T. J. Warren
{{Short description|American basketball player (born 1993)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox basketball biography
| name = T. J. Warren
| image = Detroit Pistons vs Indiana Pacers, October 23, 2019 P102319AZS (49087703328) (cropped).jpg
| image_size =
| caption = Warren with the Indiana Pacers in October 2019
| position = Small forward / power forward
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 8
| weight_lb = 220
| league =
| team = Free agent
| number =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1993|9|5}}
| birth_place = Durham, North Carolina, U.S.
| high_school = Brewster Academy
(Wolfeboro, New Hampshire)
| college = NC State (2012–2014)
| draft_year = 2014
| draft_round = 1
| draft_pick = 14
| draft_team = Phoenix Suns
| career_start = 2014
| years1 = {{nbay|2014|start}}–{{nbay|2018|end}}
| team1 = Phoenix Suns
| years2 = {{nbay|2019|start}}–{{nbay|2021|end}}
| team2 = Indiana Pacers
| years3 = {{nbay|2022|full=y}}
| team3 = Brooklyn Nets
| years4 = {{nbay|2022|end}}
| team4 = Phoenix Suns
| years5 = {{nbay|2023|end}}
| team5 = Minnesota Timberwolves
| years6 = 2024–2025
| team6 = Westchester Knicks
| highlights = * NBA G League Winter Showcase champion (2024)
- Consensus second-team All-American (2014)
- ACC Player of the Year (2014)
- First-team All-ACC (2014)
- ACC All-Freshmen Team (2013)
- No. 24 jersey honored by NC State Wolfpack
- McDonald's All-American (2012)
}}
Anthony "T. J." Warren Jr. (born September 5, 1993) is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Westchester Knicks of the NBA G League. He played college basketball as a small forward for the NC State Wolfpack in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). In the 2013–14 season, he earned consensus second-team All-American honors and was named the ACC Player of the Year after leading the conference in scoring with 24.9 points per game.
Warren was picked in the first round of the 2014 NBA draft with the 14th overall pick by the Phoenix Suns, where he spent five seasons with the team before being traded to the Indiana Pacers in 2019. During the NBA bubble in 2020, Warren had a breakout performance, averaging 31.0 points per game and a career-high 53-point game against the Philadelphia 76ers. After injuries derailed his final few years in Indiana, Warren signed with the Brooklyn Nets in 2022 and was traded back to the Suns in 2023. He has also played for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
High school career
Warren graduated from Brewster Academy, but Warren also attended Riverside High School and Word of God Christian Academy prior to Brewster. He averaged 14 points per game on Word of God's team and his team finished the season at 24–3.{{cite web | url=http://www.maxpreps.com/news/lOGpNAV3EeG-rAAmVebEWg/tj-warren-commits-to-nc-state.htm | title=T.J. Warren Commits to NC State | date=November 2, 2011 | access-date=March 5, 2014 | archive-date=March 4, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063955/http://www.maxpreps.com/news/lOGpNAV3EeG-rAAmVebEWg/tj-warren-commits-to-nc-state.htm | url-status=live }} While at Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, Warren was a small forward for his varsity basketball team. Warren earned 1st Team All NEPSAC honors and led his team to the National Prep Championship finishing with a record of 33–1. Ranked number 32 in the MaxPreps Class of 2012 Top 100, Warren became a hot commodity for college recruits. During his senior year of high school, Warren was viewed by multiple colleges, including North Carolina State University, Georgetown, and University of North Carolina. After visiting some of his prospective schools, Warren officially committed to North Carolina State University on November 2, 2011. Warren was recruited by Orlando Early, the assistant coach at NCSU.{{cite web | url=https://sports.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/basketball/recruiting/player-T.J.-Warren-105007 | title=T.J. Warren Yahoo! Sports | access-date=March 2, 2014 | archive-date=April 5, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150405104045/https://sports.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/basketball/recruiting/player-T.J.-Warren-105007 | url-status=live }} Warren was part of the second highest ranked college basketball draft class by CBSsports along with Tyler Lewis and Rodney Purvis. All three of the players were All-Americans and natives of North Carolina.{{cite web | url=http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/story/16041993/arizona-nc-state-early-leaders-for-2012s-top-class | title=Arizona, N.C. State early leaders for 2012's top class | work=CBS Sports | date=November 9, 2011 | access-date=March 5, 2014 | author=Borzello, Jeff | archive-date=March 7, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307013950/http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/story/16041993/arizona-nc-state-early-leaders-for-2012s-top-class | url-status=live }} He became the 23rd ranked prospect on the ESPN recruiting board for the 2012 recruiting class before committing to play for North Carolina State University.{{cite web|url=http://www.gopack.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/tj_warren_802141.html|title=T.J. Warren Bio – NC State University Official Athletic Site|publisher=Gopack.com|access-date=February 14, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001194242/http://www.gopack.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/tj_warren_802141.html|archive-date=October 1, 2013}}
College career
=NC State (2012–2014)=
==Freshman season==
