Category: 2022 NBA Draft

Mavericks’ Jaden Hardy using draft night slide as motivation

Hardy was considered by most to be a first-round pick but ultimately fell to the Mavericks at No. 37.

Jaden Hardy was considered by most to be a first-round pick last week but ultimately fell to the Dallas Mavericks at No. 37. Despite the sequence of events, Hardy is using it as motivation heading into the NBA.

Hardy averaged 19.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists on 37.6% shooting from the field in 24 games last season with the NBA G League Ignite. He struggled some to begin the season but came on late, scoring in double figures in each of his last eight games.

His slip down draft boards last week was rather surprising.

Hardy was among the 24 prospects invited to attend the draft from the green room. Teams each year submit a list of players they believe will be selected early, meaning he was thought to be a first-round pick. He instead fell to Dallas, and will likely always remember that.

“It is always going to be with me because I was the last one (in the green room) but it gives me more motivation to work hard,” Hardy said on Tuesday. “I’m super excited to be a Maverick so I’m glad they got me and I can’t wait to work.”

Hardy expressed his excitement to land with the Mavericks and work with the likes of head coach Jason Kidd and All-Star Luka Doncic. He has watched Doncic play plenty of times, along with some other players like Bradley Beal, James Harden and Damian Lillard among others.

The Mavericks are built to compete now after advancing to the Western Conference finals last season. The addition of Hardy projects to give them another scoring option off the bench, something he is comfortable bringing.

I feel like with my game, I bring a lot of stuff. I feel like I bring three-level scoring, my ability to play-make and create for others. I know here it is going to start on the defensive end, that’s how I’m going to gain the coaches’ trust and be a better defender and really learn from the vets and the players already on the team.

Hardy will certainly have to earn his playing time next season on such a veteran-heavy team but the organization likes what he can bring and the soon-to-be 20-year-old is eager to get to work.

The Mavericks begin their summer league schedule on July 8.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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Chris Finch explains on-court fit with Timberwolves rookies

Finch praised their three incoming draftees and believes each can develop into productive players in the future.

Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch on Tuesday praised their three incoming draftees and believes each can develop into productive players in the future.

The Timberwolves officially introduced Walker Kessler (22nd pick), Wendell Moore Jr. (26th pick) and Josh Minott (45th pick) after drafting them on Thursday. They were the first additions to the roster by new president Tim Connelly since he assumed the position on May 23.

The three players each bring unique skillsets to the roster.

Kessler was named the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year last season at Auburn after ranking second in the country in blocks. Moore emerged as a player that can fill the box score on a nightly basis while Minott brings great length and athleticism.

Finch explained how they can fit into the roster.

I think one thing these guys all bring is complementary skillsets. We have a very explosive, dynamic core that likes to score the ball and we need guys that are tough, two-way players that can fit in between those and grow into roles and be highly productive in those roles. We feel that all of these guys have that ability.

The Timberwolves proved to be one of the more active teams on draft night after making some moves to bring in Kessler, Moore and Minott. They wanted to add some pieces to the roster that can compete now while also developing for the future.

That is exactly what Kessler wants to accomplish.

I think the main goal is just to come in and impact winning right away and improve the most I can and do the best I can. Beyond that, I think the rest of it will take care of itself. I’m a big believer in the idea that if you focus on the team’s success, you gain individual success from it so understanding that and having that focus, I think the individual success will come.

The Timberwolves will attempt to find a balance of keeping expectations low with each of their draft picks while also developing them for the future. The team likes what each player brings and will be eager to see how they begin their transition to the NBA.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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Hawks’ AJ Griffin, Tyrese Martin explain summer league goals

Hawks draftees AJ Griffin and Tyrese Martin expressed their excitement to hit the court and meet some of their new teammates.

Atlanta Hawks draftees AJ Griffin and Tyrese Martin were introduced by the team this week and each expressed their excitement to hit the court and meet some of their new teammates.

The Hawks selected Griffin from Duke with the 16th pick in the NBA draft last week. They then acquired the draft rights to Martin from the Golden State Warriors as the 51st pick. They will play in the Las Vegas Summer League as the Hawks’ schedule tips off on July 9.

