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Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama voted best defender in anonymous player poll

Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama was voted the best defender in the NBA in an anonymous poll of 142 players.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama was voted the best defender in the NBA in an anonymous poll of 142 players conducted by The Athletic over the last month of the season.

Wembanyama finished his first season averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.6 blocks and 1.2 steals in 71 games. He led the league in blocked shots and registered the most 30-point games (11) by a rookie since Trae Young in the 2018-19 season.

The 7-footer also ranked second in defensive box plus-minus (plus-3.3), fifth in defensive win shares (4.4), eighth in rebounds and 21st in steals. He registered the most games with at least five blocks (24); the next highest player has nine (Brook Lopez).

Poll: Who is the best defender?

  1. Victor Wembanyama, Spurs: 15.2%
  2. Jrue Holiday, Boston Celtics: 12.9%
  3. Lu Dort, Oklahoma City Thunder: 9.8%
  4. Herb Jones, New Orleans Pelicans: 8.3%
  5. Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota Timberwolves: 8.3%

Wembanyama, who is the front-runner to win Rookie of the Year, was named a finalist on Sunday for Defensive Player of the Year, joining Miami Heat forward Bam Adebayo and Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, who is the favorite to win.

The 20-year-old earned public praise from his peers throughout the year for his overall ability and skill set. Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green picked him to win the award, while Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving signed off on him to be in the running for it.

Wembanyama achieved numerous other accomplishments, including becoming the youngest player in history to register a 5×5 game and recording a triple-double with blocks. In other words, he should be in store for plenty of recognition in the end-of-season awards races.

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Projected lottery pick Cody Williams declares for 2024 NBA draft

Williams was named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team after averaging 11.9 points, three rebounds and 1.6 assists.

Colorado freshman Cody Williams told Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN on Monday that he will forgo his remaining college eligibility and declare for the 2024 NBA draft.

Williams was named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team after averaging 11.9 points, three rebounds and 1.6 assists on 41.5% shooting from 3-point range in 24 games. He was second on the team in shooting percentage and blocks (16) while ranking third in scoring.

The 6-foot-8 forward entered the season in the conversation to be the No. 1 pick this year but missed time with various injuries. He showcased himself at a high level over the first half of the season and had flashes of what made him a top prospect.

Williams, the younger brother of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams, is projected to be a lottery pick with his size and reported 7-foot, 1-inch wingspan. On offense, he can easily get into the paint and throw down emphatic dunks.

The 19-year-old projects to fit well with any team drafting early in the first round. He has all of the necessary tools that should make for a smooth transition to the next level, though he will need to show teams he is healthy during the pre-draft process.

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

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EuroCup Rising Star Zaccharie Risacher declares for 2024 NBA draft

Risacher, named the 2024 EuroCup Rising Star, is averaging 10.5 points and 3.4 rebounds on 38.6% shooting from 3-point range with JL Bourg.

Zaccharie Risacher, a 6-foot-10 forward with JL Bourg in France, told Jonathan Givony of ESPN on Monday that he had filed to declare for the 2024 NBA draft.

Risacher, named the 2024 EuroCup Rising Star, is averaging 10.5 points and 3.4 rebounds on 38.6% shooting from 3-point range in 53 games. He became the first French player to be named the EuroCup Rising Star and joined Kristaps Porzingis and Jonas Valanciunas as recipients.

JL Bourg advanced to the EuroCup Finals this season and is in third place in the French League. Risacher has played an integral role after establishing himself as one of the top international prospects behind his best season as a professional.

Risacher, who turned 19 this month, is the front-runner to be the No. 1 pick this year. He is highly touted for his passing, playmaking on offense and shooting ability. He also brings defensive versatility, given his size and ability to guard multiple positions.

He projects to be able to step in immediately and contribute at the next level. He has a smooth and quick release that enables him to pull up from all over the court, while his ability on defense should be something that fits in with any team drafting first this year.

Risacher has also represented France multiple times at the junior level, most recently in the 2023 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup. He averaged 7.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists in seven games as France won the silver medal.

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

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Dan Hurley reacts to Stephon Castle declaring for 2024 NBA draft

Castle was named the Big East Freshman of the Year after averaging 11.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists.

UConn freshman Stephon Castle told Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN on Friday that he will forgo his remaining college eligibility and declare for the 2024 NBA draft.

Castle was named the Big East Freshman of the Year after averaging 11.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists on 47.2% shooting from the field. He is the sixth player in program history to win the award and the first since Daniel Hamilton in the 2014-15 season.

