Tag: Keyonte George

Rookie Wire Power Rankings: Wemby retakes No. 1 amid minutes restriction

Rookie Wire took a look at the top first-year players over the last two weeks of the 2023-24 season.

The schedule has reached the midway point of the 2023-24 season, as most teams around the NBA have played in at least half of their games to this point.

The halfway mark of the season serves as a milestone of sorts for the rookie class. Players who have appeared in most of their games have likely already surpassed their previous career high for games in a season, given that college teams typically play fewer than 40 games a year.

As cliche as it may be, the group could soon begin to hit the infamous rookie wall with the rigors of the schedule and other obstacles factoring into play. In other words: The second half will serve as a litmus test to see who is prepared for the stretch run.

To make sense of it all, we looked at the best recent performances of these first-year players and ranked them in the Rookie Wire Power Rankings. The rankings are not for Rookie of the Year purposes but to illustrate the best players week to week.

Rookie Wire Power Rankings: Scoot Henderson is proving himself as a top pick

Rookie Wire took a look at the top first-year players over the last two weeks of the 2023-24 season.

The calendar has flipped to 2024, and the rookie class is finding its groove on the court; several first-year players are performing at a high level this season.

The top two picks, Victor Wembanyama and Brandon Miller, along with the second pick from 2022, Chet Holmgren, have had strong starts to their careers. Scoot Henderson, the third selection last year, also looks to be settling in after recovering from an ankle injury.

Further down the draft board, several other players have had great moments with their respective teams. These players have produced on teams in the playoff picture and on teams likely headed toward the lottery.

To make sense of it all, we looked at the best recent performances of these first-year players and ranked them in the Rookie Wire Power Rankings. The rankings are not for Rookie of the Year purposes but to illustrate the best players week to week.

Jazz coach Will Hardy reacts to Keyonte George’s return: ‘I thought it was good’

After missing the past six games with foot inflammation, Keyonte George returned on Tuesday and helped the Jazz to a win over the Spurs.

After missing the past six games with foot inflammation, rookie Keyonte George returned on Tuesday and helped the Utah Jazz to a win over the San Antonio Spurs.

George produced 10 points, four assists and one steal in 24 minutes of work in the 130-118 victory on the road. He went 4-of-11 from the field, including 2-of-5 from 3-point range, off the bench in his first game back since injuring his left foot on Dec. 13.

The 16th pick had started in 16 straight games before suffering the injury. However, the team wanted to bring him off the bench in his first game back and will likely have him return to his previous role once he is up to speed.

Jazz coach Will Hardy liked his performance.

I thought it was good. It took him a minute to get into the flow of the game. … I thought he made a lot of good decisions. We, obviously, will continue to put the ball in his hands as a decision-maker. I love the fact that he took five 3s. I thought he made some good reads shooting off the bounce. All indications as of now are that he got through the game healthy, which is my No. 1 concern.

The injury occurred two nights after George produced a career-high 30 points, seven assists and three rebounds in a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He looked to be in a good rhythm in that outing and looks to return to form now that he is healthy again.

George is averaging 10.9 points, five assists and 2.9 rebounds on 36.1% shooting from the field in 25 games. He is one of five first-year players with a 30-point game this season, and he is first in assists and sixth in scoring among rookies.

The Jazz return to action Thursday at New Orleans.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=650261571]

Jazz provide positive update on rookie Keyonte George’s foot injury

Jazz rookie Keyonte George is progressing toward returning to game situations after dealing with left foot inflammation.

Utah Jazz rookie Keyonte George is progressing toward returning to game situations after dealing with left foot inflammation, the team announced on Tuesday.

George suffered the injury on Dec. 13 early in the first quarter against the New York Knicks. He came up limping after making a cut on the floor and immediately hobbled to the locker room. The team eventually ruled him out of returning.

He logged four minutes of action before the injury.

