Category: 2024 NBA Draft

Rockets’ Reed Sheppard selected to win Rookie of the Year by executives in ESPN poll

Rockets guard Reed Sheppard was voted the top choice to win Rookie of the Year by executives and scouts in a poll conducted by ESPN.

Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard was voted the top choice to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award by a panel of executives and scouts in a poll conducted by ESPN.

The 20 individuals polled were asked a number of questions about the incoming rookie class, such as the best player and the biggest steal of the draft. They were also asked about the draft expanding to a two-day format, which received a positive reaction.

Sheppard received seven votes from the panel, while Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey garnered four votes and San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle had three votes.

Who’s your NBA Rookie of the Year pick?

  1. Reed Sheppard, Rockets: 7 votes
  2. Zach Edey, Grizzlies: 4
  3. Stephon Castle, Spurs: 3
  4. Donovan Clingan, Trail Blazers: 2
  5. Zaccharie Risacher, Hawks: 1
  6. Ron Holland II, Pistons: 1
  7. Dalton Knecht, Lakers: 1
  8. Tristan da Silva, Orlando Magic: 1

Sheppard debuted with the Rockets in the NBA Summer League, averaging 20 points, 5.3 assists, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 1.3 blocked shots on 50% shooting from the field in four games. He was named to the NBA All-Summer League first team and finished ninth in scoring.

The third pick is second in odds to win Rookie of the Year, narrowly trailing only Risacher. He looked to be one of the top rookies on the court in the desert and proved himself as a high draft pick in a small sample size with the Rockets.

The odds will certainly continue to fluctuate over the course of the upcoming season, which tips off on Oct. 25. However, Sheppard and the rest of the players on the list established themselves as the top players thus far and should be in store for strong rookie campaigns.

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Spurs sign No. 48 pick Harrison Ingram to two-way contract

Ingram debuted with the Spurs in summer league, averaging 10 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists on 40.6% shooting from 3-point range.

Former North Carolina forward Harrison Ingram, the 48th pick in the 2024 NBA draft, signed a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, the team announced.

Ingram was named to the All-ACC third team last season after averaging 12.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.4 steals as a junior. He ranked third in the conference in total rebounds (327) and registered five 20-point games, including 21 points and 13 rebounds on Feb. 3.

The 21-year-old transferred to North Carolina in 2023 after playing the first two years of his career at Stanford. He was the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year in 2022 and had a productive run with the Cardinal, averaging 10.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.4 steals in 65 games.

Ingram debuted with the Spurs in summer league, averaging 10 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists on 40.6% shooting from 3-point range in seven games between Sacramento and Las Vegas. He registered four games in double figures, including 16 points and 10 rebounds on July 9.

The 6-foot-6 forward established himself as a second-round pick, given his overall ability and versatility on defense with his size at 233 pounds and 7-foot, 1/4-inch wingspan. He displayed those traits in summer league and will have the chance to improve them next season.

Ingram will split his time between the NBA and the Austin Spurs 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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Pacers sign 49th pick Tristen Newton to two-way contract

Newton debuted with the Pacers in the NBA Summer League, averaging nine points, 4.6 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals in five games.

Former UConn guard Tristen Newton, the 49th pick in the 2024 NBA draft, signed a two-way contract with the Indiana Pacers on Saturday, the team announced.

Newton was a consensus first-team All-American last season, averaging 15.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 6.2 assists on 41.5% shooting from the field as a fifth-year senior. He registered two triple-doubles and 11 double-doubles in 40 games.

The 23-year-old helped the Huskies to back-to-back national championships after spending three years at East Carolina. He was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player and the Big East Tournament MVP.

Newton debuted with the Pacers in the NBA Summer League, averaging nine points, 4.6 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals in five games. He finished off his run in Las Vegas with three consecutive double-digit performances, including 17 points and six rebounds on July 20.

The 6-foot-5 standout established himself as a second-round pick for his scoring and ability as a lead guard in college. He displayed those traits with the Pacers this month and will have the opportunity to showcase them next season at the next level.

Newton will split his time between the NBA and the Indiana Mad Ants 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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Spurs second-round pick Juan Núñez to be stashed in Barcelona for 2024-25 season

Spurs second-round pick Juan Núñez will be stashed in the Spanish League next season with Barcelona after signing with the team on Friday.

San Antonio Spurs second-round pick Juan Núñez will be stashed in the Spanish League for the 2024-25 season with Barcelona after signing with the team on Friday.

