DJ Kennedy

DJ Kennedy

  • Nationality: USA
  • Date of Birth: 5/11/89
  • Place of Birth: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (USA)
  • Position: G/F
  • Height (CM): 198
  • Weight (KG): 98
  • Junior Assoc: None
  • College: St. John's (2007–2011)
  • NBL DEBUT: 12/10/18
  • AGE AT DEBUT: 28
  • LAST NBL GAME: 16/03/19
  • AGE AT LAST GAME: 29
  • NBL History: Melbourne 2019
  • Championships: 0
  • None

BIO: Dj Kennedy was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (USA), he attended Schenley High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a senior in 2006/07, he averaged 17.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.0 blocks per game. In helping the Spartans to a 29-3 record, and the 2007 PIAA AAAA State championship, he earned a first team all-state selection, a first team all-city selection and a two-time Pittsburgh Post-Gazette “Fabulous Five” selection.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Dj Kennedy made his NBL debut with the Melbourne United at 28 years of age. He scored 21 points in his first game.

Melbourne entered the 2018/19 season looking to defend their championship. They retained their core group by first re-signing team captain Chris Goulding (two-year deal) and David Barlow (one-year deal) before securing Josh Boone (one-year deal) and Casper Ware (one-year deal), who were challenging to bring back due to strong interest from multiple overseas teams. The team also added DJ Kennedy (via Turkey), Mitch McCarron (via Cairns), and Alex Pledger (via New Zealand) to further strengthen their lineup. Melbourne’s strategy centered on continuity, aiming to keep their championship-winning core intact while adding depth and versatility.

DJ Kennedy (12.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 steals) was a versatile swingman for Melbourne United, known for his ability to contribute in multiple areas. His best performances included 24 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block in a win against Sydney, 23 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal against New Zealand, and 21 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 block against Perth.

Kennedy’s all-around game made him a crucial piece in Melbourne’s rotation, particularly with his ability to rebound, facilitate, and defend multiple positions.

Mid-season, Melbourne added Venky Jois (2.2 points and 0.7 rebounds), who had been playing in Japan, to provide additional cover for injuries and strengthen the roster for the playoffs.

Dean Vickerman’s leadership earned him the NBL Coach of the Year award as Melbourne finished second in the regular season (18-10), setting up a semifinal clash against Sydney.

In Game 1 of the semifinals (95-73), DJ Kennedy contributed 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists as Melbourne controlled the game. Casper Ware (22 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) and Chris Goulding (17 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) all produced big games. Sydney’s Andrew Bogut (7 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 3 blocks) struggled offensively, while Kevin Lisch (13 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals) and Jerome Randle (13 points) couldn’t overcome Melbourne’s defensive pressure.

In Game 2 of the semifinals (90-76), Kennedy added 6 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists as Melbourne closed out the series. Casper Ware (30 points and 5 rebounds) and Chris Goulding (23 points and 3 assists) starred again for United. Melbourne shut down star point guard Jerome Randle (2 points and 5 assists), and even though Andrew Bogut (10 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks) bounced back from a poor Game 1, it wasn’t enough to prevent Melbourne from meeting Perth in the Grand Final. Kevin Lisch (13 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) top-scored for Sydney.

In Game 1 of the Grand Final series (81-71), Kennedy contributed 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists as Casper Ware (19 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal) and Chris Goulding (15 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, and 1 steal) led Melbourne offensively. United were able to limit Perth’s star import Bryce Cotton (10 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals) offensively, but big games from Terrico White (19 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Angus Brandt (14 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists) powered the Wildcats to victory.

Game 2 of the Grand Final series (92-74) saw Melbourne bounce back behind a balanced scoring attack from Casper Ware (14 points, 2 assists, and 1 steal), Chris Goulding (14 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists), Mitch McCarron (13 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists), and DJ Kennedy (12 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals). Kennedy’s rebounding and energy were crucial in Melbourne’s win. Bryce Cotton (19 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Terrico White (17 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) stood out for Perth.

