Category: Auburn in NBA

Anfernee McLemore signs to Pelicans G League Roster

The former NCAA Tournament standout is among the 15 players on the training camp roster.

Former Auburn basketball star Anfernee McLemore will have a chance to make his NBA debut at some point over the 2024-2025 season. The former NCAA Tournament standout is among the 15 players on the Pelicans G League squad, the Birminghman Squadron, ahead of training camp this week.

McLemore last suited up for the Tigers in the COVID-shortened 2019-2020 season. Despite receiving just four starts, McLemore played the most minutes per game (20.3) of his Tiger career. The senior finished with 6.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks before graduating and seemingly retiring from basketball. One of the key members of the “Auburn Basketball renaissance”, the forward finished his Auburn career averaging 6.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 0.7 steals per game across 130 contests.

Now 26 years old, the Warwick, GA native has the chance to become a meaningful contributor in the NBA G League. If McLemore were to play well enough to warrant a promotion to the NBA roster, he’d join All-Star Zion Williamson on a basketball court for the first time since Wiliamson and Duke took on Auburn in the 2018 Maui Invitational. For now, the former Tiger will attempt to impress the Squadron coaching staff enough in training camp to warrant a spot in the G League rotation.

The Squadron open up the 2024-2025 campaign against the Mexico City Capitanes on November 6. McLemore joins former SEC standouts E.J. Montgomery (Kentucky) and Brandon Boston (Kentucky) as former members of the conference on the 15-man training camp roster.

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Former NBA guard Dennis Scott shares message to Jabari Smith Jr.

Smith could earn himself a payday with a slight jump in both scoring and rebounding in year three

Former Auburn forward Jabari Smith Jr. is set to enter his third season in the NBA following a very successful one-year stint on the Plains with Auburn. The former third overall pick in the NBA draft has been solid to start his NBA career, but has yet to take the step into stardom that members of his draft class such as Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams have.

With the 21-year-old entering his first year of contract extension eligibility after this season, former NBA guard turned NBA TV analyst Dennis Scott offered some words of encouragement to the former Tiger ahead of the Rockets preseason game this week. Speaking candidly, Scott told the former Tiger, “I know you’ve put in the work. I know you love this game… Now it’s time for you to take your game to the next level, earn that big bag that’s sitting there waiting for you, and then be that cornerstone for the future for the Rockets.”

Scott finished his NBA career averaging 12.9 points per game and a near 40% shooting percentage from 3-point range. A seven-year veteran who finished third in Rookie of the Year voting in the 1990-1991 season, Scott’s words likely carry a fair amount of weight on the mind of Smith Jr.

Now entering his third season in the Association, Smith Jr. will look to take another step forward after averaging 13.7 points and 8.1 rebounds a season ago. While a leap to All-Star status is unlikely, Smith could earn himself a payday with a slight jump in both scoring and rebounding in year three. He and the Rockets will open the regular season on October 23 against the Charlotte Hornets.

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Jaylin Williams waived by Denver Nuggets

The winningest player in Auburn history will still have the opportunity to land a G League contract with the Nuggets affiliate

Former Auburn star forward Jaylin Williams was waived by the Denver Nuggets on Monday. After signing a 10-day contract with the 2022 NBA Champions over the summer, Williams failed to garner much playing time in his team’s NBA Summer League games before not appearing in either of Denver’s preseason games this fall.

The winningest player in Auburn history will still have the opportunity to land a G League contract with the Nuggets affiliate, the Grand City Rapids, before the season begins in a few short weeks. Even if Denver declines to offer him a spot in the minor leagues, the 6-foot-8 forward is likely to receive a flier contract from another team in the G League, especially considering he was one of the better players in the SEC a season ago.

While Williams won’t immediately start his professional career in the NBA, he’ll have an experience advantage in the G League that could earn him another 10-day contract as teams look to find injury replacements throughout the long, 82-game, regular season. For now, Williams will look to land on a roster before the G League season kicks off a month from today, on November 8.

An Auburn Tiger for 5 years, Jaylin Williams finished his collegiate career averaging 9.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists on the Plains. The 24-year-old had his best season a year ago, when he averaged 12.4 points and 4.4 rebounds to help the Tigers earn a 4-seed in the NCAA Tournament.

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Isaac Okoro signs extension with Cleveland Cavaliers

The former Tiger forward agreed to terms on a 3-year, $38 million contract extension on Saturday.

Former Auburn forward [autotag]Isaac Okoro[/autotag] will stay a Cleveland Cavalier through his age 26 season.

The 23-year-old agreed to terms on a 3-year, $38 Million contract extension on Saturday, officially ending his restricted free agency well before NBA teams are expected to report to training camp later this fall.

