<img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/595fc254f5018435008b4bea-1500/buddy hield.jpg" alt="buddy hield" /><p class="source"><span>Jim Mone/AP</span></p><p class="caption">Buddy Hield is part of a potentially promising core in Sacramento.</p>The Sacramento Kings were widely criticized in February when they <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/kings-demarcus-cousins-trade-baffled-nba-world-2017-2">traded DeMarcus Cousins for a meager return</a>, blowing up what was already a rebuilding project.<p>But five months later, the Kings, the distraught and frequently dysfunction franchise, appear to be heading in the right direction thanks to some savvy moves.</p><p>The Kings haven't made the playoffs in 11 years or posted over 40 wins in that time, and that likely won't change this season. But there is actually hope for the team that suddenly has a collection of intriguing young talent and respectable veterans to guide them.</p><p>The centerpiece of the Kings' return for DeMarcus Cousins was Buddy Hield, the 23-year-old No. 6 pick in the 2016 draft. Hield did not shine in New Orleans and the consensus is that it's hard for older rookies to develop into superstars.</p><p>Hield didn't blow anyone away in Sacramento, but he was solid, posting 15 points per game on 48% shooting, 42% from three, with four rebounds per game after the All-Star break. Some of those numbers are hollow, as the Kings went just 8-17 after the break, but they were borderline competitive with Hield on the floor, getting outscored by only four points per 100 possessions, a tolerable figure, all things considered. The Kings also got promising minutes from young athletic players like Willie Cauley-Stein and Skal Labissiere.</p><p>But the Cousins trade also paid off in that it gave the Kings another first-round pick in a deep and talented draft. After the 76ers swapped picks with the Kings, Sacramento ended up with the fifth and tenth picks. They took Kentucky point guard De'Aaron Fox with the fifth pick, then traded No. 10 to the Blazers in return for two picks that they used on UNC wing Justin Jackson and Duke big man Harry Giles.</p><p>Draft night was considered a win for the Kings. Fox was considered by some to be the best point guard in the draft, Jackson was a savvy, steady wing at UNC who played solid defense and improved his three-point percentage every year, and Giles was considered one of the top prospects in the country before two knee injuries slowed his growth at Duke. Had Giles been healthy enough to show his considerable promise, some experts believed he would have been a top-five pick. The Kings got him at No. 20.</p><p>In essence the Kings got a little bit of everything in the draft - a seemingly sure-fire prospect, a steady player who could develop into a solid NBA role player, and a project big man with huge upside but a real potential downside, a worthwhile risk. ESPN's Chad Ford gave the Kings an "A" for the draft; Sports Illustrated's Andrew Sharp gave them an "A+".</p><p>To fill out this roster that features eight first- and second-year players, the Kings have also made some strong moves in free agency. Before free agency opened, <a href="http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/page/presents-19771192/zach-lowe-2017-nba-free-agency-preview-including-celtics-lakers-heat-more">ESPN's Zach Lowe reported</a> that the Kings were considering tossing "huge money" at the biggest free agents, just to help their chances at winning and to bolster a young roster. The Kings did that, in a sense, but also spent fairly responsibly.</p><p>The Kings signed George Hill, a strong, steady, defensive-minded point guard, to a three-year, $57 million deal, Zach Randolph to a two-year, $24 million contract, and Vince Carter to a one-year, $8 million contract.</p><p>Some may scoff at the combined money being paid to three 30-and-older players who are unlikely to push the Kings toward playoff contention. The Kings won't have max-level cap space next season (when few other teams will have cap space at all), but it may not be a big deal, as Sacramento isn't a prime free-agent destination.</p><p>What the Kings can do this season is continue to tank while also letting their handfuls of young players learn under talented, respected veterans like Hill, Randolph, and Carter. Those three veterans can help the Kings at least function on the floor while also showing the youngsters the ropes, both on the court and off of it.</p><p>It's too early to declare the future bright for the Kings - any promising rebuild needs at least one sure-fire superstar and several promising contributors to pair with him. Perhaps Fox and Hield can represent that hope, but there needs to be a larger sample size.</p><p>But for the first time in a long time, there's a direction for the Kings. If they've nailed any of their draft picks, they can let them grow under some solid veterans, and by the time Hill and Randolph and co. are out of the picture, those young players may be ready to take over and perhaps attract real talent to come play with them.</p>            <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/12-time-olympic-medalist-dara-torres-eating-habits-during-training-2017-6">A 12-time Olympic medalist reveals her eating habits during training</a></h3>                                    Please enable Javascript to watch this video                    

The NBA's most distraught franchise is quietly winning the offseason

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5bc4abcd9a4ab81b346de875-2400/gettyimages-158369066.jpg" border="0" alt="Brian Moynihan" data-mce-source="Win McNamee/Getty Images" data-mce-caption="WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 14: Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan speaks at the Brookings Institution December 14, 2012 in Washington, DC. Moynihan spoke on the topic of 'The Future of Homeownership in the United States.' (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)" /><p class="source"><span>Win McNamee/Getty Images</span></p><p class="caption">Investment banking fees have fallen at Bank of America, which has suffered a wave of senior losses.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li>Bank of America Merrill Lynch's investment banking woes continue to mount.</li><li>While overall <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/bank-of-america-merrill-lynch-reports-q3-earnings-third-quarter-2018-10">profits in the third-quarter soared 32% to $7.2 billion</a>, investment banking fees in the firm's Global Banking division fell 20% to $643 million.</li><li>It was the continuation of a dismal year for the unit, which has lost market share to its top rivals and dropped in the league tables.</li><li>The bank has also experienced a wave of senior departures, with more managing director exits in investment banking since 2017 than any of its US competitors, according to a report.</li><li>"This is about renewing our focus and reenergizing our teams," CFO Paul Donofrio said on Monday.</li></ul><p>Investment banking was one of the few sore spots in an otherwise strong third-quarter earnings report for Bank of America Merrill Lynch.</p><p>While overall <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/bank-of-america-merrill-lynch-reports-q3-earnings-third-quarter-2018-10">profits in the third-quarter soared 32% to $7.2 billion,</a> investment banking fees in the firm's Global Banking division dropped 20% to $643 million. </p><p>It was the continuation of a dismal year for the unit, which for the first nine months of 2017 saw fees dip 20% from $2.7 billion to $2.1 billion. JPMorgan Chase and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/citigroup-announces-q3-earnings-results-third-quarter-2018-10">Citigroup</a> reported earnings Friday and saw smaller investment banking declines of 1% and 8%, respectively. </p><p>In earnings calls on Monday with the media and analysts, Bank of America top executives said the division isn't living up to its potential.</p><p>"I know we can do better. I came from investment banking. I know they've built a great business, they have great bankers. We have one of the best platforms on the planet," CFO Paul Donofrio said. "This is about renewing our focus and reenergizing our teams."</p><p>While investment banking comprises a much smaller slice of Bank of America's business than its powerhouse consumer retail division - which reported $3.1 billion in profits in the quarter - the firm is a perennial a top-three player on global dealmaking league tables. It has slipped to fourth thus far in 2018, losing market share while rivals have made significant gains, according to data from Dealogic.</p><p>The firm's share in global investment banking fees dropped to 5.7% - down from 6% in 2016 and 2017 - while JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley all posted gains. </p><p>The decline has happened amid a bumper year for mergers-and-acquisitions, with a <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/b7e67ba4-c28f-11e8-95b1-d36dfef1b89a">record $3.1 trillion in announced deals</a> in the first three quarters.</p><p>There's no single explanation for the investment banking drop-off, though many <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/bank-of-america-is-missing-out-on-wall-streets-boom-1539428400?tesla=y">cite a too-conservative approach</a>, which grew even more risk averse following the $292 million loss on a margin loan involving South African retailer Steinhoff International in the fourth quarter of 2017. </p><p>The firm's leaders noted the episodic nature of dealmaking, and the misfortune of having huge deals fall through, as Bank of America did with the potential $34 billion Comcast-21st Century Fox deal, which <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/comcast-doesnt-plan-to-further-pursue-purchase-of-fox-assets-2018-7">crumbled in July</a> after Disney swooped in with a higher bid. </p><p>Some have questioned leadership at the top. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tumultuous-year-in-investment-banking-at-bank-of-america-merrill-lynch-2018-9">Outgoing corporate and investment banking chief Christian Meissner</a>, and his lieutenant and head of investment banking Diego De Giorgi, have<a href="https://www.ft.com/content/042b5c3a-cf8f-11e8-a9f2-7574db66bcd5"> taken heat for allegedly creating factions</a> and alienating some bankers. </p><p>It's unclear whether that's to blame for senior bankers jumping ship, but Bank of America has experienced more churn than its US competitors in investment banking.</p><p>The bank lost 28 managing directors in investment banking to other banks in 2017 and the first half of 2018, according to data from a top Wall Street headhunting firm. Among those losses are Aaron Packles, co-head of US financial institutions banking, who left for Jefferies, and Bill Frauenhofer, head of global semiconductors banking, who left for Morgan Stanley.</p><p>By contrast, JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs lost 13 MDs during that span and Morgan Stanley lost 22, according to the report. </p><p>That tally doesn't include departures to the buy-side, corporations, or out of the industry, such as capital markets chief A.J. Murphy, who left in May to private-equity firm Silver Lake, or Anwar Zakkour, the global head of technology banking, who departed in January. </p><p>A Bank of America spokesman noted that the investment bank has hired 49 MDs since 2017. </p><p>Executives said Monday they were confident in their deal pipeline and that the business would rebound, a turnaround effort that will be spearheaded by Matthew Koder, the president of the firm's Asia-Pacific operations and Meissner's replacement.</p><p>"We know we can get our fair share out of that business," CEO Brian Moynihan said on the earnings call with analysts. "We can do better and we'll just keep pushing away at it."</p><p class="tagline">Get the latest Bank of America stock price<a href="http://markets.businessinsider.com/stock/BAC-Quote"> here.</a></p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gary-shilling-legendary-economist-trade-war-outlook-says-us-will-win-2018-10">The legendary economist who predicted the housing crisis says the US will win the trade war</a></h3>        <div>            <iframe class="bijwplayerclass" data-player="jwplayer" src="https://content.jwplatform.com/players/xUxxJSS6-xjRU7l6Z.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" style="margin:0px;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><script>function receiveMessage(event){ console.log(event.data.fullscreen); Android.fullscreen(event.data.fullscreen); }window.addEventListener("message", receiveMessage, false);</script>        </div>    </div>

