Tag: Auburn in the NBA

Jabari Smith records first professional double-double in Summer League action

It has not taken long for Jabari Smith to become comfortable with the Houston Rockets.

After a week of playing in the NBA, it appears that [autotag]Jabari Smith[/autotag] is becoming comfortable as a professional athlete.

In Houston’s 85-77 loss to Portland in NBA Summer League action on Thursday, Smith showed flashes of his days at Auburn by recording his first NBA double-double just four games into his professional career. The third-overall selection in the 2022 NBA Draft led the Rockets in scoring by dropping 19 points, and in rebounds with 10.

Thursday’s 19-point performance marks the second consecutive game that Smith has reached that point total. In Monday’s 97-84 over San Antonio, Smith was one rebound shy of a double-double, as he scored 19 points and grabbed nine boards.

Smith has recorded at least ten points in all four games of Summer League play for the Rockets, averaging 15 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. During his lone season at Auburn, Smith averaged 16.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per game and recorded seven double-doubles.

The next time that fans can watch Smith take the floor will be Saturday against the Sacramento Kings. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. CDT.

[vertical-gallery id=49504]

WATCH: JT Thor makes game-winner to beat Lakers

JT Thor is still dangerous from 3.

[autotag]JT Thor[/autotag] was the hero for the Charlotte Hornets in their game against the Los Angeles Lakers Sunday night.

Thor hit a walk-off three-pointer in double overtime to beat the Lakers 89-86 in the Summer League matchup.

The Lakers got the ball first in the second overtime with a chance to end the game but were unable to score. The Hornets then turned to Thor, who was 1-of-5 from 3 and 2-of-12 overall with the game on the line and he delivered. He nailed a corner 3 to give the Hornets the victory.

He finished the night with 12 points and three rebounds in 29 minutes of action. Thor, a 6-foot-9, 203-pound power forward, is looking to establish himself in the NBA after playing in 33 games for the Hornets in his rookie season.

The former No. 37 overall pick averaged 2.0 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 7.9 minutes per game.

The 6-foot-9, 203-pound power forward played at Auburn during the 2020 season and averaged 9.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 27 games.

[mm-video type=video id=01g69hz6b48s95p488gw playlist_id=01eqbyzb4ahnasj2m3 player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g69hz6b48s95p488gw/01g69hz6b48s95p488gw-ecc0ca8d5fad94e8abd14f325cc16b70.jpg]

[listicle id=50218]

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow JD on Twitter @jdmccarthy15.

Let us know your thoughts, and comment on this story below. Join the conversation today!

Auburn Morning Rush: Summer League weekend recap, Kessler officially signs with Utah

Four former Tigers were in action during the NBA Summer League last weekend. How did they do? Find out in today’s edition of the Auburn Morning Rush

Good morning, Tiger fans! It is time to begin your week with the Monday edition of the Auburn Morning Rush.

To begin the day, we dive into the NBA Summer League. Four former Tigers were in action last weekend, and all performed at a high level for their respective clubs.

Next, we give an update on Walker Kessler’s wild journey as a professional athlete. Has he finally settled down?

Finally, we go back to the 2013 football season. Just how difficult was Nick Marshall to stop? A former Texas A&M defensive lineman gives a brutally honest answer.

Here’s the Monday edition of the Auburn Morning Rush:

How to Watch: Sharife Cooper’s first game at 2022 NBA Summer League

Sharife Cooper is set to play tonight.

[autotag]Sharife Cooper[/autotag]’s second season of professional basketball is set to start tonight.

Cooper and the rest of the Atlanta Hawks will be taking on the Utah Jazz in their first Summer League game of the 2022 season.

The is will be Coopers second time playing in the Summer League. The former second-round pick averaged 14.8 points and 7.3 assists over four games in last year’s edition.

He is currently on a two-way contract with the Hawks and is looking to prove that he does not need to spend any more time in the G League.

Last season played just 39 minutes with the Hawks and scored 7 points. He did impress in the G League though, averaging 17.1 points and 7.3 assists in 22 games.

A strong showing at Summer League and the rest of the preseason could allow Cooper to turn that contract into a regular NBA contract and become a rotational member behind Trae Young.  Here is how to watch him in his first action at the Summer League.

