Detroit Pistons defenseman Jaden Ivey has strong ties to Texas.

Salt Lake City – For those sports fans, Detroit Pistons rookie quarterback Jaden Ivey has strong connections in Texas.

Ivey’s grandfather, the late James Hunter, was an American football and basketball player in Silsby, Texas, in southeast Texas. Hunter became an All-American cornerback at Grambling State University in Grambling, Louisiana.

Hunter was also 10^th overall pick in the 1976 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, for whom he played during the 1976–1982 seasons. In addition, Hunter led the Lions in steals in 1976, 1977, and 1980, was selected to the Professional Football Writers’ Association rookie team in 1976, and was inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame in 2020.

Ivey, who was drafted fifth overall in the NBA draft last summer after playing two seasons at Purdue, said he inherited his grandfather’s speed on the basketball court.

“My grandfather obviously played for the Lions and he’s the reason I feel like I’m here right now and able to represent him at the highest level,” Ivey said. “I always dream of being in the NBA and it makes it even more special that I play in the city that my grandfather was in for so many years.

“He was a legend in the city (Detroit). Regardless of football, what he did for the city of Detroit, the foundations he has, and just the love he had for the city, is definitely special.”

In addition to her grandfather, Ivey’s mother, Nielle Ivey, was a Notre Dame All-American guard, played five seasons in the WNBA, including the Detroit Shock, and is currently the head coach of the Notre Dame women’s basketball team.

In addition, Ivey’s father, Javin Hunter, was an NFL cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens (2002-05) and the San Francisco 49ers (2006). And now it’s Jayden Ivey’s turn at the star table.

“It’s just a blessing to be here this weekend and in such an atmosphere,” said Ivey, who played Friday’s Rising Stars. “I remember my mom took me to the Chicago All-Star Game a couple of years ago and I watched young stars like Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Luka (Doncic) and guys like that that were in Rising. Stars and I always wanted to play in this event.

“To be able to do this, I am very blessed. And to be able to represent my family, the Pistons organization and everyone who stayed at home, I’m just incredibly happy.

WILL THE CONTEST DANK BE BETTER?: Many people criticized last year’s slam dunk contest, but New Orleans Pelicans second-year forward Trey Murphy III is looking to breathe new life into the popular event.

“Save (the dunk competition), how do you say?” Murphy asked. “Nope. I don’t think about anything other than just doing my dunks and having fun and being free.

“It seems to me that a lot of times guys go on stage, but they are just tense and can be a little nervous. But at the end of the day, it’s just a basketball game. It’s not that important.”

Kenyon Martin Jr. (Houston Rockets), Jericho Sims (New York Knicks), Mac McClung (Philadelphia 76ers) and Murphy are four players in this year’s dunk contest, which takes place on Saturday at 20:00: 00. connection.

Sims played for Texas (2017–21), McClung played for Texas Institute of Technology (2020–21) and Murphy played for Rice (2018–20). Meanwhile, Martin’s father, Kenyon Martin Sr., graduated from Bryan Adams High School in Dallas in 1996, was drafted No. 1 in the NBA by the New Jersey Nets in 2000, played in the NBA from 2000 to 2015, and was a stars of 2004.

JORDAN OR LEBRON GOAT?: So much has been said about whether Michael Jordan and LeBron James are assholes. This question was asked to Toronto Raptors forward Scotty Barnes, and he stumbled upon the answer, saying:

Are you dragging me into an argument? I don’t know. They are both really good, they are both the best two. I love Michael Jordan, but I wasn’t really born when he was playing. But you only see what you see online. He was incredible.

“He was a killer on the court, he had all the necessary aspects of the game. He is a legend. They are both different players.”

SHORT: Dallas Mavericks guards Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving will practice on Saturday and play in Sunday’s All-Star game starting at 7:30 p.m. .Michael Jordan turned 60 on Friday. Scottie Pippen Sr., Jordan, and the Chicago Bulls all made the NBA Finals in 1991, ’92, ’93, ’96, ’97, and ’98 and won the championship in all six of those seasons. Pippen’s son, Scottie Pippen Jr., was only born on November 10, 2000. But he heard about how his father and Jordan dominated the NBA back in the day. “Growing up hearing (Jordan) and my dad playing together is definitely a cool experience when one of the greatest players of all time was the one who was cool with your dad.d and played with your father,” said Pippen. “Just being around the Bulls and seeing them is definitely something people would love to join. But happy birthday to him too.” The last NBA All-Star Game was held in Salt Lake City in 1993. Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley competed in the Rising Stars Challenge and is thrilled to have teammate Donovan Mitchell in Sunday’s All-Star Game. Mitchell spent the early years of his NBA career with the Utah Jazz before being traded to the Cavs last summer. Now Mitchell is back in town, where he has been an All-Star for the last three seasons. “He’s coming back here to where he played and I know he’s having fun,” Mobley said. “It will be a cool experience for him. Also, just playing with him for the Cavs, he fit in very well – and very fast – and he makes an immediate impact, so it was fun.” Toronto Raptors forward Scotty Barnes was asked if Florida had the best basketball players in the country. A native of West Palm Beach, Florida, Barnes said, “There are a lot of great hoopers in California, Dallas and Florida.” San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan keeps a close eye on his alma mater, the Baylor Bears. At one point this season, the Bears were number one in the nation, but they are now in ninth place. “It’s been ups and downs, but I think it’s been good overall, especially lately,” Sochan said. “The only way is up. Every season there will be ups and downs. I think they find their way and their rhythm and they have a great team, great defensemen, great players, great forwards.” Sochan only played last season for Baylor before declaring himself in the NBA draft and being drafted by the Spurs with the ninth overall pick last summer.The year before Sochan played for Baylor, the Bears won the 2021 NCAA title with a 28-2 record.But he also believes Baylor would have won it all in 2000. However, that season was cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “I think they would have gone back to back,” Sochan said. “This team (2019–20) was, of course, terrible.”

Twitter: @DwainPrice