Nissan #ProJackets Basketball Report

April 14, 2016

By Wiley Ballard –

Iman Shumpert and the Cleveland Cavaliers enter the playoffs as the Eastern Conference favorite… Anthony Morrow reaches the playoffs for the first time in his eight-year career… Derrick Favors finishes his sixth NBA season averaging a career-high 16.4 points per game… All of that and more can be found in this week’s playoff edition of the Nissan #ProJackets Basketball Report.

Chris Bosh – The Miami Heat return to the playoffs after missing the postseason last year for the first time in six seasons. But for the first time since joining the Heat in 2010, Chris Bosh will not play in Miami’s postseason opener. The Heat forward hasn’t suited up since February 9^th and is not expected to return this season. Given Bosh’s life-threatening condition a year ago, Dwayne Wade described Bosh’s absence as “bittersweet” acknowledging that for Bosh’s health is greatly improved over the past year.

Although Bosh is not expected to make any appearances in the playoffs this spring, that doesn’t mean he can’t still put a smile on someone’s face.

Derrick Favors – The Utah Jazz had arguably the most disappointing finish of any NBA team in the regular season. After squandering a 1.5 game lead for the final playoff spot in the season’s final three games, Utah’s postseason drought has stretched to four years. Upon being officially eliminated from playoff contention just minutes before tip-off against Kobe Bryant and the Lakers last night, Utah scratched Derrick Favors for the season’s final game. The forward had battled a sore knee for weeks and other nagging injuries throughout the season. Despite missing 20 games, the 24 year-old averaged a career-best 16.4 points and shot over 50 percent for the third straight season.

Jarrett Jack – Jarrett Jack underwent season-ending knee surgery in Manhattan this past January. Officially diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, the point guard anticipates a full recovery and plans to return for the 2016-17 season. Jack’s season averages in 32 games as the Brooklyn Nets starting point guard were 12.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg and a team-high 7.4 apg.

Anthony Morrow – Anthony Morrow may not play a featured role in Oklahoma City’s offense under first-year head coach Billy Donovan, but the 30-year-old veteran couldn’t be happier making his first-career trip to the playoffs. The shooting guard shot over 40 percent from the floor and 38.7 percent from three in his 62 games. The Thunder face the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night at 9:30 p.m. on ESPN in Game 1.

Iman Shumpert – It’s been a year marred by nagging injuries for Iman Shumpert. He’s missed time due to wrist surgery, a shoulder stinger and, most recently, knee soreness. The Chicago-native missed the final three games of the regular season, but is expected to be back in time for Cleveland’s first round matchup against Detroit. Shumpert started a career-low five games this season, but he will be a key cog for Cleveland’s defense this postseason. The 25 year-old finished his fifth season averaging 5.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals. Cleveland hosts Detroit in Game 1 of their first round series on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. ET on ABC.

Thaddeus Young – The Brooklyn Nets were never considered serious playoff contenders at any point in 2015-16. The Nets fired head coach, Lionel Hollins, in mid-January and named Tony Brown the interim for the final three months of the season. With a 21-61 regular season finally over, the Nets can begin searching for the sixth head coach since 2012. Thaddeus Young and his teammates gave their thoughts on what they’ll be looking for in the new hire. In 73 games, Young averaged 15.1 points, 9.0 rebounds and netted 28 double-doubles.

Season 8 in the books and on to first time in playoffs, blessed to be here after being undrafted 8 years ago. Still grinding like its '08✊🏾🏀

— Anthony Morrow (@MrAnthonyMorrow) April 13, 2016

it was an honor to compete against the #mamba #legendsneverdie pic.twitter.com/xyl03lIjSM

— Iman Shumpert I (@imanshumpert) April 13, 2016