A wave of senior departures, lost market share, and a 20% drop in fees: A dismal year in investment banking at Bank of America

<img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/59416bd1c4adee63658b57c3-1996/ap17158694304779.jpg" alt="Lonzo Ball takes questions after workout for Los Angeles Lakers" /><p class="source"><span>AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes</span></p>After weeks of experts assuming it was all but a done deal, story after story is emerging to indicate that the Los Angeles Lakers might be open to passing on Lonzo Ball with the second overall pick in the NBA Draft.<p>Ball, who was born and raised in the Los Angeles area, has been considered a favorite to go to the Lakers since even before his lone season at UCLA ended.</p><p>With all of his roots in Los Angeles and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/lavar-ball-on-why-lonzos-zo2-shoe-costs-495-2017-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">a father committed to branding the entire family</a>, many believed that as long as the Lakers got a high enough draft pick, Lonzo would be suiting up for the purple and gold this fall.</p><p>In May, Lonzo's <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/lonzo-ball-turned-down-celtics-workout-2017-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">now-infamous father, LaVar, went as to far</a> as to turn down a workout invitation from the Boston Celtics and say that his son would not be working out for any teams other than the Lakers. "That's all we working out for is the Lakers. Just the Lakers. There's nobody else that we need to workout for."</p><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/59037c482f6ae45e008b51de-2000/ap907829929890.jpg" alt="Lonzo Ball" /><p class="source"><span>Matt York/AP</span></p><p>When <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/lakers-no-2-pick-nba-draft-lonzo-ball-2017-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the Lakers wound up with the second overall pick after the lottery</a>, many thought that the script was already written, the story too good not to come true. But the Los Angeles front office has not exactly shown the same level of assuredness in the UCLA standout when it comes to working out potential draft picks.</p><p>The team has already invited other expected lottery picks to workout for them, including Kansas small forward Josh Jackson, Kentucky point guard De'Aaron Fox, and Washington point guard Markelle Fultz.</p><p>While Fultz is expected to be selected with the first overall pick by the Boston Celtics, the Lakers have <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/report-lakers-plan-to-bring-lonzo-ball-and-markelle-fultz-in-for-second-workout/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">invited him back for a second workout</a>, <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2714648-lonzo-ball-may-be-a-star-but-los-angeles-lakers-have-questions-ahead-of-draft" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">fueling speculation that his future with Boston may not yet be sealed</a>.</p><p>Additionally, rumors swirled across social media this week that Josh Jackson had gotten a promise from a team that he would be drafted <a href="http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2017/6/12/15789336/2017-nba-draft-rumors-josh-jackson-cancels-workout-with-celtics-la-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">after he cancelled a workout with the Celtics on Monday</a>.</p><p>Jackson has already worked out for the Lakers and is expected to return for another before Draft Day.</p><p>On top of this, <a href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-josh-jackson-20170613-story.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Broderick Turner of the LA Times has reported</a> that according to several NBA officials "the Lakers are split over whether to use their No. 2 pick on Ball or Jackson."</p><p>Turner went on to report that, "Several executives said Ball appeared 'out of shape' and way 'too cool' during his first workout with the Lakers."</p><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/58cc22abd349f91e008b5090-1500/undefined" alt="lonzo and lavar ball" /><p class="source"><span>Mark J. Terrill/AP</span></p><p>Beyond competing against other great players in terms of talent on the court, Ball also brings his father and the entirety of the Big Baller Brand with him to whatever franchise eventually selects him. LaVar's tendency to <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/espn-stephen-a-smith-lavar-ball-first-take-debate-2017-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">get in front of cameras</a> and say unpredictable (and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/lavar-ball-ucla-win-with-three-white-guys-2017-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sometimes</a> <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/lavar-ball-kristine-leahy-stay-in-your-shoe-sales-2017-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">problematic</a> things) <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/lavar-ball-comments-lonzo-ball-nba-career-2017-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">will be taken into consideration</a> by every team thinking about drafting Lonzo, and it's easy to imagine that a <a href="https://www.forbes.com/teams/los-angeles-lakers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">$3 billion franchise</a> might be uncomfortable bringing a media firebrand they can't control into the fold.</p><p>Only time will tell where Lonzo eventually ends up playing in his rookie season. But right now it feels like each day brings with it a new story of hesitance and reconsideration on the part of Los Angeles.</p><p>One thing's for certain though - we're officially in the thick of draft rumor season, and chances are we won't be totally sure of anything until Adam Silver takes the microphone at the Barclay's Center on June 22nd.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>High lottery pick Josh Jackson canceled today's workout with the Boston Celtics, source told me and <a href="https://twitter.com/MarcJSpearsESPN">@MarcJSpearsESPN</a>.</p>- Jeff Goodman  (@GoodmanESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/874464847303516161">June 13, 2017</a></blockquote>            <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/animals-usain-bolt-outrun-olympics-fastest-human-ever-race-jamaica-retire-runner-sprint-2017-6">Here are all the animals Usain Bolt can outrun</a></h3>                                    Please enable Javascript to watch this video                    

There is increasing buzz that the Lakers could pass on Lonzo Ball in the NBA Draft

