WVU Has Strong Presence in 2023 NBA Playoffs
The NBA playoffs are underway and if you don't know who to pull for, well, maybe we can help you out with that. This year, there is a strong WVU presence in the playoffs with seven former Mountaineers playing or working for playoff teams.
Who are they?
Jevon Carter, Milwaukee Bucks
Carter has had the most success in the NBA of any former Mountaineer seemingly this century. He has become a key part of Milwaukee's success as the backup guard to Jrue Holiday and posted his best season this year, averaging 8 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 0.8 steals per game.
First-round opponent: Miami Heat.
Miles McBride, New York Knicks
Deuce still has a fairly limited role in the Knicks rotation, but it is an increased one. This year, he averaged 3.5 points in 11.9 minutes per game. He's played in just three minutes through the first two games of the series and with NBA teams tightening up their rotation in the playoffs, he'll likely continue to see fewer than his season average of minutes.
First-round opponent: Cleveland Cavaliers.
Joe Mazzulla, Boston Celtics Head Coach
From helping WVU to the Final Four to becoming one of the best coaches in the NBA in just his first year. Joe Mazzulla is stealing the hearts of NBA fans nationwide as he is taking full advantage of his first head coaching opportunity, leading Boston to a 57-25 record this season. He was nominated for the NBA's Coach of the Year award last week.
First-round opponent: Atlanta Hawks.
Mike Gansey, Cleveland Cavaliers GM
Cleveland has as bright of a future as anyone in the NBA, thanks to the work that Mike Gansey has done as the team's general manager. He negotiated the trade to acquire Donovan Mitchell which has helped move the Cavs from pretender to contender. His team is built to win long-term, so we'll be seeing more and more of Gansey throughout the years.
First-round opponent: New York Knicks.
Jerry West, Los Angeles Clippers Consultant
Yes, "The Logo" is still at it. You just can't take the man away from the game of basketball. West doesn't have as direct of an impact on roster decisions as he did once before, but his advice and presence are much appreciated in L.A. In addition to being one of the all-time great NBA players, one could argue that West is the best NBA executive of all time.
First-round opponent: Phoenix Suns.
Jonnie West, Golden State Warriors Director of Basketball Operations
Jerry's son, Jonnie, is making his way up the ladder in the NBA, currently serving as the director of basketball operations for Golden State. He helps scout, recruit, and assist the GM in various ways. He doesn't have much of a say on the roster but does offer some input.
First-round opponent: Sacramento Kings.
Da'Sean Butler, New York Knicks Assistant Video Coordinator
Butler spent one season as an assistant with the College Park SkyHawks in the G-League before getting the call to New York this past September. His role is essentially to assist the coaching staff in figuring out an opponent's strengths and weaknesses by cutting up game film.
First-round opponent: Cleveland Cavaliers.
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