The Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker, born October 30, 1996, is the youngest player in the NBA. Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett were NBA active players at the time of his birth.
Among the 60 picks from the 2015 NBA draft, Devin Booker, Jerian Grant, Larry Nance Jr. and Joe Young had their fathers play in the NBA. Last season, 26 players that played at least one NBA game were sons of former NBA players, including reigning MVP Stephen Curry. That was 5.3% of the NBA.
This season, five NBA coaches are coaching a team they formerly played for: Fred Hoiberg, Jeff Hornacek (PHX), Doc Rivers (LAC), Byron Scott (LAL) and Scott Skiles (ORL). Scott played the most games for his franchise – 846 with the Lakers.
With 478 points, Dirk Nowitzki will pass Shaquille O’Neal and move into the top six all-time in total points. The top five consists of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain. Every player that has scored at least 20,000 points and is eligible for the Basketball Hall of Fame is in, except for one – Tom Chambers.
LeBron James has finished in the top 5 in MVP voting in each of the last 10 seasons. The only players with more consecutive top 5 MVP finishes is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (12). Bill Russell also had 10.
Peter Newmann is an analyst and writer who spent 10 years at ESPN, 8 as the NBA senior researcher working 24/7 on the league. He wrote game notes for crews, articles for ESPN.com, analysis for studio shows, and regularly assisted reporters and writers. Follow him on Twitter, and check out his Web site, www.peternewman.com.