Luka Doncic, Tyler Herro Named Players Of The Week
Mavericks guard Luka Doncic has been named the Western Conference Player of the Week, while Heat guard Tyler Herro has earned the honor in the Eastern Conference, the NBA announced today (Twitter link).
Doncic, who recently returned from a wrist injury, led the Mavericks to a 3-0 record during the week of December 2-8, putting up 29.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game in wins over Memphis, Washington, and Toronto. He made 14-of-32 three-pointers during those three victories, good for a 43.8% rate.
As for Herro, his week began with a resounding 19-point loss to the defending champions in Boston last Monday, but he and the Heat bounced back in impressive fashion, outscoring the Lakers, Suns, and Cavaliers by a combined 60 points (including a 41-point blowout of L.A.) to finish the week with a 3-1 record.
Herro averaged 25.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.5 assists in 33.0 minutes per game across those four contests, posting an excellent shooting line of .507/.436/.875. It’s the first time in his six-year NBA career that he has won a Player of the Week award, whereas it’s Doncic’s 14th such honor.
Anthony Edwards, Nikola Jokic, Domantas Sabonis, and Thunder teammates Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams were also nominated for the Western Conference Player of the Week award, per the league (Twitter link). In the East, Herro beat out fellow nominees Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaylen Brown, Brandon Miller, Evan Mobley, Nikola Vucevic, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey.
And-Ones: China, 2025 Draft, Doncic, Trade Deadline, Trends
The Nets and Suns will play two preseason games in Macao next October, which marks the first time the NBA is playing in China since 2019, Shams Charania of ESPN reports (Twitter link). The NBA later formally announced the decision (Twitter link).
“Bringing preseason games to Macao will showcase the excitement of the NBA to fans in one of the world’s emerging hubs for sports,” NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum said in the statement. “The Nets and Suns feature an exciting mix of established and rising stars, and we look forward to engaging fans, aspiring players and the local community in Macao through these games and a variety of interactive events, youth development programs and social impact initiatives.”
The partnership is the result of a years-long effort to repair the relationship between the two sides after commissioner Adam Silver and the league didn’t reprimand then-Rockets general manager Daryl Morey after he tweeted support for protests in Hong Kong in 2019, Charania and Brian Windhorst write.
NBA games were then temporarily removed from broadcasts in China and sponsorships were lost. The relationship has been mended largely in part to NBA China’s CEO Michael Ma, according to Charania and Windhorst.
We have more from around the basketball world:
- Duke’s Cooper Flagg is still the top-ranked prospect on Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft, but Rutgers’ Dylan Harper is beginning to put pressure on him for that top spot. The 18-year-old Harper scored 36 points against Notre Dame and 37 against Alabama. Despite Harper’s strong play, executives have a hard time seeing Flagg being unseated from the pole position, according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo (Insider link). BYU’s Egor Demin and Rutgers’ Ace Bailey are among other players who will push to hear their names called No. 1 overall.
- While Luka Doncic is obviously primarily focused on the Mavericks‘ current season, he’s still excited that Slovenia qualified for EuroBasket 2025 and is looking forward to the chance to suit up for them, Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal reports. Slovenia is also up to potentially host EuroBasket in 2029. “That would be a dream come true, playing in front of fans in a big tournament at the EuroBasket,” Doncic said.
- The NBA trade deadline could see reduced action as compared to other recent seasons, due in part to the restrictive CBA but also fewer bad contracts across the league, Windhorst said on The Hoop Collective podcast (hat tip to RealGM). “Teams are a little bit smarter and I just think the intelligence into the game and the way teams are operated and the gameplay is taking some of the stuff fans kind of like — at least some of the older school fans,” Windhorst said.
- Hornets two-way player Moussa Diabate has played well amid Charlotte’s frontcourt injuries, which is one recent trend worth monitoring, according to The Athletic’s Fred Katz. Diabate is averaging just 3.1 points per game, but has grabbed 7.8 rebounds (3.6 of which are offensive boards) per night. The Lakers playing better when LeBron James is off the court and Atlanta owning L.A.’s first-round pick are other trends worth keeping tabs on as the season progresses, Katz notes.
