Owls

With just days left until the 2024-25 NBA season tips off, the Eastern Conference teams are settled, prepped, and ready for action. The offseason moves are done, rosters are set, and almost everyone&rsquo;s locked in for what&rsquo;s shaping up to be an intense race. From title contenders to dark horses, the East is packed with teams ready to make noise. So, let&rsquo;s dive into the top 15 teams in the East as we gear up for this brand-new season&mdash;no fluff, just what you need to know.
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">New York Knicks The Knicks made significant moves this offseason, adding Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges while retaining key pieces like Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby. With depth, defense, and firepower, they look primed for a deep playoff run. After a 50-win season in 2023-24, they now have realistic championship aspirations and could be the biggest threat to the Celtics in the East.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Boston Celtics The defending champions kept their core intact, extending Jayson Tatum and Derrick White. With Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Jrue Holiday leading a formidable lineup, the Celtics are aiming to repeat as NBA champions. Despite concerns about Al Horford&rsquo;s age and frontcourt health, Boston remains the favorite heading into the 2024-25 season.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Milwaukee Bucks The Bucks didn&rsquo;t make major changes but added depth with Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright. After an injury-plagued season from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, Milwaukee looks to bounce back under returning head coach Doc Rivers. With questions surrounding Lillard&rsquo;s form and Middleton&rsquo;s durability, the Bucks remain playoff contenders, but how far they go will depend on health and chemistry.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Philadelphia 76ers The 76ers had a big offseason, adding Paul George, Andre Drummond, and Caleb Martin to support Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Maxey&rsquo;s rise as a star solidifies Philly&rsquo;s title hopes, and Embiid&rsquo;s MVP-level play is crucial for their success. With an improved supporting cast, the Sixers could be serious challengers in the East, but Embiid&rsquo;s health remains the key.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cleveland Cavaliers After a solid 48-win season, the Cavs focused on continuity by keeping their core of Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. New coach Kenny Atkinson brings fresh leadership, and Cleveland hopes to build on last season&rsquo;s playoff run. With a healthier roster and improved coaching, the Cavs could reach 50 wins and challenge the top teams in the East.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Indiana Pacers The Pacers had a quiet offseason but retained Pascal Siakam and made a key addition in James Wiseman. Tyrese Haliburton&rsquo;s breakout season makes Indiana a team to watch, and they&rsquo;re looking to build on their deep playoff run. With improved chemistry and young talent, Indiana could surprise as a top-five team in the East.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Orlando Magic The Magic are banking on internal growth, led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. After winning 47 games and making the playoffs last season, they added veteran Kentavious Caldwell-Pope for shooting and leadership. With a young core developing, Orlando could win 50 games if they continue their upward trend and improve their perimeter shooting.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Miami Heat The Heat had a quiet offseason, adding Alec Burks while re-signing key players like Bam Adebayo. With Jimmy Butler&rsquo;s future uncertain and health concerns for both Butler and Tyler Herro, Miami could face challenges in a competitive Eastern Conference. However, Adebayo&rsquo;s All-NBA-level play will keep them in the playoff hunt.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Atlanta Hawks The Hawks overhauled their roster after a disappointing 36-46 season, headlined by trading Dejounte Murray and acquiring the No. 1 pick, Zaccharie Risacher. With Trae Young remaining the focal point, the Hawks are banking on Risacher&rsquo;s development and contributions from new additions like Larry Nance Jr. and Dyson Daniels. This team looks poised to contend for a Play-In spot but lacks the co-star power needed for a deep playoff run.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Charlotte Hornets The Hornets enter the season with fresh energy, thanks to the hiring of new coach Charles Lee and the re-signing of Miles Bridges. With LaMelo Ball back healthy and Brandon Miller continuing to impress after an All-Rookie season, Charlotte&rsquo;s young core could surprise many. If Ball stays on the floor and their youth develops quickly, the Hornets might find themselves contending for a Play-In spot and shaking off years of underachievement.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Detroit Pistons The Pistons are looking to turn the page on a tough 2023-24 season and have made moves to fast-track their rebuild. With Cade Cunningham healthy, new leadership under J.B. Bickerstaff, and rookie Ron Holland adding spark, Detroit could outperform expectations. If Cunningham returns to form and the team gels quickly, don&rsquo;t be surprised if the Pistons emerge as a dark horse in the East.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Toronto Raptors The Raptors are in transition, keeping their young core of Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley intact. After a poor finish to last season, Toronto is betting on Barnes&rsquo; continued growth and the addition of Davion Mitchell to improve their fortunes. While their ceiling might be a Play-In appearance, the Raptors are hoping their trio can take a big step forward.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Chicago Bulls The Bulls traded DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, adding Josh Giddey and Jalen Smith to the mix. Zach LaVine&rsquo;s injury history remains a concern, but the Bulls are counting on Coby White&rsquo;s emergence and the potential of lottery pick Matas Buzelis. Chicago is likely to be a competitive team some nights, but they may struggle to rise above the Play-In threshold.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Brooklyn Nets The Nets are entering a rebuild after trading Mikal Bridges and Lonnie Walker. With a young roster led by Nic Claxton and Cam Thomas, Brooklyn&rsquo;s focus is on player development. Ben Simmons remains a question mark, but the team&rsquo;s recent moves set them up for future success with significant draft assets. A playoff berth seems unlikely as they look to position themselves for a high draft pick.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Washington Wizards The Wizards continue their rebuild with the addition of Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick. With Malcolm Brogdon and Saddiq Bey joining the squad, Washington hopes to see growth from young talents like Bilal Coulibaly. However, they&rsquo;re still far from playoff contention and will likely be looking at another lottery-bound season.</li>
</ol>

Let's dive into the top 15 teams in the East as we gear up for this brand-new season.

2024-2025 NBA Eastern Conference Power Rankings: A new number one arises at the top

