Category: 2024 NBA Draft

Bucks’ AJ Johnson pulled up to Damian Lillard’s Formula Zero Elite Camp

Bucks rookie AJ Johnson was among those in attendance at teammate Damian Lillard’s Formula Zero Elite Camp last week.

Milwaukee Bucks rookie AJ Johnson was among those in attendance at teammate Damian Lillard’s Formula Zero Elite Camp last week in Phoenix, Arizona.

The elite-level basketball camp hosts the top high school and collegiate players yearly, free of charge. The players work to develop their on-court skills with Lillard and hear from an assortment of speakers, including Bucks coach Doc Rivers.

Baylor freshman VJ Edgecombe and Miami freshman Jalil Bethea were named MVPs of the event as players who will use the information received to take “their game and lives to the next level.” They received custom Tissot watches for winning the award.

Johnson was pictured with Lillard on the court, one of his first opportunities to hit the gym with his new teammate. Lillard likely used the camp, in part, to get to know Johnson a bit more and start building chemistry with one of the newest members of the team.

The 23rd pick, a four-star recruit out of California, played last season with the Illawarra Hawks in the NBL as part of the “Next Stars” program. He averaged 2.9 points and 1.3 rebounds in 26 appearances with the Hawks in the regular season.

Johnson debuted with the Bucks in the NBA Summer League, averaging 11.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists on 32.3% shooting from 3-point range. He scored in double figures three times, including 22 points, four rebounds and four assists on July 16.

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Wizards’ Brian Keefe on Alex Sarr: ‘He has the ability to be a three-level scorer’

Alex Sarr entered the draft touted as a versatile player who can do plenty and the Wizards believe they can tap into that potential.

Alex Sarr entered the 2024 NBA draft touted as a versatile player who can do plenty on the court, and the Washington Wizards believe they can tap into that potential this season.

Sarr averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks on 52% shooting from the field last season with Perth in the NBL. He scored in double figures 14 times, including a season-high 18 points, five blocks and two rebounds on Jan. 26 against the S.E. Melbourne Phoenix.

The 7-footer has an evolving offensive game but has the ability to eventually develop into a consistent scorer. Wizards head coach Brian Keefe, speaking with Chase Hughes of Monumental Sports Network, believes Sarr can act as an offensive hub at times.

He’s got the ability to be a three-level scorer at some point. But one thing that has stood out to us is his ability to see the game and read the game. He’s a good passer, so we want the ball in his hands to explore those opportunities for him to make plays for himself and others.

Sarr showcased some of that ability in the NBA Summer League last month in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, the second overall pick struggled to score, averaging 5.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.5 blocks on 19.1% shooting from the field in four games.

The low point of his stay in the desert came on July 16 after he went scoreless in 29 minutes and missed all 15 of his shot attempts from the field, including seven from beyond the arc. He did record nine rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal.

Sarr certainly had an underwhelming debut, but the organization likely isn’t all that concerned with the results of summer league. They believe Sarr has a bright future ahead and can eventually develop into a key player for the franchise.

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Japanese guard Keisei Tominaga to play in G League showcase vs. Mega MIS

Former Nebraska guard Keisei Tominaga is among the players who will participate in the 2024 G League Fall Invitational next month.

Former Nebraska guard Keisei Tominaga is among the players who will participate in the 2024 G League Fall Invitational next month in Santa Cruz, California.

Tominaga was chosen to represent the United, a team comprised of the top G League prospects, against Mega MIS, a program in the top professional league in Serbia. The two-game exhibition competition will take place Sept. 4-6 at the Kaiser Permanente Arena.

Joining Tominaga on the roster so far are Stockton Kings forward Deonte Burton and Isaiah Wong, who was with the Indiana Pacers last season. The complete roster will be announced at a later date.

Tominaga was named to the All-Big Ten second team last season after averaging 15.1 points and 2.3 rebounds on 37.6% shooting from 3-point range as a fifth-year senior. He produced eight 20-point games, including a season-high 31 points on Feb. 4.

The 6-foot-2 guard is expected to sign an Exhibit 10 contract with the Pacers after going undrafted this year. He skipped summer league to represent Japan in the 2024 Olympic Games and totaled two points and one steal in eight minutes with the team.

Tominaga and the United will also participate in the 2024 FIBA Intercontinental Cup, featuring teams from six countries. The competition will run Sept. 12-15 in Singapore.

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Hornets’ Tidjane Salaün, KJ Simpson threw out first pitch for Charlotte Knights

Hornets rookies Tidjane Salaün and KJ Simpson threw out the ceremonial first pitch for the Charlotte Knights on Thursday.