The loss to Melbourne saw Perth coach Trevor Gleeson make a number of adjustments, and the Wildcats came back to dominate in Game 3 (95-67). Kennedy added 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists, while David Barlow (13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists) provided support in an incredibly low-scoring effort. Bryce Cotton (27 points, 4 rebounds, 10 assists, and 3 steals) and Terrico White (31 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) combined for 58 points and came close to outscoring Melbourne themselves.

In the deciding Game 4 (97-84), Kennedy contributed 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists as Melbourne fought hard but fell short. Bryce Cotton (28 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals) and Terrico White (20 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) led Perth to the title, with Nick Kay (12 points and 10 rebounds) dominating inside. Chris Goulding (15 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) also made a strong contribution for Melbourne. Terrico White, who had faced criticism earlier in the season, claimed the Grand Final MVP award after averaging 21.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists over the four-game series.

Dj Kennedy played one season in the NBL. He averaged 12.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 30 NBL games.

Dan Boyce (811 Posts)

Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.


NBL TOTAL STATISTICS

SEASONAGETEAMTEAM RECORDGPMINSPTSREBASTORDRSTLBLKTOPFFGMFGAFG%3PM3PA3P%FTMFTAFT%TS%EFG%HS
2018-1929Melbourne18-10 (2)30874.037721695621543519397412929644%204743%9912182%53%47%24
Totals3087437721695621543519397412929643.6%204742.6%9912181.8%54%47%24

NBL PER GAME STATISTICS

SEASONAGETEAMTEAM RECORDGPMINSPTSREBASTORDRSTLBLKTOPFFGMFGAFG%3PM3PA3P%FTMFTAFT%TS%EFG%HS
2018-1929Melbourne18-10 (2)3029.112.67.23.22.15.11.20.61.32.54.39.944%0.71.643%3.34.082%53%47%24
Total3029.112.67.23.22.15.11.20.61.32.54.39.943.6%0.00.042.6%0.71.681.8%54%47%24

CAREER HIGHS

POINTS REBOUNDS ASSISTS STEALS BLOCKS TURNOVERS TRIPLE DOUBLES
241574230

NBA EXPERIENCE

Kennedy played 2 games in the NBA. He averaged 6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game over his NBA career.

NBA TRANSACTIONS:

- April 21, 2012: Signed as a free agent with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
- July 25, 2012: Traded by the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Memphis Grizzlies for Jeremy Pargo, cash and a 2014 2nd round draft pick (Vasilije Micić was later selected).
- September 18, 2012: Waived by the Memphis Grizzlies.
- September 29, 2012: Signed as a free agent with the Memphis Grizzlies.
- October 7, 2012: Waived by the Memphis Grizzlies.
- September 10, 2013: Signed as a free agent with the Dallas Mavericks.
- October 22, 2013: Waived by the Dallas Mavericks.
- August 16, 2016: Signed a contract with the Denver Nuggets
- October 15, 2016: Waived by the Denver Nuggets.

Season Team PTS AST STL BLK FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P%
1 0 75% 90% 87% 86%
2 0 24 7 4 2
Total 129 296 43.6% 20 47 42.6%

NBA TOTAL STATISTICS

YEARAGETEAMPOSGPGSMINSPTSTRBASTORBDRBSTLBLKTOVPFFGFGAFG%3P3PA3P%FTFTAFT%TS%EFG%
2011-1222ClevelandSF2059127316203751242%2450%020%47%50%
2011-1222ClevelandSF2059127316203751242%2450%020%47%50%
2011-1222ClevelandSF2059127316203751242%2450%020%47%50%
Total2059127316203751242%2450%020%

NBA PER GAME STATISTICS

YEARAGETEAMPOSGPGSMINSPTSTRBASTORBDRBSTLBLKTOVPFFGFGAFG%3P3PA3P%FTFTAFT%TS%EFG%
2011-1222ClevelandSF2029.56.03.51.50.53.01.00.01.53.52.56.042%1.02.050%0.01.00%47%50%
Total2029.56.03.51.50.53.01.01.53.52.56.042%1.02.050%1.00%

COLLEGE

In his freshman season at St. John's, Kennedy finished second on the squad with 37 steals, including 20 in BIG EAST play. In 30 games (29 starts), he averaged 7.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

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