Mavericks Notes: Gafford, Lively, Doncic, Irving, Thompson, Grimes
The Mavericks have fielded some inquiries regarding Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively but haven’t shown any interest in trading either big man, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reports.
However, the Mavericks could be active in the trade market. They could seek potential upgrades by parting with their 2025 first-round pick or their 2031 first-rounder. They could also add a young piece such as Quentin Grimes and Olivier-Maxence Prosper in a trade package, Scotto notes.
Dallas is approximately $5.3MM above the luxury tax but might be able to drop below that figure if it is able to deal Maxi Kleber, Scotto adds. He’ll make $11MM this season, with a matching cap hit for 2025/26.
We have more on the Mavs:
- Luka Doncic returned from a wrist injury on Sunday and racked up 36 points and 13 assists against the Trail Blazers. He posted on social media that it was “great” to be back from a five-game absence. Doncic complimented the team on how it performed without him. “Obviously, I think their pace was great. They were playing amazing,” Doncic said, per ESPN News Services. “So, [I was] just trying to adapt to that. They beat some tough teams, and I was just happy to sit back, watch and enjoy.”
- Dallas defeated Portland despite having several other starters and rotation players sidelined. Kyrie Irving (right shoulder soreness), Lively (right knee hyperextension), Klay Thompson (left foot plantar fascia), Naji Marshall (illness) and Dante Exum (right wrist surgery) all missed the game, the Mavs PR department tweets.
- Grimes, who joined Dallas in the offseason trade with Detroit, has been on a hot streak of late. He’s averaged 24.3 points over the last three games. “I’m glad to see my confidence growing,” Grimes told Grant Afseth of the Dallas Hoops Journal. “I’m just playing downhill, not overthinking, and focusing on helping on both ends of the floor.” Grimes will be a restricted free agent after the season, as he and the team were unable to reach a rookie scale extension by the October deadline.
Mavericks Notes: Marshall, Doncic, Klay, Gafford, Washington
It came as a bit of a surprise on the first day of free agency this past summer when the Mavericks – whose stated top priority was re-signing starting forward Derrick Jones – lost him to the Clippers and pivoted to signing Naji Marshall to fill Jones’ three-and-D role on the wing. But Marshall has played his role admirably in Dallas so far, as Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal (Substack link) writes.
Known mostly for his defense, Marshall didn’t average more than 9.1 points per game in any of his first four NBA seasons, but he’s up to 12.0 PPG on a career-best 55.4% shooting in his first 19 games as a Maverick, and he has been on fire as of late. In Dallas’ past four games, he has averaged 23.0 PPG on .633/.556/.667 shooting.
“Yeah, I think he’s taking full advantage of being able to get to the paint and use his floater, and he’s now shooting the three,” head coach Jason Kidd said in explaining Marshall’s recent offensive outburst. “And so just, you know, understanding who’s on the floor with him and creating where he doesn’t have to create a lot of space in the sense of his shot because of who’s on the floor. But his aggressiveness and ability to finish were at a high level.”
Marshall’s recent streak of four straight 20-point games came with Luka Doncic sidelined. Klay Thompson also missed the two most recent contests. When the Mavs are healthier, Marshall will likely take a step back offensively. But as Afseth writes, it’s an encouraging sign for Dallas that the defense-first forward is finding his three-point stroke during this stretch. Marshall has knocked down 10-of-19 outside shots since last Friday after making just 4-of-30 (13.3%) in his first 15 games this season.
Here’s more on the Mavs:
- Thompson (left foot plantar fascia) didn’t take part in Friday’s practice, but Doncic (right wrist sprain) and Daniel Gafford (illness) were participants, tweets Afseth. Thompson will miss a third straight game on Saturday when the Mavs visit Utah, while Doncic is still listed as doubtful. Gafford is off the injury report and should be active.
- Doncic may not return to action on Saturday, but he appears to be close to playing for the first time since November 19. Kidd said the Mavs star “looked good” in Friday’s practice, per ESPN. Saturday’s contest is the first in a back-to-back set, so if Doncic doesn’t suit up tonight, it’s possible he’ll be activated for Sunday’s game in Portland.
