Jordan Bell and His Historically Efficient Start With the Erie BayHawks

Erie BayHawks forward Jordan Bell has been dominant during the early stages of the 2021 G League bubble. Formerly of the Golden State Warriors, Bell is averaging 17.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2 blocks. These are impressive statistics, to say the least, but what makes it even more eye-catching is the 26-year-old’s field goal percentage.

Bell is shooting at an incredible 80% rate, and at present time, the BayHawks sit with a 5-1 record. Erie recently put together a dominant display to put an end to G League Ignite’s perfect record, with a 127-87 rout.

In the previous contest against the Long Island Nets, the 2018 NBA Champion put together a historic stat-line. One that few in G League history have been able or capable of mustering.

(Image/Erie BayHawks/Twitter)

He finished the night with 17 points (8-9 FG), 16 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 5 blocks, in 30 minutes played. This came as his team recorded a 114-104 victory. The 6-foot-8 big man became only the 7th player in league history to notch at least 15 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 blocks in a game.

This stat line alone shows off the well-rounded skill set that Bell possesses. This is what has endeared him to numerous NBA teams over the course of his career to date.

With big men, they usually fall into certain tiers. The stretch five, the low post bruiser, the rim protector, the floor runner, and the rare point center. In Jordan Bell, the Erie Bayhawks seem to have found a player capable of doing all of the above, in abundance.

While there may be players in the G League bubble putting up better numbers in terms of points, assists, and rebounds, few are putting together as efficient a season as Bell. Even fewer are making every player on their team better by simply being there.

At the time of writing, the promising big is currently the 3rd-highest player in the entire league in Player Impact Estimate, at 21.5. It doesn’t stop there. Bell is 11th in Net Rating (22.0) and is 13th in Offensive Rebounds percentage (12.8). He also occupies the 7th spot in Effective Field Goal percentage, at 81.7%.

Jordan Bell is putting a season together that will surely draw the attention of NBA scouts.

His Pre-NBA Journey:

Jordan Bell was born in Los Angeles, California. He attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School, a school that to this very day he frequently visits to help out during the off-season. He has a passion for helping shape youngsters who grew up in the same environment in which he was in.

The California native then took his talents to the University of Oregon. As a freshman Bell averaged 5.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per contest. During the season, he was able to claim the single-season school record for blocks, with 94

As a redshirt sophomore, he averaged 7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks. In his redshirt junior season, Bell’s averages jumped up to 10.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks, as he led Oregon to the NCAA Final Four.

(Image/AP Photo/Ryan Kang)

His NBA Career to Date:

Jordan Bell entered the 2017 NBA Draft, where he was selected with the 38th overall pick by the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls would later trade Bell to the Golden State Warriors for significant cash considerations ($3.5m).

On December 22, 2017, against the Los Angeles Lakers, Bell scored a career-high 20 points, on 9-for-13 shooting, alongside a career-high 10 rebounds. To finish the regular season as a rookie, Bell averaged 4.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1 block, in 57 games.

He then made his debut in the NBA Playoffs, coming off of the bench with 3 points and 2 rebounds, in a 113–92 win over the San Antonio Spurs. Golden State made it to the 2018 NBA Finals, where they would sweep the Cleveland Cavaliers in four games.

In the 2019 NBA Playoffs, the young prospect came off the bench and scored a playoff career-high 11 points to go with 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and a block in a 114-111 win.

He finally made his first career playoff start in a series-clinching win against the Portland Trail Blazers, contributing 7 points, 2 assists, and a steal. The Warriors reached the 2019 NBA Finals, but were defeated in 6 games by the Toronto Raptors.

After his time with the Warriors, Bell would initially sign with the Minnesota Timberwolves. But there began a time in which he would bounce from team to team, unable to find a long-term home.

Minnesota to Memphis. Memphis to the Capital City Go-Go. Capital City to Cleveland. Cleveland to Los Angeles. Los Angeles to Washington. Finally, Washington to the Erie Bayhawks.

To date, Bell has made 157 NBA appearances, with career averages of 3.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. This has been on 55.6% shooting from the field and in an average of 12.1 minutes per contest.

The G League Bubble has proven to be the perfect proving ground for Bell who has shown his versatile skillset to all.

It is a matter of when, then if, Jordan Bell will be picked up by an NBA team.

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Stay up-to-date with the latest from the NBA G League, as well as with the development of future elite prospects from around the world, by following Call-Ups on all social media channels.

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2020-21 G League Bubble Roster Preview: Erie BayHawks

At the beginning of February, the NBA G League will host their 2020-21 season at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando. 17 G League teams will play in the bubble season, along with the G League Ignite team.

