Recent mock draft sees Spurs select Ron Holland with No. 8 pick

Could the San Antonio Spurs target Ron Holland with the eighth pick in the 2024 NBA Draft?

The lottery gave the San Antonio Spurs some serious help. The Toronto Raptors’ pick fell out of the top six, meaning it went to the Spurs, so San Antonio now owns the fourth and eighth picks in the 2024 NBA Draft. In a recent mock draft from Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report, the Spurs take Ron Holland with the eighth pick.

“If the San Antonio Spurs add a playmaker at No. 4, they could be more inclined to draft a wing like Ron Holland at No. 8,” Wasserman wrote. “A defensive pairing of Nikola Topić and Rob Dillingham could create problems. But Holland would give San Antonio one of the best athletes in the draft and a quick wing defender. And his handle and feel continue to improve in the half court.

“Despite questions about Holland’s shooting and decision-making, it still took a high level of functional athleticism and attacking ability—plus capable shotmaking—to average 19.5 points at 18 years old in the G League.”

Grabbing a freak athlete like Holland could give the Spurs a nice defensive piece to play with on the wing.

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Ron Holland II believes he should be the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft

Holland entered the season projected to be the No. 1 pick and the 18-year-old believes that is still the case.

Ron Holland II entered the season widely projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA draft, and the 18-year-old from the G League Ignite still believes that assessment.

Holland averaged 19.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.3 steals on 45.5% shooting from the field. 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 6-foot-4 forward established himself as a versatile player who can score, defend at a high level and get others involved. He possesses the physical tools and athleticism to pave the way for a smooth transition to the next level.

Holland, speaking Tuesday at the draft combine in Chicago, Illinois, believes it is some of those qualities that make him a prime candidate to be the first player off the board on June 26.

I think, before (the start of this season), I was considered to go top-five (or) top-10 in this draft class and I feel like nothing really has changed. My mentality hasn’t changed. I was able to prove that with the Ignite. Prior to all of the losing that we did, I feel like every night I showed up and was able to either dominate or, if I had a bad game, there were spurts in that bad game to where I was able to show why I should be No. 1.

The former consensus five-star prospect saw his stock slip a bit over the course of the season, dropping to the mid-to-late lottery range. He dealt with turnover issues, committing three per game, and struggled with his shooting after converting 24% from 3-point range.

He was also limited to 29 games after undergoing season-ending surgery in February to repair a ruptured tendon in his right thumb. However, he is now considered fully healthy and is expected to fully participate in the predraft process.

Holland will attempt to convince teams in interviews and workouts why he should be one of the first players drafted. He believes he is the most versatile prospect in the draft class and has several attributes that make him highly coveted.

I would say my energy, for sure. That is one thing about me people always talk about: The way I just light up a dark room and walk into a gym and people know that I’m in there. I’m always bringing joy to the court. I think my willingness to win, my competitiveness. I’m always trying to win anything competitive, whether it is free throws, shooting, running or conditioning. … If I’m competing, I know for a fact that it is going to make others compete, and now we’re all getting better.

He may not ultimately be the top pick in the draft, but Holland projects to have a bright future ahead at the next level. He was once viewed as one of the top recruits out of high school and will soon have the chance to prove himself against his peers.

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Ron Holland: NBA draft scouting report and intel

2005 | 6’8 | 6’11 WS | 206 LBS Team: G League Ignite Best aggregate mock draft rank: 3 / Worst rank: 12 Agent: Justin Haynes, Bill Duffy 2023-24 Stats: In 15 games of the 2023-24 season, Holland averaged 18.5 points, shooting 47.4 percent from the …

2005 | 6’8 | 6’11 WS | 206 LBS

Team: G League Ignite

Best aggregate mock draft rank: 3 / Worst rank: 12

Agent: Justin Haynes, Bill Duffy

2023-24 Stats:

In 15 games of the 2023-24 season, Holland averaged 18.5 points, shooting 47.4 percent from the field and 23.9 percent from three, with 6.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game.