- Marshall isn’t the only Maverick who has stepped up his game with Doncic and Thompson out. Spencer Dinwiddie (back-to-back 20-point games), Quentin Grimes (21 points on Wednesday), and P.J. Washington (four straight double-doubles) have been standouts and have helped lead Dallas to a 4-1 record in games Doncic has missed. “We need guys like P.J. and Naji to maintain this level of aggressiveness when Luka comes back,” Kidd said, according to Afseth. “It’s not just about one or two players carrying the load—it’s about everyone knowing their role, being confident, and contributing. That’s what makes us dangerous. … Everything we’ve done without (Doncic) only makes us stronger when he’s back.”
- Kyrie Irving agreed that the Mavs’ successful stretch without Doncic should only benefit the team in the long run, per Afseth: “This gives our role players an opportunity to step up, take more shots, and learn in real time. When Luka comes back, we’ll be stronger because of it. I’d prefer for us to be 100% healthy, but since that’s not the case, we’re making the most of the situation. I’m staying present and appreciating the effort this team is giving. We know every night is a battle, and I’m proud of how we’ve competed.”
Southwest Notes: Sochan, Doncic, Gafford, Grizzlies
Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan is nearing his return from thumb surgery, writes Tom Orsborn of The San Antonio Express-News. Sochan, who has been out of action since fracturing his left thumb in a November 4 game, told reporters tonight that he expects to be back on the court soon.
“I’ve been wanting to play since last week, but I still got to stay patient and just follow protocol,” he said. “But it’s going to be sooner than later. So, I think it’s going to be days instead of months, so that’s the most important thing.”
Before the injury, Sochan was averaging a career-high 15.4 points through seven games, along with 7.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steals per night. The team hasn’t set a definite timetable for him to resume playing, but interim head coach Mitch Johnson suggested he “could potentially be ahead of schedule.”
“The medical team, performance staff have done a great job,” Johnson added. “He’s been able to do some things in terms of running and staying in shape and I know we’ve heard all positive feedback.”
Johnson also announced that Devin Vassell was cleared to return for tonight’s game against the Lakers, Orsborn adds. Vassell sat out the last five games with a bruised bone in his left knee.
There’s more from the Southwest Division:
- Mavericks star Luka Doncic, who is sidelined with a sprained right wrist, was able to go through a pregame workout tonight, according to Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal. The team will practice on Friday, when more clarity should be provided about Doncic’s availability for a weekend road trip. “He’s doing his individual workouts,” coach Jason Kidd said. “Everything I’ve heard or seen is trending in the right direction.”
- Mavericks center Daniel Gafford will consider joining forces with Doncic at next year’s EuroBasket as a naturalized player on the Slovenian national team, Afseth adds in a separate story. “I think it’d be great. We already have a good relationship, but doing something like that could take it to the next level,” Gafford said. “It would give me a chance to see his background, learn about where he came from, and understand how he started his professional career. That would help us connect more.”
- The Grizzlies are the healthiest they’ve been all season after Ja Morant returned Monday following an eight-game absence due to a hip injury, notes Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal. Even though Morant missed tonight’s contest with a knee contusion, there’s renewed optimism that the team is ready to make a run. “We’re clicking right now, and we got to ride that wave until it is out and for as long as we can,” Marcus Smart said. “I like the direction that we are headed.”
Mavericks Notes: Irving, Thompson, Doncic’s Injury, NBA Cup
Even though he holds a player option for next season, it’s unlikely Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving will test the free agent market, Tim MacMahon of ESPN said on the latest edition of the Hoops Collective podcast (hat tip to RealGM). MacMahon expects the two sides to reach a long-term agreement that will keep Irving in Dallas.
“He has a $42MM player option,” MacMahon said. “Look, I’m not telling you exactly how it will work out. My guess is he’ll end up declining that player option. But what I would say is I would be extremely surprised if Kyrie Irving is not in Dallas for the next few years. The Mavericks have already demonstrated that they are willing to pay, not market value, because they could have quote unquote won the negotiations with him. Remember, they were criticized for giving him the contract because nobody else (would).”