Charlotte Hornets rookies Tidjane Salaün and KJ Simpson threw out the ceremonial first pitch for the Charlotte Knights, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox.

Salaün and Simpson were on hand to watch the Knights host the Toledo Mud Hens at Truist Field on Thursday as part of their six-game homestand. They took the mound donning custom-made Knights jerseys, and both delivered their pitches.

With the two draftees in attendance, the Knights took down the Mud Hens 3-2 in the 10th inning on a walk-off single by Bryan Ramos. The Knights have taken two out of their first three games against the Mud Hens and improved to 53-61 on the season.

Salaün debuted with the Hornets in the NBA Summer League, averaging nine points and seven rebounds on 42.3% shooting from the field in three appearances. The sixth pick produced his best game on July 16 with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Simpson, the 42nd pick, was ruled out of playing with the Hornets in summer league after suffering a hamstring injury during the predraft process. He is expected to be fully recovered and available for the start of training camp in October.

Salaün and Simpson join a roster headlined by LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, Grant Williams, Brandon Miller and Mark Williams, among others. The team will be guided by first-year head coach Charles Lee.

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Jazz sign former G League Ignite forward Babacar Sanè to Exhibit 10 contract

Sanè averaged 10.6 points and 5.7 rebounds on 44.5% shooting from the field in 31 games last season with the Ignite.

Former G League Ignite forward Babacar Sanè, who went undrafted this year, signed a contract with the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, the team announced.

Sanè, who was born in Senegal, reportedly agreed to sign an Exhibit 10 contract, according to Tony Jones of The Athletic after playing the past two seasons with the Ignite. He averaged 10.6 points and 5.7 rebounds on 44.5% shooting from the field in 31 games last season.

The 6-foot-8 standout scored in double figures 18 times, including three 20-point performances. He registered three double-doubles, including a season-high 23 points and 13 rebounds on Feb. 13 in a loss to the Indiana Mad Ants.

Sanè debuted with the Jazz in summer league, averaging 5.7 points and three rebounds on 46.2% shooting from the field in three games between Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. He produced his best game on July 21 with 10 points and five rebounds.

The 20-year-old joined the Ignite in October 2022 after three years with the NBA Academy Africa. He was the fifth NBA Academy graduate to sign with Ignite, joining Efe Abogidi, Mojave King, Dyson Daniels and Princepal Singh.

Sanè will participate with the Jazz in training camp and spend next season in the G League with the Salt Lake City Stars as part of his Exhibit 10 contract. He can receive a bonus of up to $75,000 if he is waived and stays with the Stars for at least 60 days.

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Hawks’ Trae Young offers candid assessment of 2024 NBA draft class

Young, speaking with Paul George, doesn’t believe there are very many franchise cornerstones in the most recent NBA draft.

In the weeks leading up to the 2024 NBA draft, the conversation centered on how there was no clear choice for the No. 1 overall pick and how it may lack future star power.

Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young agrees with that notion.

Young appeared on “Podcast P” with Paul George this week and discussed various topics, including the incoming rookie class. The former top-five pick surmised that many players drafted may not develop into franchise cornerstones.

To be honest with you, and no disrespect to the guys that got drafted, from the (outside) looking in – and some guys may surprise us – a lot of us look at them as role players coming in anyway. The last three No. 1 picks, you got Victor (Wembanyama), you got like Ant Edwards, you got some big-time names. None of these guys – whether it’s Reed (Sheppard), who’s going to be a hell of an NBA player, or Alex (Sarr), who didn’t play well in summer league, but who’s going to be a hell of NBA player – but a lot of these guys could be just role players.

The Hawks were awarded the top pick in the draft and selected Zaccharie Risacher, who last played with JL Bourg in France. Young revealed that he welcomed Risacher to the team shortly after the draft, though he hasn’t been in the gym with him yet.

Sarr, who was also in contention at No. 1, went to the Washington Wizards with the second pick, and Sheppard was selected third by the Houston Rockets. Young previously gave Sheppard a shout-out on X, formerly Twitter, after excelling in summer league.

The class, overall, had a productive showing last month on the court, though it is far too early to determine how the group will ultimately pan out in the long run. However, it is clear the players will have to prove themselves to their peers starting next season and beyond.

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Jazz sign 32nd pick Kyle Filipowski to 4-year rookie contract

Filipowski debuted with the Jazz in summer league, averaging 11 points, six rebounds, 1.9 assists and one steal in eight games.

Former Duke forward Kyle Filipowski, the 32nd pick in the NBA draft, signed his rookie contract with the Utah Jazz on Monday, the team announced.

Filipowski was named a consensus second-team All-American last season after averaging 16.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.1 steals as a sophomore. He became the seventh Blue Devil in the past 50 years to eclipse 1,000 points in his first two seasons.

