Basketball Daily Card Press

Michael earned a reputation as a fun-loving jokester as a high school and college superstar, but he promises to be all business in his NBA debut. "I'm coming in as a rookie," he says, "so I'm pretty much going to hang the prankster crown up." Just as well, since he's already been crowned as a franchise-defining star in Miami. "We [are] blown away by his talent," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra says.

Jessie was a strong contributor during her four years at Maryland and ranks fourth all-time for career points, fifth in rebounds and third in blocks. She was named to the AIl-ACC Conference first team in her junior and senior years.

Derek joined the Spurs in '00-01, and helped them become one of the best teams in the NBA. Finally healthy after three injury-plagued seasons, he set career highs in almost every category. He kept defenses honest by shooting .399 from the three-point line. When fouled, he shot .857, from the charity stripe. Derek also shined defensively, ranking 18th in steals (1.46).

The Knicks' finest free throw shooter, Bill teams well with Walt Frazier to give the Knicks' a quick attack. The two combine in executing spectacular plays through the so-called "back-door" to the basket. One of the game's outstanding passers, he works ceaselessly and diligently on his defensive tactics. He has 987 assists to his credit.

A six-year NBA veteran, Brown had easily his best season in 1991-92. He improved in almost every statistical category, while finishing third on the team with an average of 5.8 rebounds per game. Brown has now appeared in 299 consecutive regular season games.

Another of the Nets' outstanding rookies of 1980-81, Mike scored a game-high of 28 Points last season while adding 252 Assists, 86 Steals and 27 Blocked Shots. A good ballhandler and passer, he finished 7th among North Carolina's all-time scorers with 1765 Points.

Eric gained maturity in his first two NBA seasons, learning how to control the game's tempo - leading the fast break, playing defense. Extremely talented at getting free, his quick moves position him for the medium to short jump shot. When Eric hits on a free throw at Cobo Hall, the message board flashes the sign, "Two For the $$".

One of the game's premier offensive threats, Young creates buckets even when his shot isn't falling. In 2021-22, the dime-slinging guard topped the league in points created by assists (1,832). Add in his own net-finding skills and it's easy to see how he landed on the All-NBA Third Team.

One of the most popular and consistent performers for the Supersonics, Dennis is an effective backcourt man. He saw 2209 Minutes of action at Seattle last season and was credited with 230 Assists, 118 Steals and 51 Blocked Shots.

Four of Tristan's best scoring outings as a 2024/25 rookie came in December, including a 21-point effort in a 102- 101 victory over Brooklyn on the 29th. On January 3, he tallied a season-high 25 points to help knock off host Toronto, 106-97.

Possessed with uncanny quickness and timing, Mike also is an outstanding shooter. Voted to the ABA'S All-Defensive Team in 1972-73, his good instincts and passing ability make him a complete quard. Mike was the Colonels 3rd round draft selection in 1971 and was with Kentucky until traded to the Nets during 1973-74 season.

Selected as the NBA's Most Valuable Player last season, Kareem led the league in minutes played with 3379 and in defensive rebounds with 1111. He's been the league MVP 4 times, regular season scoring champion twice and was Rookie of the Year, 1970.

"DESERT HEAT” How acquired: Obtained from Cleveland on 2/25/88 with Mark West, Tyrone Corbin and draft picks for Larry Nance, Mike Sanders and a draft pick. In just four full seasons with Phoenix, Kevin Johnson has demonstrated that he is the heart and soul of the Suns. In fact, in a Playoff game against Portland in 1991-92, Johnson, sensing his team's desperation, scored 18 straight points at one juncture in the second half. "KJ" finished the season second in the NBA in assists while averaging 19.3 points per game. Johnson has been solid ever since his acquisition. In his first season with Phoenix, Kevin was named the 1989 NBA Most Improved Player as he set five club records. On October 21, 1992, Johnson will have his jersey retired by the University of California, where KJ is Cal's all-time leader in scoring, assists and steals. "To have my jersey retired is extremely humbling," Johnson said. "KJ" has been humbling opposing point guards for four seasons, with no sign of letting up. This "Desert Heat" star should turn the temperature even higher on opponents in 1992-93 with new teammate Charles Barkley.

New Pistons coach Larry Brown warmed up to Chauncey in a hurry last year: "I never realized how good a shooter he was.... He's a really good deep shooter, especially when he gets his feet set and is under control. He reminds me of Reggie [Miller] when he gets on a roll."

Vinnie's most comfortable shot is perhaps a twisting jumper but he's big enough to penetrate to the basket as well. Last season he led the Supersonics with 341 Assists while adding 78 Steals and 20 Blocked Shots for year.

An extremely quick, streak-shooting guard who continues to impress onlookers with his hustle and desire, Wilbur was selected to several small college All-America teams during his career at New Orleans. He sparked UNO to championship game of Division Two National Tourney as a senior.

Dan enjoyed one of the most fantastic rookie seasons in pro basketball history. Led ABA with scoring average of 29.9 per game, was selected as loop's Rookie of Year along with Charlie Scott and broke 27 Kentucky & 10 league marks in his first season.