After a long four-month offseason, the 2023-24 NBA season officially kicks off on October 24. Preseason action is currently underway, with teams evaluating their roster and getting ready for the start of the regular season.
There were a few roster rule changes of note this offseason that were introduced as part of the new CBA. Now, each team can sign up to three two-way players (up from two) who are able to play up to 50 games with their NBA team and spend the rest of their season in the G League. Also, offseason rosters were originally limited to 20 players but have since increased to 21.&nbsp;
Each team needs to be at 15 standard contracts prior to the start of the season, which means a few players on guaranteed deals will have to be cut prior to the season. While some teams have a pretty set roster, others (like the Oklahoma City Thunder) will be forced to part ways with talented players to reach their roster limit.&nbsp;
Looking at the Atlantic Division, let's see how each team&rsquo;s lineup is shaping up and what questions they may need to answer before the start of the season.
(This is part one of a six-part series, with more divisional previews coming soon).
<h1>BOSTON CELTICS</h1>
Outside of the top-six players, who will be the most reliable depth option?
After acquiring Jrue Holiday, the Boston Celtics may have the best top-six of any team in the league. While we can add the Holiday trade to their list of aggressive offseason transactions, their depth has taken somewhat of a step back.&nbsp;
They will have to replace four rotation players from last year&rsquo;s Conference Finals team with a few players who don&rsquo;t have much experience in playoff situations. Three players who should definitely see more minutes are Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser and Luke Kornet. Pritchard has played well on both ends of the floor when given an opportunity, notably shooting 40% from three-point range over his first three seasons. The Celtics rewarded him with a team-friendly extension that should see him take up about 5% of the salary cap over the next four years. Hauser has also been a stellar three-point shooter, knocking down 42% since coming into the league.&nbsp;
The frontcourt is probably the most notable weakness on the team&rsquo;s depth chart. Joe Mazzulla has expressed confidence that <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/2023/10/7/23907608/boston-celtics-depth-sam-hauser-luke-kornet-payton-pritchard-joe-mazzulla-blake-griffin-bus-one-boys" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kornet should be successful on both ends of the floor and will be their go-to backup center to start the season.</a> The preseason will be important in determining who else (i.e. Oshae Brissett, Jordan Walsh, Svi Mykhailiuk, etc.) may stand out for Mazzulla and get an opportunity for playing time behind Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis.&nbsp;
Roster Decisions
The Celtics have the least amount of players on guaranteed contracts in the league (10). However, their roster for opening night is likely set unless they want to open up flexibility to sign other veteran players or buyout candidates later this season. If they choose to cut someone, it would very likely be a player on a non-guaranteed deal. Mykhailiuk and Dalano Banton each have a partial $200,000 guarantee that increases to over $1,000,000 if they make the roster. Kornet, Wenyen Gabriel and Lamar Stevens all have non-guaranteed contracts.&nbsp;
Rotation
Current Roster Count: 19 players (10 guaranteed, 2 partially guaranteed, 3 non-guaranteed, 3 two-way, 1 Exhibit-10)
Projected Starters: G Jrue Holiday, G/F Jaylen Brown, F Jayson Tatum, F/C Al Horford, F/C Kristaps Porzingis
Projected Rotation Players: G Derrick White, G Payton Pritchard, C Luke Kornet (non-guaranteed), F Sam Hauser, F Oshae Brissett
Projected Reserves: F Jordan Walsh, G/F Svi Mykhailiuk ($200K guaranteed), F Wenyen Gabriel (non-guaranteed), G Dalano Banton ($200K guaranteed), F Lamar Stevens (non-guaranteed)
Projected Two-Way Players: C Neemias Queta, G JD Davison, G Jay Scrubb (Injured)
Projected Roster Cuts: G DJ Steward (Exhibit-10)
<h1>BROOKLYN NETS</h1>
What is Ben Simmons' role?
Ben Simmons has only played 42 games since being acquired by the Nets in February 2022, dealing with physical and psychological hurdles that have made him somewhat of an afterthought. Head coach Jacque Vaughn has expressed confidence that Simmons is now 100% healthy and ready to contribute again at a high level.&nbsp;
He seems to be penciled in as the team&rsquo;s starting point guard, starting in the Nets&rsquo; first preseason game. Though it was just a small 14-minute sample size, Simmons looked a lot like his former All-Star self. Having not played since February 15, he looked athletic, aggressive and confident before sitting out the second half.&nbsp;
&ldquo;He attacked the rim, I think he played with pace, looked pretty natural out there getting up and down the floor, communicating with guys into the flow of the game,&rdquo; Vaughn said, <a href="https://nypost.com/2023/10/10/ben-simmons-passes-eye-test-in-nets-preseason-opener/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">praising his $38-million man</a>. &ldquo;Really good to see.&rdquo;
Vaughn has some options when it comes to starting lineups where he could go smaller, with a backcourt of Simmons and Spencer Dinwiddie, or decide to start Dorian Finney-Smith and use Mikal Bridges as a big two-guard.&nbsp;
Roster Decisions
Darius Bazley, Harry Giles and Trendon Watford are all on non-guaranteed deals and are vying for the final two roster spots. The Nets also have an open two-way spot, which I believe they could potentially use on a player like <a href="https://www.si.com/college/tennessee/mens-basketball/kennedy-chandler-starring-in-nba-summer-league" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Summer League standout</a> and former Memphis Grizzlies second-rounder Kennedy Chandler.&nbsp;
Rotation
Current Roster Count: 18 players (13 guaranteed, 3 non-guaranteed, 2 two-way)
Projected Starters: G/F Ben Simmons, G Spencer Dinwiddie, F Mikal Bridges, F Cameron Johnson, C Nicolas Claxton
Projected Rotation Players: F Dorian Finney-Smith, F Royce O&rsquo;Neale, G Cameron Thomas, G Dennis Smith Jr., C Day&rsquo;Ron Sharpe
Projected Reserves: G/F Lonnie Walker IV, C Noah Clowney, F Dariq Whitehead, F Darius Bazley (Non-Guaranteed), C Harry Giles (Non-Guaranteed)
Projected Two-way Players: G Armoni Brooks, F Jalen Wilson, G Kennedy Chandler* (Projected Signing)
Projected Roster Cuts: F Trendon Watford (Non-Guaranteed)
<h1>NEW YORK KNICKS</h1>
Who will be the first option off the bench?
New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau has his fair share of options to headline his second unit. In his third year, Immanuel Quickley had his best season to date, finishing as the runner-up for the Sixth Man of the Year award behind Malcolm Brogdon. Quickley was the primary scorer for the second unit, but he shouldn&rsquo;t have to carry the entire load on offense with the addition of Donte DiVincenzo.&nbsp;
DiVincenzo impressed last season with the Golden State Warriors as a reliable bench shooter and should spot minutes for Quentin Grimes and R.J. Barrett when offensive pushes are needed. Josh Hart could also be the team&rsquo;s sixth man, just like he was during the Knicks&rsquo; playoff run. After being traded from Portland, Hart averaged 30 minutes per game despite coming off the bench most of the time. It is worth noting the Knicks-Villanova connection between Hart, DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson, who should fit seamlessly together on the floor thanks to their pre-existing chemistry. While unlikely to be the first off the bench, Isaiah Hartenstein also deserves mention since he has been one of the league&rsquo;s better backup centers and could see more time if Mitchell Robinson gets in foul trouble. In terms of rotation issues, Thibodeau should see this as a good problem to have regardless of who he brings off the bench first.&nbsp;
Roster Decisions
The Knicks have three spots up for grabs between Ryan Arcidiacono, DaQuan Jeffries, Isaiah Roby and Duane Washington Jr. All are on non-guaranteed deals that won&rsquo;t be fully guaranteed until the league-wide guarantee date on January 10.&nbsp;
Rotation
Current Roster Count: 21 players (12 guaranteed, 4 non-guaranteed, 3 two-way, 2 Exhibit-10)
Projected Starters: G Jalen Brunson, G Quentin Grimes, G/F R.J. Barrett, F Julius Randle, C Mitchell Robinson
Projected Rotation Players: G Josh Hart, G Immanuel Quickley, G Donte DiVincenzo, C Isaiah Hartenstein, G Miles McBride
Projected Reserves: G Evan Fournier, C Jericho Sims, F Isaiah Roby (non-guaranteed), G Ryan Arcidiacono (non-guaranteed), G/F DaQuan Jeffries (non-guaranteed)
Projected Two-way Players: F/C Nathan Knight, G/F Dylan Windler, F Jaylen Martin
Projected Roster Cuts: G Duane Washington Jr. (non-guaranteed), G Charlie Brown Jr. (Exhibit-10), F Jacob Toppin (Exhibit-10)
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/embiid332.jpg" alt="" width="672" height="440" />
<h1>PHILADELPHIA 76ERS</h1>
Will Tyrese Maxey become more of a creator and how can that adjust the rotation?
The Sixers&rsquo; ceiling is contingent on how much Tyrese Maxey can improve this season. Maxey hasn&rsquo;t needed to be the team&rsquo;s primary distributor since James Harden joined the team, allowing him to blossom into a reliable 20-PPG scorer. Regardless of whether Harden&rsquo;s trade situation is resolved, Maxey will need to become a better creator and distributor if he wants to take his game to the next level. Prior to Harden&rsquo;s arrival, Maxey had an impressive 4:1 assist-to-turnover ratio despite his small frame and risk-averse tendencies.&nbsp;
Interestingly, team president Daryl Morey has held off on giving Maxey an extension this offseason, electing to wait until next summer to pay his budding young guard. Maxey will likely demand near max-level money that could harm Philly&rsquo;s flexibility to go after star players next offseason. If he can improve his ball-handling and distribution tendencies, the Sixers&rsquo; offense should benefit tremendously, helping the offensive output of players like P.J. Tucker and Paul Reed and easing the reliance on De&rsquo;Anthony Melton and Patrick Beverley.
Roster Decisions
Two players will likely be fighting for the Sixers&rsquo; final roster spot. The team re-signed veteran Danny Green, who played for the team from 2020 to 2022, to a non-guaranteed deal. They also brought over young big Filip Petrusev, who was drafted by Philadelphia in 2021. Petrusev signed a multi-year deal that was partially guaranteed for $559,782 this season and non-guaranteed next year. Although unlikely, the 76ers could also elect to waive Montrezl Harrell despite his deal being fully guaranteed, as he should miss this season with a torn ACL.
Rotation
Current Roster Count: 21 players (14 guaranteed, 1 partially Guaranteed, 1 non-guaranteed, 3 two-way, 2 Exhibit-10)
Projected Starters: G Tyrese Maxey, G James Harden, F P.J. Tucker, F Tobias Harris, C Joel Embiid
Projected Rotation Players: G De&rsquo;Anthony Melton, G Patrick Beverley, F/C Paul Reed, F/G Kelly Oubre Jr., F Danuel House
Projected Reserves: C Mo Bamba, F Furkan Korkmaz, G Jaden Springer, G/F Danny Green (non-guaranteed), C Montrezl Harrell (injured)
Projected Two-way Players: G Terquavion Smith, G Ricky Council IV, F Azuolas Tubelis
Projected Roster Cuts: F/C Filip Petrusev ($559,782 guaranteed), G David Duke Jr. (Exhibit-10), G Javonte Smart (Exhibit-10)
<h1>TORONTO RAPTORS</h1>
What style does Darko Rajakovic bring to Toronto and who will benefit the most?
New coach Darko Rajakovic inherits an interesting Raptors team with plenty of talent, but they may be facing a crossroads in terms of how successful they can be as a group. Rajakovic is in his first NBA head coaching gig after three seasons as an assistant with the Grizzlies and is known around the league as a pick-and-roll guru.&nbsp;
The idea of the Raptors being a primary pick-and-roll team became less appealing when they were unable to retain Fred VanVleet in free agency, replacing him with a less reliable shooter in Dennis Schr&ouml;der. Instead, Rajakovic will likely rely on Schr&ouml;der and his newly paid center Jakob Poeltl for more ball movement and playmaking. Rajakovic compared Poeltl to Domantas Sabonis before the Raptors&rsquo; preseason win over the Sacramento Kings on October 9 and could use him in a similar role. If Poeltl can be 70% of what Sabonis was last season, it can be a huge boost to an inconsistent offense.
Roster Decisions
The Raptors have 15 players on guaranteed deals going into the season, but also carry Jeff Dowtin Jr. on a non-guaranteed deal. Dowtin played on a two-way contract with Toronto last season, appearing in 25 games. With the roster full, Dowtin is unlikely to make the regular-season roster but he has still <a href="https://www.si.com/nba/raptors/news/toronto-raptors-praise-jeff-dowtin-jr-as-roster-decisions-await" target="_blank" rel="noopener">impressed the coaching staff this preseason</a>. If any player is in danger of losing their roster spot to Dowtin, it would likely be former first-round pick Malachi Flynn. Dowtin&rsquo;s deal becomes guaranteed for $900,000 on October 21, four days before the team&rsquo;s season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves. I would expect the Raptors to make a decision on Dowtin before then.&nbsp;
Rotation
Current Roster Count: 21 players (15 guaranteed, 1 non-guaranteed, 3 two-way, 2 Exhibit-10)
Projected Starters: G Dennis Schr&ouml;der, F/G Scottie Barnes, F OG Anunoby, F Pascal Siakam, C Jakob Poeltl
Projected Rotation Players: G Gary Trent Jr., F Precious Achiuwa, F/C Chris Boucher, F Jalen McDaniels, G/F Gradey Dick
Projected Reserves: F Thaddeus Young, G Malachi Flynn, F Otto Porter Jr., C Christian Koloko, G/F Garrett Temple
Projected Two-way Players: G/F Ron Harper Jr., G Markquis Nowell, G Javon Freeman-Liberty
Projected Roster Cuts: G Jeff Dowtin (non-guaranteed), F Mouhamadou Gueye (Exhibit-10), C Makur Maker (Exhibit-10)
Other news from around the web: <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/dress-to-impress-why-barbie-and-ken-are-the-hottest-couples-costume-this-halloween/ar-AA1iaTEh" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Barbie and Ken are the hottest couples costume this Halloween</a>

Blake Stern previews the Atlantic Division, breaking down each team's projected lineup and a burning question entering the season.