<ul class="summary-list"><li>After a short offseason, the <keyword id="6361805" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="NBA">NBA</keyword> is back, with training camps underway and preseason tipping off on Friday.</li><li>A flurry of activity has shaken up the standings.</li><li>The Lakers still top our power rankings as we head into the season.</li></ul><p>The longest season in NBA history led to the shortest offseason in history.</p><p>The NBA is back, just two months removed from the bubble. The compressed offseason led to a flurry of activity, with the draft and free agency being held over about one week.</p><p>The pecking order hasn't drastically changed, though some big names moved, and there are some teams on the rise and some on moving in the other direction.</p><p>With training camps underway and preseason tipping off on Friday, here's a look at our <keyword id="10412181" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="nba-power-rankings">NBA power rankings</keyword>.</p><p><em>* = lottery-pick rookie</em></p><h2><strong>30. Detroit Pistons</strong></h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 20-46, 13th in East</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Jerami Grant (F), Delon Wright (G), Mason Plumlee (C), Killian Hayes (G*)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Luke Kennard (G/F), Christian Wood (C)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The Pistons were active this offseason in re-shaping their roster, but it looks like just the beginning of a rebuild for a team with many questions at a lot of positions.</p><h2>29. Cleveland Cavaliers</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 19-46, 15th in East</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Damyean Dotson (G/F), JaVale McGee (C), Isaac Okoro (G/F*)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Tristan Thompson (F/C)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The Cavs are in the midst of turning things over to the young core of Collin Sexton, Darius Garland, Kevin Porter Jr., and Isaac Okoro. Will a Kevin Love trade finally happen this season?</p><h2>28. New York Knicks</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 21-45, 12th in East</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Austin Rivers (G), Nerlens Noel (C), Alec Burks (G/F), Obi Toppin (F*), Tom Thibodeau (coach)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Bobby Portis (F/C), Taj Gibson (C), Damyean Dotson (G/F)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The Knicks were patient and conservative this offseason, adding only cheap veterans to their young core. It's wise to continue a slow rebuild, but don't expect many more wins at MSG this season.</p><h2>27. Oklahoma City Thunder</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 44-28, 5th in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Al Horford (F/C), George Hill (G), Trevor Ariza (F)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Chris Paul (G), Steven Adams (C), Dennis Schröder (G)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> After wheeling-and-dealing through the offseason, the Thunder ultimately stripped away last year's surprising playoff roster for veterans and even more draft picks. OKC likely won't be an easy out, but it's hard to see them winning so many games again.</p><h2>26. Sacramento Kings</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 31-41, 11th in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Hassan Whiteside (C), Frank Kaminsky (F/C), Tyrese Haliburton (G*)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Bogdan Bogdanovic (G/F)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The 2019-20 season was a letdown after the Kings narrowly missed the playoffs the year before. Sacramento wants to get back in the mix, and they'll need big seasons from De'Aaron Fox (who just signed a $163 million extension) and Marvin Bagley. </p><h2>25. Chicago Bulls</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 22-43, 11th in East</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Patrick Williams (F*), Billy Donovan (coach)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Kris Dunn (G), Jim Boylen (coach)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The Bulls should improve with their coaching change. Though they have some nice talent at the top of their roster, their team's depth and core pieces are still in flux.</p><h2>24. Charlotte Hornets</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 23-42, 9th in East</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Gordon Hayward (G/F), LaMelo Ball (G*)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Nic Batum (G/F)</p><p><strong><div type="image" title="gordon hayward" height="968" width="1290" msid="79667317" hostid="261"></div>2020-21 outlook:</strong> Drafting LaMelo Ball and signing Gordon Hayward to a $120 million deal gave the Hornets one of the more notable offseasons in the league. But Ball is a rookie PG joining a young, growing core, and Hayward isn't enough to lift the Hornets to another tier by himself.</p><h2>23. San Antonio Spurs</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 32-39, 10th in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Devin Vassell (G/F*)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Bryn Forbes (G)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The Spurs are going through a slow rebuild, though they nearly made the playoffs last year, so it's not as if they're tanking. Development from young guards like Lonnie Walker or Dejounte Murray could push the Spurs up the standings.</p><h2>22. Orlando Magic</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 33-40, 8th in East</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> none</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> D.J. Augustin (G)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook</strong> The Magic have made the playoffs the last two years, but Augustin is quietly a big departure, versatile forward Jonathan Isaac will miss the season with a torn ACL, and the East has gotten better.</p><h2>21. Washington Wizards</h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="Houston Rockets Russell Westbrook Rokit phones" height="1182" width="1576" msid="79667322" hostid="261"></div>2019-20 record:</strong> 25-47, 10th in East</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Russell Westbrook (G), Robin Lopez (C), Deni Avdija (F*)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> John Wall (G)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook: </strong>The Wizards swapped Westbrook and Wall, giving Bradley Beal another back-court scoring partner (one not coming off a major injury). The Wizards should benefit from an infusion of talent, especially on the wing, with second-year forward Rui Hachimura and Deni Avdija, perhaps the steal of the draft.</p><h2>20. Memphis Grizzlies</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 34-39, 9th in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Mario Hezonja (F)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Josh Jackson (G/F)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The surprise team of the 2019-20 season, the Grizzlies were on track to make the playoffs, though they benefited from an easy schedule before the league shut down. Perhaps we shouldn't write off Memphis again, but a step back from a young roster wouldn't be surprising, especially with Jaren Jackson Jr. recovering from a torn meniscus.</p><h2>19. Minnesota Timberwolves</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 19-45, 14th in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Ricky Rubio (G), Ed Davis (F/C), Anthony Edwards (G/F*)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> none</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> It's unclear how the trio of Rubio, No. 1 pick Edwards, and D'Angelo Russell will fit together, but the Wolves have gone all-in on chasing a playoff spot around Karl-Anthony Towns. This could be a fun, dynamic offensive team, but they may also be awful defensively and a bit choppy on offense with so many mouths to feed.</p><h2>18. Golden State Warriors</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 15-50, 15th in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Kelly Oubre Jr. (G/F), Kent Bazemore (G/F), James Wiseman (C*)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> none</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> Klay Thompson's torn Achilles is a devastating blow for a franchise looking to compete for a top-four seed once again. Stephen Curry is back and ready to re-reestablish himself as an elite player, but who else on this roster can be relied upon, from night to night?</p><h2>17. New Orleans Pelicans</h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="Zion Williamson" height="1750" width="2334" msid="79667327" hostid="261"></div>2019-20 record:</strong> 30-42, 13th in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Steven Adams (C), Eric Bledsoe (G), Kira Lewis (G*)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Jrue Holiday (G), Derrick Favors (C), E'Twaun Moore (G)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The Pelicans were a winning team, by a healthy margin, in the 668 pre-bubble minutes Zion Williamson played last year. That's what they'll be counting on entering this season, as they surround the young core of Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Lonzo Ball with capable veterans.</p><h2>16. Houston Rockets</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 44-28, 4th in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> John Wall (G), Christian Wood (C), Stephen Silas (coach)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Russell Westbrook (G), Robert Covington Jr. (F), Austin Rivers (G), Jeff Green (F), Mike D'Antoni (coach)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook: </strong>James Harden is a walking playoff appearance, and enough pieces are remaining in Houston to build a solid postseason contender. But will Harden's trade request erode team chemistry? Will the Rockets succumb and deal him to another team?</p><h2>15. Indiana Pacers</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 45-28, 4th in East</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Nate Bjorkgren (coach)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Nate McMillan (coach)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The Pacers seem to be in flux. They've been a solid playoff team, albeit with a limited ceiling, but the futures of Victor Oladipo and Myles Turner seem to be in question.