The 6-foot-6 guard emerged as a key player for the Huskies this year, helping them win their second straight national championship. He totaled 36 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in two games in the Final Four as UConn knocked off Alabama and Purdue.

His coach, Dan Hurley, praised him after his draft announcement.

Castle is viewed as a potential lottery pick after a strong campaign. He has emerged as a great perimeter defender with his size, versatility and instincts. He was often matched up with the opposing teams’ best players and made life difficult for them.

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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UConn sophomore Alex Karaban to declare for NBA draft, retain eligibility

Karaban helped the Huskies to their second straight title, averaging 13.3 points and 5.1 rebounds on 37.9% shooting from 3-point range.

UConn sophomore Alex Karaban announced Thursday on social media that he will declare for the 2024 NBA draft while retaining his remaining college eligibility.

Karaban helped the Huskies to their second straight championship after averaging 13.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists on 37.9% shooting from 3-point range. He produced eight 20-point games, including a season-high 26 points and seven rebounds on Dec. 9.

The 21-year-old joins teammate Donovan Clingan in declaring for the draft this year, while Stephon Castle, Tristen Newton and Cam Spencer are also expected to enter. Clingan and Castle are projected to be lottery picks.

Karaban isn’t projected to be drafted, though he will have the opportunity to improve his stock in team interviews and workouts. He could also be invited to compete in the G League Elite Camp or draft combine next month in Chicago, Illinois.

He has until May 29 to withdraw from the draft and return to school.

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Report: All-Pac-12 guard Pelle Larsson to forgo eligibility after declaring for NBA draft

Larsson was named to the All-Pac-12 second team after averaging 12.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists.

Arizona senior Pelle Larsson will reportedly forgo his remaining college eligibility and enter the 2024 NBA draft, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN.

Larsson was named to the All-Pac-12 second team after averaging 12.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists on 42.6% shooting from 3-point range in 36 games. He scored in double figures 27 times, including a season-high 27 points, eight assists and seven rebounds on Feb. 8.

The 6-foot-6 guard became the 55th player in program history to score 1,000 career points after three years (1,073). He is one of seven players in the country since the 1996-97 season to record at least 1,200 points, 500 rebounds and 100 steals on 49% shooting from the field.

Larsson, who was born in Sweden, began playing professional basketball at 16 years old. He played one season each with RIG Lulea and BC Lulea in the Swedish Basketball League before joining Utah as a freshman for the 2020-21 season.

The 23-year-old has represented Sweden at the junior several times and once at the senior level, most recently in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup European qualifiers. He averaged 6.3 points and two rebounds in four appearances.

Larsson is considered a potential second-round pick in the draft this year, given his ability to affect games in a variety of ways. He can score at each level and is highly touted for his vision, acting as a connector on offense at times.

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

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Sharpshooter Reed Sheppard announces decision to declare for NBA draft

Sheppard was the only player in the country to record at least 145 assists, 80 steals and 75 3-pointers.

Kentucky freshman Reed Sheppard announced Thursday on social media that he will forgo his remaining college eligibility and declare for the 2024 NBA draft.

Sheppard was named the SEC Freshman of the Year after averaging 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.5 steals on 52.1% shooting from 3-point range. He had seven 20-point games, including a season-high 32 points and the game-winning shot on Feb. 27 against Mississippi State.

He was also named to the All-SEC second team.

The 6-foot-3 guard led the country in 3-point percentage and finished 10th in total steals (82). He was the only player in the country to record at least 145 assists, 80 steals and 75 3-pointers, and just the second in program history with 80 or more steals in a season.

Sheppard is projected to be a lottery pick this year. He is considered perhaps the best shooter in the draft after converting at an absurd clip on 4.4 attempts per game. He connected on at least three 3-pointers 12 times and twice hit seven 3s in a game.

The 19-year-old has been more than a shooter, though, ranking 13th in the country in defensive box plus-minus (plus-5.0) and 12th in steal percentage (4.6). He has a knack for picking up full court at times and has shown tremendous instincts on that end of the floor.

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

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Pacers’ Oscar Tshiebwe headlines 2023-24 G League All-Rookie Team

Tshiebwe was named the G League Rookie of the Year after averaging 15.9 points, 15.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists with the Indiana Mad Ants.

Indiana Pacers center Oscar Tshiebwe and Los Angeles Clippers guard Jordan Miller were among the players named to the 2023-24 G League All-Rookie Team, which was released on Thursday.