Núñez joins the powerhouse after spending last season with Ratiopharm Ulm in the German Basketball League. He averaged 9.9 points, 4.9 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.7 steals on 47% shooting from the field in 54 games across all league competitions.

The 20-year-old was the 36th pick in the 2024 NBA draft after dazzling last season in Germany. He was viewed as one of the top point guards in the draft, given his court vision and ability to get others involved.

Núñez skipped the NBA Summer League to play with Spain in the Olympic qualifying tournament. He made two appearances with the team, which claimed its seventh straight appearance in the Olympics after finishing the qualifying tournament with a 4-0 record.

He was eventually replaced on the team by veteran Álex Abrines.

Núñez will now turn his attention to playing with Barcelona. Despite vast experience at the professional level, Núñez will spend at least another season in Europe before making the jump to the NBA.

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Clippers sign undrafted forward Trentyn Flowers to two-way contract

Former five-star prospect Trentyn Flowers signed a two-way contract with the Clippers on Thursday.

Former five-star prospect Trentyn Flowers signed a two-way contract with the LA Clippers on Thursday, according to the official NBA transaction report.

Flowers originally committed to play at Louisville in April 2023 from the Combine Academy in Charlotte, North Carolina. He eventually decommitted from the program to sign with the Adelaide 36ers in the National Basketball League.

The 19-year-old averaged 5.2 points and 2.9 rebounds on 36.8% shooting from 3-point range in 18 games this past season with the 36ers. He scored in double figures four times, including a season-high 20 points and three rebounds on Oct. 14.

Flowers went undrafted this year and reportedly agreed to sign a contract with the Clippers on June 27. He wasn’t able to play with the team in the NBA Summer League as he awaited clearance from the NBL and the 36ers in Australia.

The 6-foot-8 forward was a standout at the draft combine in May in Chicago, Illinois. He was tied for the highest max vertical jump among all participants (42 inches) and recorded 12 points, two rebounds and two assists in a scrimmage game.

Flowers will split his time next season between L.A. and the San Diego Clippers 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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Thunder: Nikola Topić to miss 2024-25 season after undergoing surgery for torn left ACL

Thunder rookie Nikola Topić will miss the 2024-25 season after undergoing a procedure to address a torn left ACL.

Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Nikola Topić will miss the 2024-25 season after undergoing a procedure to address a torn left ACL, the team announced on Wednesday.

Topić suffered the non-contact injury with Crvena zvezda on May 13 against Partizan in Game 1 of the ABA League Finals. He was initially diagnosed with a partial tear in his knee in June at a predraft camp for international prospects in Treviso, Italy.

The 12th pick previously missed four months last season due to a ligament injury in the same knee. He was projected to be a top-five pick before his latest setback.

Oklahoma City guard Nikola Topić underwent a successful procedure to address a left ACL tear, the team announced today. The procedure was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache at the Kerlan Jobe Institute in Los Angeles with Thunder medical personnel present. Topić is expected to miss the 2024-25 season as part of his rehabilitation process.

Topić, who will turn 19 on Aug. 10, was named the ABA League Top Prospect after averaging 15.1 points, 5.9 assists and 3.2 rebounds on 50.5% shooting from the field last season. He joined Nikola Jokić, Goga Bitadze and Nikola Jović as previous players to win the award.

The 6-foot-6 guard began playing professionally in Serbia at 16 years old. He is highly touted for the size he brings to the next level and his ability on offense. He projects to eventually develop into a starting-caliber guard with the Thunder.

Topić expressed his gratitude to the team for drafting him following the injury. He will now have the resources to rehabilitate with the Thunder organization, which helped Chet Holmgren recover from a Lisfranc injury two years ago.

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Hawks’ Nikola Djurisic out until November after undergoing foot surgery

Hawks rookie Nikola Djurisic is expected to be out until November after undergoing surgery to repair a left foot fracture.

Atlanta Hawks rookie Nikola Djurisic is expected to be out the next 3-4 months after undergoing surgery to repair the fifth metatarsal bone in his left foot on Monday.

Djurisic suffered a foot fracture in his second game in the NBA Summer League on July 14 during a loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Las Vegas, Nevada. The injury was discovered during an X-ray taken at the Thomas & Mack Center and announced by the team the following day.

The surgery was performed by Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte, North Carolina. He will begin rehabilitation for the injury as soon as possible and an update on his status will be provided by the team in November.

