By Vince Ferrara / @VinceSports
The much-anticipated 2019-2020 NBA season is here, and University of Tennessee fans have more reasons to be interested in the association than they have in a long time.
Here’s the list of Vols in the NBA entering the season.
VFLs In The NBA (6 in league/5 active)
Philadelphia 76ers
Josh Richardson (0) G (4th season) 6’5, 200
Tobias Harris (12) F (8th season) 6’7 ½, 230
Washington Wizards
Admiral Schofield (1) F (1st season) 6’5, 241
Jordan McRae (52) G (3rd season) 6’6, 179
Boston Celtics
Grant Williams (12) F (1st season) 6’6, 236
Detroit Pistons
Jordan Bone (18) G (18) (1st season) 6’3, 180 *G-League/Two-Way Contract
UT or Knoxville Area Coaches
Kara Lawson – Lady Vols (Assistant Coach) – Boston Celtics
Elston Turner – From Knoxville/Ole Miss (Assistant Coach) – Houston Rockets
Recent Moves – VFLs & One-Time Vols
Kyle Alexander – F/C (Released by Miami Heat) *Vols rookie
Tariq Owens – F (Released by Phoenix Suns) *One-time Vol/Texas Tech rookie
Two-Way Contract Explanation Via NBA G-League Office
Beginning in the 2017 offseason, NBA rosters expanded from 15 to 17 players with the addition of two spots for players under “Two-Way Contracts.” NBA teams may have up to two players under NBA Two-Way Contracts who will spend the bulk of the season in the NBA G League and not more than 45 days with their NBA team. Two-Way players are paid a corresponding daily amount based on the number of days they play in each league. Only players in their fourth NBA season or earlier are able to sign Two-Way Contracts, which can be for either one or two seasons.
Vince’s View
Because of the parity in the league, depth of quality teams in the NBA that you can make a case for winning the championship and the influx of University of Tennessee rookies, I’m more excited about the start of this NBA season than any I can recall since my youth days many moons ago. The league is compelling, wide-open and not what those that criticize it think it is by reading a headline or stat line.
My NBA Championship Prediction: Los Angeles Clippers over Philadelphia 76ers
The Clippers’ addition of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to go with two of my favorite players to watch in the league, in elite defender Patrick Beverley and 3-time 6th man of the year, Lou Williams puts LAC ahead of the Lakers and the rest of the top-level teams like the Rockets, Jazz, Nuggets and others in the Western Conference. The Clippers’ bench is so deep and versatile. The coaching is strong and proven with Doc Rivers. The make-up of the team is about toughness, physicality and defensive. This is the most complete team in the league.
The Eastern Conference was a little tougher to predict, since the quality and depth is not on par with the Western Conference. I gave Philly the slight edge over the Milwaukee Bucks because of its starting five and because I think this Sixers team will have more toughness and chemistry than a year ago with Al Horford and Josh Richardson joining in. I think they will have a more positive effect on Joel Embiid than Butler and Redick did last season. I really like the Bucks as well. Milwaukee has winners on the bench and a better bench than the Sixers. Obviously, The Greek Freak is incredible, but the loss of Malcolm Brogdon could be costly in the playoffs for the Bucks.
I’ll continue to track the VFLs in the NBA all-season here on my blog.
Find more of my broadcasting work at VinceSports.net