Tshiebwe was named the G League Rookie of the Year on April 2 after averaging 15.9 points, 15.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists on 57.3% shooting from the field in 34 games with the Indiana Mad Ants. He led the G League in rebounding and was second in double-doubles (28).

He was also named to the All-G League first team.

Miller was runner-up for G League Rookie of the Year, averaging 20.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, two assists and 1.2 steals with the Ontario Clippers. He ranked fourth in total points (814) among first-year players and 24th in total rebounds (245).

Tshiebwe and Miller are joined by Chicago Bulls center Adama Sanogo, Philadelphia 76ers guard Terquavion Smith and Santa Cruz Warriors guard Kendric Davis, the only player not signed to a two-way contract. Sanogo was also named to the All-G League third team.

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Mavericks’ Jason Kidd provides practice update on Dereck Lively II

Lively has participated fully in two practice sessions this week after missing the last eight games of the season with a knee sprain.

Dallas Mavericks rookie Dereck Lively II has participated fully in two practice sessions this week after missing the last eight games of the season with a knee sprain, coach Jason Kidd said on Thursday.

Lively sustained the injury on March 31 in a win over the Houston Rockets. He appears to be trending toward playing on Sunday as the No. 5 Mavericks begin the first round of the playoffs against the fourth-seeded Los Angeles Clippers.

The 12th pick is practicing following the passing of his mother, Kathy Drysdale, on April 12 after an 11-year battle with cancer. He penned a touching tribute and wore a No. 42 Mavericks jersey with her name inscribed on it that evening on the bench as the team hosted Detroit.

Kidd was in awe of his strength to remain with the team.

He has done incredible. He is an incredible young man, and his spirit is in a good place of what he is going through off the floor. You wouldn’t know with the way that he practiced today. We all know being with him yesterday of what he is going through, so as a 20-year-old, he has been incredible. We’re here to support what he is going through off the floor, but he came to work today and did a great job.

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Lively emerged as a key player for the Mavericks in the starting lineup and as a reserve this season; the team posted a 16-6 record when he scored in double figures. He has been a force on the glass and has provided tremendous rim protection since joining the team.

The 7-footer averaged 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.1 assists on 74.7% shooting from the field in 55 games this season. He led the rookie class in field-goal percentage and finished third in blocks and rebounds per game.

Lively finished the season with the highest field-goal percentage by any rookie in history. He also became just the fifth rookie to record two games with at least 20 points on 90% shooting from the field or better in the same season.

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Danny Ainge confirms Jazz rookies will play in summer league

Danny Ainge confirmed this week that Taylor Hendricks, Keyonte George and Brice Sensabaugh will suit up in summer league.

Utah Jazz CEO Danny Ainge confirmed this week that Taylor Hendricks, Keyonte George and Brice Sensabaugh will be among the players to suit up for the team in summer league.

The Jazz introduced the trio this season after drafting them in the first round of last year’s draft. They each contributed at various times throughout the year with the Jazz, and a couple of them even saw time in the G League with the Salt Lake City Stars.

The organization has formulated an offseason plan for them to take the next step in their development. The upcoming summer will require plenty of work on and off the court, Ainge said, but the players appear ready for the challenge.

We’ve organized plans for them for the whole summer. I think they’re excited about it but it is going to be tough. It is going to be a lot of work. They will play in the summer league, assuming they’re healthy and still doing well. We plan on them playing in the summer league, along with whatever draft picks we have, Darius Bazley and Kenny Lofton. Those guys are in our plans and will be with us throughout the summer.

Hendricks, the ninth pick, averaged 7.3 points and 4.6 rebounds on 37.9% shooting from 3-point range in 40 appearances. He joined the rotation from the G League just before the All-Star break and played a large role with the team down the stretch.

George emerged as the player most ready to contribute, averaging 13 points, 4.4 assists and 2.8 rebounds in 75 games. The 16th pick finished sixth in scoring among first-year players and is a strong choice to be named to the NBA All-Rookie first team.

Sensabaugh spent most of the season in the G League, though played 32 games with the Jazz. He produced his best stretch at the end of the season, averaging 13.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists on 43.2% shooting from 3-point range over the last eight games.

Jazz coach Will Hardy gave Hendricks and Sensabaugh a larger role down the stretch with mounting injuries and the season out of reach. They offered a glimpse of what they can bring nightly and will now head into what projects will be a big summer for their future

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