</p><h2>14. Atlanta Hawks</h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="trae young" height="999" width="1332" msid="79667331" hostid="261"></div>2019-20 record: </strong>20-47, 14th in East</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Bogdan Bogdanovic (G/F), Danilo Gallinari (F), Rajon Rondo (G), Kris Dunn (G), Onyeka Okungwu (C*)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Jeff Teague (G)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The Hawks were the big spenders of the offseason. Some of the moves were questionable fits with their existing roster, but they are undoubtedly improved, and their offense should carry them to a playoff seed.</p><h2>13. Toronto Raptors</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 53-19, 2nd in East</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Aron Baynes (C), Alex Len (C)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Marc Gasol (C), Serge Ibaka (F/C)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The Raptors retained Fred VanVleet to keep together the successful, talented core that includes Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, and OG Anunoby. The bad <keyword id="6355005" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="news">news</keyword> is they lost Ibaka and Gasol, two fulcrums on both ends, in free agency, hurting the Raptors' seamless chemistry. Toronto is in the midst of a tricky re-tooling.</p><h2>12. Phoenix Suns</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong>34-39, 10th in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Chris Paul (G), Jae Crowder (F), Jalen Smith (F*)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Ricky Rubio (G), Kelly Oubre (G/F), Frank Kaminsky (F)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> After going 8-0 in the bubble and narrowly missing the playoffs, the Suns swung a trade for Chris Paul to boost their back-court. With Devin Booker entering his prime as an elite offensive player and development from two-way stud Mikal Bridges and center Deandre Ayton, the Suns should reach the playoffs.</p><h2>11. Dallas Mavericks</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 43-32, 7th in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Josh Richardson (G/F), James Johnson (F)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Seth Curry (G)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> Richardson is an excellent two-way addition to a team historically good on offense and poor on offense last season. Now the Mavs need their front-court of Kristaps Porzingis and Dwight Powell to get and stay healthy. In the meantime, Doncic is an early MVP favorite.</p><div type="image" title="luka doncic.JPG" height="660" width="1321" msid="79667338" hostid="261"></div><h2>10. Philadelphia 76ers</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 43-40, 6th in East</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Danny Green (G/F), Seth Curry (G), Dwight Howard (C), Doc Rivers (coach)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Josh Richardson (G/F), Al Horford (F/C), Alec Burks (G/F)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> New GM Daryl Morey immediately changed the Sixers' awkward construction and shipped out size for shooting. This roster makes more sense, and while Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid may continue to be an awkward fit, the pieces around them may make it a little less burdensome on offense.</p><h2>9. Utah Jazz</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 44-28, 6th in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Derrick Favors (F/C)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Ed Davis (F/C)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The Jazz were one <a href="https://www.insider.com/video-jamal-murray-consoles-donovan-mitchell-nuggets-jazz-game-7-2020-9">in-and-out, last-second three-pointer in a Game 7</a> from advancing past the first round of the playoffs. They'll welcome back second-leading scorer Bojan Bogdanovic (who missed the bubble), and with a leap from Donovan Mitchell, they'll be right back in the playoff mix this year.</p><h2>8. Boston Celtics</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 48-24, 3rd in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Tristan Thompson (F/C), Jeff Teague (G), Aaron Nesmith (G*)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Gordon Hayward (G/F), Enes Kanter (C), Brad Wanamaker (G)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The Celtics will miss Hayward, but his absence will open up more opportunities for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Thompson adds some size and defense to one of the league's smallest teams. The big question is if Kemba Walker's knee will be healthy enough to be the second or third scorer the Celtics need to contend.</p><h2>7. Portland Trail Blazers</h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="damian lillard .JPG" height="870" width="1160" msid="79667344" hostid="261"></div>2019-20 record:</strong> 35-39, 9th in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Robert Covington Jr. (F), Derrick Jones Jr. (F), Harry Giles (F/C), Enes Kanter (C)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Trevor Ariza (F)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> Arguably, no team had a better, cleaner offseason than the Blazers, who strengthened their wing and bigs rotations around Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum at a minimal cost. They made the Western Conference Finals in 2019; can they re-emerge as pseudo-contenders again?</p><h2>6. Brooklyn Nets</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 35-37, 7th in East</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Landry Shamet (G), Jeff Green (F/C), Steve Nash (coach)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Garrett Temple (G), Wilson Chandler (F)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> On paper, the Nets might boast the best roster in the league. Of course, they're relying on one star (Kevin Durant) coming back from an Achilles tear and another (Kyrie Irving) with a checkered injury history. We'll need to see they're healthy, but if they are, look out. Under first-time head coach Steve Nash, the Nets will be must-watch TV.</p><h2>5. Denver Nuggets</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 46-27, 3rd in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> JaMychal Green (F/C)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Jerami Grant (F), Mason Plumlee (C)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> Denver's chemistry and grit wowed the NBA world as they fought to the Western Conference Finals last year. If Jamal Murray's star turn in the bubble and Michael Porter Jr.'s rapid development are real, Denver will be a contender this year.</p><h2>4. Miami Heat</h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="jimmy butler" height="843" width="1125" msid="79667350" hostid="261"></div>2019-20 record:</strong> 44-29, 5th in East</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Avery Bradley (G), Maurice Harkless (F)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Jae Crowder (F), Derrick Jones Jr. (F)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> Miami's impressive Finals run overshadowed a solid but unspectacular regular season. Not much has changed on the roster, though Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro could make leaps this season. The Heat deserve respect as conference champions but don't expect them to run over the East as they did in the bubble.</p><h2>3. LA Clippers</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 49-23, 2nd in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Serge Ibaka (F/C), Luke Kennard (F)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Montrezl Harrell (F/C), JaMychal Green (F/C), Landry Shamet (G), Doc Rivers (coach)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The Clippers' meltdown in the second round of the playoffs and reported <a href="https://www.insider.com/kawhi-leonard-paul-george-star-treatment-bothered-clippers-teammates-2020-12">chemistry issues</a> have overshadowed what looked like the scariest team in the league for much of the regular season. They still have Kawhi Leonard and Paul George and a deep, talented roster. If the locker-room issues sort themselves out, they can easily contend for a championship.</p><h2>2. <keyword id="578134" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Milwaukee-Bucks">Milwaukee Bucks</keyword></h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 56-17, 1st in East</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Jrue Holiday (G), Bobby Portis (F/C), D.J. Augustin (G)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Eric Bledsoe (G), George Hill (G), Welsey Matthews (F),  Robin Lopez (C)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> Sure, the Bucks flamed out of the second round of the playoffs, botched a trade for Bogdan Bogdanovic, and still don't have Giannis Antetokounmpo's signature on the supermax contract extension. But they still have the reigning MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, a talented roster that upgraded by acquiring Holiday, and a proven effective system in the regular season. But this season is all about what happens in the playoffs.</p><div type="image" title="anthony davis lebron james" height="739" width="1479" msid="79667352" hostid="261"></div><h2>1. <keyword id="100883" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Los-Angeles-Lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</keyword></h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 52-19, 1st in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Montrezl Harrel (F/C), Marc Gasol (C), Dennis Schroeder (G), Wesley Matthews (F)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Danny Green (G/F), Dwight Howard (C), Avery Bradley (G), JaVale McGee (C)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The Lakers were the best team from start to finish last season, and they look poised to repeat this year. They upgraded the talent on their roster and got younger, crucial with a shortened offseason. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are locked in for the long-term, too. No other team has the same balance of talent and chemistry as the Lakers.</p>