The top eight teams will advance to a single-elimination playoff to contend for the 2020-21 G League Championship. Of which the Ignite team, for elite prospects, is eligible for.

One of the teams entering the bubble is the Erie BayHawks, the affiliate of the New Orleans Pelicans. The cut-short 2019-20 campaign marked their debut season as a franchise, which they finished with a 13-30 record. Upon the season suspension, the BayHawks were placed 14th in the Eastern Conference.

For the upcoming 2020-21 G League season, Erie have collaborated with the Capital City Go-Go, the affiliate team of the Washington Wizards. Consequently, a handful of Go-Go players will feature for the BayHawks through the league’s flexible assignment system.

Let’s take a the Erie BayHawks’ 2020-21 roster, ahead of the G League Orlando bubble.

(Image/Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

Justin Wright-Foreman (G) – Affiliate

After spending 4 years at Hofstra University, Justin Wight-Foreman made the jump up to the professional ranks and signed a two-way deal with the Utah Jazz for the 2019-20 season. During the season he went onto make 4 NBA appearances, averaging 4.8 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.

Instead, the 23-year-old point guard spent the majority of the campaign in the G League with the Salt Lake City Stars. Where in 36 contests, he recorded averages of 17.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. This was on 46.2% shooting from the field and 40.3% from 3-point land.

Rawle Alkins (G) – Affiliate

Rawle Alkins went undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft and went onto sign a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls for the 2018-19 season. He made 10 NBA appearances for the Bulls, with averages of 3.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. In the same season, he showed out 44 times in the G League with the Windy City Bulls. In those games he averaged 11.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, primarily off the bench.

The 23-year-old combo guard signed for FC Porto in Portugal in February 2020. He only featured in 2 contests, due to the season suspension, and averaged 16 points, 3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1 steal.

Tony Carr (G) – Returning

Combo guard Tony Carr has spent 2 seasons at the professional level, where he has featured for overseas outfits Auxilium Torino (Italy), Pallacanestro Cantù (Italy), and Parma Basket (Russia). For the second half of the 2019-20 campaign, Carr returned stateside, signing for the Erie BayHawks. In 14 G League games (5 starts), he averaged 9.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, on 47.5% shooting.

Jalen Adams (G) – Returning

After 4 seasons with the UConn Huskies, Jalen Adams signed with the Erie BayHawks for the 2019-20 season. He impressed through 40 games, posting averages of 19.1 points, 4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.3 steals. The 25-year-old point guard shot 39.5% from beyond the arc.

To start the 2020-21 campaign, Adams signed with French side Champagne Châlons-Reims Basket. He went onto feature in 7 games, averaging 20.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals, before heading back to the United States for the G League bubble.

Ike Anigbogu (F) – Returning

Ike Anigbogu, a 6-foot-9 center, was selected with the 47th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers. A lingering knee injury, which required multiple surgeries, limited the 22-year-old to 14 NBA appearances during his 2 year stint with the Pacers. However, he did get playing time in the G League with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. Where he played in 20 games in the 2017-18 season and 21 in 2018-19.

In the latter campaign, he averaged 11 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. For the second-half of the 2019-20 season, Anigbogu signed for the Erie BayHawks. With Erie he averaged 9.5 points and 4.8 rebounds in 6 contests. In those games, he shot 45.5% from 3-point land, on 1.8 attempts per game.

(Image/David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

Jarrod Uthoff (F) – Returning

27-year-old Jarrod Uthoff holds extensive experience, having played for the Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, and Washington Wizards in the NBA. Where he holds career averages of 3.7 points and 1.8 rebounds, in 16 games. At the G League level, he’s played 121 games for the Raptors 905, Fort Wayne Mad Ants, Texas Legends, and Memphis Hustle.

In the 2019-20 season, for the Hustle, he averaged 19 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.1 blocks, in 34 games played. The 6-foot-9 forward was traded to the Erie BayHawks, from the Hustle, ahead of the 2020-21 G League Draft, for the 2nd overall pick.

Marlon Taylor (G) – Flex Assignment

Marlon Taylor is the first of the Washington Wizards/Capital City Go-Go flexible assignments that will feature for the BayHawks in the bubble. Taylor, a 23-year-old guard, played college basketball for Panola and LSU. As a senior with LSU, he averaged 5.9 points and 4.1 rebounds, in 21 games.

After going undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft, he signed with the Wizards and featured in 1 game, before being waived. Now, he will show out as a rookie for Erie in the 2020-21 G League bubble.

