"Jules wants to be coached," Gibson said. "Each day, even with all the praise going around New York and how many points he's doing, MVP chants, when we watch film and Jules understands he messes up and Thibs corrects him, he's right there being responsive.
The 52nd overall pick averaged just 3.3 points in 9.8 minutes per game prior to the All-Star break but produced 10.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists over the final 38 games of the season. He scored in double figures in each of his last nine games, including three straight 20-point efforts from May 5-8.Chicago Bulls
One stat to watch The much-maligned Trail Blazers defense finished the regular season 29th in defensive rating, becoming just the third team to make the playoffs after ranking in the bottom two over the past 25 seasons. (The 2017-18 Cavaliers and 2002-03 Bucks are the others.) But Portland locked in to finish the season, finishing 12th since April 27. In that span, the Blazers held opponents to a league-low 1.06 points per possession in transition, according to Second Spectrum. -- Vincent Johnson
The Celtics have a lot of young players who could use playoff experience, from the still-developing Robert Williams to rookies Payton Pritchard and Aaron Nesmith. Any of them stepping up (assuming Williams’ toe is OK) would serve to improve Boston’s slim chances, but also increase the size of a trade chip.Denver Nuggets
The usually sure-handed Blazers committed 21 turnovers. They also were outscored 54-32 in the paint, 16-4 in fast-break points and 21-4 in second-chance points.Brooklyn Nets
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"Whatever competitions it is that take place in the future, whether it be AfroBasket, BAL or anything of that sort, I would like to bring the championship home, so they [Rwanda] can experience that and it can help the growth in the country."