After a few uneasy years in Boston and Brooklyn, Irving has found stability since the Mavericks traded for him midway through the 2022/23 season. He’s continuing to perform at an All-Star level at age 32, averaging 24.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 5.2 assists through 14 games, and he has an important role off the court as well.
“The point is they have demonstrated, ‘We value you and we will pay you how much we value you within the ability to have a little bit of wiggle room financially,'” MacMahon added. “They are going to put a big number on the table for him. He has been extremely happy in Dallas. They are extremely happy with him. He’s the leader of this locker room. That’s unquestioned. And, right now, he is playing as well as he ever has. Certainly as efficient as he ever has.”
There’s more from Dallas:
- Boating enthusiast Klay Thompson admits he’s encountered some “rough waters” during his first season with the Mavs, but he’s confident things will get better, per Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoop Journal. In 15 games, Thompson is averaging 14.0 PPG while shooting 39.7% from the field and 37% from beyond the arc, but he knows the team is counting on more from him. “I’m so grateful to be playing every night and to be healthy,” Thompson said. “That’s why the shooting nights when I’m off don’t bother me as much anymore. It’s a long season, and I know there are bigger nights ahead.”
- The Mavericks will need production from other players while Luka Doncic is sidelined with a wrist injury, notes Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News. It’s already the fourth injury for Doncic since training camp opened, and he has been ruled out for at least the next four games. “Pretty much just the same mindset: Next man up,” Daniel Gafford said. “Just be ready to guard the best man or just have the best man guard you. It’s going to be a lot on Kai (Irving). It’s going to be a lot on Klay, but I feel like we’ve done a pretty good job whenever Luka has been off the floor.”
- Even though points matter for tie-breakers in the NBA Cup, Dallas didn’t try to keep scoring in the closing seconds of Tuesday’s 132-91 win over New Orleans, according to Dwain Price of Mavs.com. “That’s not what this game is all about or the tournament is all about,” coach Jason Kidd said. “It’s playing the game the right way. They’ve got a lot of injuries over there. We’re not trying to embarrass anybody. We’re not looking to score again. We scored 132 points. That’s enough points.”
Doncic Has Wrist Injury, Out At Least One Week
10:06am: Doncic underwent an MRI which revealed a right wrist sprain, the team’s PR department tweets.
9:37am: Add Luka Doncic to the list of superstar players missing multiple games this season due to an injury.
Doncic is dealing with a right wrist injury and will be reevaluated in a week, Marc Stein reports (Twitter link).
The Mavericks guard was wearing a wrap around his wrist when he met the media after Tuesday’s game against New Orleans, Grant Afseth of the Dallas Hoops Journal notes (Twitter link). Doncic scored 26 points in 30 minutes during that victory over New Orleans.
“I started feeling it in the first quarter, but then it just got worse, but nothing serious,” Doncic said when asked about his wrist injury.
Doncic didn’t practice on Wednesday. He is averaging 28.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.6 assists per game this season.
Dallas had just started to hit its stride, winning three straight contests heading into a three-game road trip. The Mavericks’ next game is at Denver on Friday. They also have games on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday, so Doncic will miss at least four contests.
Jaden Hardy, Quentin Grimes and Spencer Dinwiddie could all see increased playing time in his absence.
Southwest Notes: Wembanyama, Doncic, McCollum, Missi
The Spurs have officially listed Victor Wembanyama as doubtful for Tuesday night’s game against the Thunder due to a bruised knee, Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News tweets. San Antonio had indicated after practice the star center would be listed as questionable, according to Orsborn.
Wembanyama sat out Saturday’s loss at Dallas after suffering the injury in a collision with the Lakers’ Anthony Davis on Friday night. The reigning Rookie of the Year is averaging 22.7 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.7 blocks in his second season.
We have more from the Southwest Division:
- Mavericks star guard Luka Doncic is listed as questionable to play against the Pelicans on Tuesday due to a right knee contusion, Grant Afseth of the Dallas Hoops Journal tweets. Doncic logged a season-low 28 minutes against the Spurs on Saturday.
