The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1460661
APRIL 2022 THE WOLVERINE 63 BY CLAYTON SAYFIE F ormer NBA superstar Michael Jor- dan faxed out a press release on March 18, 1995, that simply read, "I'm back," announcing his return to the sport after a one-year hiatus. The news sent shockwaves through- out the sports community, just like quarterback Tom Brady's March 13, 2022 tweet announcing he'd be returning to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers for his 23rd professional season after 40 days of retirement. "These past two months, I've realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands," Brady posted. "That time will come. But it's not now. I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family. They make it all possible. I'm coming back …" The seven-time Super Bowl cham- pion added that he has "unfinished business." Brady's announcement came on the eve of the start of free agency, giving notice to the Buccaneers organization and players who were considering either staying or leaving so that they can best make decisions and build a champion- ship-caliber roster. Despite calling it quits for a brief pe- riod of time, Brady actually enjoyed one of the best statistical seasons of his ca- reer in 2021, leading the NFL in pass- ing yards (5,316) and touchdown throws (43), while finishing second in MVP voting and being named second-team All-Pro. The Buccaneers' roster won't look exactly the same as it did a year ago, but they'll bring back Pro Bowl center Ryan Jensen; wide receiver Chris God- win, who was franchise tagged; wide- out Mike Evans, who is under contract through 2023; and others to an offense that ranked second in the league in both total yards and points per game last sea- son. With the most important piece of- ficially back, Tampa Bay is expected to contend for another Super Bowl, with the team having the fourth-best odds (+850) to win a world title, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. FORMER WOLVERINES IN THE NBA Through March 13 • Ignas Brazdeikis (Played at U-M from 2018-19), F, Orlando Magic: Has seen 9.1 minutes of action per game in 31 appearances for the 18-51 Magic … Averaging 3.2 points and 1.3 rebounds per contest, while shooting 40.7 per- cent overall and 30.8 percent from be- yond the arc. • Trey Burke (2011-13), G, Dallas Mavericks: A shoulder injury held him out from early February to early March … Played in 36 games for the 42-26 Mavericks, posting 5.6 points, 1.4 as- sists and 0.8 rebounds per night while shooting 41.6 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from long range. • Tim Hardaway Jr. (2010-13), G, Dal- las Mavericks: Suffered a foot injury Jan. 25 and had surgery … No time- table for his return, which is unlikely to be this season … Started 20 of his 42 games for the 42-26 Mavericks … Averaged 14.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per outing, while connecting on 39.4 percent of his overall looks and 33.6 percent of his triple tries. • Caris LeVert (2012-16), G, Cleve- land Cavaliers: Competed in four contests with one start for the 38-29 Cavaliers, before he was sidelined by a right foot injury Feb. 15 … Expected to return sometime in March … Averaged 18.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game while starting 39 contests for the Pacers before being traded. • Isaiah Livers (2017-21), F, Detroit Pistons: Made nine appearances, av- eraging 3.7 points and 1.9 rebounds in 13.3 minutes per game, for the 18-50 Pistons … Shooting 37.5 percent from both the field and three-point range. • Jordan Poole (2017-19), G, Golden State Warriors: Started 37 of his 62 games played for the 46-22 Warriors, tallying 16.9 points, 3.6 assists and 3.2 rebounds per contest … Was shooting 45.3 percent from the field and 35.9 percent on three-point attempts. • Duncan Robinson (2014-18), F, Mi- Brady announced in a tweet March 13 that he would be returning to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers for his 23rd professional season after 40 days of retirement. PHOTO BY MATT MAY/TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS MICHIGAN IN THE PROS Tom Brady Is Back