Nets, it’s certainly no lock they make it.

“I’d love to have an extension. I’d love to be here for a long time. If I don’t get an extension, I’ll be looking forward to unrestricted free agency and going through the season trying to help the Nets win games as much as possible,” Dinwiddie said. “Either I’m going to sign an extension or I’m going to be an unrestricted free agent, simple as that. The ball is very much in [general manager] Sean Marks and the Nets’ court.

“Everybody knows what my extension number is: Four for $47 ¹/₂ million. … Can’t go above. It’s not like I’m really looking to go below. It is what it is. I’ll find out when you guys find out. We’ll either see something on the ESPN ticker that says ‘Spencer Dinwiddie offered $47 ¹/₂ million from the Brooklyn Nets,’ and then you guys will know how much money my bank account has at that moment in time.”

More: Full article