NBA Atlantic Division Preview: Burning questions, rotation projections

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) &mdash; Desmond Bane scored 30 points and keyed a fourth-quarter rally, Ja Morant added 23 points and nine assists and the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the short-handed Portland Trail Blazers 119-109 on Tuesday night.
Luke Kennard added 20 for Memphis, converting 6 of 10 3-pointers.
Skylar Mays, who signed a 10-day contract with Portland last weekend, led the Trail Blazers with 24 points and seven assists. Shaedon Sharpe added 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Jabari Walker finished with 16 points.
Portland held the lead with nine minutes left, but Bane connected on a trio of 3-pointers over a four-minute stretch midway through the fourth. That was part of a 22-2 Memphis run to put away the feisty Trail Blazers.
&ldquo;We tied it up, and we went on a nice run,&rdquo; Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said of the fourth quarter when Memphis outscored Portland 23-14. &ldquo;Des (Bane) helped spark that.&rdquo;
As it has in recent games, Portland played without key pieces, such as leading scorers Damian Lillard (32.2 points a game), Anfernee Simons (21.1 points) and Jerami Grant (20.5 points), along with top rebounder Jusuf Nurkic (9.1 boards per game).
That left a number of reserves to carry the Trail Blazers, who are out of the playoff hunt. But Portland coach Chauncey Billups praised his team for their fortitude in a hostile environment.&nbsp;
Memphis not only won its 50th game of the year, but finished the season 35-6 at home, clinching the best home slate in the league.
&ldquo;I thought we definitely played hard,&rdquo; said Walker, who was 6 of 11 from the field, including a trio of 3-pointers. &ldquo;We were in it the whole game, and that speaks volumes to all the guys, how competitive we are and how much heart we have.&rdquo;
The Trail Blazers chipped away at a 19-point Memphis lead in the first half when the Grizzlies became lackadaisical with the ball. That, and a much more focused Portland defense, led to Memphis holding a slim 66-62 lead at the break.
&ldquo;We just went to old habits,&rdquo; Morant said of the lackluster play in the game&rsquo;s middle stages. &ldquo;Just no energy. That was pretty much it. We weren&rsquo;t taking them lightly at all. We&rsquo;d seen what they&rsquo;ve done the last couple of games.&rdquo;
At the start of the third quarter, Portland&rsquo;s intensity continued, and the Trail Blazers not only pulled even, but took the lead. They were still tied until Bane and the Grizzlies pulled away with the late burst.
&ldquo;For us to be able to stay together and come back and get a win was big-time,&rdquo; Morant said.
TIP-INS
Trail Blazers: Portland was one of the few visiting teams to defeat the Grizzlies this season, winning 122-112 on Feb. 1. ... Portland already had eight players listed as &ldquo;out&rdquo; with the early injury reports. By the time Billups got to the podium for his pregame comments, three more previously listed as questionable were not available. That left nine Trail Blazers in uniform. ... Jeenathan Williams, the rookie out of Buffalo signed by Portland on Saturday, started his first game and finished with four points.
Grizzlies: F Dillon Brooks took the night off with right hip soreness. Kennard started in Brooks&rsquo; spot. ... The win snapped a four-game losing streak to Portland at FedExForum.
KENNARD ACCURACY
Kennard started the game hitting all four of his 3-pointers before finishing 6 of 10 from outside the arc. He has made better than 50% of his 3-pointers since joining the Grizzlies in a trade deadline deal in February. Morant told Kennard to keep shooting when he is on that kind of streak. &ldquo;Whatever shot he likes, we love,&rdquo; Morant said.
UP NEXT
Trail Blazers: Play Thursday at San Antonio against the Spurs.
Grizzlies: Play the Pelicans in New Orleans on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Desmond Bane scored 30 points and keyed a fourth-quarter rally, Ja Morant added 23 points and 9 assists.

Bane’s late burst leads Grizzlies past Trail Blazers 119-109

CHICAGO (AP) &mdash; Zach LaVine scored 36 points, DeMar DeRozan added 31 and the Chicago Bulls used a huge second half to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 128-107 and overcome Ja Morant's triple-double on Sunday.
The Bulls outscored the Western Conference&rsquo;s second-place team 75-39 over the final two quarters after trailing by 23. They dominated the Grizzlies 40-16 in the third, ending it on a 17-0 run while taking the lead. And they responded with another big push in the fourth after Memphis pulled within three.
Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 31 points and made five 3-pointers for the Grizzlies, who had won eight of nine. Morant had 17 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, and Desmond Bane&nbsp;scored 21.
LaVine added nine assists during his big game for the Bulls, who committed just three turnovers while trying to hold on to a play-in spot in the Eastern Conference. Coby White had 19 points and Nikola Vucevic added 13 points and 10 rebounds.
The Grizzlies led by 23 in the first half and headed to the locker room up by 15 after making 13 of 25 3-pointers, only to get dominated 40-16 in the third. The Bulls scored the final 17 points of the quarter.
Chicago took its first lead at 85-84 when Patrick Williams tipped in White's missed 3 with 1:34 remaining and continued to add to it.
White and DeRozan converted three-point plays, and Ayo Dosunmu&nbsp;drove for a finger-roll layup in the closing seconds to give Chicago a nine-point lead.
Memphis got within 104-101 on Jackson's 3 midway through the fourth. But the Bulls answered with an 11-0 run.
It was quite a turnaround after Memphis just about buried the Bulls in the first half.
Jackson, who scored 13 in the first half, made three 3s. He hit two during a 15-2 run that broke open a 46-36 game, and Luke Kennard finished that burst with a 3 from the wing, making it 61-38 with just over five minutes left in the half.
TIP-INS
Grizzlies: G John Konchar&nbsp;was available after missing back-to-back games because of a sore left hip.
Bulls: The Bulls have not decided if G Alex Caruso (sore left foot) will miss a game when they host Atlanta on Tuesday and visit Milwaukee on Wednesday. &ldquo;We haven't predetermined, 'OK, we get to this back-to-back, this is what we're doing,'&rdquo; coach Billy Donovan said.
UP NEXT
Grizzlies: Host Portland on Tuesday.
Bulls: Host Atlanta on Tuesday.

Zach LaVine scored 36 points, DeMar DeRozan added 31 and the Bulls used a huge second half to beat the Grizzlies 128-107.

Zach LaVine scores 36 points, Bulls beat Grizzlies 128-107

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) &mdash; Luka Doncic finished with 25 points, seven rebounds and six assists just hours after his most recent technical foul and one-game suspension were rescinded Monday by the NBA and led the Dallas Mavericks past the Indiana Pacers 127-104.
The Mavericks snapped a four-game losing streak and remained in contention in the race for one of the final two play-in spots in the Western Conference. Kyrie Irving added 16 points and six assists for Dallas.
Indiana was led by Bennedict Mathurin, who scored 22 points, and Andrew Nembhard, who had 17 points, five rebounds and five assists on a night the Pacers were missing three starters and a key backup. The Pacers have lost three straight and six of eight as they move closer to locking up a lottery pick.
Doncic had picked up his 16th technical that was rescinded on Sunday in the team&rsquo;s second loss to Charlotte. The technical came with 7:51 remaining in the third quarter of a 110-104 loss when Doncic argued a no-call after missing a shot on a drive to the basket. Crew chief Kevin Scott said in a pool report after the game that Doncic used &ldquo;a profanity directed at the officials in protest to a no-call that was correctly judged in postgame video review.&rdquo;
TIMBERWOLVES 119, KINGS 115
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) &mdash; Jaden McDaniels scored 20 points and Minnesota spoiled Sacramento&rsquo;s bid to clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2006, the longest playoff drought in NBA history.
The Timberwolves won their fourth straight and completed a sweep of a back-to-back set at Golden State and Sacramento to tie the Warriors for sixth place in the Western Conference playoff race.
Naz Reid scored 18 points, Anthony Edwards had 17 and Rudy Gobert had 16 points and 16 rebounds in the win.
De&rsquo;Aaron Fox scored 29 points and Domantas Sabonis added 24 points and 10 rebounds for Sacramento, which shot 5 of 26 from 3-point distance.
The Kings will look to clinch a playoff berth when they travel to Portland for two games, starting Wednesday.
CLIPPERS 124, BULLS 112
LOS ANGELES (AP) &mdash; Nicolas Batum got all of his season-high 24 points on eight 3-pointers, and Eric Gordon added 22 points as Los Angeles beat Chicago.
Kawhi Leonard scored 22 points as the Clippers rebounded from an embarrassing loss to New Orleans with 20 3-pointers in an impressive outside shooting display led by Batum.
Russell Westbrook had 12 points, 10 assists and five rebounds as Los Angeles (40-36) kept hold of fifth place in the Western Conference standings and moved a half-game behind fourth-place Phoenix.
Zach LaVine scored 23 points and Nikola Vucevic had 20 points and eight rebounds for the Bulls, who followed up their impressive win over the Lakers on Sunday with a dud.
NUGGETS 116, 76ERS 111
DENVER (AP) &mdash; Nikola Jokic recorded his 29th triple double of the season and Denver beat short-handed Philadelphia in a game Joel Embiid sat out with a sore right calf.
That scuttled the highly anticipated showdown between MVP front-runners that many felt could have decided whether Embiid, the runner-up the last two years, denies Jokic a third consecutive award. With Embiid in the locker room, Jokic scored 25 points, pulled down 17 rebounds and dished out 12 assists.
Tyrese Maxey scored 23 of his 29 points in the first half as the Sixers dropped their third straight.
PELICANS 124, TRAIL BLAZERS 90
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) &mdash; Brandon Ingram scored 29 points and New Orleans routed short-handed Portland.
CJ McCollum, who played nine seasons with the Blazers before he was traded to the Pelicans last season, added 17 points. Jonas Valanciunas finished with 10 points and 21 rebounds, and New Orleans led by as many as 36.
Keon Johnson had 20 points off the bench for the Blazers, who have lost nine of 10 and will, in all likelihood, miss the playoffs for the second straight season &mdash; although they have not been mathematically eliminated. Most of their regular starters were out with injuries, including top scorer Damian Lillard (right calf), Jerami Grant (bruised left quad), Jusuf Nurkic (right knee) and Anfernee Simons (right foot).
SUNS 117, JAZZ 103
SAT LAKE CITY (AP) &mdash; Devin Booker scored 24 points and Phoenix reserves sparked the decisive run in a win over Utah.
Deandre Ayton had 14 points after missing four games with a bruised hip. But a trio off the bench was pivotal for Phoenix: Terrence Ross had 13 points, Cameron Payne added 12 and Bismack Biyombo scored 11.
The Suns (40-35) had lost four in a row on the road. But with this victory they sit more securely in the fourth spot in the Western Conference playoff race &mdash; which would give them home-court advantage in the first round.
Lauri Markkanen scored 25 points for Utah, but shot 6 for 22. Walker Kessler had 18 points and eight rebounds for the Jazz (35-40), who have lost four straight. Kessler also matched a career high with seven blocks.
KNICKS 137, ROCKETS 115
NEW YORK (AP) &mdash; Immanuel Quickley scored a career-high 40 points and Julius Randle had 26 as New York snapped a three-game losing streak with a win over Houston.
RJ Barrett added 19 points, Obi Toppin had 15 and Quinten Grimes scored 14 for the Knicks.
Quickley connected on 14 of 18 shots from the field and added nine assists. He started in place of Jalen Brunson, who missed his second straight game with a bruised right hand.
Kevin Porter Jr. led the Rockets with 26 points. Jalen Green had 19 and Kenyon Martin Jr. added 18 as Houston dropped its sixth straight game.
BUCKS 126, PISTONS 117
DETROIT (AP) &mdash; Khris Middleton scored 34 points against the team that drafted him and Milwaukee beat Detroit without Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Milwaukee improved to an NBA-best 54-21 despite the absences of Antetokounmpo (knee) and Jae Crowder (calf). Goran Dragic made his Bucks debut after signing with the team on March 4, but didn&rsquo;t score in nine minutes.
Brook Lopez had 24 points and 14 rebounds, Bobby Portis added 21 points and 14 rebounds, and Jevon Carter scored 22.
The Pistons got 32 points, eight rebounds and eight assists from Jaden Ivey, but lost their sixth straight game and 17th of 18. They are 1-13 against Central Division opponents.

