Blake Hinson's Jazz Exit Raises Eyebrows
The biggest Pitt story of the week didn't come from a box score. Utah Jazz waived two-way forward Blake Hinson just before their season opener against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 21, replacing him with former first-round pick Kobe Bufkin on a new two-way deal.
The move drew immediate scrutiny from analysts. Hinson had flashed genuine potential late last season, shooting a blistering 46.8% from three — the kind of efficiency that typically keeps a roster spot warm. Sports Illustrated called the decision "puzzling," and Yahoo Sports noted it was "somewhat of a surprise" given those numbers. Hinson appeared in the box score for Utah's October 24 game against the Pelicans, but without stats recorded — a likely reflection of his roster limbo as the move processed. For Pitt fans who watched Hinson develop into a dangerous shooter in Oakland, his NBA path just got a lot harder to navigate.
Champagnie Delivers When It Counts
While Hinson's week ended in uncertainty, Justin Champagnie had the kind of two-game stretch that forces coaching staffs to take notice.
On Wednesday, October 21, Champagnie was the catalyst in Washington's 128-116 comeback win over the Milwaukee Bucks — finishing with 8 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and a staggering +17 plus-minus in just 20 minutes. His fourth-quarter outburst was the turning point, and head coach Brian Keefe took notice. The performance reinforced what Champagnie has made a habit of: stepping up whenever the minutes arrive, regardless of how sporadic they've been. He started 19 games last season while also collecting several DNP-coach's decisions — a role-player's tightrope he's walked well.
Two days later, against the Toronto Raptors on October 23, Champagnie kept it rolling — 8 points, 6 rebounds, a steal, and 2 blocks in 22 minutes, even as the Wizards fell 112-102. The efficiency and defensive versatility he showed across both games make a strong case for expanded minutes ahead.
Carrington Adds to the Wizards' Pitt Pipeline
Champagnie's teammate and fellow Pitt alum Carlton Carrington contributed meaningfully in both games. In the Bucks win, the young point guard posted 10 points, 4 assists, and 2 steals in 18 minutes — a confident showing for a player still building his NBA footing. He was quieter in the Toronto loss (3 points, 1 rebound, 11 minutes), but the Bucks performance showed the upside. Washington is quietly running a Pitt alumni corner with Champagnie and Carrington sharing the floor.
Adams Stays in the Mix in Houston
Steven Adams is easing back into the Rockets rotation carefully. After being ruled out for much of last season with injury, the veteran center logged 8 minutes in Houston's 114-110 win over the Spurs on October 24, chipping in 4 points, 2 rebounds, and a +6. He sat out the October 22 win over Dallas as part of the Rockets' reported plan to manage his minutes on back-to-backs. At 32 and returning from a significant absence, Adams' role will likely stay measured — but his presence gives Houston a physical anchor they missed badly last year.
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