NBA POWER RANKINGS: Where every team stands heading into the season

<p><strong><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5c69bd9926289845aa220fb3-1421/dennis%20smith%20jr%202.jpg" border="0" alt="dennis smith jr 2" data-mce-source="Seth Wenig/AP"><p class="source"><span>Seth Wenig/AP</span></p><p class="caption">Dennis Smith Jr. was traded to the Knicks in a blockbuster deal.</p></img></div><p></p></div></div></strong></p><ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>Dennis Smith Jr. has had a whirlwind season, from being traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the New York Knicks to participating in the dunk contest weeks later.</strong></li><li><strong>Smith said he had fun in the dunk contest, which included him jumping over rapper J. Cole, despite not winning.</strong></li><li><strong>Smith said he's adjusting well to New York, but said many fans don't realize the logistical details that go into being traded to a new team.</strong></li><li><strong>Smith also discussed the famous story about eating octopus with Phil Jackson before the draft and when he realized Luka Doncic was the real deal.</strong></li><li><strong>Follow all of<span>&#xa0;</span><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/2019-nba-all-star-game">Business Insider's NBA All-Star Weekend coverage here &gt;</a></strong></li></ul><p>It's been a whirlwind season for Dennis Smith Jr.</p><p>The 21-year-old, second-year guard was floated in trade rumors with the Dallas Mavericks, then eventually <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kristaps-porzingis-trade-knicks-mavs-2019-1">traded to the New York Knicks as part of the Kristaps Porzingis blockbuster</a>. After just two weeks with&#xa0; the Knicks, he headed down to Charlotte, North Carolina, to participate in the AT&amp;T Slam Dunk Contest at <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/2019-nba-all-star-game">All-Star Weekend</a>.</p><p>While promoting Mountain Dew from Charlotte, Smith spoke to Business Insider about his dunk contest experience - which included jumping over J. Cole - the trade to the Knicks, eating octopus with Phil Jackson, Luka Doncic, and more.</p><p><strong>Scott Davis: </strong>You've had a few hours now to reflect on the dunk contest. I'm curious what your feelings on it were. How did it go?</p><p><strong>Dennis Smith Jr.: </strong>I had fun. I had fun. I think that's the biggest thing. I enjoyed it. Put on a show for the fans. Just gave them a little contest to remember.</p><p><strong>Davis: </strong>How long did it take you to convince J. Cole to let you dunk over him? Was he scared?</p><p><strong>Smith: </strong>Nah, he wasn't scared about that part. He was more so worried about throwing a lob. So that was the issue with him last year - he didn't wanna throw the lob. But jumping over him, he had no worries about that.</p><p><strong>Davis: </strong>Who would be your next choice for a famous person to jump over?</p><p><strong>Smith: </strong>Spike Lee.</p><p><strong>Davis: </strong>You might have a chance - he's at Madison Square Garden pretty often.</p><p><strong>Smith: </strong>I met him last night for the first time. I chopped it up with him for a little minute. I salute him. He's a legend and things of that nature.&#xa0;</p><p><strong>Davis: </strong>Do you have a strict diet to stay light and be able to jump like you do? Do you have any diet advice?</p><p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5c69b8000d15f52581051de2-1440/dennis%20smith%20jr%201.jpg" border="0" alt="dennis smith jr 1" data-mce-source="Mary Altaffer/AP"><p class="source"><span>Mary Altaffer/AP</span></p><p class="caption">Dennis Smith Jr. has a relaxed diet.</p></img></div><p></p></div></div><p><strong>Smith: </strong>Eat Bojangles [laughs]. That's what I grew up on, man. You know, I'm country. So, I really just eat. I eat whatever is good to me right now. I'm sure that'll change as I get older, but I just work whatever I eat off.</p><p><strong>Davis: </strong>I asked Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox this and he said he actually just has to eat a lot to keep weight on. Are you like that?</p><p><strong>Smith: </strong>Nah, I put on weight easily. I put on weight easily. I think I get that from my mama.</p><p><strong>Davis: </strong>There was a story from before the draft when you were interviewing with the Knicks, and-</p><p><strong>Smith: </strong>And I ate some octopus with Phil Jackson [laughs].</p><p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/589a51ca6e09a86a148b45e8-1377/ap16190683827451.jpg" border="0" alt="Phil Jackson" data-mce-source="Julie Jacobson/AP"><p class="source"><span>Julie Jacobson/AP</span></p><p class="caption">Phil Jackson famously made Dennis Smith Jr. try octopus during a pre-draft interview.</p></img></div><p></p></div></div><p><strong>Davis:</strong> Yes. Have you had it since?</p><p><strong>Smith: </strong>Yeah, I actually like octopus, man. You know, when it was forced upon me, it was awkward. I didn't think my taste buds were working no more at the time. But yeah, I like octopus now.&#xa0;</p><p><strong>Davis: </strong>Now that you're back in New York have you tried any other foods? Anything adventurous or crazy?</p><p><strong>Smith: </strong>I haven't. I haven't really tried anything in New York, for real. I've been to the gym and the hotel. That's it.</p><p><strong>Davis: </strong>You're two or three weeks removed from the trade now. What are your thoughts on adjusting to New York and the move? It must be like a whirlwind - you're all over the place, from Dallas to New York to here.</p><p><strong>Smith: </strong>Yeah, I mean, the weather is almost opposite. You go from Texas to New York. I'm adjusting pretty fine, though. The main thing is basketball, and I'm in a really good space with that. So, it's been all good.</p><p><strong>Davis: </strong>Has there been anyone with the team or in your life that have helped with the adjustment, moving to a new team, cross-country, all of that?</p><p><strong>Smith: </strong>Yeah, I mean, it's little things like getting my car shipped. My cousin's helping me get my car shipped. My dad is gonna bring it up to New York. He wanted to drive around Fayetteville [North Carolina] for a little minute. I got a lot of clothes that I'm gonna move. I've been doing things like that, getting from Dallas to Fayetteville. So, it's been, like everything else for me, it's been a family process.</p><p><strong>Davis: </strong>Are there logistical things involved in being traded that fans don't understand? Like you were saying with your car?</p><p><strong>Smith: </strong>Yeah. That. Dealing with the rent at this place and then having to get another one, and getting the rent started there. It's a lot of things. The cost of living changes. Your paycheck changes - whenever you see a tax-free state and then you go into New York that's probably one of the highest. There's a lot of things that go into it that you don't realize.</p><p><strong>Davis: </strong>Everybody is curious about Luka Doncic, your former teammate on the Mavericks. When was the first time you realized, 'Oh this kid is very good'?</p><p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5c69bae1598e231dd0594a92-1487/luka%20doncic%20dennis%20smith%20jr%20.jpg" border="0" alt="luka doncic dennis smith jr " data-mce-source="LM Otero/AP"><p class="source"><span>LM Otero/AP</span></p><p class="caption">Luka Doncic and Dennis Smith Jr. were teammates for a brief time.</p></img></div><p></p></div></div><p><strong>Smith: </strong>Probably the first time we played. The first time we played was in practice. It wasn't even a practice, it was in the summer time, just like pick-up. And we were on teams at the time, too, and it was just like, his ability to make reads on the fly and things like that. I knew he was pretty talented.</p><p><strong>Davis: </strong>Were you aware of him beforehand? Had you seen video of him?</p><p><strong>Smith: </strong>Yeah, I seen video of probably all the top-10 draft prospects last year. I watched all of them.</p><p><strong>Davis: </strong>Going back to the Knicks, a big part of the conversation about the trade was how the Knicks now have cap space to try and hit it big in free agency. Is it distracting for you to try to play through that and not think, like, what if, or what could happen?</p><p><strong>Smith: </strong>Nah, I mean, that ain't got nothing to do with me. My job is to work as hard as I can and be the best me, and everything else will fall in line.</p><ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/lebron-james-kids-dont-talk-nba-career-2019-2" data-read-more-link="" data-e2e-name="read-more-link"> LeBron James had a great answer for why he doesn't talk about his NBA career with his kids</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/lebron-james-firsrt-all-star-game-long-ago-2019-2" data-read-more-link="" data-e2e-name="read-more-link"> The NBA's best players struggled to remember what they were doing the first time LeBron James played in the All-Star Game</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/charles-barkley-dirk-nowitzki-auburn-story-2019-2" data-read-more-link="" data-e2e-name="read-more-link"> Charles Barkley told a fantastic story about the first time he met an 18-year-old Dirk Nowitzki</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/anthony-davis-trade-saga-ongoing-nba-all-star-2019-2" data-read-more-link="" data-e2e-name="read-more-link">The Anthony Davis trade saga that rocked the NBA world is still hanging over the league on its biggest weekend</a></li></ul><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>.<a href="https://twitter.com/Dennis1SmithJr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dennis1SmithJr</a> OVER <a href="https://twitter.com/JColeNC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JColeNC</a>! 😱<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATTSlamDunk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATTSlamDunk</a> <a href="https://t.co/uIOwAqYtFy">pic.twitter.com/uIOwAqYtFy</a></p>- NBA on TNT  (@NBAonTNT) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1096970417258917888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2019</a></blockquote><script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/super-bowl-nfl-football-hosting-cost-worth-host-cities-2019-2">Why hosting the Super Bowl isn't worth it, according to an economist</a></h3>        <div>            <iframe class="bijwplayerclass" data-player="jwplayer" src="https://content.jwplatform.com/players/wFNUIlNx-CEZHWCBG.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" style="margin:0px;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><script>function receiveMessage(event){ console.log(event.data.fullscreen); Android.fullscreen(event.data.fullscreen); }window.addEventListener("message", receiveMessage, false);</script>        </div>    </div>

