Tag: nba g league

Projected first-round pick Tyler Smith declares for 2024 NBA draft

Smith averaged 13.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists and one block on 47.4% shooting from the field in 43 games with the Ignite.

G League Ignite forward Tyler Smith told Jonathan Givony of ESPN on Wednesday that he is declaring for the 2024 NBA draft after one year with the program.

Smith averaged 13.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists and one block on 47.4% shooting from the field in 43 games with the Ignite. He produced seven 20-point games, including a season-high 29 points and four rebounds against the Indiana Mad Ants on Feb. 13.

The 6-foot-11 standout was selected to compete in the Rising Stars game in February as one of the top players in the G League. He also participated in the G League Next Up Game at All-Star Weekend.

Smith, a former consensus five-star prospect, joined the Ignite in June 2023 after two seasons at Overtime Elite. He was named to the All-OTE second team last season after averaging 15.7 points, eight rebounds and 1.3 blocks on 47.5% shooting from the field with Cold Hearts.

The 19-year-old is projected to be a first-round pick after developing into a versatile player who can run the floor and provide floor spacing at the next level, converting 36% from 3-point range on 3.7 attempts this past season. He can also work in the post, with his touch and footwork.

Smith will have the opportunity to improve his draft positioning in team interviews and workouts over the pre-draft process. He could also be invited to compete in the G League Elite Camp or draft combine next month in Chicago, Illinois.

The 2024 NBA draft will take place June 26-27 in New York City.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=650262612]

Projected lottery pick Ron Holland cleared for full activity after thumb surgery

Holland set the Ignite single-season record for steals, 30-point games and 20-point games while finishing second in points.

G League Ignite forward Ron Holland told Jonathan Givony of ESPN on Tuesday that he will enter the 2024 NBA draft after one season with the program.

Holland averaged 19.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.3 steals on 45.5% shooting from the field in 29 games. He set the Ignite single-season record for steals (69), 30-point games (4) and 20-point games (16) while finishing second in points (565).

The 18-year-old missed the last 18 games of the season after sustaining a ruptured tendon in his right thumb. He underwent surgery on Feb. 27 and was cleared for full activity several weeks ago, likely clearing the way for his participation in pre-draft workouts.

Holland, the former consensus five-star prospect, is projected to be a lottery pick in the draft, given his potential and overall skill set. He looked to be settling in with the Ignite before the injury, resulting in some strong performances.

He will have the opportunity to improve his draft positioning in team interviews and workouts over the pre-draft process. He could also be invited to compete in the G League Elite Camp or draft combine next month in Chicago, Illinois.

The 2024 NBA draft will take place June 26-27 in New York City.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=650262612]

Pacers center Oscar Tshiebwe named G League Rookie of the Year

Pacers rookie Oscar Tshiebwe led the G League in rebounding and finished second in double-doubles (28).

Indiana Pacers rookie Oscar Tshiebwe on Tuesday was named the G League Rookie of the Year for his play with the Indiana Mad Ants, the league announced.

Tshiebwe, who is signed to a two-way contract, averaged 15.9 points, 15.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists on 57.3% shooting from the field in 34 games with the Mad Ants, who were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs on Tuesday.

The undrafted center from Kentucky led the G League in rebounding and finished second in double-doubles (28). He registered six games with at least 20 points and 20 rebounds and was one of seven players to reach that mark in a game.

Tshiebwe set the franchise single-game rebounding record with 28 on Nov. 22 in a win over the Motor City Cruise. He also set the single-season record for rebounds by recording 26 points and 26 rebounds in a win over the Long Island Nets on March 21.

The 24-year-old became the second Mad Ants player to win the award, joining Tony Mitchell (2012-13). He edged Los Angeles Clippers guard Jordan Miller and Philadelphia 76ers guard Ricky Council IV in the voting by head coaches and general managers.

Tshiebwe established himself as a dominant player in the paint in college, and continued to show that ability and more this year with the Mad Ants after winning G League Rookie of the Year.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=650261565]

Trail Blazers’ Scoot Henderson reacts to NBA shutting down G League Ignite

The NBA and the G League announced on Thursday that the Ignite will conclude their final season this year.

The NBA and the G League announced on Thursday that the Ignite will conclude their final season after serving as a development program for the top prospects for four seasons.

The decision to shut the program down was made amid the changing basketball landscape, including the emergence of name, image and likeness licensing and the rising role of collectives and the transfer portal in the college game. Ultimately, the league opted it was best to end the program altogether.

The Ignite helped produce 10 NBA draft picks over their first three seasons, including Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Dyson Daniels, MarJon Beauchamp and Scoot Henderson. Nine former players were on rosters entering this season.

Henderson, speaking with Sean Highkin of the Rose Garden Report, wasn’t surprised to see the program end, but he was very thankful for his two years with the team.