How to Watch:

  • Date: Saturday, July 9
  • Time: 6:30 p.m. CDT
  • Location: Thomas & Mack Arena
  • TV: NBA TV

[mm-video type=video id=01g69hz6b48s95p488gw playlist_id=01eqbyzb4ahnasj2m3 player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g69hz6b48s95p488gw/01g69hz6b48s95p488gw-ecc0ca8d5fad94e8abd14f325cc16b70.jpg]

[listicle id=50065]

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow JD on Twitter @jdmccarthy15.

Let us know your thoughts, and comment on this story below. Join the conversation today!

Walker Kessler officially introduced as member of Timberwolves

Here’s a look at Walker Kessler’s first appearance as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves

Auburn Basketball’s second selection in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft has officially been introduced by his new squad.

[autotag]Walker Kessler[/autotag], the 22nd overall pick in this year’s draft, met with the media on Tuesday for the first time as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Kessler was joined alongside fellow draft picks Wendell Moore Jr. and Josh Minnot at Target Center in Minneapolis, where they fielded questions from the media.

One of the questions that Kessler was asked, was about his defensive ability. The reigning National Defensive Player of the Year said that playing defense is something he has not always been known for.

“High school years, I didn’t know what defense was,” said Kessler. “I was just a stretch big, skilled big, offensive player, that’s all I did.”

Because of that, Kessler entered Auburn lacking confidence in his ability to be a great defender. Head coach Bruce Pearl knew that Kessler had the makings to be a stellar defensive player, and worked with him all season to perfect the craft.

During the introductory press conference, it was revealed that Kessler will wear No. 31 for the Wolves.

Here’s a first look at Kessler as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves:

Projected NBA salaries for Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler

They are worth every penny.

[autotag]Jabari Smith[/autotag] and [autotag]Walker Kessler [/autotag] are both set to receive a big payday from their new NBA teams.

Smith, who was drafted No. 3 overall by the Houston Rockets, has edged out Chris Morris (1988) and Chuck Person (1986), as the highest draft pick in program history.

He did not go No. 1 as was widely rumored before the draft. but he can still sign a four-year $39.8 million deal with the Rockets, according to Spotrac. That would be the maximum he can sign for.

Kessler, who has been tarded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, was taken No. 22 overall and his deal can max out at four years and $13.2 million, according to Spotrac.

With their selections, Bruce Pearl and Auburn have produced four first-rounders and six overall draft picks in the past four seasons. Prio to Chuma Okeke being drafted in 2019, Auburn had not had a player drafted since 2001.

[mm-video type=video id=01g69hz6b48s95p488gw playlist_id=01eqbyzb4ahnasj2m3 player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g69hz6b48s95p488gw/01g69hz6b48s95p488gw-ecc0ca8d5fad94e8abd14f325cc16b70.jpg]

[vertical-gallery id=49504]

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow JD on Twitter @jdmccarthy15.

Let us know your thoughts, and comment on this story below. Join the conversation today!

Jabari Smith is ready to compete “where he is wanted”

Smith is not going to let the disappointment of dropping to No. 3 overall keep him from playing hard for the Houston Rockets.

[autotag]Jabari Smith[/autotag] was all but a lock to be taken No. 1 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft according to multiple mock drafts leading to draft night.

However, when the Orlando Magic elected to go in another direction by choosing Duke’s Paolo Banchero, it became a shock to many, including Smith.

Smith would then slide to No. 3 overall and be taken by the Houston Rockets. Smith was expectedly upset that he was not taken No. 1 overall, but says that he understands that it is all a part of a greater plan and that he is ready to thrive for the Rockets.

“Definitely added a chip, but God makes no mistakes, so I’m happy to be here,” Smith told reporters on Thursday night. “I’m happy to be where I’m wanted. I’m happy to get to Houston and just show them
 Give them what they picked. Just happy to be here.”

Although the Rockets are in “rebuilding mode”, they are a franchise known for making deep playoff runs. Smith is hungry to get Houston back to their days of glory.

“I want to make the playoffs,” Smith said during his interview on ESPN. “I want to win games. That is how I was raised. That is just who I am. I want to come in and win games. I know if I come in every day trying to win, everything else will take care of itself. I am looking forward to a big year.”

Smith, along with Walker Kessler, became the third and fourth players from Auburn to be drafted in the first round since 2019, joining [autotag]Chuma Okeke[/autotag] (Magic) and [autotag]Isaac Okoro[/autotag] (Hawks). They are also the 9th and 10th players in Auburn history to be taken in the first round of the NBA Draft.