Caleb Homesley (G) – Flex Assignment

Caleb Homesley is another who is fresh out of college. He spent 5 seasons at Liberty University, with 2016-17 being a medical redshirt season due to a torn ligament injury in his knee. During his senior campaign (2019-20), the 24-year-old averaged 15.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.1 steals. He shot 47.4% from the field and 36.9% from 3.

His performances earned him the 2020 Atlantic Sun Player of the Year award. As well as the 2020 Atlanta Sun Tournament MVP award, and a selection into the 2020 First-team All-Atlantic Sun roster.

Yoeli Childs (F) – Flex Assignment

Yoeli Childs is a 23-year-old forward who spent 4 seasons with the BYU Cougars at the college level. In 119 appearances, he held averages of 17.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.3 blocks. On 53.7% shooting from the field and 35.6% from 3-point land. As a senior (2019-20), his scoring average jumped to 22.2 points per contest. His performances earned him 3 selections into the First-team All-WCC roster (2018-20).

Jordan Bell (F) – Flex Assignment

Jordan Bell is a notable name to most. This is due to him having made 154 NBA appearances for the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Memphis Grizzlies. Through those games, he holds career averages of 3.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists, on 56.5% FG. In 2018 he won the NBA Championship with the Warriors after featuring in 57 regular-season contests and 17 playoff games.

The Capital City Go-Go picked Bell up off waivers in March 2020, however the season was suspended the very next day. In June 2020, the Cleveland Cavaliers signed him and he was then traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for JaVale McGee. Following the trade, Bell was waived by the Lakers.

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Stay up-to-date with the latest from the NBA G League, as well as with the development of future elite prospects from around the world, by following Call-Ups on all social media channels.

Including on Twitter Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The Top Rebounding Players in the NBA G League

It’s easy to get caught up in the glamorous statistic of points per game when looking at G League players. But rebounding can be just as important, if not more. It can shore up a team’s defense and limit opponents to just the single look. On the offensive end, it can provide extra possessions, as well as free-throw opportunities.

The Wisconsin Herd led the way in the 2019/20 season, in terms of team rebounding. With 52.5 rebounds per game. The Delaware Blue Coats and Maine Red Claws fill out the top-3, with 49.6 and 49.3 rebounds, respectively.

But what about players? Below are the top-5 rebounding players in the G League throughout the past season.

(Image/Matteo Marchi/NBAE via Getty Images)

Ivan Rabb:

23-year-old Ivan Rabb of the Westchester Knicks led the G League in rebounds per game, with 12.1. Offensively, he grabbed an average of 3.7 boards. Whilst knocking down 16.5 points, on 54.4% shooting.

The 6-foot-10 power forward/center is in his 3rd season in the professional ranks. Having previously represented the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. He did have a two-way contract with the New York Knicks to start the 2019/20 campaign but was waived back in January.

In the G League, he’s had playing time with the Memphis Hustle over the course of the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons. Where he averaged 15.2 points/9.4 rebounds and 20.5 points/8 rebounds, respectively.

(Image/Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

Eric Mika:

The Stockton Kings’ Eric Mika sits second in rebounding, with 12 per contest. He impressively led the G League, by quite a distance, in offensive boards. Collecting an average of 4.8. Alongside his rebounding antics, Mika dropped 18.8 points (60.3% FG) and 2.2 assists per game.

The 25-year-old has had an extensive professional career to date. Having played in Italy, Germany, and China. He’s had 3 stints in the G League, all with the Stockton Kings. In February 2020, Mika was called up to the Sacramento Kings, where he played in 1 game, against the Los Angeles Lakers. In that contest, he recorded 6 points and 7 rebounds, in 19 minutes.

(Image/Mike Lawrence/NBAE via Getty Images)

Jemerrio Jones:

Jemerrio Jones of the Wisconsin Herd actually topped the entire league in the total number of rebounds, with 504. When it’s broken down into averages, Jones sits third with 12. Possessing a well-rounded skill-set, the 25-year-old also recorded 10.8 points (55.4% FG), 4.6 assists, and 1.3 steals.

The impressive thing is with Jones, is that he’s a 6-foot-5 wing. Who hustled for 4 offensive rebounds each game. A category in which he, again, topped the league in terms of total numbers (169).

Before representing the Herd, Jones spent time with the South Bay Lakers. He was called up to the NBA in March 2019, with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he averaged 4.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.2 steals, in 6 contests.

(Image/Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images

Devontae Cacok:

Moving over to the South Bay Lakers, Devontae Cacok is fourth-best with an average of 11.9 rebounds. The 23-year-old rookie is second in the entire league in offensive rebounds, with a huge 4.2 each game. Along with his rebounds, Cacok averages 19.4 points, on 65.4% shooting. All in just 23.9 minutes per game. The lowest out of any of the players listed.