Griffin explained his objective during the Hawks’ run out west.

Just be able to give your best effort and be competitive. I think it’ll be great to go against everyone else in summer league. We’re looking forward to it and putting our best foot forward.

Said Martin: “I go out there and play the game the right way. I feel like I don’t go out there and try to hunt offense and things like that. I go out there and bring a level of toughness to the game where I rebound on both sides of the backboard. I try to guard the best players and shut them down.”

Griffin, who was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team, averaged 10.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and one assist on 44.7% shooting from 3-point range last season. He ranked fifth in program history in 3-point percentage and second among freshmen.

Martin averaged 13.6 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 29 games with the Huskies. He was named to the Big East Championship All-Tournament team after posting 18 points, 7.5 rebounds, two assists and two steals in two games.

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The two players have each heard from some of their new teammates, including Trae Young. He spoke with them over the weekend on the phone as Griffin and Martin dined out in Atlanta.

The gesture by Young made an impression on the two.

“He welcomed us again and things like that,” Martin said. “It was definitely great. I can’t wait to meet him in person and get on the court and compete with those guys.”

“That’s the love you get here in Atlanta and I love that,” Griffin said.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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Jalen Williams, Jaylin Williams reveal solution to avoid name confusion

The two Thunder draftees revealed a solution to avoid any potential name confusion.

The Oklahoma City Thunder introduced their four draftees during a joint press conference over the weekend, and the basketball community learned quite a bit from the availability.

Thunder executive vice president Sam Presti explained why the organization selected Chet Holmgren (No. 2 pick), Ousmane Dieng (11th pick), Jalen Williams (12th pick) and Jaylin Williams (34th pick). He also touched on the potential roster fits with each player, among other topics.

Some name confusion was also cleared up with Jalen and Jaylin.

Of course, the team made headlines in the NBA draft on Thursday after selecting two players who share the same name. Their decision to draft them sparked plenty of conversation with fans taking to social media to fire off their best jokes.

Fear not, the two have a plan to distinguish themselves from each other.

“I think it is pretty rare to have somebody with the same exact name as you,” Jalen said. “It was kinda surreal. I go by ‘J-Dub’ and then (he) is ‘Jay Will’ so we’ve kinda been figuring that out since we got here.”

The two appear to be having some fun with the situation, too.

Said Jaylin on June 15: “It was funny because we had to do a lot of interviews (at the draft combine). Somehow, even though we could go to every interview whenever we wanted, he and I would always end up in the same room at the same time. We were always like, ‘Bro, go somewhere else!'”

On Saturday, Jalen and Jaylin took several team photos after their introductory press conference. They were even pictured recreating the infamous Spider-Man meme with the two characters pointing at each other.

As far as the on-the-court fit, the two each project to fill some needs.

Jalen, who was named to the All-WCC first team, averaged 18 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 steals last season as a junior at Santa Clara. He ranked second in the conference in scoring and finished eighth in program history with 594 total points on the year.

Jaylin earned All-SEC second-team honors after averaging 10.9 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks as a sophomore with Arkansas. He finished fifth in the country in total rebounds (364) and fourth in defensive win shares (3.0).

The Thunder figure to have plenty of positional battles on the roster following their four new additions. Time will only tell how those play out but the team is certainly banking on them having a key role as the team continues its rebuild.

Hopefully, with as little confusion as possible involving Jalen and Jaylin.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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Chet Holmgren on landing with Thunder: Oklahoma City is ‘where I want to be’

Holmgren explained what makes the Thunder such an attractive place for him to land.

In the days leading up to the NBA draft, it was widely speculated that Chet Holmgren wanted to land with the Oklahoma City Thunder over the Orlando Magic. Now that the pact is official, Holmgren expressed his excitement to join the organization.

The Thunder officially introduced Holmgren on Saturday after selecting him with the second pick. Holmgren was joined by fellow draftees Ousmane Dieng (11th pick), Jalen Williams (12th pick) and Jaylin Williams (34th pick).