Okoro, the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft lottery, has brought the defensive prowess he flashed on the Plains to Cleveland throughout his four NBA seasons. While the Atlanta, GA native is still working to grow as a scorer, his defense and his ability to stay available for nearly every game has made him a valuable piece in head coach J. B. Bickerstaff’s rotation.

Okoro’s ability to ink a “Max Contract” when he enters his athletic prime in three years will likely come down to his ability to grow as a scorer. Despite providing value elsewhere, the former Tiger has yet to average double-digit points per game in any of his four seasons in the Association. His highest scoring output came in his rookie season, when Okoro managed 9.6 points per contest, although his field goal percentage (42%) was the worst of his career.

Standing at 6-5, Okoro is now set to retain his role as a key bench piece and wing defender in Cleveland for the foreseeable future. In his NBA career, the former Tiger is averaging 8.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game. He and the “Cavs” open the preseason on October 8 against the Bulls.

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Former Tiger Chuma Okeke inks deal with New York Knicks

In parts of four seasons in the NBA, Okeke has averaged 6.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. 

Former Auburn Tiger and NCAA Tournament hero Chuma Okeke signed a 10-Day contract with the New York Knicks on Thursday. While the contract is not guaranteed, the 25-year-old will have the chance to earn a roster spot in training camp.

A former first round draft pick in the 2019 draft, Okeke had spent the entirety of his career with the Orlando Magic until they declined to offer him a new contract this offseason, mainly due his inability to stay on the court. Injuries have unfortunately plagued the 6-foot-7 forward ever since his final season with the Tigers in 2019.

After tearing his ACL in the Elite 8 against UNC, Okeke worked his way back to health and managed to become a solid rotation piece for the Magic over the course of his first two seasons in the NBA. Since then, the former Tiger has played just 74 games in two seasons, failing to reach the 20 minutes per game mark in 2023 before dropping to just 9.2 minutes per contest last season.

Despite the health concerns, the Knicks clearly see something in the former first rounder, who is still just 25 years old. If he can re-discover the flashes he showed during his sophomore season at Auburn, New York may have found a gem in this free agent class.

In parts of four seasons in the NBA, the former Tiger top recruit is averaging 6.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists across 20.3 minutes per game.

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JT Thor scores seven points in loss to Team USA

The 6-9 forward hammered down 7 points in the 103-89 loss to Team USA.

After nearly upsetting the Stars & Stripes in an exhibition game a few weeks ago, the South Sudan Bright Stars had another chance to make history on Wednesday in the Olympic rematch. Unfortunately for former Auburn Tiger [autotag]JT Thor[/autotag] and his teammates Wednesday’s 103-86 loss was never very close.

Despite receiving the fourth most minutes out of all South Sudan players in the exhibition, Thor played just 15 minutes on Wednesday. However, he was able to put up some solid statistics in those limited minutes. The 6-9 forward hammered down 7 points while also providing the lightning on the defensive side with a block, a steal, and 4 rebounds.

Exhibition star Marial Shayok, who led all scorers with 24 in the one-point loss, scored just 12 points on 4-15 from the field on Wednesday. 29-year-old forward Nuni Omot scored the most out of any Bright Star, and any player in the game, with 24 of his own. As for Team USA, center Bam Adebayo and forward Kevin Durant led the way with 18 and 14 points, respectively.

South Sudan heads into a “win and you are in” showdown against Nikola Jokic and Serbia on Saturday. The winning country will secure the No. 2 spot in Group C behind USA, while the loser would finish third, behind Team USA, and the winning side, and ahead of Puerto Rico. Serbia’s current point differential (+15) gives it a likely spot as a “wild card” team in the quarterfinals even with a loss. At the same time, South Sudan (-6 ) could only afford to lose by a single point to stay ahead of Greece (-8) to capture the tiebreaker.

Thor and the Bright Stars will try to give South Sudan its first-ever knockout round bid on Saturday at 2 PM CST.

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Former Tiger Jaylin Williams signs 10-Day contract with Nuggets

The new deal for Williams comes just a few weeks after he averaged 2.7 points and 1.3 rebounds in 7.8 minutes in the 2024 NBA Summer League

Former Auburn star forward [autotag]Jaylin Williams[/autotag] agreed to terns on a 10-Day contract with the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. The 24-year-old was one of three players Denver offered 10-Days to, joining Temple alumni Jahmir Young and former Grand Canyon star Gabe McGlothan as trial players on the Nuggets.

The new deal for Williams comes just a few weeks after he averaged 2.7 points and 1.3 rebounds in 7.8 minutes in the 2024 NBA Summer League. While he isn’t likely to receive many minutes with the big league roster, the winningest player in Auburn basketball history now has the chance to impress the Denver coaching staff in hopes of receiving a more permanent contract in the near future.

An un-drafted free agent in 2024, Williams averaged 9.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists during his Tigers career. The 6-foot-8 forward became a focal point of head coach Bruce Pearl’s offense over the last few seasons on the Plains, and was a major reason the program has turned around.