A recap of Monday's slate of NBA games includes Doncic keeping the Mavs playoff hopes alive and a fourth straight Wolves win.

Luka Doncic powers Mavericks to 127-104 win over Pacers

OXFORD, Miss. (AP) &mdash; Zia Cooke scored five of her 24 points in overtime to help No. 1 South Carolina remain unbeaten with a 64-57 victory over Mississippi on Sunday.
The defending national champion Gamecocks (27-0, 14-0 Southeastern Conference) got one of their biggest scares of the season before winning their 33rd straight game. The Rebels (20-7, 9-5) never trailed by more than six points in regulation and flirted with their first win over a No. 1 team in 46 years.
Cooke had six rebounds and four assists to help off-set a 7-of-18 shooting performance. Aliyah Boston added 13 points and 11 rebounds on 4-of-14 shooting and didn&rsquo;t score in the first quarter.
The deep Gamecocks didn&rsquo;t get their usual supply of scoring help for the two stars, though Kamilla Cardoso had eight points and 11 boards.
Angel Baker led Ole Miss with 17 points.
No. 2 INDIANA 83, PURDUE 60
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) &mdash; Mackenzie Holmes scored 20 points, Grace Berger added 14 points and 10 assists and Indiana beat Purdue to clinch a share of its first Big Ten regular-season title in 40 years.
The Hoosiers (26-1, 16-1 Big Ten) won their 14th straight, matching the second-longest winning streak in school history, before cutting down the nets in front of the program&rsquo;s first home sellout. Indiana has broken the single-game attendance mark four times this season, this time celebrating its 18th straight home win in front of 17,222.
Lasha Petree led Purdue with 23 points and Abbey Elliss added 12. The Boilermakers (17-8, 8-7). have lost nine straight in this rivalry.
No. 4 UTAH 74, ARIZONA STATE 69
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) &mdash; Gianna Kneepkens scored 22 points and Jenna Johnson added 15 to push Utah to a Pac-12 victory over stubborn Arizona State.
The Utes (23-3, 13-3), who had a seven-game winning streak stopped at No. 18 Arizona on Friday, struggled to put away Arizona State without post player Alissa Pili.
Pili, the Pac-12&rsquo;s leading scorer at 20.7 points per game, did not play after suffering an apparent right ankle sprain the final minutes of the loss at Arizona. Her ankle was re-taped on the bench after the first quarter but she never entered the game.
Sydney Erikstrup had 15 points, Treasure Hunt had 13 and Kayla Mokwuah had 11 for the Sun Devils (7-18, 0-16), who lost their 16th straight game despite leading most of the way.
No. 5 LSU 90, FLORIDA 79
GAINSVILLE, Fla. (AP) &mdash; Angel Reese had her ninth first-half double-double, Jasmine Carson had a career-high five 3-pointers before the break, and LSU raced past Florida.
Reese finished with 25 points and 16 rebounds for her 25th double-double of the season, two shy of Sylvia Fowles&rsquo; LSU single-season record. She also had five assists, three blocks and two steals.
Carson also scored 25 points, a career-high, as the graduate transfer from West Virginia went 7 of 14 behind the arc, helping the Tigers (25-1, 13-1 Southeastern Conference) to a season-best 11 3s on 20 attempts. The last time LSU had a player hit seven 3-pointers was in 1997.
KK Deans, a West Virginia transfer, matched her career high with 30 points, for the Gators (14-13, 3-11), who have lost five straight.
No. 9 DUKE 56, VIRGINIA 52
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) &mdash; Elizabeth Balogun scored 12 points, Taya Corosdale had 10 and Duke survived a stern test from Virginia.
The Blue Devils (22-4, 13-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) led only 47-45 with just over eight minutes left, but Celeste Taylor hit a 3-pointer from right in front of the Duke bench to make it a five-point game, starting a 7-2 run that gave them some breathing room and they held on.
Taylor Valladay led Virginia (15-12, 4-12) with 19 points and McKenna Dale had 10. The Cavaliers had split their last six meetings with the Blue Devils after ending a 26-game losing streak in the series, but still lost for the 30th time in the last 33 meetings.
No. 10 NOTRE DAME 83, PITTSBURGH 43
PITTSBURGH (AP) &mdash; Maddy Westbeld and Sonia Citron scored 13 points each and Notre Dame used a huge first-quarter push to race by Pittsburgh.
The Fighting Irish (22-4, 13-3 ACC) went on an 18-3 burst over the final 6:47 of the opening frame to build a 16-point lead that the Panthers (10-17, 3-13) never really threatened.
Ten days after avoiding an upset at home against Pitt and three days after Olivia Miles hit a game-winning jumper at the buzzer to top Louisville, the Fighting Irish made sure no such heroics were necessary this time around.
No. 11 VIRGINIA TECH 75, N.C. STATE 62
BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) &mdash; Roommates Elizabeth Kitley and Georgia Amoore both had double-doubles and Virginia Tech won its fifth straight, defeating North Carolina State.
Kitley had 24 points and 10 rebounds for her 50th career double-double and had six blocks. Amoore had 15 points and 11 assists, which tied her career high.
Virginia Tech (22-4, 12-4 ACC) has won six straight, the previous three against ranked teams, starting with a 73-61 win over the Wolfpack. That marked the Hokies&rsquo; first-ever win in Raleigh and now they have their first-ever sweep of NC State.
Aziaha James scored 20 points in her first start for the Wolfpack (18-9, 8-8), who are out of the poll for the first time in 96 weeks dating to February of 2018.
No. 15 OKLAHOMA 86, KANSAS 80
LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) &mdash; Madi Williams scored 23 points, Liz Scott had a double-double, and Oklahoma held off Kansas.
A free throw by Zakiyah Franklin drew Kansas within 82-80 with 3:12 remaining. Neither team would score another field goal as Kansas missed its last nine shots and Oklahoma&rsquo;s last field goal came with 5:12 remaining.
Williams made two free throws with 37 seconds left and Ana Llanusa added two more with nine seconds left to wrap up Oklahoma&rsquo;s sixth consecutive victory.
Scott had 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Sooners (22-4, 12-3 Big 12).
The Jayhawks got 73 of their 80 points from the trio of Franklin, Holly Kersgieter and Taiyanna Jackson. Franklin led with a career-high 30 points, Kersgieter added 24 and Jackson 19 for Kansas (16-9, 6-8). Jackson added 13 rebounds.
No. 17 TEXAS 74, WEST VIRGINIA 48
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) &mdash; Shaylee Gonzales had 18 points, Rori Harmon scored 16 and Khadija Faye added a double-double to power Texas to a romp over West Virginia.
Gonzales made half of her six 3-pointers and all seven of her free throws for the Longhorns (21-7, 12-3 Big 12 Conference). Harmon sank 10 of 12 fouls shots and added six rebounds and six assists. Faye finished with 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting and 11 rebounds.
Ja&rsquo;Haiya Quinerly had 16 points before fouling out to pace the Mountaineers (16-9, 7-7). Madisen Smith hit three 3-pointers and scored 12. Jayla Hemingway pitched in with nine points and seven rebounds.
No. 18 ARIZONA 61, No. 21 COLORADO 42
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) &mdash; Shaina Pellington scored 19 points with five assists and Arizona smothered Colorado, ending the Buffaloes&rsquo; five-game winning streak.
The Wildcats (21-6, 11-5 Pac 12 Conference) held the Buffaloes to their lowest total of the season and their worst shooting game, 28.3% overall (15 of 53), 1 of 12 from 3-point range (8.3%).
Esmery Martinez had 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting and seven rebounds for the Wildcats, who were coming off a 10-point win over No. 4 Utah and have won five of six.
Tameiya Sadler led the Buffaloes with 12 points and Quay Miller added 10 with 10 rebounds.
No. 19 NORTH CAROLINA 71, WAKE FOREST 58
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) &mdash; Deja Kelly had 24 points, five rebounds and six assists to lead North Carolina to a victory over Wake Forest.
Destiny Adams added 11 points off the bench and Kennedy Todd-Williams scored 10 for the Tar Heels (19-8, 10-6 ACC).
North Carolina went up by 20 midway through the fourth quarter and cruised from there, making just two field goals and three free throws over the final 6 1/2 minutes.
Wake Forest (14-13, 5-11) shot 3 for 14 in the third quarter and was outscored 16-6. The shooting slump came after the Demon Deacons shot 50% in the first half and trailed just 40-36 at halftime.
No. 24 FLORIDA STATE 80, GEORGIA TECH 66
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) &mdash; Ta&rsquo;Niya Latson scored 31 points on 10-of-16 shooting and 9-of-10 free throws, leading Florida State to a victory over Georgia Tech.
Latson scored 24 points through three quarters and the Seminoles took a 63-57 lead into the fourth. Latson, a freshman averaging 21.8 points per game, had gone nine games without reaching 20 points.
Georgia Tech got within four points early in the fourth quarter, but the Seminoles responded with an 8-0 run that gave them a 73-61 lead with 4:11 remaining. Florida State added 3-pointers from Latson and Erin Howard to close out the victory. The Yellow Jackets made one of their last 12 shots from the field.
Sara Bejedi scored 14 points and O&rsquo;Mariah Gordon added 10 off the bench for Florida State (22-7, 11-5 ACC).
Cameron Swartz scored 17 points, Kara Dunn 16, and Kayla Blackshear 10 for Georgia Tech (13-13, 4-11).
CALIFORNIA 81, No. 25 USC 78, OT
BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) &mdash; Jayda Curry scored 27 points and Michelle Onyiah had six points in overtime as California upended USC.
The Trojans (19-8, 9-7 Pac-12), back in the rankings for the first time since 2016, had their chances to win this one after falling to No. 3 Stanford 50-47 on Friday.
From the final four minutes of regulation until Destiny Littleton hit a 3-pointer with 1:08 to go in overtime, USC missed eight straight shots. After Littleton tied the game at 78 and Leilani McIntosh put the Golden Bears (13-14, 4-12) on top with two free throws with 44 seconds to go, the Trojans came up empty on their next possession despite two offensive rebounds.
Onyiah made 1 of 2 from the line with eight seconds to go and Littleton&rsquo;s late 3 was off the mark.