Knicks guard Dennis Smith Jr. talks being in the Kristaps Porzingis blockbuster, what fans don't realize about trades, eating octopus, and jumping over J. Cole

<p><em></em></p><em><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5949816a9a7af51d548b5593-1676/dirkgetty299.jpg" alt="Dirk Nowitzki, Feb. 1999" /><p class="source"><span>Getty Images</span></p><p class="caption">Frank Zaccanelli was with the Mavs when they drafted Dirk Nowitzki.</p></em><em>Frank Zaccanelli is the former general manager, president and co-owner of the Dallas Mavericks. He is now the CEO and managing partner of Fiamma Partners, an investment and development company.</em><p>It's been 21 years since I witnessed one of the most unprofessional acts from an NBA prospect. About a month before the 1996 NBA Draft, I was the general manager and team president for the Dallas Mavericks and invited five lottery picks to come down for individual workouts.</p><p>We planned a standard schedule for each of them - an hour worth of basketball drills and then a series of meetings with our front office, head coach and select assistants. We had the ninth overall selection in the draft that year, so for many prospects, this was one of the biggest job interviews of their lives.</p><p>Unfortunately, one player - who shall remain nameless - didn't have that sense of urgency and showed up an hour and 20 minutes late. Can you believe it? No advance warning, nothing. If this was a regular business and a candidate was that late for an interview, I'd tell him not to bother. Needless to say, we removed that prospect from our draft board.</p><p>While that was an easy decision, evaluating the next cornerstone of your NBA franchise is challenging. For the most part, everyone on your draft board can jump high, run fast, score the ball and is the most talented player on their college team.</p><p>But how do you distinguish the next Dirk Nowitzki from the next Darko Milicic - two European-born players with drastically different careers?</p><p>What Don Nelson taught me, as we scouted NBA draft prospects, was that we shouldn't just analyze their physical talent. We needed to evaluate their work ethic, maturity, mental toughness and coachability. We wanted players who were committed to developing their games, not players who were complacent with their talent.</p><p>I first adopted that managerial approach back in my early days as a young businessman. I remember sitting in meetings and discussing employee management, when a fellow worker had an interaction that is seared into my memory bank to this day.</p><p>"What kind of people should we go out and hire?" the fellow worker asked, with his hand raised.</p><p>"Hire people that have had a history of winning their whole lives," the senior executive responded.</p><p>About 30 seconds later, my teammate raised his hand again and asked, "What if we run out of people that have a history of winning?"</p><p>"Then find people that absolutely hate to lose," the senior executive responded, sharply. By the way, that senior executive was the great businessman Ross Perot.</p><p>That management philosophy has influenced every hire I've made in business, politics and sports, especially when it came to Dirk. Before we traded for him at the 1998 NBA Draft, the league had its concerns. After all, he was a youngster from Germany that would seemingly struggle to assimilate to American culture, let alone the NBA's style of play.</p><p>But man, the kid seduced us with his work ethic. His pre-draft workouts sold us and it eventually paid off. Despite a rough first two years with the Mavericks, Dirk devoted himself to expanding his game and adjusting to the physicality of the NBA. Nearly 20 years and 30,000 career points later, he has established himself as one of the greatest players in NBA history.</p><p>Of course, there are always exceptions to the draft equation - take Lonzo Ball. For all his positives, I'd be hesitant to draft him because of the sideshow that his father, LaVar, brings to the table. I respect LaVar's love for Lonzo as a father would and I do not question his loyalty to his son, but his flamboyant comments could be detrimental to an organization and affect team chemistry.</p><p>In the grand scheme of things, though, there are far worse offenses. Each year, you interview a few prospects with checkered pasts - who were either arrested in college or had legitimate off-the-field issues - that require extra vetting. If a prospect had a history of underachieving and making mistakes, we usually removed him from the draft board.</p><p>Other times, we spent time with a player's family members, friends, college coaches, high school coaches and even opposing coaches to gauge his maturity, family values and ability to avoid distractions. Sometimes, a prospect could be a very good kid that made one wrong decision at the wrong time. When it's warranted, I'm a firm believer in second chances because we must remember all young men make mistakes.</p><p>At the end of the day, even with the best scouting in the country, there are variables that you just can't control. Throughout my Mavericks career, we drafted superstars like Dirk, serviceable contributors like Samaki Walker, and even recruited the first Chinese-born NBA player Wang Zhizhi, who ultimately couldn't play in the NBA.</p><p>The unpredictable nature of the draft makes the process so exciting and first-timers like Magic Johnson are in for a treat. But Magic is more prepared to be President of Basketball Operations for the Lakers than anyone I can think of in NBA history.</p><p>As for prospects like Josh Jackson, Markelle Fultz and De'Aaron Fox? My best piece of advice is to enjoy the ride, train hard, and don't be late to your workouts!</p>            <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/animals-usain-bolt-outrun-olympics-fastest-human-ever-race-jamaica-retire-runner-sprint-2017-6">Here are all the animals Usain Bolt can outrun</a></h3>                                    Please enable Javascript to watch this video                    