The 7-footer led the team in points, rebounds, blocks, steals, field goals (220) and free throws (112). He registered 12 20-point games, including a career-high 30 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and two blocks on Jan. 13 in a win over Georgia Tech.

Filipowski reportedly agreed to a four-year, $12 million contract, according to Bobby Marks of ESPN. The team used its remaining $3 million in cap space to sign Filipowski, who inked the largest contract by a second-round pick in the last two years.

The 20-year-old was one of five unsigned rookies and claimed one of the Jazz’s last two remaining standard contracts for next season. The team likely waited until after agreeing to a long-term extension with Lauri Markkanen before signing him.

Filipowski debuted with the Jazz in summer league, averaging 11 points, six rebounds, 1.9 assists and one steal in eight games between Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. He registered two 20-point games, including 26 points and 11 rebounds on July 11.

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Rumor: Nuggets granted disabled player exception for DaRon Holmes II

The Nuggets have reportedly been granted a disabled player exception for the injury sustained by rookie DaRon Holmes II.

The Denver Nuggets have reportedly been granted a disabled player exception for $1.53 million for the injury sustained by rookie DaRon Holmes II, according to Tony Jones of The Athletic.

Holmes underwent surgery last month to repair a torn right Achilles suffered in his debut with the Nuggets on July 12 in summer league. The team will provide updates on his status as appropriate, though the 22nd pick is expected to miss the entire 2024-25 season.

Teams can apply for a disabled player exception once it is determined that a player has suffered a season-ending injury. This allows over-the-cap teams some financial flexibility to add a player via signing, trade or waiver claim by March 10.

Holmes had made a productive debut with the Nuggets before the injury, recording 11 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal in 25 minutes. He finished by shooting 4-of-8 from the field, including a perfect 3-of-3 from 3-point range.

The news of the injury is devastating to Holmes and the team after the 21-year-old established himself as a first-round pick. After a tremendous collegiate career at Dayton, he was projected to be the backup center for the Nuggets behind Nikola Jokić.

Holmes was a consensus second-team All-American last season with the Flyers, averaging 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.1 blocks in 33 games. He was also named the Atlantic 10 Co-Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.

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Photo: Bronny James supported LeBron, Team USA in Olympic win over Serbia

Lakers rookie Bronny James was in attendance to watch USA Basketball defeat Serbia in thrilling fashion in the semifinals of the Olympics.

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James was among the individuals in attendance on Thursday to watch USA Basketball defeat Serbia in the semifinals of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

James was joined courtside by his younger brother, Bryce, for the contest, which saw the United States overcome a 17-point deficit. Several other luminaries were also on hand, including Dirk Nowitzki, Carmelo Anthony, Tony Parker, Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe.

The group was treated to a thrilling 95-91 win by the Americans.

Stephen Curry erupted for 36 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer with 2:24 left to play, while Joel Embiid had 19 points and LeBron James, father and teammate of Bronny, registered a triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.

LeBron James is the first player in Olympic history with multiple triple-doubles. (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)

Team USA trailed by 13 points entering the fourth quarter, but coach Steve Kerr leaned mostly on a 5-man lineup that featured Curry, Embiid, James, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. The group outscored the Serbians 32-15 to set up a gold medal match with France on Saturday.

You can bet Bronny will be there to watch his father go for a third gold.

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Celtics sign 54th overall pick Anton Watson to two-way contract

Former Gonzaga forward Anton Watson signed a two-way contract with the Celtics on Friday.

Former Gonzaga forward Anton Watson, the 54th pick in the 2024 NBA draft, signed a two-way contract with the Boston Celtics on Friday, the team announced.

Watson was named to the All-WCC first team last season after averaging 14.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.5 steals on 57.8% shooting from the field, including 41.2% from 3-point range, as a fifth-year senior. He ranked third in the conference in field-goal percentage.

The 23-year-old left the program after five years ranked third in games played (151) and wins (132). He is the only Bulldog to have at least 1,000 points, 700 rebounds and 200 steals in a career.

Watson debuted with the Celtics in the NBA Summer League, averaging 11.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and one steal in five appearances. He scored in double figures three times, including 15 points, four rebounds and three assists on July 21.

The 6-foot-8 standout established himself as a second-round pick, given his ability to space the floor and work in the pick-and-roll. He is also an unselfish player who often looks to get others involved and can defend multiple positions on the other end of the court.

Watson will split his time between the NBA and the Maine Celtics in the G League. He is eligible to be active for up to 50 games in the NBA and will earn a flat salary equal to 50% of the minimum salary applicable to a player with zero years of service.

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