As part of the 2012–13 NC State Wolfpack men's basketball team, as a freshman Warren averaged 12.1 points a game and 4.2 rebounds in 27 minutes per game earning him a spot on the ACC All-Freshmen Team. He also led the ACC in shooting percentage that year at .622, or 62.2%. Warren's best game that season came against Florida State on February 19, 2013, where he scored 31 points and had 13 rebounds. He helped lead the Wolfpack back into the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Tournament. As an 8 seed, they lost to Temple University in the first round of the NCAA tournament. The loss ended the team's season with a 24–11 record.{{cite web |url=http://wolfpackworld.com/2013/03/22/nc-state-loses-to-temple-in-first-ncaa-tourney-game/ |title=State loses to Temple in First NCAA Tourney Game |publisher=WolfpackWorld.com |date=March 22, 2013 |access-date=February 14, 2014 |archive-date=February 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221211141/http://wolfpackworld.com/2013/03/22/nc-state-loses-to-temple-in-first-ncaa-tourney-game/ |url-status=live }}
==Sophomore season==
File:T.J. Warren takes off for a dunk.jpgFile:TJ Warren Okaro White.jpg
Warren decided to stay for his sophomore year despite being rated as one of the top 31 prospects in the NBA draft during his freshman year. His main influence was his father who convinced him that playing another year at NC State would benefit Warren more, by allowing him to further develop his basketball skills and also improve his draft spot for the NBA.{{cite web | url=http://blogs.newsobserver.com/statenow/warren-puts-nba-on-hold-will-return-for-nc-state | title=Warren puts NBA on hold, will return for N.C. State | publisher=news & observer | date=April 23, 2013 | access-date=February 12, 2014 | author=Giglio, Joe | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307234942/http://blogs.newsobserver.com/statenow/warren-puts-nba-on-hold-will-return-for-nc-state | archive-date=March 7, 2014 }} His father is Tony Warren Sr., who played for NC State from 1977 to 1979 under Norm Sloan. Warren only averaged 27 minutes a game his freshman season, but knew his minutes would increase his sophomore year due to NC State's basketball team losing all of their starters from the previous year. Warren showed great great potential during his Freshman year, but didn't get to put his talents on full display due to the fact that he played more of a sixth man role as opposed to starting.
Warren truly blossomed his sophomore year, he had career highs in points with 41 against Pittsburgh, followed by a 42-point performance versus Boston College. He led his team to the final 64 in NCAA tournament, with a 12 seed, after beating Xavier in the first four, but ended his sophomore season losing to St. Louis in the second round after scoring 28 points.{{cite magazine | url=http://college-basketball.si.com/2014/03/20/st-louis-stages-furious-comeback-to-beat-t-j-warren-and-n-c-state-in-overtime/ | title=St. Louis stages furious comeback to beat T.J. Warren and N.C. State in overtime | magazine=Sports Illustrated | date=March 20, 2014 | access-date=March 24, 2014 | author=Keith, Ted | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321090259/http://college-basketball.si.com/2014/03/20/st-louis-stages-furious-comeback-to-beat-t-j-warren-and-n-c-state-in-overtime/ | archive-date=March 21, 2014 }} For the year, Warren averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per game while playing an average of 35.4 minutes per game.{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2982334/tj-warren | title=T.J. Warren Stats- ESPN | access-date=April 21, 2014 | archive-date=March 19, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319120614/http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/61159/tj-warren | url-status=live }}
Warren led his school to a 22–14 record and went 9–9 in the ACC in his sophomore year. He ended up leading the team with 7.1 rebounds per game and 1.8 steals per game. He was also the first player from the school to win ACC Player of the Year since Julius Hodge.{{cite web | url=http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2014-03-24/tj-warren-nc-state-nba-draft-acc-player-of-the-year-ncaa-tournament-wolfpack-college-basketball-sophomore-mock | title=N.C. State's T.J. Warren to enter NBA draft | publisher=Sporting News | date=March 24, 2014 | access-date=March 26, 2014 | author=Boyd, Jason | archive-date=March 28, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328011653/http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2014-03-24/tj-warren-nc-state-nba-draft-acc-player-of-the-year-ncaa-tournament-wolfpack-college-basketball-sophomore-mock | url-status=live }}
In April 2014, Warren declared for the NBA draft, foregoing his final two years of college eligibility.{{cite web |url=http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/24499024/nc-states-tj-warren-heading-to-the-nba |title=NC State's T.J. Warren heading to the NBA |publisher=cbssports.com |author=Borzello, Jeff |date=March 24, 2014 |access-date=March 24, 2014 |archive-date=March 24, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324215811/http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/24499024/nc-states-tj-warren-heading-to-the-nba |url-status=live }}
=Awards and honors=
In 2014, Warren was in the running for the 38th Annual Wooden Award which is awarded to the National Player of the Year for the collegiate basketball season. He was named to the Mid-Season Wooden Watch list where he was one of 25 players seriously considered for the award.{{cite web |url=http://northcarolinastate.scout.com/2/1368339.html |title=Scout.com: Warren Makes Midseason Wooden Watch List |publisher=Northcarolinastate.scout.com |date=January 22, 2014 |access-date=February 14, 2014 |archive-date=February 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222220455/http://northcarolinastate.scout.com/2/1368339.html |url-status=live }}