There were multiple reasons that it shut down. But whoever played on the team and made an impact for ourselves and in the world, that’s all you can think about. I really thank the people at Ignite. The little people that you don’t see. They don’t really get enough credit for how much they have to pour into us.

The coaches, they don’t get enough credit for having to get guys from high school, to get them up to speed in a few weeks to play some grown men that have children to feed. You don’t see that. You see them getting beat a lot and having a horrible record. You don’t see the things that they go through day-to-day.

Launched in April 2020, the Ignite provided a professional platform for players in the United States. The team gave those prospects the opportunity to compete against existing teams in the G League in front of scouts, executives and coaches.

Henderson became the youngest professional basketball player in U.S. history when he signed with the team in May 2021 (17). He was the No. 10 overall prospect in his class and was the first player to spend two years with the program.

The Ignite this year, who have projected draft picks Matas Buzelis, Ron Holland and Izan Almansa, have the worst record in the G League during the regular season (2-30) and are last in point differential among all teams (minus-15.1).

Despite the decline of the program and the decision to end it, Henderson remains thankful for the opportunity the Ignite gave him to prepare him for the NBA.

“From my viewpoint, they helped me in a huge way to be where I am right now,” Henderson said. “I can’t thank them enough.”

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

Pacers rookie Oscar Tshiebwe set a franchise record in the G League

Pacers rookie Oscar Tshiebwe has put up some monster numbers in the G League and added another record to his collection this week.

Indiana Pacers rookie Oscar Tshiebwe has put up some monster numbers in the G League this season, and the undrafted center out of Kentucky added another record to his collection.

Tshiebwe recorded 26 points, 26 rebounds, two assists, one steal and one blocked shot on Thursday to lead the Indiana Mad Ants to a win over the Long Island Nets. He went 12-of-20 from the field in 30 minutes as the Mad Ants clinched a playoff berth with the win.

The 24-year-old set the franchise single-season record for rebounds with the performance (470). He registered his fourth game with at least 20 points and 20 rebounds and is one of five players in the G League to reach that mark this season.

Tshiebwe, who is signed to a two-way contract, is averaging 15.8 points, 15.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists on 58.1% shooting from the field in 30 games with the Mad Ants. He ranks second in the G League in total rebounds, offensive rebounds and double-doubles (25).

He has established himself as one of the top players in the G League this season. He has hauled in at least 20 rebounds five times and also set the Mad Ants’ single-game record with 28 on Nov. 22 in a win over the Motor City Cruise.

Tshiebwe established himself as a dominant player in the paint in college, and he has continued to show that ability and more this year with the Mad Ants.

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

Celtics rookie Drew Peterson registers first triple-double in G League

Celtics rookie Drew Peterson produced his first triple-double on Monday in the G League to lead Maine to a win over Delaware.

Boston Celtics rookie Drew Peterson produced his first triple-double on Monday in the G League to lead the Maine Celtics to a win over the Delaware Blue Coats.

Peterson recorded 18 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, one steal and one blocked shot in the 122-101 win on the road. He went 7-of-14 from the field, including 2-of-5 from 3-point range, in 38 minutes as Maine improved to 16-11 in the regular season.

The undrafted forward from USC became the 29th player to register a triple-double in the G League this season with the performance. He also notched his fourth double-double.

Peterson, who is signed to a two-way contract, began the year in the G League with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the affiliate of the Miami Heat. He then signed with the Celtics in December and has spent most the year with Maine.

The 24-year-old is averaging 15.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists and one steal on 48.5% shooting from the field in 44 games between the Skyforce and Celtics. He produced a career-high 30 points and eight rebounds on Jan. 21 with Maine.

Peterson was a standout player last season with the Trojans and has had a strong run this year. The Celtics believe he has a bright future and want to keep him around to tap into his potential.

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

Report: Nets to convert rookie Jalen Wilson to standard contract

Jalen Wilson has reportedly agreed to sign a three-year contract with the Nets.

Jalen Wilson, who was the 51st pick in the 2023 NBA draft, has agreed to a three-year contract with the Brooklyn Nets, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Wilson originally signed a two-way contract with the Nets in July. He participated with the team in the NBA Summer League, averaging 17.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and one steal on 45.8% shooting from 3-point range in five games.

The 23-year-old has spent much of the season in the G League with the Long Island Nets. He is averaging 19.3 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists on 38% shooting from beyond the arc. He has recorded two 30-point games, including a season-high 33 points on Nov. 10.

Wilson was a consensus first-team All-American last season at Kansas after averaging 20.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 36 games as a junior. He was the unanimous choice as the Big 12 Player of the Year after leading the conference in scoring and rebounding.

