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Syracuse Basketball: Dion Waiters suspended, Orange in the NBA update

By Christopher Queripel

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 09: Dion Waiters #11 of the Miami Heat brings the ball up the court against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on October 09, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 09: Dion Waiters #11 of the Miami Heat brings the ball up the court against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on October 09, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Here’s your weekly Syracuse basketball alum update in the NBA. Also, why did Dion Waiters get suspended? We have all the details.

The 2019-20 NBA season is underway, and several former Syracuse basketball stars are across the league. So we will take a look at where Orange players are this season and how their first game went.

Currently, former Orange players are all over the league in different capacities. Some players are on the active roster while some are on two-way contracts, or entirely in the G-league.

Just after one set of games for each player, we will look at how active the former Syracuse basketball players have been.

Jerami Grant

In the late window of games, Jerami Grant made his Nuggets debut. Coming off the bench, Grant will be used as a pivotal sixth man. His defensive prowess with improved offensive skills looks to make a difference for Denver this season.

In his first game, Grant recorded nine points via two threes and added two rebounds and an assist.
The former Orange forward is known primarily as a three-and-D player. This means he showcases his defensive skills and shoots threes. However, this wasn’t always the case. Grant last year tremendously improved his three-point shooting statistics.

In 2018, he shot 39 percent from beyond the arc on 3.4 tries a game. Both of these numbers are much higher than his next best shooting season.

So the key for Grant has been improved throughout the years. And on a playoff-caliber team, Grant hopes that his skills can help his team with a late playoff push this season.

The Nuggets will face the Phoenix Suns on Friday.

Dion Waiters

Before the season even started, Dion Waiters found himself in hot water with the Miami Heat brass. On social media, he made comments about head coach Erik Spoelstra, and rookie guard, Tyler Herro, who is set to be starting over Waiters.

These comments resulted in Dion being suspended by the team for at least the opener. The team’s official stance on the suspension is due to “a number of unacceptable incidents this week.”

This controversy has led to Waiters’ future in Miami potentially being in jeopardy. There has been no word from the front office if there is an intent to move Waiters, but a transaction could occur.

For Miami, the Orange guard has had an injury-riddled career by playing in 120 games for the squad over three seasons. However, in those games, he has had a nice offensive impact for the Heat.

However, Dion Waiters’ fans are going to need to wait for at least one more game to see him on the court this season.

Michael Carter-Williams

Beginning his first full season with the Orlando Magic, Michael Carter-Williams made his 2019 debut on Wednesday. Against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the former rookie of the year played 14 minutes. In all, he only totaled two points and three rebounds.

Carter-Williams is competing for the backup point guard spot against former No. 1 overall Markelle Fultz. In just the first game of the season, the fight for playing time has already begun.

The 2013 draft pick is currently on his sixth team and is hoping to see production similar to his early years. For the Magic, he is competing against D.J. Augustin and Markelle Fultz for playing time.

The Magic face the Atlanta Hawks next on Saturday night.

Oshae Brissett

Oshae Brissett is returning to his hometown to play professional basketball this season. The former Orange forward recently signed a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors. This contract allows Brissett to split time between the G-league and the NBA.

He will predominantly be spending most of his time with the Raptors G-league team. And this team so happens to play in Mississauga, Ontario, which is Brissett’s hometown.

Brissett hopes to display his size and athleticism and convert that to playing time for the NBA squad.

Tyus Battle

Tyus Battle signed an exhibit 10 contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves this offseason. Battle showcased his abilities with the T-wolves in the summer league and did enough to sign with the G-league team.

The NBA squad is full of talent at Battle’s position right now. But that doesn’t mean Battle couldn’t make his NBA debut this season.

To start, Tyus will be on the Iowa Wolves, and Minnesota has the right as his affiliate for him to join their NBA team.

The Wolves will play their first game on November 8th.

Syracuse Basketball: Top 30 Players in School History. dark. Next

Tyler Ennis

Tyler Ennis will join Brissett on the Raptors 905 G-league team. Unlike Brissett, Ennis is not on a two-way contract. He is signed as an affiliate player. What this means is that Ennis will play for the Raptor’s G-league team, but he remains a free agent. So even though he plays for the Raptors, he can be picked up by any NBA organization.

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