A recap of a busy Sunday in top-25 women's action includes a thriller between the Gamecocks and Rebels that had to go to overtime.

Top-ranked South Carolina edges Ole Miss in OT

The 2023 NBA trade deadline is just a few days away!
Teams have between now and Thursday at 3 p.m. ET to wheel and deal. For some teams, there's a bit more urgency to make a trade. We asked our Basketball News writers:
Which NBA team desperately needs to make a trade?
Alex Kennedy: The Toronto Raptors have been one of the biggest disappointments this season, as they are currently 24-30 (which is the 12th-best record in the Eastern Conference). They have a number of talented individuals on their roster, but the pieces just aren't fitting together. Recent reports have indicated that Toronto isn't sure whether to be a buyer or seller prior to the trade deadline, but it's clear that standing pat isn't an option.
Will the Raptors part ways with O.G. Anunoby, who's been one of the top players surfacing in trade rumors? Will they move Fred VanVleet and/or Gary Trent Jr. before they can opt out and hit unrestricted free agency this summer? Will Masai Ujiri try to restart talks with the Brooklyn Nets on a potential Kevin Durant blockbuster? All eyes will be on the Raptors over the next few days.
Nekias Duncan: I think the Toronto Raptors are the obvious answer here, so I&rsquo;ll set them to the side. It&rsquo;d be nice if the Miami Heat could do something here. It may not be big-game hunting &mdash; they&rsquo;ve been mentioned on the periphery of the Kyrie Irving sweepstakes &mdash; but more reliable depth would help them.
Caleb Martin is in the midst of a career-year, but it hasn&rsquo;t hit like it could because he&rsquo;s a bit overtasked at the 4. The depth behind Bam Adebayo has been shaky; I&rsquo;ve liked the play from Orlando &ldquo;Big Lando&rdquo; Robinson, but his play being *this* important underscores how dire it&rsquo;s been for the Heat. Any deal that could land them a bigger 4 could balance things out, especially if that 4 could moonlight as a 5 in small-ball lineups.
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Brian Fritz: Despite LeBron James continuing to play at an unbelievable level at 38 years old and in his 20th NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves at No. 13 in the Western Conference standings with a 25-29 record. Everyone knows that this team desperately needs to make a trade. The Lakers need to do something &ndash; anything &ndash; or else they are just wasting another season of LeBron&rsquo;s greatness. And he&rsquo;s starting to voice his frustrations again; after a recent loss, James said, "Playing basketball at this level just to be playing basketball is not in my DNA.&rdquo; Even if it's just a deal to improve around the edges, something needs to be done.
Ethan Fuller: The Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors are probably popular answers here, so I'll throw in the Portland Trail Blazers as well. Damian Lillard is leading the league in scoring since January 1 (34.9 PPG) and is playing absolutely out of his mind right now. But Portland is only 7-9 in that span and continues to be weighed down by its atrocious defense, even with some capable individual pieces.
The West is wide open and ripe for a team to capitalize. This is less about keeping Lillard happy (just take him at his word, please) and more about maximizing a career-year from a 32-year-old, high-usage point guard. If the Trail Blazers can rally and form something near a league-average defense, their chances to make a surprise postseason run suddenly skyrocket.
Spencer Davies: The Dallas Mavericks desperately need to get Luka Doncic another ball-handler and/or a better shooter. It is clear and obvious that Jalen Brunson's departure has made things twice as difficult on the Slovenian sensation, yet he's still delivering. I previously mentioned Terry Rozier, DeMar DeRozan, Fred VanVleet, D'Angelo Russell, Kyle Kuzma, Doug McDermott and Josh Richardson as possible targets. Now, Kyrie Irving is also a potential solution to Dallas' biggest problem.
The Mavericks have contracts to float around, none more obvious than Tim Hardaway Jr.'s &nbsp;deal. They could also fetch a valuable player with Dorian Finney-Smith's four-year, $55 million extension that is in Year 1. In addition, Reggie Bullock is another veteran option who's earning $10,012,800 this season and $10,489,600 next season. And if you need a filler for a bigger contract coming back, Davis Bertans is making a boatload on money ($16 million, then $17 million and an ETO in 2024-25).&nbsp;
[UPDATE: <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/mavericks-acquire-kyrie-irving-from-nets-in-blockbuster-trade" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Mavericks acquired Kyrie Irving shortly after this was published</a>.]
On Thursday, the Basketball News staff will be reacting to every rumor and completed trade during our 2023 NBA Trade Deadline Show! Tune in from 1 p.m. ET to 4 p.m. ET!

Which NBA team desperately needs to make a move before the Feb. 9 trade deadline? We asked our Basketball News writers to weigh in.

NBA roundtable: Which team desperately needs to make a trade?

The 2023 NBA trade deadline is on Feb. 9, meaning trade season is rapidly approaching. Will it be an active deadline with a ton of wheeling-and-dealing or a relatively quiet one? That remains to be seen.
With so much parity around the league, there should be plenty of buyers. But which teams will emerge as sellers? That's what NBA executives are waiting to find out between now and the deadline.
Basketball News recently asked our staff the following question: Which trade do you want to see before the deadline? Here's what our writers had to say:&nbsp;
Ethan Fuller: "I don&rsquo;t know if the Toronto Raptors even should sell, but if they do, teams should be jostling to land Gary Trent Jr. Dallas could certainly use Trent&rsquo;s microwave scoring and active defensive hands, even if they stick with Tim Hardaway Jr. and their current guards. Luka Doncic is an offensive juggernaut, but that doesn&rsquo;t mean he should sustain his workload. Trent can help ease the burden."
Alex Kennedy: "I'm a sucker for a blockbuster. The most interesting trade deadlines typically feature a star player changing teams. As this year's deadline approaches, there aren't too many rumblings about a star asking out. The closest is rival executives wondering whether <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/whats-going-wrong-with-the-atlanta-hawks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Trae Young may ask the Atlanta Hawks for a trade</a> since the team is struggling and dealing with some drama behind the scenes, but that just seems like speculation at this point.
"Assuming a star doesn't become available over the next month, I'll settle for Bojan Bogdanovic getting traded to a contender. He has been terrific this season, averaging a career-high 21.2 points along with 3.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.4 threes (while shooting 48.7% from the field, 41.5% from three and 88.5% from the free-throw line). Bogdanovic is 33 years old, so it'd be great to see him join a playoff team (such as the Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat or Phoenix Suns) rather than simply putting up great numbers on a bottom-feeder. The Detroit Pistons are rebuilding and would likely move Bogdanovic for the right offer, so I'm hoping we get to see him join a win-now squad."
Nekias Duncan: "I want the Denver Nuggets to trade Jeff Green, Davon Reed and a 2026 second-rounder to the New York Knicks for Isaiah Hartenstein. Frankly, it has pained me to watch Hartenstein &mdash; an underrated but effective passing hub &mdash; rarely get that usage. (To be fair, I&rsquo;m sure Thibs has been equally dismayed by Hartenstein&rsquo;s defense and rebounding presence. Fair play, Mr. Head Coach.) If he isn&rsquo;t going to be maximized on offense (and cause wincing on defense), a move may be best for both parties.
"The Nuggets are familiar with using their bigs as high post or Delay hubs; they have the best one in the league in Nikola Jokic. They&rsquo;ve attempted to use DeAndre Jordan as an elbow connector at times with the second unit; I&rsquo;ll go out on a limb and say Hartenstein would give them more juice in that regard. Green would give the Knicks some veteran depth in the frontcourt whenever he recovers from his hand injury. Reed is a nice flier on multi-positional defense. A light bit of draft capital wouldn&rsquo;t hurt either."
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Spencer Davies: "For the love of all that is sacred, get Luka Doncic another ball-handler and/or a better shooter. It is clear and obvious that Jalen Brunson's departure has made things twice as difficult on the Slovenian sensation, yet he's still delivering &mdash; with no examples better than Thursday's game-tying stepback threes and a ridiculous comeback effort against the New York Knicks around the holidays.
"The Mavericks have contracts to float around, none more obvious than Tim Hardaway Jr.'s &nbsp;deal. They could also fetch a valuable player with Dorian Finney-Smith's four-year, $55 million extension that is in Year 1 this season. In addition, Reggie Bullock is mired in a shooting slump that's lasted for the first half of the campaign. And if you need a filler for a bigger contract coming back, Davis Bertans is making a boatload on money ($16 million, then $17 million and an ETO in 2024-25).
"With the Chicago Bulls going in the wrong direction, DeMar DeRozan makes a ton of sense. The Charlotte Hornets have Terry Rozier, who's quietly averaging 21 points a night (albeit on over 19 shots per game); he's been very hot in January. D'Angelo Russell seems like he could be an odd-man out in Minnesota, no? Fred VanVleet feels like a popular name around the trade mill too.
"As for shooters, your first thought is obviously Bojan Bogdanovic in Detroit. If you want to take it a step further, Kyle Kuzma is a little streakier, but he can also put it on the floor and be a secondary creator, as he's showing with the Washington Wizards. Dallas could also call its rival in the Southwest Division and ask the San Antonio Spurs for one of (if not both of) Doug McDermott and Josh Richardson? (The problem there is the Spurs will want draft picks, and because of the Kristaps Porzingis trade, Dallas will convey its first-round selection to New York if it falls between 11-30; it's like that for the next three years too). However, the Mavs do have first-round picks from 2026-2029 to offer.) As you can see, there are options out there to explore for Dallas. At least try, or else Luka will be gassed by early March!"
Brian Fritz: "I would love to see the Minnesota Timberwolves send Naz Reid to the Memphis Grizzlies for a lottery-protected 2024 first-round pick. While the Grizzlies could use some shooting from the wing (as could every team in the NBA), they also need a backup big. Reid is averaging 13.5 points and 6.8 rebounds since early December and would be a regular part of the rotation as well as insurance for Jaren Jackson Jr. and his foul issues.
"The Timberwolves may not even make it into the Play-In Tournament and could be best served moving Reid while his value is high and start recouping draft picks after giving up so many in the Rudy Gobert trade."
Is there a certain trade that you would like to see? If so, <a href="https://twitter.com/basketbllnews" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tweet it to us! We'll share our favorites!</a>

Basketball News recently asked our staff: Which deal do you want to see before the NBA trade deadline?