The 16th pick is now participating in on-court activities and will travel with the Jazz on their upcoming five-game road trip, which starts Wednesday in Cleveland.

The injury occurred two nights after George produced a career-high 30 points, seven assists and three rebounds in a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The update provided by the Jazz is certainly positive news, considering the severity of the injury.

George is averaging 10.9 points, five assists and three rebounds on 36.1% shooting from the field in 24 games. He is one of four first-year players with a 30-point game this season and is first in assists and sixth in scoring among rookies.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=650261571]

Rookie Power Rankings: Chet Holmgren remains No. 1; Scoot arriving in Portland

Rookie Wire took a look at the top first-year players over the last two weeks of the 2023-24 season.

The incoming rookie class has made it through the first quarter of the season, and several players from around the NBA have emerged with some strong performances on the court.

The early action has seen several first-year players contribute at a high level on teams in the playoff picture. They’ve had some key performances for their respective teams and should continue to do so throughout the year.

To make sense of it all, we looked at the best recent performances of these first-year players and ranked them in the Rookie Wire Power Rankings. The rankings are not for Rookie of the Year purposes but to illustrate the best players week to week.

Rookie Power Rankings: Chet Holmgren tops Wemby; Jaime Jaquez Jr. rises up

Rookie Wire took a look at the top first-year players over the last two weeks of the 2023-24 season.

As the top players around the NBA settle into another season on the court, the rookie class continues to put up some impressive performances seemingly on a nightly basis.

The group, of course, has been headlined by No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama and former second pick Chet Holmgren. The two players have distanced themselves some from the rest of the rookies this year after dazzling starts with their respective teams.

Elsewhere, other players have earned significant minutes and put up some productive outings in their roles, either in the starting lineup or off the bench. The class should continue to show out on the court with the season in full swing.

To make sense of it all, we looked at the best recent performances of these first-year players and ranked them in the Rookie Wire Power Rankings. The rankings are not for Rookie of the Year purposes but to illustrate the best players week to week.

Jazz rookie Keyonte George puts up second straight 15-point effort as a starter

Keyonte George has started the last four games for the Jazz, and has impressed head coach Will Hardy in that role.

Rookie Keyonte George has started each of the last four games for the Utah Jazz, and the 16th pick has impressed head coach Will Hardy in that role.

George tied a season high on Friday with 15 points, six assists, three rebounds and one steal in a 131-128 loss to the Phoenix Suns. He shot 5-of-11 from the field, including 3-of-6 from 3-point range, in 29 minutes of action.

The 20-year-old once again looked to be in control as the point guard. He has a good feel for when to dish it to his teammates and when to keep it himself and score. He had a couple of late miscues that helped the Suns pull out the win, but Hardy didn’t blame him.

“I think, overall, his execution poise has been good, and his poise has been good,” Hardy said. “His communication between me and the team has been very good, getting us organized. I felt we’ve been very organized when he has been on the floor. I know he is beating himself up about that play, but that play is not why we lost the game.”

George has performed well in the early going, and many fans wanted to see him moved to the starting lineup. He hasn’t looked the part of being a first-year player and has already earned the trust of his coaches and teammates.

He has put up back-to-back 15-point efforts for the Jazz and is averaging 11 points, 8.3 assists and three rebounds as a starter. He has displayed a good understanding of how the Jazz want to play and their system through 12 games.

George has emerged as one of the most productive rookies thus far and seems to be handling the transition to the NBA very well. His growth on and off the court will certainly be fun to watch this year.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=650261571]

Victor Wembanyama among 13 rookies to sign shoe deals with Nike

Victor Wembanyama and Brandon Miller headline a talented rookie class to sign with Nike this year.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama and Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller are among 13 rookies to sign shoe and apparel contracts with Nike, according to Nick DePaula of Boardroom.