At the end of the 2014 season, Warren was one of the top in the ACC in offensive rebounds and was among the league leaders in both overall rebounding and steals. At the conclusion of the regular season, Warren was named ACC Player of the Year.{{cite web|url=http://www.theacc.com/#!/news-detail/NC-State-Warren-Voted-ACC-Player-Of-The-Year_03-11-14_neqit7|title=NC State's Warren Voted ACC Player Of The Year|publisher=theacc.com|date=March 11, 2014|access-date=March 11, 2014|archive-date=June 16, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060616025510/http://www.theacc.com/#!/news-detail/NC-State-Warren-Voted-ACC-Player-Of-The-Year_03-11-14_neqit7|url-status=live}} Warren was also named second team All-American by the Associated Press and The Sporting News at the end of the season, as well as first team All-ACC.{{cite web | url=http://www.gopack.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/033114aab.html | title=T.J. Warren Named AP Second Team All-America | publisher=GoPack | date=March 31, 2014 | access-date=April 3, 2014 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407080149/http://www.gopack.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/033114aab.html | archive-date=April 7, 2014 }}{{cite web | url=http://www.theacc.com/#!/news-detail/ACSMA-2013-14-All-ACC-Basketball-Team-Announced_03-10-14_lzzl91 | title=2013–2014 All ACC Team Announced | access-date=April 21, 2014 | archive-date=June 16, 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060616025510/http://www.theacc.com/#!/news-detail/ACSMA-2013-14-All-ACC-Basketball-Team-Announced_03-10-14_lzzl91 | url-status=live }}
On February 24, 2019, Warren was honored by NC State, with his no. 24 jersey being raised to the rafters of PNC Arena in a pregame ceremony.{{cite web|url=https://gopack.com/news/2019/2/18/mens-basketball-tj-warren-to-be-honored-sunday.aspx|title=TJ Warren to be Honored Sunday|work=gopack.com|date=February 18, 2019|access-date=February 26, 2019|archive-date=February 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226173204/https://gopack.com/news/2019/2/18/mens-basketball-tj-warren-to-be-honored-sunday.aspx|url-status=live}}
Professional career
=Phoenix Suns (2014–2019)=
On June 26, 2014, Warren was selected with the 14th overall pick by the Phoenix Suns in the 2014 NBA draft. On July 12, 2014, Warren made his NBA Summer League debut, recording 22 points and 4 rebounds in a loss to the Golden State Warriors.{{Cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20140712/PHXGSW/gameinfo.html |title=Suns at Warriors |website=NBA.com |access-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-date=July 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140711014848/http://www.nba.com/games/20140712/PHXGSW/gameinfo.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/suns/blog/warren-shines-suns-fall-warriors |title=Warren Shines as Suns Fall to Warriors |website=NBA.com |access-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-date=August 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804165438/https://www.nba.com/suns/blog/warren-shines-suns-fall-warriors |url-status=live }} He went on to earn All-NBA Summer League second team honors.{{Cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/2014/news/07/20/all-summer-league-teams/ |title=Rice, Jr. named MVP, leads All-NBA Summer League team |website=NBA.com |access-date=July 20, 2015 |archive-date=January 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110092211/http://www.nba.com/2014/news/07/20/all-summer-league-teams/ |url-status=live }} On August 8, 2014, he signed with the Suns.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/suns/press-release/suns-sign-first-round-picks-t.j.-warren-and-tyler-ennis|title=Suns Sign First-Round Picks T.J. Warren and Tyler Ennis|work=NBA.com|publisher=Turner Sports Interactive, Inc.|date=August 8, 2014|access-date=August 8, 2014|archive-date=August 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804165357/https://www.nba.com/suns/press-release/suns-sign-first-round-picks-t.j.-warren-and-tyler-ennis|url-status=live}} On October 21, 2014, Warren sustained a small crack in a bone in his left thumb, sidelining him for a few weeks.{{Cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/suns/press-release/warren-suffers-broken-thumb-no-timetable-return |title=Warren Suffers Broken Thumb, No Timetable for Return |website=NBA.com |access-date=October 24, 2014 |archive-date=October 28, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028143450/http://www.nba.com/suns/press-release/warren-suffers-broken-thumb-no-timetable-return |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.si.com/nba/2014/10/23/phoenix-suns-tj-warren-thumb-injury |title=Suns rookie T.J. Warren fractures left thumb, out indefinitely |date=October 23, 2014 |access-date=December 11, 2017 |archive-date=September 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922051632/https://www.si.com/nba/2014/10/23/phoenix-suns-tj-warren-thumb-injury |url-status=live }} He returned from injury on November 9 to make his NBA debut against Golden State. He recorded no points in just over a minute of action in a 107–95 win.{{Cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20141109/GSWPHX/gameinfo.html |title=Thomas leads Suns over Warriors 107–95 |website=NBA.com |access-date=November 13, 2014 |archive-date=September 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922004350/http://www.nba.com/games/20141109/GSWPHX/gameinfo.html |url-status=live }} He went on to record his first NBA career points and rebounds with seven and three respectively in the Suns' 118–114 win over the Boston Celtics on November 17.{{Cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20141117/PHXBOS/gameinfo.html |title=Morris, Suns pull out 118–114 win over Celtics |website=NBA.com |access-date=November 20, 2014 |archive-date=November 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141119092113/http://www.nba.com/games/20141117/PHXBOS/gameinfo.html |url-status=live }} During his rookie season, Warren received multiple assignments to the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Development League.{{cite news|title=All-Time NBA Assignments|url=http://dleague.nba.com/all-time-nba-assignments/|access-date=January 22, 2015|work=NBA.com|archive-date=March 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322122733/http://dleague.nba.com/all-time-nba-assignments/|url-status=dead}}