NBA Roundtable: Which trade do you want to see before the deadline?

Has DeMar DeRozan felt overshadowed to you?
Maybe I need to add to my curated Twitter feed or take a step back from all of the storylines bound to come out of NBA tipoff. But amidst the many electric performances over the past three days, DeRozan's season debut &mdash; as dominant as any we've seen so far &mdash; hasn't appeared to elicit quite the same national praise as his peers.
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DeRozan dropped 37 points on 63.6% from the field and added 9 assists, 6 rebounds and 2 steals for the Chicago Bulls in their Wednesday night win against the reigning Eastern Conference top-seed Miami Heat. He's the second Bull to ever post a 30-5-5 game in a season opener; Michael Jordan did it three times. DeMar's 37 points are also the most by a Bull in a season opener since Jordan in 1995.
Yet, the 14-year veteran is not driving headlines like some other stars. Quincy Pondexter even <a href="https://twitter.com/QuincyPondexter/status/1583187609576407040?s=20&amp;t=tpLH2EtR7KArZks23dYtOQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tweeted</a>&nbsp;that DeRozan is the "most underrated player of this generation." While that's a separate conversation entirely, DeMar is definitely deserving of recognition, and as much more than the mid-range assassin he's come to symbolize.
Since joining the Bulls, DeRozan has eviscerated teams in late-game situations. Check this out, via Secret Base, one of the best follows in sports media:
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Dorktown: DeMar DeRozan! <a href="https://t.co/tU8hag1y7o">pic.twitter.com/tU8hag1y7o</a>
&mdash; Secret Base (@secretbase) <a href="https://twitter.com/secretbase/status/1583143183889801216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2022</a></blockquote>
And then, we get to the quote tweet from Basketball Reference:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Highest FG% in the 4th quarter since the beginning of last season (Min. 100 FG): Kenyon Martin Jr.: .574% (105/183) Giannis Antetokounmpo: .561% (176/314) Jonas Valančiūnas: .551% (103/187) DeMar DeRozan: .546% (221/405) Chris Paul: .509% (115/226) <a href="https://t.co/qOS4tQ6mwd">https://t.co/qOS4tQ6mwd</a>
&mdash; Basketball Reference (@bball_ref) <a href="https://twitter.com/bball_ref/status/1583149498817138688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Field goal percentage is a&nbsp;very&nbsp;surface-level stat in this age that lacks a lot of context. But that surface level &mdash; how often a player makes the shots they take &mdash; can still be useful, and it's telling with DeRozan. This man is just a walking bucket, especially in the fourth quarter.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Watching DeMar DeRozan in the fourth quarter of games is truly amazing. Teammates were throwing him grenades late clock &mdash; he found ways to get buckets anyway. Bulls upset the Heat on the road without Zach LaVine to go 1-0. <a href="https://t.co/dK8FRzmAFx">pic.twitter.com/dK8FRzmAFx</a>
&mdash; Steph Noh (@StephNoh) <a href="https://twitter.com/StephNoh/status/1582917513872281600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Steph Noh highlights that DeRozan wasn't just meandering his way into rhythm jumpers; these were difficult situations that he willed into the basket. And how about that pull-up triple?
DeRozan made two of three long-range shots against Miami. Very quietly, and on just under two attempts per game, he shot a career-high 35.2% from distance last season. That included a 36.1% clip on catch-and-shoot threes. He's still not a major threat shooting behind the arc, but if DeRozan can knock down the shot off of feeds from Nikola Vucevic (and a healthy Zach LaVine), those are open points.
We shouldn't just gloss over his mid-range prowess, either. DeRozan is one of the best in recent NBA history, and Chicago has given him even more freedom to pressure defenses. According to Cleaning the Glass, 71% of DeRozan's field goal attempts came from the mid-range &mdash; tied for a career-high. He took a whopping 1,099 mid-range shots and made 49% of them &mdash; also a career-high.
Included in that rate is a scorching 53% efficiency mark on "short mid-range" attempts between 4 and 14 feet from the hoop. DeRozan might not be getting all the way to the rim, but he can burst or bully his way to his spots, as he showed on Wednesday. Give him a mismatch, and he'll get an easy floater; give him an empty corner or open baseline, and he'll find a way:
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But offense is about more than a bucket. DeRozan has become one of the best orchestrators in the entire league. Last year, he finished tied for fifth in the NBA with an adjusted assist-to-pass ratio of 18.3%. That means that 18.3% of his passes led to either points or free throws for a teammate. It's the third-highest rate of his career behind two seasons in San Antonio, but it makes sense given that DeRozan now has LaVine sharing lead playmaking duties.
The 33-year-old draws so much attention as a scorer that the defense often gives up passing opportunities. And even as he appears to be settling into a scoring move, DeRozan has his eyes open on the full court.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Cool Bulls 4Q moment highlighting DeMar DeRozan's gravity. Alex Caruso with a guard screen and slip (love!). You see Adebayo, Butler and Lowry are all so locked in on DeRozan though, that him plus Caruso's screen totally take their attention from Vucevic. Vuc slides up for a 3 <a href="https://t.co/0Am8xKEYCm">pic.twitter.com/0Am8xKEYCm</a>
&mdash; Ethan Fuller (@ethman43) <a href="https://twitter.com/ethman43/status/1583527458665795584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2022</a></blockquote>

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In this late-game possession, you see three Heat defenders involved in the central action captivated by DeRozan, with Alex Caruso's slip providing a distraction. Vucevic gets an easy look as a result.&nbsp;
Here are some more examples of DeRozan appearing to settle into a scoring mindset before making a great pass. Shoutout to Ayo Dosunmu on converting some of these. I also tossed in one additional impressive drop-off dime to Vucevic:
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All of this is to say that DeMar DeRozan is leaning more into his strengths, improving a major weakness, and coming off of an All-NBA Second Team campaign in his first year with a new team. But many people, myself included, did not have him as a preseason pick to run it back.
Remind me why he can't?
THE OUTLIERS (a.k.a. other random interesting numbers I found in the void):
<ul>
<li>Also from Secret Base: Yeah, this is not a promising start for the Lakers' shooting.</li>
</ul>
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Dorktown: Los Angeles Lakers! <a href="https://t.co/QDFlnleR6Y">pic.twitter.com/QDFlnleR6Y</a>
&mdash; Secret Base (@secretbase) <a href="https://twitter.com/secretbase/status/1583482082214350849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2022</a></blockquote>

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<ul>
<li>Noah Vonleh <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/nba-5-things-we-learned-boston-celtics-philadelphia-76ers-opening-night-malcolm-brogdon-jayson-tatum-james-harden-joel-embiid-tyrese-maxey" target="_blank" rel="noopener">really made a statement</a> with his screen-setting in the Boston Celtics season opener. Per Second Spectrum, here's what he did in just over 20 minutes of action:</li>
</ul>
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Noah Vonleh had six screen assists in just over 20 minutes last night &mdash; one less than Joel Embiid, who played over 37 minutes. 6.0 per game won&rsquo;t last, but for context, that would have ranked 2nd in the NBA last season.
&mdash; Ethan Fuller (@ethman43) <a href="https://twitter.com/ethman43/status/1582808107973214210?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2022</a></blockquote>

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<ul>
<li>Per ESPN Stats, Paolo Banchero's 27-points, 9 rebounds and five assists were just the third time a rookie has cleared 25-5-5 in a season debut in the last 30 years. The other two: LeBron James and Grant Hill.</li>
</ul>

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DeRozan's 37 points on Wednesday were the most by a Bulls player in a season opener since Michael Jordan in 1995.

NBA Stats Notebook: DeMar DeRozan is much more than a bucket

LOS ANGELES (AP) &mdash; A pair of five-star recruits are sure to turn heads at UCLA this season. In an era when freshmen burn brightest, however, it&rsquo;s two seniors who could prove invaluable to the eighth-ranked Bruins&rsquo; NCAA title hopes.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Tyger Campbell are back for their fourth seasons in Westwood, a couple of battle-tested veterans who arrived at the same time as coach Mick Cronin to rebuild a program that owns a record 11 national championships.
The COVID-19 pandemic canceled the NCAA Tournament in 2020, when the Bruins were riding a hot streak in March. Jaquez and Campbell helped them to a Final Four appearance in 2021. UCLA lost to North Carolina by seven points in the regional semifinals last season.
The Bruins were 27-8 and finished second in the Pac-12 at 15-5 last season. They defended their home court well, winning 14 of 15 games.
Cronin is 68-30 entering his fourth season and boasts top-five recruits, guard Amari Bailey and forward Adem Bona.
UCLA opens the season at home against Sacramento State on Nov. 7. The Bruins play five of their first seven games at Pauley Pavilion in the first month of the season. They travel to Las Vegas for two games before playing their first Pac-12 game at Stanford on Dec. 1.
The Bruins&rsquo; nonconference schedule includes games at Maryland on Dec. 14 and against Kentucky at New York&rsquo;s Madison Square Garden on Dec. 17.
BACKCOURT DEPTH
Jaquez and Campbell anchor one of the best backcourts in the nation despite the losses of Johnny Juzang and Jules Bernard. Jaquez is back to full strength after late-season ankle injuries slowed him. Campbell finished in the top four in the Pac-12 in assists in each of his first three seasons and his 3-point shooting ticked up to 41% as a junior. Fifth-year senior David Singleton is also a threat from deep, shooting 45% last season. Jaylen Clark showed what he can do as a starter, averaging 14.8 points during a five-game stretch in the lineup. They&rsquo;re joined by Bailey, the Bruins&rsquo; highest-rated prospect since Lonzo Ball in 2016. Will McClendon finally makes his Westwood debut after a torn ACL kept him out of action last season.
UNPROVEN FRONTCOURT
The departures of Cody Riley and Myles Johnson leave the Bruins with an unproven frontcourt. As a result, Bona from Nigeria figures to join the starting rotation. He was a McDonald&rsquo;s All-American at his prep school in Napa, California, and has international playing experience. Mac Etienne returns after missing all last season with an ACL injury, having shown promise late in the 2020-21 season. Senior Kenneth Nwuba gives the Bruins a third player at 6-foot-10.
OTHER FRESHMEN TO WATCH
The Bruins added guard-forward Abramo Canka of Italy, who has played in the Russian Super League. Guard Dylan Andrews grew up in Los Angeles and was ranked among the top 10 by some recruiting services. Preferred walk-on Evan Manjikian is another LA native who played at Sierra Canyon High, alongside current Bruins teammate Bailey and Bronny James, son of Lakers star LeBron James. Jack Seidler, also a preferred walk-on, was a two-time all-conference selection at Marlboro (New Jersey) High, where he finished as the career scoring leader.
TOASTING THE BRUINS
Beer and wine will be for sale to the public for the first time at Pauley Pavilion this season. Fans who are 21 and over can purchase two drinks per transaction until the 10-minute mark of the second half. Since the arena&rsquo;s renovation 10 years ago, alcohol had been available only to members of the Wooden Athletic Fund in a private room.&nbsp;

Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Tyger Campbell are back for their fourth seasons in Westwood.

