The Blue Devils entered training camp with 14 former players in the NBA. The group boasts a combined salary total that exceeds $394 million, including $74.83 million in salary this season. Off the court, we have a number of former players and coaches involved in the NBA, from front office executives to TV analysts to assistant coaches…
DEVILS IN THE LEAGUE
Shane Battier- In his second season with the Houston Rockets, Shane had a monumental impact on helping his team achieve the NBA’s second longest winning streak (22 games) all-time. The forward, known for his lockdown defense, started all but two games for the Rockets and shot an impressive 48% from the 3 point line during their playoff run.
2008-09 Contract: $ 6,448,900
Carlos Boozer- C-Booz topped off another All-Star season by winning gold in Beijing. Last season, Boozer averaged a double-double with the Jazz, posting a career high 21.1 PPG to go along with his 10.4 RPG. The power forward also ranked 3rd in the NBA for defensive rebounds, and earned his second All-Star selection.
2008-09 Contract: $11,593,817
Elton Brand- The two-time NBA All Star’s illustrious career was rewarded well this summer as the Philadelphia 76ers signed Elton to a five-year deal worth $82 million. The former #1 draft pick is entering his tenth year in the league, and continues to average a career double-double (20.3 PPG and 10.2 RPG).
2008-09 Contract: $14,248,000
Luol Deng- Signing a six-year $71 million contract extension with the Bulls this offseason, Luol is the centerpiece of the Chicago franchise. Battling a sore Achilles tendon last season, Luol still nearly led his team in scoring with over 17 points per game.
2008-09 Contract: $9,385,000
Chris Duhon- Another hot commodity in the offseason, the Knicks landed Chris with a two year contract worth $12 million, and already inserted the former Blue Devil into the starting point guard slot. His 6th-ranked Assist-TO ratio (3.7), leadership, basketball IQ and speed will be a great fit in New York’s new uptempo offense implemented by Coach Mike D’Antoni.
2008-09 Contract: $5,585,000
Mike Dunleavy- A finalist for NBA’s Most Improved Player award last season, Mike surpassed expectations with the Pacers. Flourishing with his new franchise, the forward started every game for Indiana and averaged over 19 points per game.
2008-09 Contract: $9,000,000
Grant Hill- A 13-year NBA veteran, Grant is looking to make a title run this year. The seven-time All Star started all but two games for the Phoenix Suns and contributed over 13 points and 5 rebounds per game, while providing invaluable leadership in the locker room.
2008-09 Contract: $1,976,400
Dahntay Jones- Leading the Denver Nuggets’ team in scoring (18.4 PPG) in the NBA Summer League, Denver promptly signed Dahntay to a guaranteed contract. Jones’ scoring prowess are matched by his defensive abilities, which will certainly help a Nuggets team that allowed 107 points per game last season.
2008-09 Contract: $797,581
Corey Maggette- Parting ways with longtime Clipper/Duke teammate, Elton Brand, Corey landed a lucrative deal with Golden State for five years worth $50 million. The high scoring forward appeared in 70 games last season with the Clippers, averaging 22.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists — all just off his career highs.
2008-09 Contract: $8,275,862
Josh McRoberts- Josh was part of a draft night deal that sent him from the Portland Trailblazers to the Indiana Pacers. The Indiana native has already impressed his new coach with his speed and agility and has a chance emerge as a regular contributor to the young Pacers team.
2008-09 Contract: $711,517
DeMarcus Nelson- After helping to lead Golden State’s Summer League team to a 4-1 record, Golden State recognized DeMarcus’ impact and signed the free agent. Playing for his hometown team, DeMarcus will look to make an impact with his defense and scoring ability.
2008-09 Contract: $442,114
Shavlik Randolph- Needing another piece for their strong front court lineup, the Portland Trailblazers recently signed Shav. In his three years in Philadelphia, Randolph added a spark off the bench and averaged 4.5 points and 4.2 rebounds in 06-07, including seven starts.
2008-09 Contract: $826,269
J.J. Redick- After his first two seasons in the NBA, J.J. looks to have a breakout season. He has performed well early in the preseason and is prepared to provide Orlando with additional scoring and perimeter shooting.
2008-09 Contract: $2,139,720
2008-09 Contract: $2,139,720
Shelden Williams- An integral component of a blockbuster trade last season, the Sacramento Kings needed a post presence and traded for Shelden. In his young career, the 5th overall draft pick has averaged 4.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per game.
2008-09 Contract: $3,395,760
AROUND THE LEAGUE
Chip Engelland (Class of 1983)… Spurs Assistant Coach
Bob Bender (Class of 1980)… Hawks Assistant Coach
David Henderson (Class of 1986)… Cavaliers Scout
Quin Snyder (Class of 1987)… Head Coach of NBDL Austin
Danny Ferry (Class of 1989)… Cavaliers GM
Billy King (Class of 1989)… NBATV analyst
Alaa Abdelnaby (Class of 1990)… NBATV analyst
Alaa Abdelnaby (Class of 1990)… NBATV analyst
TOP WEEKEND PERFORMERS
Several Devils have left their mark on the preseason already with recent outstanding performances in exhibition games….
*Inserted into the starting lineup for Golden State on Saturday night, DeMarcus Nelson erupted for 18 points and 7 assists against OKC. The 2008 ACC DPOY was 8-10 from the floor and hammered down a pair of thunderous dunks in the second half.
*Shavlik Randolph has made the most of his opportunity in Portland. In 20 minutes of action on Friday, Shav scored 19 points (9-9 FG) and grabbed 10 boards.
*Chris Duhon had a solid outing for the Knicks on Friday. Starting at PG, Duhon scored 19 points, drilled 5 3’s, dished out 5 assists and grabbed three boards.