- Pelicans guard CJ McCollum practiced on Monday but didn’t go through any contact drills, Christian Clark of the New Orleans Times-Picayune tweets. McCollum hasn’t played since Oct. 29 due to a thigh injury. He has already been ruled out for Tuesday’s game.
- Could Yves Missi be the answer for the Pelicans at center? William Guillory of The Athletic explores this question. The 21st overall pick in this year’s draft has posted double digits in rebounds in three of the last four games and has shown versatility on defense. Missi has also proved to be a quick learner. “It’s great for him to get these minutes and these experiences early in the season. It’s going to pay off huge for him as we progress throughout the year,” coach Willie Green said. “We expect this is going to pay off for him in the long run.”
Northwest Notes: Filipowski, George, Collier, D. Jones, Doncic, Vezenkov, Blazers
Rookie center Kyle Filipowski‘s play continues to be one of the brightest spots of the Jazz‘s season so far, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune writes. After claiming a starting role last week, Filipowski continues to pass test after test against some of the NBA’s best.
Filipowski is being targeted defensively in his rookie season, but he has responded admirably and recorded three steals against the Kings on Saturday.
“I guess that’s how it is for rookies, especially rookies that stand up to that sort of thing,” Filipowski said. “I gotta pull my big boy pants on, you know, and not back down from that challenge.”
The No. 32 pick in this year’s draft is averaging 7.9 points and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 55.2% from the field. In his past five games, including three starts, he has increased those averages to 12.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists per contest.
We have more from the Northwest Division:
- Keyonte George was benched in the second half of the Jazz‘s Sunday game against Los Angeles, Larsen writes in a separate story. Coach Will Hardy was clear about his reasoning after the game: “I wasn’t happy with Keyonte’s defense in the first half. Keyonte knows how much I believe in him, but sometimes you have to make changes in the moment to reinforce your point.” George played with the second unit and ended up playing the final 19 minutes of the game. He didn’t seem to be phased by the change after the game, Larsen writes. “Urgency levels should be at an all-time high no matter what — but we’re all humans,” George said. “I don’t know if you have a boss, but if they say you should take a break, when you come back you’re going to be on your Ps and Qs.” He’ll need to continue to improve on his decision-making, Larsen opines.
- In George’s place, rookie guard Isaiah Collier started the second half and established career highs in minutes (26) and assists (8). Larsen writes in the same piece that Collier has been the Jazz‘s only true point guard and while he’s only getting to his own shot by beating the opposition in fast break situations (he’s shooting 11.1% from three), he’s helping the offense by taking care of the ball. “We know who our scorers are, we know where the ball needs to go,” Collier said. “Doing those little things, it definitely helped us int he second half.” The No. 29 overall pick in 2024 is averaging 4.3 PPG and 2.7 APG this year.
- Thunder No. 26 overall pick Dillon Jones set career highs in points (12), minutes (15) and assists (3) on Sunday in a loss to Dallas. The Weber State product made all but one of his six shot attempts. Superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had nothing but praise for the first-round rookie, according to the Thunder’s Nick Gallo (Twitter link). “He’s getting his feet work, getting more comfortable… He’s doing a great job,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “He’s keeping his head. He’s getting better. That’s all you can ask for.“
- The Nuggets were close to trading up for Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic in the 2018 draft, former Denver Post writer Mike Singer said on Brian Windhorst’s Hoop Collective podcast (hat tip to RealGM). “The Nuggets knew that Vlade Divac was not particularly high on Luka Doncic,” Singer, now an employee of the Nuggets, said. “And they had designs on pairing Nikola Jokic with Luka Doncic. On draft night in 2018, they tried. There was a call placed. There was a proposal and the Nuggets attempted to get the No. 2 pick for Gary Harris and two first round picks was what I was told. You can roll your eyes at that price tag, but look in retrospect. The Kings ended up taking Marvin Bagley with the No. 2 pick. I’m not saying this trade was imminent. All I’m saying is this trade was discussed and considered because the Nuggets knew Vlade Divac was not particularly high on Luka Doncic and they tried to exploit it.”