Vets Jaquez, Campbell anchor UCLA roster of star newcomers

Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim won&rsquo;t forget last season, and not because it was the only losing one in more than four decades on the job at his alma mater.
He coached his two sons &mdash; Buddy and Jimmy &mdash; and said that was the most enjoyable of his 46 seasons in spite of the record (16-17, 9-11 Atlantic Coast Conference).
&ldquo;It was great coaching them,&rdquo; said Boeheim, who turns 78 in November. &ldquo;I miss them.&rdquo;
The Boeheim brothers and swingman Cole Swider have moved on, and their offensive contributions were significant. The trio combined to average nearly 47 points a game and made 205 3-pointers. The Orange, who averaged 77.4 points, return two starters &mdash; guard Joe Girard and center Jesse Edwards &mdash; along with guard Symir Torrence and forward John Bol AJak to help guide six incoming freshmen.
&ldquo;I like this team in the sense that we may not shoot it as well as we did last year ... but we&rsquo;ve got guys that can get to the basket better and I think maybe get to the foul line better, so I think our offense will be different,&rdquo; Boeheim said. &ldquo;I think it can still be very high level.&rdquo;
Girard will move from point guard to shooting guard, replacing Buddy Boeheim, who averaged 19.2 points in his final year. Girard averaged 13.8 points and led the Orange with 89 3-pointers, shooting a team-best 40.3%.
As the new season looms, the disappointment of not making the NCAA Tournament is still on players&rsquo; minds.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve been using that motivation every day in practices,&rdquo; Girard said. &ldquo;In every single drill and every single rep, the coaches are getting on us and making sure we&rsquo;re going 110% just because of the way things went last year. They want to make sure there&rsquo;s no chance of that happening this year.&rdquo;
Boeheim said the six freshmen &mdash; guards Judah Mintz, Justin Taylor and Quadir Copeland, forwards Maliq Brown and Chris Bunch, and center Peter Carey &mdash; and Duquesne transfer Mounir Hima, a 6-foot-11 forward, will play.
&ldquo;They&rsquo;ve been really good so far, all the new guys,&rdquo; Boeheim said. &ldquo;Their mindset is in the right place.&rdquo;
BENNY&rsquo;S BACK
Highly touted forward Benny Williams had a disappointing first season, scoring just 56 points in 333 minutes over 29 games. But he gave a glimpse of his talent at home against Duke in February, scoring 14 points and snaring six rebounds in 30 minutes. That he came back says a lot.
&ldquo;I think it shows perseverance,&rdquo; Williams said. &ldquo;A lot of guys in my situation would have transferred, coming in as a highly touted high schooler, not playing that much, not scoring that much, not doing anything, really. I feel back to myself. I&rsquo;m very confident of what I&rsquo;m going to bring this year for my team.&rdquo;
JESSE&rsquo;S JOURNEY
The 6-11 Edwards was coming into his own last season when he suffered a season-ending injury in early February. Over a five-game span, he shot 31 of 42 (73.9%) and grabbed 33 rebounds, then broke his left wrist in a fall at Boston College. He&rsquo;s healthy again and ready to go.
&ldquo;The team was going so good at that point, so the timing was terrible,&rdquo; Edwards said. &ldquo;But I think it gave everybody out here extra motivation. Whoever falls out, we&rsquo;re still going to battle.&rdquo;
ZONE OUT
Boeheim said the Orange will have something of a new look on defense, using more man-to-man to complement the 2-3 zone.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve done that,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;In my first 30 years we did that, so it&rsquo;s not like this is new for me.&rdquo;
MINTZ&rsquo;s MOJO
The 6-3 Mintz, a product of Oak Hill Academy, has been playing alongside Girard in practice and figures the sky&rsquo;s the limit.
&ldquo;I want to be freshman of the year in the ACC,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Just having coach have confidence in me makes everything five times easier. I think I&rsquo;ve grown as a player since I&rsquo;ve been here.&rdquo;
SCHEDULE
Syracuse, picked for eighth in the ACC, plays in the Empire Classic in New York City on its first road trip, with an opening game against Richmond. The home slate includes Georgetown, Notre Dame, top-ranked North Carolina, No. 18 Virginia and No. 7 Duke.
___
Freelance writer Mark Frank contributed to this report.

The Boeheim brothers and swingman Cole Swider have moved on, and their offensive contributions were significant.

Syracuse looks to rebound after Boeheim’s first losing season

In his "Blazing the Trail" series, Mat Issa analyzes Chauncey Billups' dual-threat nature and impact on the next generation of point guards.

Blazing the Trail: Chauncey Billups, the basketball cheat code

Is the NBA ready to add an expansion team? Evan Sidery explores what kind of team you could build in a present-day expansion draft.

NBA Expansion Mock Draft: What would a new expansion team look like?

We've reached the final frontier for over half of the squads in Las Vegas.
Eighteen NBA teams played their final contest of the summer on Saturday. The afternoon offered one more chance for prospects to assert themselves to their respective franchises.
In some cases, the results came almost instantly. Mfiondu Kabengele, for example, has reportedly agreed to a two-way contract with the Celtics after consistently standing out over the past 10 days.&nbsp;
The following players left their mark in yesterday's matchups and gave front offices something meaningful to ponder in the weeks before training camp:
STUDS
Kenny Lofton Jr., Memphis Grizzlies
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Kenny Lofton Jr. was a FORCE in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBASummer?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBASummer</a> action today!<a href="https://twitter.com/itzjunior34?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@itzjunior34</a>: 27 PTS, 12 REB, 2 BLK <a href="https://t.co/Qu48c8k9c4">pic.twitter.com/Qu48c8k9c4</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1548463043587162115?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box Score Stats: 27 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, 10/16 FG, 2/3 3PT
The undrafted rookie finished his breakout Summer League with a bang. Lofton went to work in the post, overpowering opponents with his physicality and soft shooting touch. He also knocked down two threes and drilled a beautiful step-back move. Though he's undersized (6-foot-7) and lacking length or leaping ability, Lofton uses his 275-pound fame to his advantage, and his skills and vision make him an overall offensive positive. He's outshone a couple of Memphis' draft picks this summer and the franchise should try to lock him down long-term.
Malaki Branham, San Antonio Spurs
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BUCK3TS! 💦 Back to back to back triples for <a href="https://twitter.com/MalakiBranham?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MalakiBranham</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoSpursGo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoSpursGo</a> <a href="https://t.co/5Knkq9D3ZX">pic.twitter.com/5Knkq9D3ZX</a>
&mdash; San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) <a href="https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1548452224094707713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box Score Stats: 23 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 8/15 FG, 5/8 3PT
The No. 20 overall pick logged his most efficient scoring performance of the summer. Branham did most of his work shooting off the catch, but has an easy, repeatable shooting stroke that was locked in against the Grizzlies. He knew how to relocate into position for defenders to kick the ball out. San Antonio mostly used Branham off the ball in Vegas and he's still a pure scorer at this stage. I'd like to see Branham extend his pull-up game to the arc and receive more reps as an initiator.&nbsp;
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Kevon Harris, Minnesota Timberwolves
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Kevon Harris tags the big, controlled closeout on the skip to the corner, then hits the step-back 3 on the other end. <a href="https://t.co/bDrg78CbuQ">pic.twitter.com/bDrg78CbuQ</a>
&mdash; Aram Cannuscio (@AC__Hoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/AC__Hoops/status/1548429205469143043?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box Score Stats: 23 points, 3 rebounds, 9/11 FG, 4/4 3PT
Harris played an awesome Summer League as a third-year pro who went undrafted in 2020. He has impressive burst as a 6-foot-6 wing, and frequently used it to attack the basket and finish for layups and dunks. Harris was also locked in from long range, with the above sequence standing out as a noteworthy make. Harris played in the G League last season with Raptors 905, and has definitely earned another opportunity to make the NBA.
JT Thor, Charlotte Hornets
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LOOK AT WHERE JT THOR JUMPS FROM <a href="https://t.co/lYG9Ae2U0e">pic.twitter.com/lYG9Ae2U0e</a>
&mdash; Fastbreak Breakfast (@fastbreakbreak) <a href="https://twitter.com/fastbreakbreak/status/1548415783532802050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box Score Stats: 28 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 steals, 9/14 FG, 3/6 3PT
I had been mildly underwhelmed by Thor's summer to date. Then, the second-year forward came out and dominated on Saturday. His long arms and aggressive digs and double-teams led to several steals. On offense, he displayed improved touch by knocking down some triples and an additional runner. Of course, Thor dropped the hammer on some massive dunks, including the one above. This was an exciting high note for the second-round pick to end on.
Charlie Moore, Detroit Pistons
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Special Delivery by Charlie Moore 📨 Live Now on ESPN U <a href="https://t.co/gmT4861app">pic.twitter.com/gmT4861app</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1548400538055634952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box Score Stats: 21 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 9/14 FG, 3/5 3PT
Moore wowed as a passer in Detroit's win against the Magic. That acrobatic dish stands out, but he made more solid corner reads and sent in some excellent high-low entry passes. His ability to change directions and speeds also helped him as a scorer despite being just 6-feet tall as a point guard. Moore played for four different schools in college before going undrafted this summer. Hopefully he's able to find a permanent NBA home as a pro.
Juhann Begarin, Boston Celtics
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Juhann Begarin drive and mid-air kick to the corner where JD Davison hits the 3 <a href="https://t.co/FieJfJpFRI">pic.twitter.com/FieJfJpFRI</a>
&mdash; Aram Cannuscio (@AC__Hoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/AC__Hoops/status/1548459758960537600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box Score Stats: 25 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 9/17 FG, 3/6 3PT
Begarin is a spring-loaded wing with tons of energy, and at times this summer, that energy led to him playing out of control. In this game, the French wing found the right balance. Begarin made solid plays as a passer, hitting a rolling Mfiondu Kabengele and corner shooter JD Davison for nice assists. He took off to the basket multiple times and flew all the way to the rim.
Begarin isn't afraid to play through contact, and though he has peaks and valleys from distance, he certainly holds confidence. We'll see if he showed enough for the Celtics to pull him over from Europe.
Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets 
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Watching <a href="https://twitter.com/24_camthomas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@24_camthomas</a> get buckets never gets old <a href="https://t.co/dPxBFemQzY">pic.twitter.com/dPxBFemQzY</a>
&mdash; Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrooklynNets/status/1548474554162356227?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box Score Stats: 25 points, 6 assists, 10/20 FG, 0/1 3PT
Thomas capped his dominant Summer League with one more scoring showcase. Despite attempting just one three-pointer, the second-year guard reeled in 25 points with his full pull-up package plus some layups and runners. Thomas' assists weren't highlight-reel plays, but he was level-headed and patient with his reads. Who knows what Brooklyn's roster looks like by opening night, but I'd imagine Thomas is in line for a minutes bump this season.
Other notable performers: David Roddy (Grizzlies), Matt Lewis (Timberwolves), RJ Nembhard Jr. (Cavaliers), Isaiah Mobley (Cavaliers), Tyrese Martin (Hawks), Jules Bernard (Pistons), Malcolm Hill (Bulls), Carlik Jones (Bulls), Charlie Brown Jr. (76ers), Grant Riller (76ers), David Duke Jr. (Nets), JD Davison (Celtics), Jeriah Horne (Kings), Tari Eason (Rockets), AJ Lawson (Mavericks), Cole Swider (Lakers)
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DUDS
Trevelin Queen, Philadelphia 76ers
Box Score Stats: 16 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 6/19 FG, 0/10 3PT
After I highlighted Queen on Friday, he unfortunately put up a long-range goose egg on Saturday. He was mostly using screens to get shots up and had some rough misses. The rest of Queen's afternoon was solid, and he did shoot 6-for-9 inside the arc. This 0-for-10 outing just sticks out as an eyesore after a strong effort in Las Vegas.
Max Christie, Los Angeles Lakers
Box Score Stats: 2 points, 6 rebounds, 1/6 FG, 0/3 3PT
Christie is simply a ways away from being a consistent scorer. The rookie guard airballed one three-pointer and settled for too many bad shots, particularly in the mid-range. He's not offering much off the dribble as a playmaker and has been confined to floor-spacing duties most of this summer. Christie has had his bright moments, but he's going to take some time to find a groove offensively.&nbsp;
Brandon Boston Jr., Los Angeles Clippers
Box Score Stats: 7 points, 2 blocks, 2/11 FG, 0/5 3PT
After a 22-point outburst on Friday, Boston came back down to Earth in LAC's loss to Miami. Both of his makes were tough, contested layups, which is promising for Boston's ability to use his length and growing frame. But he missed a bunch of spot-up threes he needs to make and didn't offer as much as a passer compared to his prior game. The upside flashes are definitely still there with Boston, but he didn't translate it to enough consistent production at Summer League.