Former Mavericks president and GM explains the risks and rewards of evaluating NBA talent

<p><strong><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5c5a12c01631a371763ba562-1343/kristaps porzingis knicks.jpg" border="0" alt="kristaps porzingis knicks" data-mce-source="David Zalubowski/AP" /><p class="source"><span>David Zalubowski/AP</span></p><p class="caption">Kristaps Porzingis is the main piece in one of the biggest trades in recent NBA history.</p></div><p></p></div></div></strong></p><ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>The New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks' blockbuster trade for Kristaps Porzingis has a far-reaching impact that makes the deal impossible to judge now.</strong></li><li><strong>The Knicks' goal was clearly to open up enough cap space to sign two max stars this summer, and reports indicate there is serious buzz that they'll be in the running for players like Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. If the Knicks fail, it will have been a costly gamble.</strong></li><li><strong>The Mavericks' side of the deal is not easy to judge now, as it's unclear if they will be able to re-sign Porzingis, if Porzingis will be the same player when he returns to the floor from a torn ACL, or if the Mavs will have the assets to build around a promising duo in Porzingis and Luka Doncic.</strong></li><li><strong>Trades always take some time to play out, but this particular deal has the potential to affect both franchises far into the future.</strong></li></ul><p>The <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kristaps-porzingis-trade-knicks-mavs-2019-1">New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks trade for Kristaps Porzingis</a> last week has the potential to go down as one of the most complex and far-reaching deals in recent NBA history.</p><p>The trade saw the Mavericks acquire the 23-year-old Porzingis, along with Tim Hardaway Jr., Courtney Lee, and Trey Burke in exchange for Dennis Smith Jr., DeAndre Jordan, Wesley Matthews, and two future first-round picks.</p><p>There is a tendency and desire to judge trades immediately and declare a winner or loser. On its face, the deal is a win for the Mavericks - they acquired a star big man in Porzingis to pair with rookie star Luka Doncic and didn't give up much value (Smith was on the trading block, and one of the first-round picks is protected).</p><p>However, it's becoming clear, based on several reports, including a <a href="https://static.nytimes.com/email-content/MSB_10011.html">deep dive from The New York Times' Marc Stein</a>, that the deal cannot be judged immediately, because the results of the trade haven't materialized yet.</p><h2>The Knicks' theoretical math problem</h2><p>The Knicks spent this season trying to find ways to open up enough salary cap space for a max free agent this summer. Doing so meant moving Hardaway, Lee, or both.</p><p>ESPN's Zach Lowe said on his <a href="http://www.espn.com/espnradio/play?id=25924058">podcast, "The Lowe Post,"</a> that the Knicks concluded that it would require sending a first-round pick in any deal to move Hardaway or Lee's contracts off the books.</p><p>Meanwhile, according to Stein, the Knicks began "quietly canvassing" the league in January for Porzingis trades. Porzingis and his brother Janis, who serves as his agent, eventually met with the Knicks and requested a trade, but based on Stein's report, the Knicks had already begun exploring the option.</p><p>The Knicks decided to go through with the Mavericks' deal, which had developed throughout the previous week, according to Stein.</p><p>In doing so, they ultimately began a debate about the theoretical values of different assets, as Lowe noted on his podcast. It goes something like this:</p><p>Imagine you could assign point values for these three things: first-round draft picks, cap space, and Porzingis.</p><p>One option the Knicks faced was keeping Porzingis, trading Lee or Hardaway for the price of a first-round pick, and opening enough cap space for one max salary. That equation would look something like: + Porzingis, + 1 max cap slot, - a draft pick.</p><p>In making the trade with the Mavericks, the Knicks are gambling that this equation is more valuable: + 2 max cap slots, + 2 first-round picks, - Porzingis.</p><p>Porzingis is the most valuable asset in that group. He's an actual living, breathing superstar under contract. First-round picks don't always turn into good players, and cap space is only useful if a team attracts its targets.</p><p>But the Knicks choosing the second equation has sparked league-wide debate about why the Knicks value that option more.</p><h2>What do the Knicks know?</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5c5a10d2b357336b5e761e8b-2400/kyrie irving.jpg" border="0" alt="kyrie irving" data-mce-source="Mary Altaffer/AP" /><p class="source"><span>Mary Altaffer/AP</span></p><p class="caption">Kyrie Irving didn't shut down buzz that he will consider the Knicks in free agency.</p></div><p></p></div></div>Throughout this season, rumors have circulated that the Knicks could be in the running for some of this summer's top free agents, including Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. They previously didn't quite have the cap space for one of them. Following the Porzingis trade, they have room for both.</p><p>According to multiple reports, the trade has set off alarm bells around the league that the Knicks have a real shot at landing Irving and Durant. After all, trading Porzingis for cap space would be quite a gamble without some intel that they at least have a chance at the two stars.</p><p>From Stein:</p><p style="padding-left: 40px;">"I can tell you this: In my discussions with rival team executives, I've heard from many more who praise the trade - believing the Knicks must have some promising inside information about their ability to lure the likes of Durant and Irving - than from those questioning how much the Knicks received in return.</p><p style="padding-left: 40px;">"I can also pass along that the threat of the Knicks' persuading Durant to leave one of the most dominant teams in league history has never felt more real to the Warriors themselves."</p><p>Irving only added fuel to the fire last week when he refused to double-down on his publicly stated intent to re-sign with the Celtics this summer. He instead told reporters he doesn't "owe anyone s---" and said to ask him about his feelings about his future on July 1 - when free agency begins.</p><p><em><strong>Read more:</strong></em> <em><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kyrie-irving-on-future-with-boston-celtics-new-york-knicks-2019-2">Kyrie Irving said he doesn't 'owe anyone s---' when asked if he'll stay with the Celtics, as rumors of a move to the Knicks mount</a></em></p><p>If the Knicks' goal in the trade was to go all-in on signing two superstars, then the deal can't be judged until we see whether they land those stars.</p><h2>And if the Knicks strike out?</h2><p>It wouldn't be an abject failure, but it wouldn't be good.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5c5a1026598e236ed101e744-1200/scott perry steve mills knicks.jpg" border="0" alt="scott perry steve mills knicks" data-mce-source="Seth Wenig/AP" /><p class="source"><span>Seth Wenig/AP</span></p><p class="caption">Knicks GM Scott Perry (left) and Steve Mills (right) are making a big gamble on the summer of 2019.</p></div><p></p></div></div>Acquiring a star player is the hardest thing to do in the NBA. The Knicks had one in Porzingis. Even if Porzingis demanded a trade, he had little leverage to force it. Porzingis will be a restricted free agent this summer. The Knicks could have offered him a max or near-max contract to retain him.</p><p>There have been varying reports about Porzingis' intentions in free agency. Some reports have said that he intends to take the one-year qualifying offer this summer to become an unrestricted free agent in 2020. Other reports have said he has not made up his mind.</p><p>Even if Porzingis took the one-year qualifying offer, the Knicks would then have the 2019-20 season to shop him to get some value back before he left in free agency.</p><p>The Knicks could have dared Porzingis to turn down a long-term, lucrative contract while coming off a torn ACL. Perhaps Porzingis would have turned it down, but it would have been an unprecedented risk in the NBA.</p><p>If the Knicks fail to sign any superstars in the summer, they'll have a roster based around young talents in Smith, Kevin Knox, Frank Ntilikina, Mitchell Robinson, Allonzo Trier, and a likely top-5 pick from this coming draft. All are interesting pieces, with varying degrees of talent, but none scream "future superstar" just yet.</p><p>In the worst-case scenario of this trade for the Knicks, they will have moved backward in their rebuild, hoping to hit the jackpot in the draft, while rolling over their cap space to a future summer and trying again to lure top free agents.</p><p>So, why move Porzingis so quickly?</p><h2>The Mavericks are incurring some risk</h2><p>According to Stein, the Knicks called the Sacramento Kings and Utah Jazz offering Porzingis for Donovan Mitchell and De'Aaron Fox, respectively. Both teams said no. <a href="http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25897274/new-york-knicks-president-says-kristaps-porzingis-lack-buy-contributed-trade">ESPN's Ian Begley reported</a> that out of due diligence, the Knicks reached out to the New Orleans Pelicans and offered a trade with Porzingis for Anthony Davis. The Pelicans said no.</p><p>The Knicks had circled the Mavs as a team that met all of their needs - they had interest in Porzingis, future picks, a young player in Smith, and expiring contracts to match salaries and open up cap space. According to Stein, the Knicks feared that waiting too long to accept the Mavs offer would allow Porzingis and his camp to dissuade the Mavs from making it - the Mavs weren't on Porzingis' list of preferred trade destinations.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5c5a0faddfa1e7738d66e978-1502/kristaps porzingis mavs.jpg" border="0" alt="kristaps porzingis mavs" data-mce-source="Tony Gutierrez/AP" /><p class="source"><span>Tony Gutierrez/AP</span></p><p class="caption">Will Kristaps Porzingis be the same player when he returns from a torn ACL.</p></div><p></p></div></div>For all of the gambles the Knicks are taking, the Mavericks' situation isn't a clear win, either. Opposing teams were either wary of Porzingis' impending free agency or his recovery from a torn ACL that has forced him to miss a year of playing time, or both.</p><p>Some in the NBA world have expressed doubt about Porzingis' durability and longevity in the league. He's a 7-foot-3, athletic big man coming off a severe injury. It's unclear if he'll be the same player, or if he'll ever be able to stay on the floor for extended periods. Even if the Mavericks re-sign Porzingis to a long-term deal - Mavs owner Mark Cuban interrupted a question at Porzingis' introductory press conference to say the Mavs will re-sign him - it's not clear if they'll get the Porzingis who showed so much promise in New York.</p><p>Just as the Knicks' side of the trade can't be judged yet, the Mavericks' can't be judged until Porzingis' future is cleared up.</p><h2>The results of this trade will take years to play out.</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5c53844a74c587085921e89a-1314/kristaps porzingis.jpg" border="0" alt="kristaps porzingis" data-mce-source="Christian Petersen/Getty Images" /><p class="source"><span>Christian Petersen/Getty Images</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>The questions remaining from this trade won't be answered this season, over the summer, or even over one year.</p><p>Will the Knicks get the superstars they're aiming for this summer? If they do, will it be a successful collaboration? Perhaps if the Knicks can sign Durant and Irving, it will be a win, no questions asked. But that doesn't guarantee the Knicks will be a championship contender.</p><p>And if the Knicks strike out, how will they rebound? If the Knicks pushed their chips to the middle so boldly, will they overpay other free agents this summer if they miss out on their top targets? Will they be forced to go through a long, slow rebuild without any big free agent signings?</p><p>For the Mavericks, the questions extend beyond Porzingis? If they get a healthy Porzingis, will they be able to build around their core of Doncic and Porzingis? Three of their next five draft picks are owed to different teams.</p><p>All NBA trades take time to play out. The risks and rewards with this trade are particularly extreme and far-reaching.</p><ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/anthony-davis-trade-request-celtics-trade-free-agency-plans-2019-2" data-read-more-link="" data-e2e-name="read-more-link">Anthony Davis' league-shaking trade request has thrown a wrench in the Celtics' master plan</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pelicans-lakers-anthony-davis-trade-negotiations-bid-2019-2" data-read-more-link="" data-e2e-name="read-more-link">The Pelicans reportedly want the Lakers to keep bidding against themselves for Anthony Davis, and it could lead to an unprecedented haul</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mark-cuban-on-luka-doncic-life-off-court-2019-2" data-read-more-link="" data-e2e-name="read-more-link"> Mark Cuban spoke about the importance of Dirk Nowitzki to Luka Doncic, the 19-year-old star who 'eats, plays basketball, and plays "Fortnite,"' and nothing else</a></li></ul>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tom-brady-gisele-buendchen-net-worth-millionaire-lifestyle-2019-2">Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen have a combined net worth of $580 million. Here's how the power couple makes and spends their money.</a></h3>        <div>            <iframe class="bijwplayerclass" data-player="jwplayer" src="https://content.jwplatform.com/players/mUP4dnxI-CEZHWCBG.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" style="margin:0px;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><script>function receiveMessage(event){ console.log(event.data.fullscreen); Android.fullscreen(event.data.fullscreen); }window.addEventListener("message", receiveMessage, false);</script>        </div>    </div>

