Big Red Louie
Fansided

Louisville basketball: Bold prediction for each former Card in the NBA

By Jacob Lane

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 16: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz dribbles past Montrezl Harrell #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of a game at Staples Center on January 16, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 16: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz dribbles past Montrezl Harrell #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of a game at Staples Center on January 16, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 8
Next
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 06: Ray Spalding #56 of the Dallas Mavericks tries to steal the ball from Tai Odiase #21 of the Phoenix Suns during the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 6, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 92-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 06: Ray Spalding #56 of the Dallas Mavericks tries to steal the ball from Tai Odiase #21 of the Phoenix Suns during the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 6, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 92-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Ray Spalding – F, Atlanta Hawks

Prediction: Makes opening day roster and eventually earns rotation minutes

After being selected in the late second round in 2018 by the Philadelphia 76ers and traded to the Dallas Mavericks, it looked like former Louisville basketball big man Ray Spalding had found a home to begin his NBA career.

But like we’ve become accustomed to in the NBA, trades shook up the Mavericks roster when they acquired Kristaps Porzingis at the trade deadline, forcing the front office to make a tough decision.

That, unfortunately, led to the untimely release of the rookie forward after appearing in just one game with the franchise. Spalding landed on his feet, however, signing a 10-day contract with the Suns, leading to another 10-day contract, and ultimately a partially guaranteed deal with a team option for 2019.

With the Suns deciding to turn their attention from rebuilding to acquiring experienced players, Spalding’s team option wasn’t picked up leading him to free agency – again, although he showed a lot of potential in the 13 games he played (in which he started three) averaging four points, three rebounds, and nearly one block per.

Despite no longer being an official member of the team, Spalding suited up for the Suns Summer League team in Las Vegas and showed NBA scouts exactly what he could do. Former NBA veteran guard, who coached the Suns team in Vegas said:

"“Ray came in and gave us some energy,. Had a few big blocked shots and was running the floor. Those are the things that we expect him to do. Continue to rebound. It was good to have him out there.”"

His summer league performance and what he did for the Suns last season led the Hawks to extend a non-guaranteed deal to Spalding, meaning he’ll go to training camp looking to make the roster as a full-time member or two-way player.

Knowing that the Hawks are a rebuilding team with a roster in flux, I believe Spalding has a great chance to make the roster. Last season he showed great energy, solid rebounding, and scoring potential with Phoenix (and while in the G-League) and that’s something that he without question can bring to the Hawks.

In fact, not only will Spalding make the Hawks roster, by seasons end I believe we’ll see him become a rotation big for second-year coach Lloyd Pierce. While what Spalding does is very similar to starting forward John Collins, there isn’t much else on the Hawks roster (as of now) that brings the intensity, rebounding, and toughness that Spalding brings.

His offensive game is still a work in progress, but when you bring toughness and grit to a rebuilding roster, it’s a great way to work your way up. There should be ample opportunity for Spalding, and I believe he’ll take advantage of it.

Home/Louisville Basketball