Playoffs near for Arkansans in NBA

Postseason play begins this week in the NBA, which demands an update on our NBA Arkansans.

Oh, and for Coach Cal. These guys played high school basketball in Arkansas and followed in the footsteps of former stars you’re familiar with like Sidney Moncrief, Ron Brewer, Corliss Williamson, Joe Johnson, and Ronnie Brewer. So, please consider our top in-state talent before you begin circling the globe for 5-star recruits.

Deal?

Deal.

DANIEL GAFFORD (EL DORADO/ DALLAS MAVERICKS)

Dallas strengthened its roster after trading for center Daniel Gafford, who began the season with the Washington Wizards.

Gafford adds an inside presence for a Dallas team led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, two of the best players in the league. But Gafford stole the headlines on April 9 when he shot 12 of 12 from the field and scored 26 points in a 130-104 victory over Charlotte.

MALIK MONK (EAST POINSETT COUNTY/BENTONVILLE/ SACRAMENTO KINGS)

Malik Monk ended the regular season on the injured list, but he’s been so dynamic he is still considered the player to beat for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award.

Monk is currently sidelined with an MCL sprain, but he could be back if the Kings make any kind of run in the playoffs. Monk is averaging 15.4 points per game. He’s instant offense off the bench, like when he scored 37 points against Orlando on Jan. 3.

AUSTIN REAVES (NEWARK/ LOS ANGELES LAKERS)

LeBron James has developed quite a rapport with Austin Reaves, which is ironic considering two of Reaves’ biggest games have come with LA’s biggest star out with an injury.

James and Anthony Davis were both missing when Reaves scored 32 points in a 114-105 victory at Boston. The former undrafted free agent was 10 of 18 from the floor and made 7 of his 10 three-point attempts in that game.

James was out with a sprained ankle when Reaves had a triple-double (29 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists) during a 128-124 victory over Milwaukee in double overtime. It was the second career triple-double for Reaves, who averages 15.8 points on the season for the Lakers, who begin the postseason this week as a play-in tournament team.

NICK SMITH, JR. (NORTH LITTLE ROCK/CHARLOTTE HORNETS)

Charlotte is 20-61 on the season, which means Nick Smith, Jr., will be watching the playoffs on TV like the rest of us.

It’s been a learning process for Smith, who played in only 17 games as a freshman with the Razorbacks before he declared for the NBA draft. Smith contributed 5.6 points per game as a rookie with the Hornets. But he flashed his potential with 12 points in a blowout loss last week against the Boston Celtics.

BOBBY PORTIS (LITTLE ROCK HALL/MILWAUKEE BUCKS)

Like Monk, Bobby Portis is a major contributor off the bench for his team.

Portis personified the “Next man up” mentality with 30 points, 9 rebounds, and a career-high 5 steals last week in a 117-99 victory over Orlando when two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo was out with an injury.

Portis has meshed well with guard Patrick Beverly, a former Razorback and honorary Arkansan by way of Chicago.

JAYLIN WILLIAMS (FORT SMITH NORTHSIDE/OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER)

I had to compliment my neighbor who drove to Oklahoma City for a game and returned wearing a Jaylin Williams jersey.

If you’re ever asked why the Razorbacks weren’t very good this season, point to former players like Jaylin Williams as an example. Williams was an in-state player who busted his butt for the Razorbacks and did the little things to win, like diving for basketballs or standing his ground to take a charge.

I didn’t see the Hogs do much of anything this season except shoot.

Williams is averaging 4 points and 3.3 rebounds for the Thunder, who are listed among the favorites to end the season with an NBA title.

ISAIAH JOE (FORT SMITH NORTHSIDE/ OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER)

It’s rare to see former high school teammates on the same NBA team, especially one as good as the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Joe contributes 8.2 points per game for OKC, which improved to 56-25 after a win over Milwaukee on Friday.

MOSES MOODY (LITTLE ROCK PARKVIEW/NORTH LITTLE ROCK/ GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS)

We would’ve heard a lot more about Moses Moody if he wasn’t stuck behind NBA superstars Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry with the Warriors.

Moody still receives enough playing time to contribute 8.1 points per game this year. Moody is only 21, so better days are ahead for Moses with the Warriors or some other NBA team.