[mm-video type=video id=01g69hz6b48s95p488gw playlist_id=01eqbyzb4ahnasj2m3 player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g69hz6b48s95p488gw/01g69hz6b48s95p488gw-ecc0ca8d5fad94e8abd14f325cc16b70.jpg]

[listicle id=49499]

Former Auburn star Sharife Cooper called up from G-League

Hawks make the decision to call up former Auburn guard Sharife Cooper.

On Wednesday, the Hawks called up former Auburn guard [autotag]Sharife Cooper[/autotag] according to Mike Conti..

Last season, Sharife Cooper was competing at the collegiate level. The Tigers were not surprised to see how talented Cooper was. He finished his freshman season averaging 20.2 points per game, 4.3 rebounds per game, and 8.1 assists per game. With the Tigers having a down season and being placed on probation, Cooper never showcased his skillset on the biggest stages (SEC Tournament and NCAA Tournament).

After the 2020 season ended, he entered the NBA draft. The Atlanta Hawks chose Cooper with the 48th pick in the second round. Ever since then, he has gone back and forth between the NBA Hawks’ roster to the G-League Hawks’ roster. The majority of his time thus far at the next level has been spent with the College Park Skyhawks. He has played in 22 games while averaging 17.1 points per game, 4.0 assists per game, and 7.1 assists per game.

Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

On Wednesday morning, the Georgia native was promoted to the Hawks’ active roster. With just two regular-season games remaining for Atlanta, it certainly seems as if Cooper could be placed on the playoff roster. With Hawks guard Lou Williams being unable to perform at a high level, head coach Nate McMillan could definitely depend on the ex-Tigers sensation to be the backup for Trae Young.

Auburn fans should keep a close eye on how the Hawks utilize Cooper moving forward.

[mm-video type=video id=01fzxs7brvq6hn1b2286 playlist_id=01eqbyzb4ahnasj2m3 player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01fzxs7brvq6hn1b2286/01fzxs7brvq6hn1b2286-1dfcd168c99f981b53adcfdde2ee2241.jpg]

[listicle id=45191]

[lawrence-related id=45252,45237,45224]

Contact/Follow us @AuburnWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Brody on Twitter: @BrodySmoot

Former Auburn star Charles Barkley discusses his TV contract

Barkley is close to stepping away from broadcasting.

Former Auburn Tigers star basketball player Charles Barkley will likely be looking forward to retirement life. He joined Turner Network Television (TNT) in 2000 as part of their NBA coverage. Barkley retired from the NBA following his five-year stint with the Houston Rockets, which ended in 2000.

“That’s probably going to be it for me”, Barkley stated in regards to his contracting ending in two years. “It’s been a great, great thing. I love Ernie (Johnson), Kenny (Smith), Shaq (O’Neal), and everybody we work with. But I just don’t feel the need to work until the day I die. I don’t, man. I’ll be 61 years old if I finish out my contract.”

“And I don’t want to die on TV. I want to die on the golf course or somewhere fishing.” Barkley went on to make a playful jab at his friend Shaq about his weight.

Barkley was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1984 NBA draft at No. 5 overall after four years with Auburn. His No. 34 jersey was retired by his alma mater. He was named SEC Player of the Year in 1984 and the SEC Tournament MVP for his efforts. Barkley would be inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.

He would go on to enjoy a 16-year NBA career with three teams. The five-time All-NBA forward never won the championship. He came close before he ran into some guy named Michael Jordan. They appeared together in the ‘Space Jam’ movie.

For Barkley, I am sure he is looking forward to spending more time on the golf course in the next several years after he steps away from broadcasting.

WATCH: Sharife Cooper makes game winning three

The former Auburn star called GAME.

This confirms what every Auburn fan was thinking. Sharife Cooper fell too far in the NBA draft.

As the NBA’s summer league games are going, basketball fans have been watching their team’s stars of the future make plays. On Tuesday night, Cooper showed the NBA what he was capable of with nailing a last-second three for the Atlanta Hawks to win the game.

Cooper was picked with the 48th overall pick by the Hawks and he is rewarding his hometown team.

Cooper’s shot put the Hawks ahead of the Indiana Pacers in the closing seconds of the contest.

Check it out below.

[listicle id=20060]

Contact/Follow us @theauburnwire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion.Â