Djurisic, the 43rd pick, debuted with the Hawks on July 12, recording seven points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal and one blocked shot in a loss to the Washington Wizards. He went 2-of-6 from the field in 25 minutes of action.

The 20-year-old from Belgium hasn’t yet signed a contract with the Hawks. He isn’t guaranteed a roster spot as a second-round pick, so it is unclear how his foot injury may affect his contract situation for the upcoming 2024-25 season.

Djurisic averaged 14.8 points, 3.4 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 36 games last season across all league competitions with Mega Basket in Serbia. He was previously named the ABA League Top Prospect in 2023.

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Mavericks second-round pick Melvin Ajinça to be stashed in France for 2024-25 season

Mavericks second-round pick Melvin Ajinça will be stashed for the 2024-25 season in the French League.

Dallas Mavericks second-round pick Melvin Ajinça will be stashed for the 2024-25 season in the French League after signing with ASVEL Basket on Tuesday.

Ajinça, the cousin of former seven-year veteran Alexis Ajinça, was the 51st overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft after playing last season with Saint-Quentin in France. He averaged 9.5 points and 3.6 rebounds on 48.1% shooting from the field in 30 games.

The 20-year-old played in the NBA Summer League with the Mavericks, averaging 7.2 points and 2.6 rebounds in five appearances. He produced his best game on July 13 with 13 points and five rebounds in a loss to the Utah Jazz.

Ajinça began playing professionally in 2019 with Centre Fédéral de Basket-ball. He eventually joined the junior team with Saint-Quentin and was named the Best Young Player in the 2022-23 season after he averaged 8.5 points and two rebounds in 33 games.

The 6-foot-8 forward leaped up draft boards after a tremendous showing with France in the 2023 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup alongside Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr. He was the second-leading scorer, averaging 19.3 points and 2.9 rebounds en route to the silver medal.

Ajinça will now play with one of the top teams in France. The Mavericks were drawn to him because of his size, shooting and defensive ability, which he will be able to further develop in France next season.

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Pelle Larsson sends Heat to summer league title with game-winning shot

Pelle Larsson finished in double figures and hit the game-winning shot in overtime to send the Heat to the summer league championship.

Pelle Larsson finished in double figures and hit the game-winning shot in overtime to send the Miami Heat to the NBA Summer League championship on Monday.

Larsson produced 16 points, four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one blocked shot in the 120-118 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in Las Vegas, Nevada. He went 7-of-9 from the field, including 1-of-2 from 3-point range, in 20 minutes.

The 44th pick scored four points in overtime, including the go-ahead shot in the paint to lift the Heat to the target score of 120 points, which is the format used in summer league. The team then immediately hit the court in celebration of winning the title.

Larsson finished summer league by averaging 10.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.2 steals in nine appearances between San Francisco and Las Vegas. He shot 44.4% from the field, including 36.2% from 3-point range on 22 attempts.

The 23-year-old wrapped up his summer with four consecutive games in double figures, including a 21-point effort on Sunday. He looked increasingly comfortable in each game and displayed his scoring, versatility and feel as he progressed through the schedule.

Larsson projects to have the opportunity to compete for rotation minutes in training camp. The team liked his addition to the roster and has high hopes for him this year and beyond.

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Report: Pelicans sign Antonio Reeves to 3-year, $5.41 million rookie contract

Former Kentucky guard Antonio Reeves signed his rookie contract with the Pelicans on Monday.

Former Kentucky guard Antonio Reeves, the 47th pick in the 2024 NBA draft, signed his rookie contract with the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday, the team announced.

The contract is reportedly worth $5.41 million over three years, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. The Pelicans likely signed Reeves via the second-round pick exception, which was introduced in the new collective bargaining agreement last year.

Reeves was voted a third-team All-American last season after averaging 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists as a fifth-year senior. He was one of three players to shoot at least 50% from the field, 44% from 3-point range and 86.3% from the free-throw line.

Reeves debuted with the Pelicans in the NBA Summer League this month, averaging 11.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists and one steal on 32% shooting from 3-point range. He reached double figures three times, including 18 points on Saturday.

The 23-year-old had a strong showing and proved why the Pelicans selected him in the second round. He displayed his offensive versatility and defended at a high level by playing the passing lanes and bringing energy during his time on the court.

Reeves claimed the 14th spot on the roster by signing a standard contract with the team. He should have the opportunity to compete for a spot in the rotation in training camp.

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