At Kansas, he was the 10th player in program history to record at least 1,400 career points and 800 career rebounds. He finished 27th in scoring (1,475) and 14th in rebounding (802).

Wilson has appeared in each of the last 10 games for the Nets and should remain in the rotation for the remainder of the season. He has had a strong rookie campaign and was rewarded for his hard work.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=650261404]

Spurs’ Gregg Popovich on Sidy Cissoko: ‘I want him to get as many minutes as possible’

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich wants rookie Sidy Cissoko to play as much as possible in the G League over the remainder of the season.

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said on Thursday that the team wants rookie Sidy Cissoko to play as much as possible in the G League over the remainder of the season.

Cissoko has appeared in only five games with the Spurs and has spent most of the season on assignment with Austin. He and the team agreed that he would stay in the G League for the majority of the year to continue his development and improve his skills.

The Spurs recalled Cissoko from the G League on Thursday after he helped Austin beat the South Bay Lakers. With Austin off until Wednesday, Cissoko will likely stay in San Antonio.

Popovich explained the immediate plan for him.

“He is getting minutes with the G League,” Popovich said. “I want him to get as many minutes as possible. He is doing the best he can and trying to figure out what kind of player he is going to be, just like everybody else in the G League.”

Cissoko is averaging 11.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.2 blocks and one steal on 43.7% shooting from the field in 21 games with Austin. He has registered two 20-point games, including a season-high 22 points and nine rebounds on Dec. 28.

The Spurs have utilized their G League affiliate extensively in previous years. Keldon Johnson, Blake Wesley, Malaki Branham and Tre Jones spent time in Austin and found success there. Cissoko seeks to follow in their footsteps.

The organization is high on Cissoko and believes he has a bright future. With one month left in the regular season in the G League, the team looks to get him on the court as much as possible.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=650261333]

Magic coach Jamahl Mosley explains how Jett Howard has grown in G League

Magic rookie Jett Howard ranks 21st in the G League in 3s and has produced four 30-point games.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Jamahl Mosley has described the G League as a vital piece of the development plan for Jett Howard, and the Orlando Magic coach can see it paying off for the rookie.

Howard has logged only 13 appearances with the Magic and has spent much of the season in the G League with Osceola. The team has opted to keep him there to log extended minutes with playing time at a premium with the parent club.

The 11th pick is averaging 19.8 points, four rebounds and 2.8 assists on 36.8% shooting from 3-point range in 23 games with Osceola. He ranks 21st in the G League in 3s (84) and has produced four 30-point games, including a season-high 34 points on Nov. 22.

Mosley explained how Howard has grown in the G League.

I think the game has slowed down for him. Coach Dylan (Murphy) has done a tremendous job of putting him in positions to be successful. (He is) handling the basketball more and not just being predicated on being a shooter.

Orlando recalled Howard on Thursday, with Osceola off until Sunday. With 14 regular-season games remaining, Howard will likely return to Osceola and finish out the season in the G League as Orlando prioritizes playing time for its veterans in its playoff push.

The opportunity to log real game experience with Osceola has been very valuable for Howard. He can work on different elements of his game to take the next step in his development and eventually be prepared to contribute nightly.

“We know he is able to make shots, but having the ball in his hands and becoming a decision-maker, I think that’s what we’ve asked all of these guys to do, not just have one specific role,” Mosley said. “When that ball is in your hands, you become the playmaker and the decision-maker, and as we increase basketball IQ, that’s what this group is turning out to do.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=650261569]

Kendric Davis dropped fourth 30-point game in G League with Santa Cruz

Kendric Davis produced a career night on Saturday to lead the Santa Cruz Warriors in an overtime loss at home against the Raptors 905.

Rookie Kendric Davis produced a career night on Saturday in the G League to lead the Santa Cruz Warriors in an overtime loss at home against the Raptors 905.

Davis recorded 35 points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals in the 118-112 loss at Kaiser Permanente Arena. He finished by shooting 10-of-21 from the field, including 5-of-11 from 3-point range, in 34 minutes as the Warriors improved to 11-9.

The undrafted guard from Memphis became the 27th player in the G League this season to have at least four 30-point games. He scored 20 points alone in the second half to help the Warriors overcome a 10-point deficit and force overtime.

Davis played with Golden State last year in summer league and was with the team in training camp. He eventually started the year with Santa Cruz and has emerged as one of the top players in the G League after a productive run with the Warriors.

The 24-year-old is averaging 18.9 points, 7.3 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals on 37.5% shooting from 3-point range in 36 games with Santa Cruz. He is tied for 10th in the G League in total scoring (680) and is fifth in assists (263).

Davis has had a productive year with Santa Cruz and looks to be finishing out the year on a high note. He has been one of the top players in the G League and has showcased himself as a prime call-up candidate.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=650261425]