Wembanyama and Miller headline a talented rookie class for the Swoosh, which includes Amen Thompson (Houston), Ausar Thompson (Detroit), Anthony Black (Orlando), Bilal Coulibaly (Washington) and Cason Wallace (Oklahoma City).

They join a star-studded roster, including signature athletes LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Paul George and Sabrina Ionescu. It has been estimated that nearly 70% of players in the NBA wear Nike on the court.

The group of players signed to Nike nearly makes up half of the first round of draftees this year. Other rookies, such as Scoot Henderson (PUMA), Jarace Walker (Under Armour), Jett Howard (Jordan) and Gradey Dick (Adidas), have also inked with apparel companies.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1366]

10 NBA rookies make predictions for their first game before the season begins

There are so many great answers from this NBA rookie class.

[anyclip-media thumbnail=”https://cdn5.anyclip.com/UXKaXIsBKOB4p_GkrM7N/1698065916055_248x140_thumbnail.jpg” playlistId=”undefined” content=”PHNjcmlwdCBzcmM9Imh0dHBzOi8vcGxheWVyLmFueWNsaXAuY29tL2FueWNsaXAtd2lkZ2V0L2xyZS13aWRnZXQvcHJvZC92MS9zcmMvbHJlLmpzIiBkYXRhLWFyPSIxNjo5IiBkYXRhLXBsaWQ9Imt2bWV3eWt5amZ6dWVzMnBpaTJoYXgyaG5uemUybjJvIiBwdWJuYW1lPSIxOTk4IiB3aWRnZXRuYW1lPSIwMDE2TTAwMDAyVTBCMWtRQUZfTTczMDYiPgo8L3NjcmlwdD4=”][/anyclip-media]

After completing their first offseason, a new class of NBA rookies are ready to step on the court to make their professional debuts.

While nothing can compare with the special moment of hearing their name called in the NBA Draft, it is assuredly a surreal feeling to have your lifelong dreams realized on the hardwood.

We spoke to 10 rookies from the 2023 draft class about all of the emotions they anticipate feeling once they officially begin their professional careers as NBA athletes.

Here is what each prospect said about what they expect when they play on the parquet courts in front of thousands of fans.

These interviews have been condensed and edited for clarity.

Jazz guard Keyonte George: ‘I want to be Rookie of the Year’

After a tremendous run with the Jazz in summer league, George is entering his rookie year with high expectations for himself.

Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George isn’t among the front-runners to be named NBA Rookie of the Year, but that doesn’t mean the 16th pick isn’t aiming to win the annual award.

George emerged as one of the top first-year players in summer league after a tremendous run with the Jazz. He was named to the all-summer league first team in Las Vegas after averaging 21.2 points, 6.3 assists and 2.7 rebounds on 44.4% shooting from 3-point range.

He has carried that momentum into training camp and is impressing those around him thus far. George, speaking on Monday, is confident in his abilities and is entering the season with tremendous expectations for himself.

I set really high goals so, of course, I want to be Rookie of the Year to put out an individual goal. But as far as the season: (I want to) get better each and every day, get 1% better. (Baylor) Coach (Scott) Drew did a great job teaching me that throughout the season last year. It is a way longer season this year so just continue to take small steps, learn and ask questions.

George enters the preseason with the 10th-best odds (plus-5000) of winning Rookie of the Year, according to the BetMGM Sportsbook. Victor Wembanyama (plus-110), Scoot Henderson (plus-300) and Chet Holmgren (plus-300) are the front-runners to win.

The Jazz have yet to determine his role, but head coach Will Hardy said he will have the opportunity to compete for minutes in training camp. He will need to impress the coaching staff and earn the trust of his teammates first, but the 19-year-old is up for the challenge.

“I’m young and you can say I haven’t done anything in this league yet, but I think, day in and day out, I’m putting in the work,” George said. “I’m overly locked in. … (I’ll) just continue to have an unselfish mind and at some point, I’ll be able to gain that trust and lead this team in a way.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=650261571]