- The Nuggets also previously tried to acquire Sasha Vezenkov in 2016, the former Kings forward said in a podcast, per a report from Eurohoops.net. “Jokic called me back in 2016, way before he became a three-time MVP,” Vezenkov said. “Back then, he wasn’t a superstar. He told me the Nuggets wanted me. They were signing European players. But I hesitated. I was an insecure 20-year-old. After playing in Europe, they lost interest. I don’t think about it a lot, but I often wonder what could have been.” Vezenkov made his NBA debut last year for Sacramento, but he was traded and then bought out in the offseason as he decided to head back overseas.
- After a 45-point loss last week, the Trail Blazers restored good vibes by winning three in a row, Sean Highkin of the Rose Garden Report writes. Shaedon Sharpe has 65 points in his last two games, rookie Donovan Clingan is standing out, and bench players like Dalano Banton have played well during the streak.
Southwest Notes: Antetokounmpo, V. Williams, Bane, Edey, Doncic, Pelicans
Despite recent reporting indicating that rival scouts and executives view Houston as a favorite to make a big in-season splash, NBA insider Marc Stein writes at Substack that “consistent whispers” around the league point to the Rockets waiting until the offseason to buy more time to see if a big trade target shakes loose.
Houston expressed interest in trading for Kevin Durant this past summer and was immediately rebuffed by Phoenix. According to Stein, similar rumors are starting to percolate about a potential down-the-line Rockets pursuit of Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
As we’ve relayed, the Bucks aren’t expected to entertain any offers for their franchise legend even amid a 4-9 start to the year. But the Rockets’ treasure chest of draft assets and young players could put them in prime position to be a suitor if Antetokounmpo ever decides to ask out of Milwaukee.
Stein notes that Giannis has an admiration for Rockets legend Hakeem Olajuwon. Antetokounmpo is selective about who he works out with, but hasn’t been shy about training with Olajuwon, who Steins says would be a strong recruiter in this specific scenario.
We have more from the Southwest Division:
- After missing the first 12 games of the season for the Grizzlies, rotation wing Vince Williams Jr. made his return on Friday, Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal writes (Subscriber link). In his first two games back with the team, Williams is averaging 6.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists as part of the rotation. Williams broke out for the Grizzlies last season, starting in 33 games and averaging 10.0 PPG. Meanwhile, Desmond Bane returned from a seven-game absence on Friday, playing off the bench for the first time since his rookie season. He started the team’s next game on Sunday.
- Grizzlies rookie center Zach Edey exited Sunday’s contest against the Nuggets with an ankle injury and did not return ESPN reports. It’s unclear what the severity of Edey’s injury is, but he left when the Grizzlies were up by 18 points, so there’s a chance he was held out for the rest of the game as a precautionary measure.
- Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic continues to be listed as probable on the team’s injury reports, but the type of injury he’s dealing with in recent games has changed. According to Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal, Doncic was affected by a left groin strain before that listing was changed to a right knee contusion. When asked about his injury status, Doncic said he feels “a little bit less” than 100% right now. “I mean, it’s probably a matter of time, just, there’s not a lot of time to rest, but I’ll get better. I promise,” Doncic said.
- The Pelicans are 2-8 in their last 10 games as injuries continue to mount, with almost every member of their regular rotation suffering some sort of injury. New Orleans’ most recent loss came to former Pelicans player JJ Redick‘s Lakers. According to Christian Clark of NOLA.com, Redick acknowledged that New Orleans’ health issues are preventing them from reaching their potential. Redick played in New Orleans from 2019-21 alongside Brandon Ingram, who finished Saturday’s game with 32 points and eight assists, and Zion Williamson, who missed the matchup with an injury. “With Zion, the biggest thing is him being healthy,” Redick said. “We all want to see Zion perform and play because he’s a special player. I got a chance my second year, before I got traded, to see sort of the version 1.0 of Point Zion. It’s been fun to watch that from afar as he’s gotten opportunities to initiate the offense and be the ball handler in the pick and roll.“