On March 11, 2015, Warren had a season-best game with 17 points on 8-of-10 shooting and 5 rebounds in a 106–97 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.{{Cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20150311/MINPHX/gameinfo.html |title=Markieff Morris leads Suns past Timberwolves, 106–97 |website=NBA.com |access-date=March 12, 2015 |archive-date=October 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030023143/http://www.nba.com/games/20150311/MINPHX/gameinfo.html |url-status=live }} On March 29, he scored a season-high 18 points in a season defining 109–97 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. On April 4, he scored 15 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors in a close 107–106 loss. Finally, to end the 2014–15 season, Warren had his first professional start as a power forward in a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.{{Cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/warretj01/gamelog/2015/ |title=T.J. Warren 2014–15 Game Log |access-date=December 4, 2017 |archive-date=May 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170523132429/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/warretj01/gamelog/2015 |url-status=live }}
In July 2015, Warren re-joined the Suns for the 2015 NBA Summer League.{{Cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/suns/press-release/suns-announce-2015-summer-league-roster |title=Suns Announce 2015 Summer League Roster |website=NBA.com |access-date=July 19, 2015 |archive-date=July 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710031242/http://www.nba.com/suns/press-release/suns-announce-2015-summer-league-roster |url-status=live }} After averaging 22.4 points per game in Las Vegas, Warren earned All-NBA Summer League first team honors.{{cite news|title=Spurs forward Kyle Anderson named Summer League MVP|date=July 19, 2015|work=SI.com|url=https://www.si.com/nba/2015/07/19/nba-summer-league-mvp-kyle-anderson-spurs|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905222159/http://www.si.com/nba/2015/07/19/nba-summer-league-mvp-kyle-anderson-spurs|archive-date=September 5, 2015|url-status=live}} On November 12, 2015, he tied his career-high of 18 points in a 118–104 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20151112/LACPHX/gameinfo.html|title=Knight, Bledsoe lead Suns past short-handed Clippers 118–104|work=NBA.com|date=November 12, 2015|access-date=November 13, 2015|archive-date=November 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103201740/http://www.nba.com/games/20151112/LACPHX/gameinfo.html|url-status=live}} Four days later, Warren surpassed that mark by scoring 19 points in a 120–101 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20151116/LALPHX/gameinfo.html|title=Knight's triple-double lifts Suns to 120–101 win over Lakers|work=NBA.com|date=November 16, 2015|access-date=November 16, 2015|archive-date=November 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120011920/http://www.nba.com/games/20151116/LALPHX/gameinfo.html|url-status=live}} He was once again very efficient against the Lakers, being the ninth time he made two-thirds of his shots on at least nine attempts in his first 50 NBA appearances, becoming the first player since Yao Ming to do so.{{cite web|last=Coro|first=Paul|url=http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2015/11/16/suns-finish-off-lakers-late-brandon-knight-posts-first-career-triple-double/75734726/|title=Suns finish off Lakers late as Brandon Knight posts first career triple-double|work=AZCentral.com|date=November 16, 2015|access-date=November 17, 2015|archive-date=February 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209180946/https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2015/11/16/suns-finish-off-lakers-late-brandon-knight-posts-first-career-triple-double/75734726/|url-status=live}} On November 27, he scored a then career-high 28 points in a loss to the Golden State Warriors.{{Cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20151127/GSWPHX/gameinfo.html |title=Curry scores 41 points, Warriors pour in 3s to go 17–0 |website=NBA.com |access-date=November 28, 2015 |archive-date=May 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517164521/http://www.nba.com/games/20151127/GSWPHX/gameinfo.html |url-status=live }} Two days later, he recorded his first career double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds in a 107–102 win over the Toronto Raptors.{{Cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20151129/PHXTOR/gameinfo.html |title=Eric Bledsoe powers Suns past Raptors, 107–102 |website=NBA.com |access-date=December 3, 2015 |archive-date=June 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610124440/http://www.nba.com/games/20151129/PHXTOR/gameinfo.html |url-status=live }} On December 31, he scored a career-high 29 points in a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.