We're learning more about the Kristaps Porzingis trade, and it's becoming clear that it's one of the most complicated deals in recent history

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5346c6f76da811296ff67291-800-600/christopher welch_02.jpg" border="0" alt="Christopher Welch_02"><p class="source"><span>HBO</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div></p><p><em>The new season of HBO's "Silicon Valley" debuted yesterday. The episode featured a funeral for one of the first season's leading characters, the eccentric venture capitalist Peter Gregory, who was played by a 48-year old actor named Christopher Evan Welch. Peter Gregory's death in the show was unplanned. It was <a href="http://www.vulture.com/2015/04/silicon-valley-christopher-evan-welch-peter-gregory.html">written into the story</a> after Welch himself died of complications from cancer in late 2013. Aaron Gell wrote this <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/rip-silicon-valley-christopher-evan-welch-2014-4">tribute to Welch</a> early last year.</em></p><p>Just a day after Christopher Evan Welch landed a career-making role on HBO's "Silicon Valley," he received some heartbreaking news. The lung cancer he'd been battling successfully since the fall of 2010 had spread to his brain.</p><p>Chris was sitting with his wife, Emma, and his doctor at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York. "I have to go shoot this pilot," he said, stunned.</p><p>Welch was 47. Before his diagnosis, he'd been a fanatical cyclist, winging around Central Park on his fixed-gear bike, his thin brown hair flying behind him. Nobody could say why the cancer had attacked his lungs, then his prostate, and now his brain. He was a casual smoker, and he enjoyed the occasional steak at Keens, but so did a lot of people. Maybe the weeks Chris spent after the 9/11 attacks helping out at ground zero were a factor. Or maybe it was all just the result of some horrible mutation that lay dormant in his DNA all along.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container float_right"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5346be2b69bedd7f2cc62d86-632-570/screen%20shot%202014-04-09%20at%2011.28.03%20am.png" border="0" alt="Screen Shot 2014 04 09 at 11.28.03 AM" width="400" style="color: #222222; line-height: 22.5px;"><p class="source"><span>Emma Roberts Welch</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></p><p>With aggressive treatment, Chris and the doctors had kept the tumors at bay so far. The latest news was bad, but he and Emma were used to that. One more fight in a grim slog.</p><p>It was agreed the surgery could be put off for a month, and Chris went to Los Angeles, where he created the role of comedically awkward, creepily soft-spoken angel investor Peter Gregory.</p><p>Based loosely on the slightly less-awkward, creepily soft-spoken PayPal co-founder and Facebook angel Peter Thiel, Gregory was a linchpin of the first season of the series, having funded the startup -Pied Piper - around which the action revolves. More than that, he was a poster boy for the tech world's imperiousness, its brilliance, and its odd alienation from the very world it is forever trying to make "a better place," as one character after another puts it in one of the show's running gags.</p><p>Welch shot five episodes before further complications related to the cancer took his life in December, 2013.</p><p>While the show is charming and keenly observed, and will likely thrive even in his absence, Welch's <span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Peter Gregory, TED-talk Socrates and sesame-seed tycoon, will be missed.</span></p><p>Executive Producer Mike Judge has long specialized in wounded, insecure, painfully uncomfortable men (from "Beavis &amp; Butthead" and "King of the Hill" to "Office Space"), and despite Peter Gregory's brief time on screen, he is already among the most indelible. Amid a cast that often seems like a taxonomy of male social inadequacy, Gregory is the most awkward of them all. Letting his hands dangle helplessly like a neurasthenic T. rex, speaking with an exaggerated formality, he's a ridiculous, magnetic, and deeply human figure - the irreplaceable heart of the show.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>* * *</strong></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5346c0726da811ef54f67299-870-562/screen shot 2014-04-09 at 11.27.16 am.png" border="0" alt="Screen Shot 2014 04 09 at 11.27.16 AM"><p class="source"><span>Emma Roberts Welch</span></p><p class="caption">Chris and Emma</p></img></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>Lanky and floppy-haired, Welch grew up in Dallas, Texas, the oldest child of a Korean War vet and a homemaker and entrepreneur. A theater geek in high school, he attended the University of Dallas on a full scholarship, then went on to grad school in Seattle, where he fronted the Ottoman Bigwigs, a brainy indie-rock band with a small but devoted cult following.</p><p>He arrived in New York in 1997, appearing in a revival of Molière's "Scapin," opposite neovaudevillian Bill Irwin, delivering a slapstick tour de force that The New York Times called "a sensational debut."</p><p>In the years that followed, Welch built up an impressive career as a character actor, one vaguely familiar to anyone paying close attention, but, as Vulture <a href="http://www.vulture.com/2014/04/appreciation-silicon-valley-christopher-evan-welch.html">rightly noted</a>, maddeningly hard to place. Except for one unhappy attempt to wait tables in Dallas during college, he made his living - modest though it was - exclusively as an actor.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container float_left"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5346c42cecad04375255604c-1200-800/74808530.jpg" border="0" alt="74808530" width="400"><p class="source"><span>Getty</span></p><p class="caption">At the opening night party for "Romeo &amp; Juliet" at Shakespeare in the Park</p></img></div><p></p></div></p><p>Welch did his share of "Law &amp; Order" episodes, like every New York actor, and was a regular presence off-Broadway and off-off-Broadway. He made it to Broadway a couple of times, as well, most notably as the tormented Reverend Parris in a 2002 production of "The Crucible," opposite Laura Linney and Liam Neeson. But he also did plenty of experimental and regional theater, and it was while appearing in an out-of-town show - a 2005 revival of J.M. Barrie's "Dear Brutus" in Westport, Conn. - that he first met Emma Roberts. "We played husband and wife, and we wound up falling madly in love," she remembers.</p><p>Chris could be snobby about doing commercials, although as an obsessive newspaper reader he was thrilled to land a New York Times ad. He had a great voice. He narrated Woody Allen's "Vicky Christina Barcelona," and made decent money reading audiobooks, including the young-adult "Last Apprentice" series, "The Imperfectionists," and John Grisham's "Playing for Pizza."</p><p>He was a big guy, over 6 feet, but he exuded vulnerability. His face, hawkish but soft, had something of a permanent wince about it, as if he expected to be smacked at any moment. Even when he played smarmy or sinister, that fearful look around his eyes, that cosmic flinch, made him relatable and drew audiences in.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container float_right"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5346c5fceab8ea802888cdee-848-570/screen%20shot%202014-04-09%20at%2011.20.33%20am.png" border="0" alt="Screen Shot 2014 04 09 at 11.20.33 AM" width="400"><p class="source"><span>The Weinstein Co. </span></p><p class="caption">Welch in "The Master"</p></img></div><p></p></div></p><p>He became a regular on AMC's short-lived spy series "Rubicon," and especially in recent years, began building an impressive film resume, turning in uniformly stellar work in small roles - in films like "Lincoln," "The Master," and "Synecdoche, New York" - the latter two of which co-starred his friend Philip Seymour Hoffman, whose death just two months to the day after Chris' dealt a further blow to New York's tightly knit theater community. In light of the two losses, Welch's existential barn-burner of a speech in "Synecdoche" - a performance he pulled together with just 24 hours' notice - is shattering.</p><p><iframe width="800" height="450" frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Z9PzSNy3xj0"></iframe></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong> * * *</strong></p><p>It started with a persistent cough, which led to an X-ray, which led to a CT scan. This was in 2010. A radiologist diagnosed Welch with stage IIIA lung cancer. Emma was six months pregnant.</p><p>The doctors wanted to admit him immediately, but Welch was in a play, "The Little Foxes," at the New York Theatre Workshop, and like most stage actors, he was determined never to miss a performance. Besides, they needed to process the news. "We're getting out of here and we are both going to drink a glass of wine," Emma said. "I don't care if I'm pregnant."</p><p>Welch went onstage later that night. Then, even as he began chemo, he continued the run while spending his days rehearsing for yet another show he'd been offered: "The Coward." He finished that run, as well. Once he even went on after waking up from general anesthesia.</p><p>Things kept happening; life marched along.</p><p>A few weeks after "The Coward" closed, their daughter, June Harper, was born.</p><p>The lung surgery happened not long after that.</p><p>Chris' health was much improved by February 2013 when his agent called to tell him about "Silicon Valley." The producers wanted him to read for either one of the rival Internet moguls, Gavin Belson or Peter Gregory, and he picked Gregory. Since he had to stay in New York, where he was appearing in an off-Broadway show, "The Madrid," with Edie Falco, he taped his audition. Chris knew basically nothing about the tech world. Except for an addiction to Words With Friends on his iPhone, he was basically computer illiterate. But out of the blue, he decided to give Peter Gregory an odd vocal inflection. "I'm setting my voice back in this weird way," he told Emma excitedly. He felt instantly he'd found the character.</p><p><iframe width="800" height="450" frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/3T6X-8oSPUE"></iframe></p><p>Chris didn't know then how right the choice was, but as it happens, Peter Thiel also happens to speak rather haltingly. Chris was offered the role immediately.</p><p>The timing was perfect. With the illness, Chris hadn't been working as much, and money was tight. Suddenly, things were looking up. Every actor dreams of an HBO series. "This was the job that changes the game," Emma says.</p><p>After taping the pilot, Chris underwent surgery to remove the brain tumor, and the operation was declared a success. But then came yet another blow. His blood-cell counts were dropping, and the doctors diagnosed AML, acute myeloid leukemia, most likely brought on by the earlier radiation treatments.</p><p>"He was just really unlucky," Emma says. "So unlucky."</p><p>There was really nothing to do but keep fighting. After a grueling summer, including six weeks in the hospital and repeated visits to the emergency room, Welch began what seemed like a miraculous recovery. "The lung had been removed and that was the end of it," Emma recalls. "The brain was fine, the leukemia was in remission, the prostate was under control." During a physical with a doctor working with the network - a standard requirement for an actor signing on to a TV series - he disclosed his medical history and was declared fit for the job. "You'd be surprised how many people I see who have cancer," the doctor told him.</p><p>"We thought we were home free," Emma says.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container float_right"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5346c6ac69bedd6849c62d84-960-1280/photo%201-35.jpg" border="0" alt="photo 1.JPG" width="300"><p class="source"><span>Emma Roberts Welch</span></p><p class="caption">Chris and June</p></img></div><p></p></div></p><p>Chris and Emma moved into a rented bungalow in Santa Monica with June, who was then 2. He was in remission and holding steady. They were living near friends, in a great house a few blocks from the beach. Welch was needed on set only a couple of days a week, and the rest of his time he devoted to June, playing elaborate games, telling stories, singing songs, and going to the park.</p><p>Things were good. Welch enjoyed being "the old guy" on a set full of young comics, and he was thrilled to discover that one of the show's producers was Clay Tarver, guitarist for one of his favorite bands, Chavez. Mostly, he loved inventing Peter Gregory. "I'm just locked in," he said. He even began to fantasize about being nominated for an Emmy.</p><p>The work seemed to be contributing to his recovery. He was putting on weight and feeling healthier than he had in a while.</p><p>Then, the show took a break for Thanksgiving.</p><p>The Sunday after the holiday, Chris suddenly felt awful. He couldn't get out of bed. He was vomiting, and his blood pressure dipped. There'd been rough days before, though. Nobody panicked. Emma started making calls, first to the ambulance, then to some friends to come look after June.</p><p>"Do I need to make a call to HBO?" she asked.</p><p>"I don't know, maybe," Chris replied.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>* * *</strong></p><p>That evening, Chris lay in intensive care with Emma by his side. He was suffering from septic shock. Five hours after heading to the hospital, in the early hours of Dec. 2, his heart gave out.</p><p>Emma thinks it may be for the best that Chris died the way he did - so suddenly, during such a high point, without time to brood about what he'd be missing. The last months of his life were idyllic, she said. June missed her dad, of course, but she was just 3. She would be OK. And Chris had written to her in case something happened - letter after letter she could reread when she was old enough.</p><p>But Chris was a dedicated performer, and knowing that he wouldn't be able to finish what he'd started on "Silicon Valley" would have been unbearable in its own way. It was good he was spared that.</p><p>Faced with a similar situation, many producers might well have opted to put off a show's premiere and reshoot a character's scenes with another actor in the role.</p><p>Executive producers Mike Judge and Alec Berg never even considered it. "The brilliance of Chris' performance is irreplaceable, and inspired us in our writing of the series," they said in a joint statement. It was bad enough that they had to rewrite subsequent episodes in which Peter Gregory was originally going to appear, reimagining several major story points. "Cutting Chris out of those scripts was among the most difficult things we have ever had to do as writers," they added. "The entire ordeal was heartbreaking. But we are incredibly grateful to have worked with him in the brief time we had together. Our show and our lives are vastly richer for his having been in them."</p><p>For the series' viewers, too, the loss will be acutely felt. We won't have seen nearly enough of Peter Gregory or of Christopher Evan Welch. Then again, it was so nice getting to know them both.</p><p align="center"><strong>* * *</strong></p><p>Emma Roberts Welch was kind enough to share a video their friend Jennifer Kleinman put together for Chris' memorial service. It's a beautiful tribute to his life and career.</p><script src="//player.ooyala.com/v3/MDlhYjRhYmQyMjA2NWM2Yzg4YTJkYzcz" type="text/javascript"></script><div id="ooyalaplayer" style="width: 800px; height: 450px;"></div><script type="text/javascript">// </script><noscript>&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Please enable Javascript to watch this video&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;</noscript><p dir="ltr"> </p><p dir="ltr">And here, a wonderful track from the Ottoman Bigwigs' self-titled 1996 album, with Chris on vocals.  </p><p><iframe width="300" height="90" frameborder="0" src="https://myspace.com/play/song/grieve-10206390-10007574"></iframe></p><p><a href="https://myspace.com/ottomanbigwigs/music/song/grieve-10206390-10007574">Grieve</a> from <a href="https://myspace.com/ottomanbigwigs">Ottoman Bigwigs</a> on <a href="https://myspace.com">Myspace</a>.</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/game-of-thrones-stars-real-life-2015-4">Here's what 'Game of Thrones' stars look like in real life</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="NzaTRldDoXZcQw9XO6NGGy8J2dbDaF1A" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'NzaTRldDoXZcQw9XO6NGGy8J2dbDaF1A',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

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