Only two Wolfpackers on NBA opening night rosters

Both T.J. Warren and Dennis Smith Jr. are off to slow starts after one game

Brian Spurlock/USAToday sports

There are only two former NC State players on opening night NBA rosters, four if you want to claim two players that transferred to other schools.

Former ACC Player of the Year T.J. Warren made his debut with the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday while former ACC Rookie of the Year Dennis Smith Jr. began the season as a member of the New York Knicks.

Neither is off to a flying start.

Warren, who was traded to Indiana after averaging 18 points per game and shooting 43 percent from 3-point range for the Phoenix Suns last season, scored 10 points for the Pacers in their 119-110 loss to the Detroit Pistons. He went just 5 of 12 from the floor, missing both of his 3-point attempts, adding only one rebound and one blocked shot.

But that was a productive night compared to the one Smith experienced.

Benched in favor of rookie R.J. Barrett, Smith came off the bench to play just over 10 minutes in the Knicks' game against the San Antonio Spurs. He then sat and watched the entire second half from the bench as coach David Fizdale went with Efrid Payton at point guard.

Smith finished with two points and one assist, going 1 of 4 from the floor.

“It’s coach’s decision,’’ Smith told the New York Post afterward. “I’m all for whatever helps us win. I believe coach knows what he’s doing. I keep my faith in myself and my work. I can’t put too much else on anybody else.

“I have a vision for myself that maybe no one else believes in but I got it for myself. I can’t let anyone get in the way of that.”

Two other players that once had ties to the Wolfpack are also on opening night NBA rosters -- Caleb Martin, who transferred to Nevada, and Jalen Lacque, who signed with State but went directly to the draft.

Martin is with the Charlotte Hornets, Lacque is with the Suns. Neither got into their teams' first game on Wednesday.

Although the NBA's G-League doesn't get started for another week, several former Wolfpack players are already earned roster spots. They are Cat Barber (Erie Bayhawks), C.J. WIlliams (Iowa Wolves) and Maverick Rowan (Maine Red Claws).