Holmgren apparently liked the on-court fit better with the Thunder over the Magic. He even cut a workout short with the Magic after spending two days with the front office in Orlando, according to Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated.

He explained what made the Thunder an attractive place for him.

Now that I’m here, I can officially say this is where I want to be. This is a great organization, great city and great fan base to be in. It is hard to sum up why I want to be here in a couple of sentences but I kinda said it best when I said it’s a great organization, great people and a great vision for the future.

Holmgren, who was named a consensus All-American, averaged 14.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.7 blocks and 1.9 assists last season. He emerged as a strong prospect on both ends of the court and shot 39% from 3-point range on 3.3 attempts per game.

The 7-footer projects to fit in well with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey, and he is viewed as a key building block for the future. Joining a team in the middle of a rebuild, Holmgren will have the opportunity to log plenty of minutes next season.

The Thunder locked in on him early in the draft process and clearly value his skill set and addition to the lineup, as does Holmgren. With summer league around the corner, the wait won’t be too much longer until Holmgren can take the court with some of his new teammates.

OKC tips off the Las Vegas Summer League on July 9.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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2022 NBA Summer League: Complete roster tracker for every team

Rookie Wire took a look at each team and where their rosters stand ahead of summer league based on announcements or reporting.

The NBA draft has come and gone as players and teams alike now turn their attention to free agency and the start of summer league across three separate cities.

The festivities will begin July 2-3 with the California Classic in San Francisco. The NBA will then host the Salt Lake City Summer League on July 5-7 with the Las Vegas Summer League running July 7-17 featuring all 30 teams.

With dozens of players going undrafted, those individuals will now work to sign with teams or join summer league rosters in an attempt to earn contracts. Teams will also look to sign some notable players from other professional leagues.

Rookie Wire took a look at each team and where their rosters stand ahead of summer league based on announcements or reporting. We will continue to update the rosters as information becomes available.

Note: Recent draftees are not included unless it has been announced or reported that they will play.

Last Update: June 27, 12 p.m. EDT

Kings’ Keegan Murray explains future fit with Fox, Sabonis

Murray hasn’t been with the Kings for very long but is already beginning to think about the possibilities with his new teammates.

Keegan Murray hasn’t been with the Sacramento Kings for very long, but the former Iowa forward is already beginning to think about the possibilities with his new teammates.

The Kings took Murray fourth in the NBA draft on Thursday and view him as a key addition to the roster. The team zeroed in on Murray early in the process and was said to have him high on its radar heading into the draft this week.

Murray will join a core group that features De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, Harrison Barnes and Davion Mitchell among others. He believes he fits in well with Fox and Sabonis and can’t wait to get to work with them in the coming months.

I think my versatility plays a factor in playing alongside both of them, being able to cut to the basket, read what Sabonis is doing in the post and things like that. I feel like that obviously takes time and chemistry but I’m just excited to be able to play off Fox, a dynamic point guard. He is a guy that can create his own shot and create for other guys. I feel like with my ability with catch-and-shoot 3s and playing on the perimeter will expand their games even more.

Murray was named an All-American after averaging 23.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, 1.5 assists and 1.3 steals on 39.8% shooting from 3-point range. He was the top scorer in the country (822) and helped Iowa to the Big Ten title, earning MVP honors.

He proved more than just a scorer, though. He joined Kevin Durant (2007) as the only two Division I players to record at least 800 points, 60 blocked shots and 60 3-pointers in a single season. He also led all players in the country in PER at 37.8.

Murray is viewed as perhaps the most complete player in the draft and projects to have a smooth transition to the next level. Certainly, playing next to such established players like Fox and Sabonis will help.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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Warriors’ Patrick Baldwin Jr. reveals summer league intentions

The Warriors selected Baldwin with the 28th pick in the NBA draft after one season at Milwaukee.

Golden State Warriors draftee Patrick Baldwin Jr. on Friday revealed that it is his intention to play in summer league but the final decision will ultimately come from the team medical staff.

