LOCALS IN THEIR OWN LEAGUE
A SALUTE TO THE PLAYERS WHO BEST REPRESENT ILLINOIS IN THE NBA TODAY
Anthony Davis represented Illinois and the city of Chicago well. The longest and most unique NBA season in history ended Sunday with Davis, a former local prep star, fueling the Lakers to an NBA title. Now in his prime at 27, Davis has evolved into one of the top handful of players in the world.
He heads a list of former Illinois prep stars — including three undrafted players— who make up this 2019-20 All-NBA team from Illinois:
ILLINOIS’ ALL-NBA TEAM ANTHONY DAVIS, LAKERS 2019-20 stats: 26.1 points per game,
9.3 reboundsper game, 2.3 blocks per game
Davis, who played high school basketball at Chicago Perspectives, was already a six-time All-Star with the Pelicans before being traded to Lakers a year ago. He took full advantage of the platform the Lakers provided, teaming up with LeBron James to capture a title while raising his profile as a future Hall of Famer.
KENDRICK NUNN, HEAT
2019-20 stats: 15.3 points per game, 3.3 assists per game, 137 three-pointers
After spending a year with the Santa Cruz Warriors in the G League, the former Simeon star burst on the scene this year in his first NBA season. He shined in his debut with 24 points and never looked back, ultimately finishing second behind Ja Morant in Rookie of the Year voting.
Nunn, who helped the Heat to an NBA Finals appearance, is the first undrafted player in NBA history with multiple Rookie of the Month awards.
DERRICK ROSE, PISTONS 2019-20 stats: 18.1 points per game, 5.6 assists per game
The former Simeon star and 2011 league MVP with the Bulls has rejuvenated his career. The 18.1 points per game is his highest scoring average since he was an All-Star in 2011-12.
Rose put together his second straight solid season and has emerged as one of the best sixth men in the NBA. He became the first player in Pistons history to have seven consecutive 20-plus-point games as a reserve.
FRED VANVLEET, RAPTORS
2019-20 stats: 17.6 points per game,
3.8 rebounds per game, 6.6 assists per game
After playing a key role in the Raptors’ run to the 2019 NBA title, VanVleet started every game this past season, and his numbers skyrocketed. Now the 26-year-old is poised for a big payday as an unrestricted free agent after a career year.
The 6-foot point guard, who led Rockford Auburn to an IHSA third-place finish in 2012, shined all season. On opening night, he received his NBA ring, then went out and pumped in 34 points. He became the first Raptor in history with 30 points and 10 assists in a playoff game.
ROBERT COVINGTON, TIMBERWOLVES/ROCKETS
2019-20 stats: 12.4 points per game,
6.6 rebounds per game, 161 three-pointers
The ProvisoWest alumnus has carved out a nice seven-year career in the NBA after going undrafted in 2013 following four terrific seasons at Tennessee State.
The 6-7 forward was his steady self this past season. In February, he was traded to the Rockets, the team he began his NBA career with in 2013, and showed his versatility by playing center in a “small ball lineup” in the NBA bubble.
THE BENCH
Patrick Beverley, Clippers (Marshall). A starter for one of the league’s best teams, he averaged 7.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.
Jabari Parker, Hawks/Kings (Simeon). Limited to just 38 games because of injury, Parker still put up 15 points and six rebounds per game.
Jalen Brunson, Mavericks (Stevenson). In just his second season after leading Villanova to a pair of national titles, Brunson averaged 8.2 points and 3.3 assists per game.
JaValeMcGee, Lakers (Hales Franciscan). The 12-year veteran put up minimal numbers but started every regular-season game for the NBA champions.