{{Cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20151231/PHXOKC/gameinfo.html |title=Westbrook leads Thunder to 110–106 victory over Suns |website=NBA.com |access-date=January 1, 2016 |archive-date=March 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330220850/http://www.nba.com/games/20151231/PHXOKC/gameinfo.html |url-status=live }} On February 2, 2016, Warren was ruled out for the rest of the season with a broken right foot.{{Cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--suns--t-j--warren-to-miss-rest-of-season-with-broken-foot-220400843.html |title=Sources: Suns' T.J. Warren to miss rest of season with broken foot |access-date=January 15, 2017 |archive-date=April 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405215558/https://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--suns--t-j--warren-to-miss-rest-of-season-with-broken-foot-220400843.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2016/02/02/suns-forward-tj-warren-out-rest-season/79717206/ |title=Suns forward T.J. Warren out for rest of season |access-date=February 3, 2016 |archive-date=February 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209180946/https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2016/02/02/suns-forward-tj-warren-out-rest-season/79717206/ |url-status=live }}
In September 2016, Warren returned to the court for the first time in nine months.{{Cite web |url=http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2016/9/7/12798670/phoenix-suns-t-j-warren-on-road-to-recovery |title=Suns' T.J. Warren on road to recovery |date=September 7, 2016 |access-date=September 25, 2016 |archive-date=September 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927024829/http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2016/9/7/12798670/phoenix-suns-t-j-warren-on-road-to-recovery |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/suns/blog/tj-warren-happy-be-healthy-eyes-increased-role |title=T.J. Warren Happy to Be Healthy, Eyes Increased Role |website=NBA.com |access-date=October 2, 2016 |archive-date=October 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001181109/http://www.nba.com/suns/blog/tj-warren-happy-be-healthy-eyes-increased-role |url-status=live }} The following month, he was named the team's starting small forward to begin the season with P. J. Tucker out injured.{{Cite web |url=http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2016/10/03/phoenix-suns-brandon-knight-come-off-bench/91489330/ |title=Phoenix Suns' Brandon Knight will come off the bench |access-date=October 3, 2016 |archive-date=February 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209180946/https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2016/10/03/phoenix-suns-brandon-knight-come-off-bench/91489330/ |url-status=live }} On October 28, 2016, Warren scored a career-high 30 points in a 113–110 overtime loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899455 |title=Russell Westbrook's 51 triple-double points most since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar |access-date=October 29, 2016 |archive-date=October 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161029235832/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899455 |url-status=live }} On November 2, he had his third 20-point game of the season,[https://twitter.com/SunsBballComm/status/794030404835520512 @TonyWarrenJr has his third 20-point game of...] scoring 27 points in a 118–115 overtime win over the Portland Trail Blazers.{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899513 |title=Bledsoe's 3 sinks Blazers in OT, 118–115 |access-date=November 3, 2016 |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202024506/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899513 |url-status=live }} Two days later, Warren recorded 18 points and six rebounds, and made a critical game-winning dunk with 7.1 seconds left in overtime, to lead the Suns to a 112–111 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899525 |title=Booker leads Suns to OT win over winless Pelicans |access-date=November 5, 2016 |archive-date=November 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105094815/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899525 |url-status=live }} On November 23, he was ruled out indefinitely due to a minor head injury.{{Cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/suns/press-release/tj-warren-out-indefinitely-due-minor-head-injury/ |title=T.J. Warren Out Indefinitely Due To Minor Head Injury |website=NBA.com |access-date=December 11, 2016 |archive-date=November 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126100356/http://www.nba.com/suns/press-release/tj-warren-out-indefinitely-due-minor-head-injury |url-status=live }} He returned to action on December 17 against the Oklahoma City Thunder after missing 13 games.{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899841 |title=Westbrook claims 50th career triple-double; Thunder top Suns |access-date=December 18, 2016 |archive-date=December 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161219161655/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899841 |url-status=live }} He returned to the starting line-up on December 31 against the Utah Jazz, and on January 2, he led the Suns with 24 points in a 109–98 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899418 |title=Clippers beat Suns 109–98, end 6-game skid to start new year |access-date=January 3, 2017 |archive-date=January 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104000131/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899418 |url-status=live }} On March 9, he had 17 points and a career-high 13 rebounds in a 122–110 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400900359 |title=Russell scores 28, Lakers finally win in Phoenix 122–110 |access-date=March 11, 2017 |archive-date=March 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170310221653/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400900359 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://twitter.com/SunsBballComm/status/840079528688926720 |title=@TonyWarrenJr has his second straight double... |access-date=March 11, 2017 |archive-date=March 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315043320/https://twitter.com/SunsBballComm/status/840079528688926720 |url-status=live }} On April 7, he set a new career high with 16 rebounds to go with 23 points in a 120–99 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400900564 |title=Thunder vs. Suns – Box Score |access-date=April 8, 2017 |archive-date=April 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408082100/http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400900564 |url-status=live }}
