Closing in on the New Year, the NBA season has had its highs and lows up to this point. Through 30-plus games, Cleveland and Golden State appear to be on another crash course for a third meeting in the NBA Finals, while Russell Westbrook continues his Reign of Terror in a truly historic season. Included in that are four former Ohio State standouts playing significant roles on their respective teams. Let's take a look at how Buckeyes in the NBA are performing.
Mike Conley (PG, Memphis Grizzlies)
Battling back and toe injuries this season, Conley has been productive in the time that he has been on the floor. Starting 22 of 23 games this season, Conley is Memphis' second leading scorer and playing well enough to help the Grizzlies to a 20-14 record, seventh-best in the Western Conference.
Season averages: 18.1 points, 5.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds, 21.9 PER, 31.3 minutes
Most recent game: 17 points, 4 assists vs. Orlando on Dec. 27.
Top performance: 30 points, 8 assists vs. Los Angeles Clippers on Nov. 16
Team record: 20-14 (7th in Western Conference)
D'Angelo Russell (G, Los Angeles Lakers)
As the rebuilding process continues for the Lakers, D'Angelo Russell remains a big piece to Los Angeles' puzzle. Missing 11 games from late November to early December, Russell is back in the Lakers' lineup and has been relatively solid since his return from injury.
Season averages: 14.5 points, 4.5 assists, 3.3 rebounds, 14.6 PER, 26.3 minutes
Most recent game: 4 points, 4 assists vs. Utah on Dec. 27
Top performance: 32 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists vs. Brooklyn on Nov. 15
Team record: 12-23 (12th in Western Conference)
Kosta Koufos (PF, Sacramento Kings)
On a Kings team vying for a playoff spot, despite only having 14 wins, Koufos has been a key piece to Sacramento's success. Tied for eighth in the Western Conference at 14-18 with Denver, Sacramento is looking to hold on to that final spot and Koufos will be a component to that process. Koufos is one of only three players on the roster to appear in all 32 games, starting in 28 of them.
Season averages: 5.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 0.5 blocks, 13.6 PER, 19.7 minutes
Most recent game: 6 points, 10 rebounds vs. Portland on Dec. 28
Top performance: 16 points, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks vs. Memphis on Dec. 16
Team record: 14-18 (Tied for 8th in Western Conference)
Evan Turner (SF, Portland Trail Blazers)
Appearing in 31 of 34 Portland games this season, Turner has been utilized as a key bench piece as the former NCAA Player of the Year has started just one time for the Blazers. Turner has been solid in all areas of the offensive game, proving to be the versatile bench piece Portland was hoping to acquire when they signed Turner to a big deal this past free agency period.
Season averages: 9.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 12.4 PER, 25.2 minutes
Most recent game: 11 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists vs. Sacramento on Dec. 28
Top performance: 15 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists vs. Memphis on Dec. 8
Team record: 14-20 (10th in Western Conference)
Jared Sullinger (PF, Toronto Raptors)
Sullinger has yet to appear in a game for Toronto as he continues to recover from a foot injury suffered in the offseason. Sullinger could be back by January to enter a lineup for a Raptors team that is only two games back of the Cleveland Cavaliers for first place in the Eastern Conference.