*Elton Brand is back and looks as healthy as ever. The Sixers new franchise player poured in 24 against Duhon’s’ Knicks in just 22 minutes of action on 10-13 shooting. 18 of Elton’s points came in the first quarter.
The grad students held their annual basketball campout from September 19th-21st, and received a visit from Coach K and the Duke team on Saturday night. Each student that camped out all weekend was entered into a lottery for season tickets. The exciting weekend is always filled with all kinds of fun and games is the biggest social event of the year for the grad students. Click HERE to view photos from the event.
Dave McClure and Nolan Smith provide a tour of our brand-new locker room before making their way to the weight room in the K Center…
(Filmed by Dave McClure)
Corey Maggette is preparing for his ninth NBA season in California, but now finds himself with a new team 370 miles upstate. After spending eight years with the Los Angeles Clippers, Maggette was lured to the Golden State Warriors this offseason with a lucrative contract and the opportunity to play in Coach Don Nelson’s “Run and Gun” offense. Now, Maggette is excitedly adjusting to his new city, new coach, and new teammates. Yet one thing remains unchanged — Maggette’s tireless work ethic. The nine-year NBA veteran is sure to bring leadership to the locker room and add points to the scoreboard this season, while setting an exemplary example of commitment for his younger teammates. From the very day he arrived at Golden State, Maggette’s superior dedication has been on display.
After Baron Davis and his 21.8 points per game bolted for the Clippers in July, the Warriors were in need of an athletic scorer to fill the void. They quickly landed Maggette, along with his 22.1 PPG, with a five-year, $50 million deal and the incentive to unleash his athleticism with an offensively-minded organization. The Warriors averaged an NBA-best 111 points per game last season and the addition of Maggette’s proven scoring abilities should keep them near that mark. The new environment will allow the 6’6”, 225-lbs small forward to set career high numbers in numerous statistical categories. And, as evident from his first day with the Warriors, Maggette is going to work his hardest to exceed expectations.
After arriving from Los Angeles and undergoing an extensive NBA physical, Warriors General Manager Pete D’Alessandro gave Maggette a tour of Golden State’s facilities. Maggette was delighted with the player’s lounge and locker room, but became most excited as he entered the team’s weight room and practice gym. As D’Alessandro detailed the layout, Maggette picked up a ball and began to shoot in his street clothes. He continued shooting, gradually working up a sweat. Maggette later described the occurrence saying, “I’m sitting in the gym and I’m like, ‘Wow, this is nice, and I have all this stuff I can use.’ And then I’m like, ‘Hey, do you guys have some shorts?’” The NBA’s 11th-ranked scorer last season then whipped out his cell phone and called a nearby friend. Shortly after, he returned to the gym in mesh shorts, a white tee shirt, and his friend’s sneakers.
The newest Warrior then broke into a spontaneous workout as his older brother Jimmy and D’Alessandro observed. Maggette turned his informal tour of the Golden State facilities into an impressive full-fledged, 800-shot workout, much to the delight of his new GM. ”For a while, he was up over 80 percent,” D’Alessandro said. ”Jimmie and I were laughing because he was just lighting it up. He just kept going.” As they continued the tour, Maggette’s eyes widened when he saw the state-of-the-art weight room. Corey examined the fine equipment and began using various exercise machines. Always eager to get in a solid workout, the former Blue Devil decided to add another pause to the tour. He asked D’Alessandro and the accompanying Public Relations official, “You guys aren’t waiting for me, are you? Because I’m going to be here for a while.”
D’Alessandro and the Warriors staff gladly waited out the two-and-a-half hours of Maggette’s impromptu workout. The GM knew that he could count on Maggette to contribute points to the Warriors dynamic offense, but after that first night, he was confident that he could rely on Maggette for leadership with his younger teammates. ”With the group of guys we have, it’s a pretty dedicated and committed group already,” D’Alessandro said. ”To add a guy like Corey, with his incredible level of dedication, that can only be a good thing, especially for the younger guys coming in who maybe haven’t seen this.” With a contagious thirst for hard work and exceptional results, Maggette is sure to provide an additional spark within the Warriors’ locker room. This is particularly important for a team in which half of its current 18-man roster is comprised of rookies and second-year players, including the recently graduated Blue Devil DeMarcus Nelson.
From day one, Maggette has been a great fit in Golden State. Looking ahead, his on-court contributions will be critical to the young Warriors as he looks to flourish in Don Nelson’s offense. Given his nine years of experience and his enduring workmanlike approach, No. 50’s contributions off the court will pay great dividends as well. Excited about getting started with the Warriors, Maggette said, “Golden State has a lot of talent and a free-lance type of coach (Don Nelson). They won 50 games last year. I am lucky to sign with Golden State.” With a tireless worker, leader, and potent scorer like Maggette now on their side, the Golden State Warriors figure to be the lucky ones.
Corey Maggette by the Numbers
50 Jersey number retired this year by his alma mater, Fenwick High School
$50,000,000 Approximate value of Corey’s new five-year deal with the Golden State Warriors
9,481 Career points scored in his nine NBA seasons
10.6 Points per game during his freshman year at Duke
82 Career NBA FT percentage
2 NBA ranking last season in free throws per 48 minutes
39 Career-high points scored last year in a game against the Lakers
22.1 Points per game last year, tops on the Clippers and 11th-best in the NBA
Duke Football started a new tradition this year with the Devil Walk from the Chapel to Wallace Wade Stadium several hours before each home game. Before the football squad’s season-opening win over JMU, Kyle and Nolan were on the scene to enjoy the first-ever Devil Walk across campus.
(Filmed by Kyle Singler & Nolan Smith)