On September 26, 2017, Warren signed a four-year, $50 million contract extension with the Suns.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/suns/press-release/suns-sign-tj-warren-contract-extension|title=Suns Sign T.J. Warren To Contract Extension|work=NBA.com|date=September 26, 2017|access-date=September 26, 2017|archive-date=May 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511110214/https://www.nba.com/suns/press-release/suns-sign-tj-warren-contract-extension|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Wojnarowski|first=Adrian|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/20813729/tj-warren-phoenix-suns-agrees-4-year-contract-extension-worth-50-million|title=Sources: T.J. Warren reaches 4-year, $50 million extension with Suns|work=ESPN.com|date=September 25, 2017|access-date=September 26, 2017|archive-date=September 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927000058/http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/20813729/tj-warren-phoenix-suns-agrees-4-year-contract-extension-worth-50-million|url-status=live}} On November 1, 2017, he scored 28 of his career-high 40 points in the second half of the Suns' 122–116 win over the Washington Wizards.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400974859|title=Warren has career-high 40, Suns rally to beat Wiz 122–116|work=ESPN.com|date=November 1, 2017|access-date=November 1, 2017|archive-date=January 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112104050/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400974859|url-status=live}} On November 11, 2017, he had a 35-point effort in a 118–110 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400974937|title=Booker, Warren score 35 apiece, Suns beat Timberwolves|work=ESPN.com|date=November 11, 2017|access-date=February 11, 2018|archive-date=November 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116084303/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400974937|url-status=live}}
On November 17, 2018, Warren scored 23 points in a 110–100 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. It was his fifth straight 20-point game, a career best.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070914|title=George, Adams lead Thunder past Phoenix 110–100|work=ESPN.com|date=November 17, 2018|access-date=November 17, 2018|archive-date=November 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118125906/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070914|url-status=live}} On December 13, he scored a season-high 30 points in a 99–89 win over the Dallas Mavericks.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071098|title=Spurs earn largest win of the season, beat Clippers 125–87|work=ESPN.com|date=December 13, 2018|access-date=December 13, 2018|archive-date=December 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216032329/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071098|url-status=live}}
=Indiana Pacers (2019–2022)=
File:Detroit Pistons vs Indiana Pacers, October 23, 2019 P102319AZS (49087703413).jpg
On June 20, 2019, Warren and KZ Okpala were traded to the Indiana Pacers. Okpala was then traded to the Miami Heat in exchange for three second-round picks. The Pacers sent money back to the Phoenix Suns.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/27018849|title=Source: Pacers land Warren in trade with Suns|date=June 20, 2019|website=ESPN.com|language=en|access-date=June 27, 2019|archive-date=August 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804165358/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/27018849|url-status=live}} The trade was finalized on July 6, 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/pacers/pacers-acquire-tj-warren|title=Pacers Acquire T.J. Warren|work=NBA.com|date=July 6, 2019|access-date=July 8, 2019|archive-date=October 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026022553/https://www.nba.com/pacers/pacers-acquire-tj-warren|url-status=live}} On February 12, 2020, Warren scored a team-high 35 points on 16–19 shooting, along with seven rebounds and four steals in a 118–111 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.{{Cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nightly-notable-t-j-warren-060546370.html|title=Nightly Notable: T. J. Warren {{!}} Feb. 12|website=sports.yahoo.com|language=en-US|access-date=February 13, 2020|archive-date=February 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213130703/https://sports.yahoo.com/nightly-notable-t-j-warren-060546370.html|url-status=live}} That season, he was one of three players on the roster using T. J. as their professional first name, along with teammates T. J. McConnell and T. J. Leaf.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/warren-t-j-mcconnell-and-tj-leaf-of-the-indiana-pacers-pose-news-photo/1171879296|title=T.J. Warren, T.J. McConnell, and TJ Leaf of the Indiana Pacers pose|date=September 29, 2019 |access-date=March 4, 2021|archive-date=January 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130205713/https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/warren-t-j-mcconnell-and-tj-leaf-of-the-indiana-pacers-pose-news-photo/1171879296|url-status=live}}