The 6-foot-8 power forward/center holds a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. He hasn’t had much call-up time to the NBA as of yet, and is yet to make his debut. But his time will most certainly come. His high-energy game mirrors that of Montrezl Harrell of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Image/Robert Frank/NBAE via Getty Images)

Zylan Cheatham:

Carrying on with two-way players, Zylan Cheatham of the New Orleans Pelicans and Erie BayHawks rounds out the top-5. With an average of 11.6 rebounds. On the defensive end, the 24-year-old rookie sweeps up everything. Sitting second in the league with an average of 8.4 defensive rebounds. In terms of total numbers, Cheatham sits second in the G League with 396 boards.

He also picked up 16.2 points per game, along with 2.8 assists, and just under 1 block. Cheatham’s G League efforts have been rewarded with 3 NBA appearances for the Pelicans. Where he’s averaged 1.3 points and 2 rebounds, in 10.3 minutes per game.

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Reviewing Josh Gray’s Impressive 2019/20 Campaign

Point guard Josh Gray spent his collegiate career between 3 colleges (Texas Tech, Odessa, LSU), and the first 3 years of his professional career in the NBA, G League, and even South Korea. Gray’s basketball career to date has included constant change.

After going undrafted in the 2016 NBA Draft, and playing for the Orlando Magic in the 2016 Summer League, Gray found himself with the Northern Arizona Suns in the G League. Where he spent 2 seasons.

In the first (2016/17), he averaged 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.6 steals, through 50 contests. In the 2017/18 campaign (45 games), his production increased to 19.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 2.4 steals per game. This was as his minutes average increased to 34, from 25.2 in the previous season with Northern Arizona.

An NBA opportunity opened up with the Phoenix Suns at the end of the 2017/18 season. Where he was called up with two 10-day contracts. In that time, Gray featured in 5 games, averaging 6.4 points, 2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.6 steals.

For his third season in the professional ranks, Gray decided to take his talents to the Korean Basketball League (KBL) for the Changwon LG Sakers. Before returning to the United States to feature for the Brooklyn Nets in the 2019 NBA Summer League. Consequently earning him a two-way contract with the New Orleans Pelicans for the current campaign.

(Image/Robert Frank/NBAE via Getty Images)

Now 26-years-old, Gray has had an impressive season in the G League for the Erie BayHawks, to say the least. Through 37 games, he is posting averages of 22.5 points, on 44.7% shooting (33.2% from 3). Along with 5.1 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 2.4 steals per game.

In November, the opening month of the season, Gray set an average of 31 points, 4 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 2.4 steals per game. On 51.2% shooting from the field. This was all through the opening 7 games.

To date, Gray is leading the league in points (831) and field goals made (321). Additionally, he is sitting 7th in assists (254), and 4th in steals (84).

He’s passed the 30+ mark in scoring on 7 occasions. As well as impressively erupting for 40+ points on 2 occasions. Those being a 41-point outburst against the Canton Charge back in November, and the other being a 40-point performance against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants a month later.

Despite standing at 6-feet, Gray uses his speed and agility to form dynamic moves at the top of the key to breeze past his defender. With that, he possesses the ability to finish in the paint with contact. Alternatively settling for mid-range looks.

When he heats up, he can be lights out from range. Holding a smooth, speedy release that can be pleasing on the eye. In addition, his ability to read the floor is first-class. Providing quick, easy dimes for his teammates to score. In flashy fashion every-now-and-then too.

From a defensive standpoint in the NBA, there would be concerns with Gray in terms of his size, at 6-feet. He may be a target for switches. But he does possess a reasonably sized frame, suggesting that he could potentially hold his own.

When looking at the statistics, in the G League this season, Gray holds a defensive rating of 112.9. Which outweighs his offensive rating of 106.1. Although, the BayHawks’ 13-30 record has to come into consideration before making judgement.

A concern does come to the forefront when looking at his 4.1 turnovers per game. The highest average in his G League career to date, and is a league-leading statistic. Gray sits second in the league for missed field goals too, with 392.

Whilst the above may cause concerns around his production. As previously mentioned, Gray has been playing on a team with a losing record this season.

From an offensive standpoint, his 44.7% conversion rate is definitely acceptable. In regards to his turnovers, a large facet of his game is through providing assists. Dishing out 254 to date, which is good for 7th best in the entire G League. With that naturally comes turnovers. Although, he could tune it down a bit.

Josh Gray certainly holds a well-rounded offensive skill-set and has played incredibly this season. Well enough to surely lure to the eyes of his parent team, the New Orleans Pelicans, in his direction. As well as other NBA suitors most likely.

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