Baldwin appeared in only 11 games last season at Milwaukee due to a left ankle injury suffered in high school. The injury played a major role in what became an inconsistent season for Baldwin and was one reason why he was available at 28 for the Warriors.

The 19-year-old estimated that his ankle is at about 95% right now. He had no limitations during the pre-draft process and participated in 3-on-3 workouts with teams. He is eager to play with the Warriors in summer league and is healthy enough to do so.

Warriors president Bob Myers said the team will be cautious with him.

We had (team doctor) Rick (Celebrini) look at him and he talked about summer league. He can do some things but we’re not going to put him out there if we don’t think he is 100%. Rick will evaluate him and make that call. Hopefully, he can play but not at the expense of hurting him.

Despite the injury flaring up, Baldwin still averaged 12.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists last season. He produced his best game of the season in his debut after recording a double-double on Nov. 9 with 21 points and 10 rebounds.

The Warriors view the selection of Baldwin from an upside standpoint and are banking that he can develop into the prospect many thought he could be in high school. They value his size at 6-foot-9 and believe he can be a versatile player on the court.

The organization will certainly make sure Baldwin is completely healthy before clearing him to play. Their summer league schedule begins with the California Classic on July 2-3 so a decision will likely be made soon on his playing status.

The Warriors tip off their Las Vegas Summer League schedule on July 8.

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Yannick Nzosa will be draft and stash prospect for Wizards

Nzosa has played the past two seasons in Spain, averaging 3.5 points and 2.4 rebounds with Unicaja Malaga.

Washington Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard confirmed that draft pick Yannick Nzosa will spend at least the next season in Spain with Unicaja Malaga.

Nzosa, a 6-foot-10 center from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was the 54th overall pick on Thursday. He has played the past two seasons with Unicaja Malaga, averaging 3.5 points and 2.4 rebounds on 53.4% shooting from the field in 68 total games.

The 18-year-old had an inconsistent showing last season in the Liga ACB and is viewed as a project player. However, Nzosa has the potential to develop into a solid rim protector given his 7-foot-4 wingspan and athleticism.

“He has potential down the road,” Sheppard said. “His age gives us a lot of time. He has got some years and his buyout is manageable. I don’t mind letting him (develop). We’ve had some good experiences in the past letting players (develop) in Spain.”

Nzosa was reportedly set to participate in the draft combine last month but was prevented from doing so by his team. He wanted to leave Spain early to have time to prepare for the event but they denied his request with one game left to play in the season at the time.

He will now have the opportunity to play at least one more season and continue his development in the top league in Spain. He could be a candidate to join the team next year.

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Cavaliers to stash draftee Khalifa Diop in Spain for 2022-23 season

Diop was selected with the 39th pick on Thursday after playing last season with Gran Canaria in Spain.

Cleveland Cavaliers president Koby Altman on Friday said draft pick Khalifa Diop will not be with the organization next season and will remain in the Spanish League.

Diop, who was born in Senegal, was selected with the 39th pick on Thursday after playing last season with Gran Canaria in Spain. He was named the EuroCup Rising Star after averaging 6.5 points and 4.2 rebounds on 62.1% shooting from the field in 54 games.

The 7-foot-1 center emerged as a standout on the defensive end of the floor with his ability to protect the paint and switch onto smaller players. However, he is still viewed as a bit of a raw prospect, thus the reason for keeping him in the Liga ACB.

Altman said special advisor Jose Calderon will monitor him in Spain.

“It’s a great league for his development, and if it’s the right team, he’ll also play against other teams from other countries,” Altman said, via Marla Ridenour of the Akron Beacon Journal. “Hopefully, the team he will play for will be EuroLeague level even though it’s in the Spanish League. Jose will make sure he’s well taken care of.”

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Diop, 20, said he has dreams of eventually playing in the NBA and is working diligently to develop his game. He studies up on film of Bam Adebayo, Clint Capela and Joel Embiid among others, and looks to take things from each of their games.

With another season in Spain, Diop and the Cavaliers will be hoping that he will be ready to make the jump to the NBA. He can do quite a bit on the court at his size and projects to check a lot of boxes for the Cavaliers when that time comes.

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