He’ll now have the opportunity to prove himself at the NBA level with the Nuggets. Even if he cannot secure a longer deal, the former Tiger will at least have the chance to learn from the best big man in the Association, Nikola Jokic, during his time in Denver.

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JT Thor, South Sudan defeat Puerto Rico in first Olympic test

The former Tiger finished the contest with six points, seven rebounds, and a steal, block, and assist.

South Sudan’s basketball team won their first ever Olympic contest in the early hours of Sunday morning, defeating Puerto Rico 90-79 in the first round of Group Play.

The Bright Stars not only won their first game ever on the Paris Olympic Stage, but now are just one win away from securing a spot in the quarterfinal round.

Former Auburn Tiger[autotag]JT Thor[/autotag] did not end up starting the contest for his country, but he did play the third most minutes (23) out of all players on his squad. Thor was also on the floor when the momentum shifted in favor of South Sudan early in the second half. With the Bright Stars trailing by six coming out of the locker room, Thor provided more than half of his seven rebounds, a steal, and a block, to help his team enter the fourth quarter leading by two.

The 21-year-old finished the contest with six points, seven rebounds, and a steal, block, and assist. While Thor did his part, the real story came from South Sudan’s starting five, where four of five starters finished with at least 12 points. Carlik Jones, who secured a triple-double in the exhibition against Team USA a week ago, led the way with 19.

South Sudan now sit in second place in Group C with two games left to play. If the Bright Stars can find a way to get past one of Team USA or Serbia they are all but certain to secure a spot in the medal round. They will have the first chance to do that on July 31 in a rematch against Team USA at 2 PM CST.

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JT Thor and South Sudan nearly pull off stunner against Team USA

In the late stages of Saturday’s game, Thor calmly knocked down a step-back corner three pointer to put his nation ahead 100-99.

Former Auburn forward [autotag]J.T Thor[/autotag] and South Sudan nearly pulled off one of the greatest upsets of all time on Saturday afternoon.

Playing an exhibition against a Team USA team favored by over 47 points, the Bright Stars were seconds away from causing enough hysteria in the city of London to prompt the bridges to fall down. After taking a double digit lead into the halftime locker room, the least experienced squad in the Olympic field fell 101-100 in the games final seconds after a LeBron James layup.

James, who has more Olympic gold medals (3) than South Sudan has Olympic appearances (2), led the way for the red, white, and blue with 23 points on an efficient 10/14 from the field including the eventual game winner with under a 20 seconds left. Before James’s heroics, it was former Tiger JT Thor who seemed to strike lightning in a bottle.

With his team down 99-97, the Charlotte Hornets forward calmly knocked down a step-back corner three pointer in front of the aforementioned Los Angeles Laker legend to put his nation ahead 100-99. The long ball was Thor’s only 3-point make of the game, although he contributed heavily elsewhere, finishing with 14 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block over 18 minutes of action.

Thor’s 14 points were good enough for third on the Bright Stars. He trailed only NBA journeyman Carlik Jones (15 points) and Marial Shayok (24) on the stat sheet. Jones, who last played in the association in 2023 for the Chicago Bulls, did his best Michael Jordan impression across the pond, putting up a 15 point, 11 rebound, 11 assist triple-double performance in the loss. Shayok, who played college basketball at Iowa State with Team USA member Tyrese Haliburton, was not only the leading scorer for his team but the leading scorer in the game as well.

The former Auburn Tiger and his fellow Bright Stars put the basketball world on notice despite the loss. While South Sudan is still a long shot to claim a podium in the games, the moral victory should bode well for the team’s chances in Paris. As for Team USA, it is clear France won’t be all butterflies and pastries for the favorites.

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Jaylin Williams signs undrafted free agent contract with Denver Nuggets

Williams is ready to take the next step of his basketball career by earning an invite to Nuggets’ camp.

Auburn basketball can now add another member to its growing list of NBA talent.

[autotag]Jaylin Williams[/autotag], who played forward for the Tigers for five seasons, has signed an undrafted free-agent contract with the Denver Nuggets following the conclusion of the 2024 NBA draft.

According to Justin Hokanson of Auburn Live, Williams’ contract with Denver is an “exhibit 10” contract. Williams will have the chance to compete in the Nuggets’ training camp with the possibility of earning a two-way contract with the team. The contract serves a minimum of one season, with most of the contract not being guaranteed.

Williams is the first former Tiger to earn a chance to play at the professional level since [autotag]Jabari Smith[/autotag] and [autotag]Walker Kessler[/autotag], who were both drafted in the first round of the 2022 NBA draft.

He leaves Auburn as the program’s winningest player with 114 career wins since 2019. In five seasons, Williams averaged 9.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.

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