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.

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Projected lottery pick Ron Holland to remain with Ignite after season-ending injury

G League Ignite forward Ron Holland will miss the remainder of the season due to an injury.

G League Ignite forward Ron Holland told Marc J. Spears of Andscape on Saturday that he will miss the remainder of the season due to a right thumb injury.

Holland sustained the injury on Jan. 31 in a win over the Iowa Wolves. He has missed the past five games and was ruled out of participating in the NBA Rising Stars game on Friday. The Ignite have 13 games left to play and conclude their schedule on March 28.

The 19-year-old is expected to make a full recovery from the injury in time to go through the pre-draft process. He plans to finish the season with the Ignite as an injured player.

Holland averaged 19.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.4 steals on 45.5% shooting from the field in 29 games. He leads the Ignite in scoring and registered four 30-point games, including a career-high 32 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and six steals on Dec. 1.

The 6-foot-4 forward is projected to be a lottery pick in the 2024 NBA draft, given his potential and overall skill set. He looked to be settling in with the Ignite prior to the injury, resulting in some strong performances over the past month.

Holland will have the opportunity to improve his draft stock by interviewing and working out with teams after the conclusion of the season. He is one of seven draft-eligible prospects this year on the Ignite.

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NBA Rising Stars 2024: Bennedict Mathurin unanimously named MVP to lead Team Jalen to title

Pacers sophomore Bennedict Mathurin was unanimously named MVP of the 2024 NBA Rising Stars game to lead Team Jalen to the championship.

Indiana Pacers sophomore Bennedict Mathurin on Friday was unanimously named MVP of the 2024 NBA Rising Stars game to lead Team Jalen to the championship in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Mathurin produced 18 points in the opening game as Team Jalen defeated Team Tamika. He had four points, two assists and one steal in a 26-13 win in the final over Team Detlef, which consisted of seven of the top players in the G League.

While Mathurin did the bulk of the scoring in the semifinal round, Dereck Lively II had six points and Jordan Hawkins and Jalen Williams each chipped in five points in the final. Williams drained the game-winning 3-pointer to end it for Team Jalen.

The event featured four seven-player teams competing in a three-game tournament for the third straight year. The two semifinal games were played to a target score of 40, and the championship game was played to a target score of 25.

The pool of players for the game consisted of 11 rookies, 10 second-year players and seven players from the G League. The players from the NBA were selected by assistant coaches and the players from the G League were selected by the league office.

The four teams were coached by Hall of Famer Pau Gasol, Indiana Fever legend Tamika Catchings and former Pacers standouts Jalen Rose and Detlef Schrempf, who led the G League team.

Here is how the teams performed in the event.

Cavaliers’ Emoni Bates named as injury replacement in Rising Stars game

Cavaliers rookie Emoni Bates has been named an injury replacement player in the NBA Rising Stars game on Friday.

Cleveland Cavaliers rookie Emoni Bates has been named an injury replacement player in the NBA Rising Stars game on Friday in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Bates, who is signed to a two-way contract, will replace G League Ignite guard Ron Holland, who is dealing with a thumb injury. He will take his place on the G League team, which also features Matas Buzelis, Mac McClung and Oscar Tshiebwe.

The 49th pick is averaging 21.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists and one steal on 39% shooting from 3-point range in 21 games with the Cleveland Charge in the G League. He has produced three 30-point games, including a season-high 38 points on Jan. 6.

The Rising Stars game will feature four seven-player teams competing in a three-game tournament for the third straight year. The two semifinal games will be played to a target score of 40. The championship game will be played to a target score of 25.

The pool of players for the game consists of 11 rookies, 10 second-year players and seven players from the G League. The 21 players in the NBA were drafted onto three teams and the seven players in the G League comprise the fourth team.

Hall of Famer Pau Gasol returns as one of the four honorary head coaches for the event. Joining Gasol are Indiana Fever legend Tamika Catchings and former Indiana Pacers standouts Jalen Rose and Detlef Schrempf, who will lead the G League team.

