Just a little over seven years ago, the Sixers struck a deal with the Jazz, sending forward and three-point specialist, Kyle Korver, to Utah in exchange for Gordon Giricek and a protected first round pick. Well, Giricek played in just 12 games for the Sixers during the 07-08 season while Korver has gone on to greater pastures.
After shooting over 53% from beyond the arc in his last season with Utah, Korver signed a three-year deal with the Chicago Bulls in July of 2010. Kyle spent two seasons there before getting dealt to Atlanta for trade exemption and cash considerations. The NBA long-range specialist has sure moved around more than any played would like, but he is really coming into his own with the Hawks.
"We have a really good group," Korver said before the Hawks beat the Sixers by 18 points Tuesday. "It starts with Bud [Coach Mike Budenholzer], and he gets us to play together, play as a team, and we play a fun style of basketball. Everybody is buying in. Winning is always fun." [CSNPhilly.com]
In just over 33 minutes a game this season, Korver is averaging 13 points while shooting 52.5% from three-point range, good for the best in the league. The next closest to him is Courtney Lee (49.5%), but he has taken 120 less shots from beyond the arc than Korver.
This season, Korver and the Hawks are in control of the Eastern Conference with a 31-8 record, ranking second in the NBA in both three-point percentage and assists.
"We are a true team," Korver said. "We do not have a superstar that we are going to play through every night. We don't have one person dominate the ball. We find the open man and knock down shots. We have a lot of guys who can shoot, so we spread the floor, and when everybody is touching the ball everybody plays a little harder." [CSNPhilly.com]
Korver was selected 51st overall in the 2003 draft by the Nets out of Creighton. His draft rights were traded to the Sixers for just $125,000. In his time with the Sixers, from 2003-07, Korver averaged 10.5 points while shooting 40.9% from beyond the arc. Kyle enjoyed his time in Philadelphia and always thought he was going to be there for good.
If Korver had had his way when he was younger, he would have had only one NBA uniform.
"It is always good to come back," Korver said of returning to Philadelphia. "I have a lot of great relationships here, a lot of great friendships. There are a lot of great memories here. I thought I was going to be a Sixer for life. I am appreciative of my time here." [CSNPhilly.com]
In just his second year in the NBA, Korver led the league with 226 made three-point shots. Only him and 14 others in NBA history have ever made more than 220 in a season.