On August 1, in the 2020 NBA Bubble, Warren scored a new career-high 53 points on 20/29 shooting (including 9/12 three-pointers scored) in a 127–121 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. He was also the first player to score 50+ points since the return of the NBA post hiatus.{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/games/20200801/PHIIND/#/recap|title=Warren scores career-high 53 as Pacers beat 76ers 127–121|website=NBA.com|date=August 1, 2020|access-date=August 1, 2020|archive-date=August 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808000349/https://www.nba.com/games/20200801/PHIIND/#/recap|url-status=live}} The performance was the third most points a player had ever scored in a single game in franchise history, behind Reggie Miller's 57 points in 1992, and Jermaine O'Neal's 55 points in 2005.{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/pacers/rewind-pacers-76ers-200801|title=Game Rewind: Pacers 127, 76ers 121|website=NBA.com|date=August 1, 2020|access-date=August 3, 2020|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803161407/https://www.nba.com/pacers/rewind-pacers-76ers-200801|url-status=live}} On August 15, Warren was named to the All-Bubble First Team after averaging 31 points across the 8 bubble seeding games.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29668104/trail-blazers-damian-lillard-wins-bubble-mvp-suns-monty-williams-named-top-coach|title=Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard wins bubble MVP; Suns' Monty Williams named top coach|date=August 15, 2020|website=ESPN.com|language=en|access-date=August 18, 2020|archive-date=August 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816151906/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29668104/trail-blazers-damian-lillard-wins-bubble-mvp-suns-monty-williams-named-top-coach|url-status=live}}
On December 31, 2020, the Indiana Pacers announced that Warren would undergo surgery to repair a small left navicular stress fracture.{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/pacers/news/tj-warren-injury-update-201231|title=T.J. Warren Injury Update – Dec. 31, 2020|date=December 31, 2020|website=NBA.com|access-date=December 31, 2020|archive-date=January 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101014138/https://www.nba.com/pacers/news/tj-warren-injury-update-201231|url-status=live}} Warren underwent surgery for the stress fracture as planned on January 4, 2021.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/pacers-t-j-warren-undergoes-surgery-tuesday/ |title=Pacers' T.J. Warren: Undergoes surgery Tuesday |author= |date=January 6, 2021 |website=cbssports.com |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=March 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325222958/https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/pacers-t-j-warren-undergoes-surgery-tuesday/ |url-status=live }} He only played 4 games during the 2020–21 season. On March 17, 2022, Warren was ruled out for the remainder of the 2021–22 season. He had not played a game during the season.{{Cite web |title=Pacers announces T.J. Warren will not return this season |url=https://www.nba.com/news/pacers-tj-warren-wont-return-this-season |access-date=March 18, 2022 |website=NBA |archive-date=March 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318042859/https://www.nba.com/news/pacers-tj-warren-wont-return-this-season |url-status=live }}
=Brooklyn Nets (2022–2023)=
On July 7, 2022, Warren signed with the Brooklyn Nets.{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/nets/news/2022/07/07/brooklyn-nets-sign-tj-warren|title=Brooklyn Nets Sign T.J. Warren|date=July 7, 2022|work=NBA.com|access-date=July 7, 2022|archive-date=July 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220729184442/https://www.nba.com/nets/news/2022/07/07/brooklyn-nets-sign-tj-warren|url-status=live}} On December 2, he made his Nets debut, putting up 10 points, four rebounds, and one steal in a 114–105 win over the Toronto Raptors.{{cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/nets-news-it-felt-like-a-dream-t-j-warren-picks-up-where-he-left-off-in-first-game-in-703-days|title='It felt like a dream': Nets' T.J. Warren picks up where he left off in first game in 703 days|website=ClutchPoints|last=Slater|first=Erik|date=December 3, 2022|access-date=December 3, 2022|archive-date=December 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203190719/https://clutchpoints.com/nets-news-it-felt-like-a-dream-t-j-warren-picks-up-where-he-left-off-in-first-game-in-703-days|url-status=live}}
=Return to Phoenix (2023)=
On February 9, 2023, Warren was traded, alongside Kevin Durant, to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Jae Crowder, four future first-round picks and a pick swap.{{cite web|title=Suns Complete Trade For Kevin Durant, T.J. Warren|url=https://www.nba.com/suns/news/suns-complete-trade-for-kevin-durant-t-j-warren|website=NBA.com|date=February 9, 2023|access-date=February 9, 2023}}
=Minnesota Timberwolves (2024)=
Warren signed consecutive 10-day contracts with the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 6{{cite web|first=Francisco|last=Manzano|title=Timberwolves Sign T.J. Warren to 10-Day Contract|url=https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/timberwolves-sign-t-j-warren-to-10-day-contract|website=NBA.com|date=March 6, 2024|access-date=March 6, 2024}} and March 16, 2024, respectively.{{cite web|first=Francisco|last=Manzano|title=Timberwolves Sign T.J. Warren to Second 10-Day Contract|url=https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/timberwolves-sign-t-j-warren-to-second-10-day-contract|website=NBA.com|date=March 16, 2024|access-date=March 16, 2024}} After the expiration of his 10-day contract, Warren signed for the rest of the season on March 27.{{cite web|first=Francisco|last=Manzano|title=Timberwolves Sign T.J. Warren|url=https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/timberwolves-sign-t-j-warren|website=NBA.com|date=March 27, 2024|access-date=March 27, 2024}}