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NBA Rising Stars 2024: Full rosters revealed in draft announcement

The NBA on Tuesday unveiled the four seven-player teams for the 2024 NBA Rising Stars game.

The NBA on Tuesday unveiled the four seven-player teams for the 2024 NBA Rising Stars game on Feb. 16 as part of All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The event will feature four seven-player teams competing in a three-game tournament for the third straight year. The two semifinal games will be played to a target score of 40. The championship game will be played to a target score of 25.

The pool of players for the game consists of 11 rookies, 10 second-year players and seven players from the G League. The 21 players in the NBA will be drafted onto three teams. The seven players in the G League will comprise the fourth team.

The players from the NBA were selected by assistant coaches. The players from the G League were selected by the league office. Each team submitted a rookie ballot and a sophomore ballot featuring four frontcourt players, four guards and two additional players of any position.

Hall of Famer Pau Gasol will return as one of the four honorary head coaches for the event. Joining Gasol are Indiana Fever legend Tamika Catchings and former Indiana Pacers standouts Jalen Rose and Detlef Schrempf, who will lead the G League team.

Here are the rosters drafted by Gasol, Catchings and Rose.

2024 NBA Mock Draft: Latest first-round projections at midway point of season

Rookie Wire took a look at the 2024 NBA draft class and where the top prospects stand as of Feb. 1.

The top NBA draft prospects worldwide have collectively reached the second halves of their respective seasons as they look to showcase themselves in front of scouts and executives.

The class this year has seen several players help their stock, while others have struggled and fallen down draft boards. Some players have also dealt with recent injuries and other factors that have prevented them from reaching their potential.

The draft is widely considered open at the top of the board, with several prospects in the conversation to be the first selection. Unlike last year, when Victor Wembanyama was the consensus No. 1 pick, there is no clear-cut choice this year.

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Prospects will continue to see their standing fluctuate over the remaining two-plus months of action on the court as scouts have more time to evaluate them. The sheer unknown atop the draft board should create plenty of storylines to follow over the remainder of the season.

The NBA announced on Wednesday that the draft will be expanded to a two-night format, with the first round set to take place on June 26 at the Barclays Center. The second round will be at ESPN’s Seaport District Studios in New York the following night.

Rookie Wire looked at the class and where the top prospects stand at this point of the season. The order was determined by the reverse order of the NBA standings as of Feb. 1.

Note: Player fit wasn’t necessarily taken into account with each pick. Pick protections and other notes courtesy of Tankathon.

NBA Rising Stars 2024: Player pool revealed for annual showcase at All-Star Weekend

The NBA on Tuesday unveiled the list of 28 players set to participate in the annual Rising Stars game on Feb. 16 at All-Star Weekend.

The NBA on Tuesday unveiled the list of 28 players set to participate in the annual Rising Stars game on Feb. 16 as part of All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The event will feature four seven-player teams competing in a three-game tournament for the third straight year. The two semifinal games will be played to a target score of 40. The championship game will be played to a target score of 25.

The pool of players for the game consists of 11 rookies, 10 second-year players and seven players from the G League. The 21 players in the NBA will be drafted onto three teams and the seven players in the G League will comprise the fourth team.

The players from the NBA were selected by assistant coaches. The players from the G League were selected by the league office. Each team submitted a rookie ballot and a sophomore ballot featuring four frontcourt players, four guards and two additional players of any position.

Hall of Famer Pau Gasol will return as one of the four honorary head coaches for the event. Joining Gasol are Indiana Fever legend Tamika Catchings and former Indiana Pacers standouts Jalen Rose and Detlef Schrempf, who will lead the G League team.

Assistant coaches from the NBA All-Star Game coaching staffs will join the honorary head coaches in coaching the Rising Stars teams. The NBA All-Star Game coaching staffs for both the Eastern and Western Conferences have yet to be determined.

TNT will televise the competition beginning at 9 p.m. EST.