=Westchester Knicks (2024–2025)=
On October 3, 2024, Warren signed with the New York Knicks,{{cite tweet|author=NY_KnicksPR|title=.@nyknicks Sign T.J. Warren to Exhibit 10 Contract|number=1841854536018792875|user=NY_KnicksPR|date=October 3, 2024|access-date=October 3, 2024}} but was waived on October 19.{{cite tweet|author=NY_KnicksPR|title=Knicks waive Chuma Okeke, Landry Shamet and T.J. Warren.|number=1847742422064734246|user=NY_KnicksPR|date=October 19, 2024|access-date=October 22, 2024}} On October 28, he joined the Westchester Knicks.{{cite web|title=Westchester Knicks Announce 2024-25 NBA G League Training Camp Roster|url=https://westchester.gleague.nba.com/news/westchester-knicks-announce-2024-25-nba-g-league-training-camp-roster|website=NBA.com|date=October 28, 2024|access-date=November 1, 2024}}
Personal life
Warren is the son of former North Carolina State basketball player{{cite web|first=Ric|last=Bucher|title='WHEN I'M NOT PLAYING, SOMETHING IS WRONG'|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2904479-when-im-not-playing-basketball-something-is-wrong|work=Bleacher Report|date=August 14, 2020|access-date=April 19, 2023}} and rhythm and blues singer Tony Warren.{{citation needed|date=July 2022}}
Career statistics
{{NBA player statistics legend}}
=NBA=
==Regular season==
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2014}}
| style="text-align:left;"| Phoenix
| 40 || 1 || 15.4 || .528 || .238 || .737 || 2.1 || .6 || .5 || .2 || 6.1
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2015}}
| style="text-align:left;"| Phoenix
| 47 || 4 || 22.8 || .501 || .400 || .703 || 3.1 || .9 || .8 || .3 || 11.0
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2016}}
| style="text-align:left;"| Phoenix
| 66 || 59 || 31.0 || .495 || .263 || .773 || 5.1 || 1.1 || 1.2 || .6 || 14.4
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2017}}
| style="text-align:left;"| Phoenix
| 65 || 65 || 33.0 || .498 || .222 || .757 || 5.1 || 1.3 || 1.0 || .6 || 19.6
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2018}}
| style="text-align:left;"| Phoenix
| 43 || 36 || 31.6 || .486 || .428 || .815 || 4.0 || 1.5 || 1.2 || .7 || 18.0
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2019}}
| style="text-align:left;"| Indiana
| 67 || 67 || 32.9 || .536 || .403 || .819 || 4.2 || 1.5 || 1.2 || .5 || 19.8
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2020}}
| style="text-align:left;"| Indiana
| 4 || 4 || 29.3 || .529 || .000 || .800 || 3.5 || 1.3 || .5 || .0 || 15.5
|-
| style="text-align:left;" rowspan=2| {{nbay|2022}}
| style="text-align:left;"| Brooklyn
| 26 || 0 || 18.8 || .510 || .333 || .818 || 2.8 || 1.1 || .6 || .3 || 9.5
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Phoenix
| 16 || 0 || 12.3 || .429 || .316 || .500 || 3.1 || .7 || .4 || .3 || 4.2
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2023}}
| style="text-align:left;"| Minnesota
| 11 || 0 || 11.3 || .439 || .154 || .750 || 2.0 || .8 || .4 || .1 || 3.7
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career
| 385 || 236 || 26.9 || .505 || .351 || .780 || 3.9 || 1.2 || .9 || .5 || 14.3
{{S-end}}
==Playoffs==
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2020
| style="text-align:left;"| Indiana
| 4 || 4 || 39.0 || .471 || .368 || 1.000 || 6.3 || 3.0 || 2.3 || .3 || 20.0
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2023
| style="text-align:left;"| Phoenix
| 6 || 0 || 13.4 || .316 || .143 || .750 || 1.2 || .5 || .2 || .5 || 2.7
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2024
| style="text-align:left;"| Minnesota
| 3 || 0 || 3.8 || .000 || .000 || {{sort|-|—}} || 1.0 || .3 || .0 || .0 || .0
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career
| 13 || 4 || 19.1 || .427 || .296 || .923 || 2.7 || 1.2 || .8 || .3 || 7.4
{{S-end}}
=College=
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2012–13
| style="text-align:left;"| NC State
| 35 || 14 || 27.0 || .622 || .519 || .542 || 4.2 || .8 || 1.2 || .4 || 12.1
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2013–14
| style="text-align:left;"| NC State
| 35 || 35 || 35.4 || .525 || .267 || .690 || 7.1 || 1.1 || 1.8 || .6 || 24.9
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career
| 70 || 49 || 31.2 || .555 || .315 || .654 || 5.7 || 1.0 || 1.5 || .5 || 18.5
{{S-end}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
{{basketballstats}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20131001194242/http://www.gopack.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/tj_warren_802141.html NC State Wolfpack bio]
{{Navboxes|list=
{{2014 NBA draft}}
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{{Atlantic Coast Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year navbox}}
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Warren, T. J.}}
Category:21st-century American sportsmen
Category:All-American college men's basketball players
Category:American men's basketball players
Category:Bakersfield Jam players
Category:Basketball players from Durham, North Carolina
Category:Brewster Academy alumni
Category:Brooklyn Nets players
Category:Indiana Pacers players
Category:McDonald's High School All-Americans
Category:Minnesota Timberwolves players
Category:NC State Wolfpack men's basketball players
Category:Phoenix Suns draft picks