Kenny Lofton Jr., JT Thor and Juhann Begarin highlighted Saturday's Summer League action.

10 studs and duds from Day 10 of NBA Summer League in Las Vegas

Najee Garvin played at three different colleges, the last being an HBCU. Being on an NBA court and wearing the NBA logo sometimes didn&rsquo;t seem realistic.
He dealt with adversity after being arrested on an assault charge that was ultimately dropped. He went nearly two full years without playing a game. Garvin even became a cook at Chili&rsquo;s to pay the bills.
On Monday, he wore that NBA logo after all.
Garvin was one of 28 players invited to the inaugural HBCU Showcase at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. With a few dozen scouts in the stands, and four former NBA players &mdash; all of them now at historically Black colleges and universities &mdash; doing the coaching, Garvin ran through drills and played in scrimmages, getting an audition like no other in his career.
&ldquo;A job,&rdquo; Garvin said, when asked what would make the day a success for him. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m just authentic. A job. Nowadays, it&rsquo;s hard to get a job. You&rsquo;ve got to be put in the right place, around the right people, who know the right stuff.&rdquo;
The NBA is hoping that it put that combination of right place, right people and right stuff together &mdash; with this showcase the latest way the league hopes to give HBCU players opportunities.
There&rsquo;s only one player from an HBCU school currently in the NBA, that being Robert Covington of the Los Angeles Clippers. No HBCU player has been drafted in a decade. Of the 30 rosters for teams in Las Vegas, only five featured an HBCU alum.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m a visionary,&rdquo; said Mo Williams, the former NBA guard who now coaches at Jackson State. &ldquo;We have a lot of talent at the HBCU level that don&rsquo;t get those invites to the NBA Combine, to Portsmouth, the G League Combine now, to things like that. We feel like those kids are talented enough to be professional athletes. This is a start.&rdquo;
HBCU football players haven't been left out of the spotlight. Some got the opportunity to showcase their talents in early February <a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-college-football-sports-jackson-deion-sanders-fa50c854b34cd633c3cc588541ef1837">when the NFL hosted its first HBCU combine</a> during Senior Bowl workouts.
The NBA has made strides for basketball players in recent years to address areas where it feels changes were needed. There are a record 15 Black coaches in the NBA right now, eight of those hires coming in the last year or so.
The 2021 NBA All-Star Game generated at least $3 million for HBCUs through donations to scholarship funds &mdash; and the exposure those schools got during the game was worth even more. The league has started a paid fellowship program that places HBCU students in jobs with the league office and with NBA and WNBA teams. And this past season, All-Star weekend included a game between Howard and Morgan State.
And now, the attention turns to individual players.
&ldquo;The showcase is a chance for us to continue creating opportunity for the world&rsquo;s best talent,&rdquo; said Morgan Cato, an NBA vice president who is about to become an assistant general manager with the Phoenix Suns. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s a perception of HBCU programs not necessarily being able to turn out talent. But all of our investments from the league office are about creating opportunity, creating access, and letting great players really have the opportunity to be seen by teams.&rdquo;
Many NBA players have spoken out in the last couple years about the need to help HBCU programs and improve the college experience for those players.
But there&rsquo;s also a clear belief that if a player is good enough to play in the NBA -- whether that player is at a Power 5 school, or overseas, or at a low-major school -- someone from the league will find them.
&ldquo;One thing that is undeniable is this is the best league in the world,&rdquo; said <a href="https://apnews.com/article/portland-trail-blazers-nba-sports-damian-lillard-las-vegas-79c76345f0ff7a3623777d8ded6d13c6">Portland guard Damian Lillard</a>, who played his college ball at Weber State and was still a lottery pick. &ldquo;We want HBCUs to get more recognition. We want them to have better funding, better facilities and resources. It could be a lot better. I think that&rsquo;s what has to happen.&rdquo;
The showcase lasted a few hours and was basically an NBA practice: Williams, Bethune-Cookman coach Reggie Theus, Fisk coach Kenny Anderson and LeMoyne-Owen coach Bonzi Wells broke the groups into four teams, and after some drills, the players went through scrimmages.
It&rsquo;s still a longshot that any of the 28 makes the NBA. But Monday might have been a step in the right direction toward getting another HBCU player to the league.
&ldquo;Why hasn&rsquo;t it happened? Let&rsquo;s call a spade a spade: They&rsquo;re not looking,&rdquo; Anderson said. &ldquo;The kids are not getting looked at.&rdquo;
Wells said he has yet to see a pro scout at any of his team&rsquo;s home games. But he presses on, insisting that he must keep trying to do his part to raise the HBCU profile at both the college and pro level, much in the same way that Deion Sanders has done with football at Jackson State.
&ldquo;If we don&rsquo;t do this, who will?&rdquo; Wells said. &ldquo;Who will? This is a blessing for us to be coaches. It&rsquo;s tough for former NBA players to get jobs, and be head coaches. This is a blessing for us to have the platform that we have.&rdquo;
There might be a G League opportunity for some of these players; that was the path Covington took on his way to the NBA after going undrafted. Playing internationally is another option. Former Prairie View A&amp;M player Jawaun Daniels said he&rsquo;d even listen if the Harlem Globetrotters came calling.
&ldquo;My mind is always open to everything,&rdquo; Daniels said.
All 28 of the players are dreamers. And maybe Monday got them one step closer to where they want to ultimately be.
&ldquo;Today is the opportunity of a lifetime,&rdquo; said Garvin, who played at Charlotte, Nicholls State and Hampton. &ldquo;No matter where, no matter what level, it&rsquo;s all about getting a job. We&rsquo;ve all been overlooked, all at the bottom of the pole, and today reminds us that we can still find our way to the top.&rdquo;

There were 28 players invited to the inaugural HBCU Showcase at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.

HBCU players at NBA summer league seeking opportunities

Those who follow NBA Summer League embrace it for two reasons. Number one, it's a chance to revel in the next generation of basketball talent and establish a baseline for players as they develop. Secondly, it's just a wacky event.
We got sudden-death double overtime in Saturday's matchup between the Sacramento Kings and Orlando Magic, complete with a timeout call to run a set, an extended replay review and a chaotic final basket. The Thomas &amp; Mack Center turned into a playoff environment for a result roughly 2% of the attendees will remember a year from now.&nbsp;
But hey, le's enjoy the weird! Here are some of my standout picks from Day 3 action, including three players from the aformentioned Magic-Kings battle.
STUDS
Isaiah Joe, Philadelphia 76ers
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Isaiah Joe just went on a 9-0 run by himself. 🔥 (🎥: <a href="https://twitter.com/sixers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sixers</a>)<a href="https://t.co/e9UZJ8PAh4">pic.twitter.com/e9UZJ8PAh4</a>
&mdash; theScore (@theScore) <a href="https://twitter.com/theScore/status/1545874009996288000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box score stats: 24 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 8/14 FG, 7/9 3PT
Joe unleashed an electric shot-making performance. He was constantly moving with and without the ball, flying around screens for three-pointers and slashing to the bucket as a cutter. But Joe also dazzled as a lead playmaker. He took Ron Harper Jr. off the dribble on one play and stopped on a dime for a pull-up from the left elbow.
We knew Joe was a scorer though. He further wowed me with how he defended, even forcing a jump ball when Toronto Raptors rookie center Christian Koloko tried to back him down on the low block. Joe entered the league at 165 pounds, and there's absolutely no way he's close to that now. The 2020 second-round pick looks and plays stronger than he did two years ago, and that might help him crack the 76ers' rotation.
Dalano Banton, Toronto Raptors
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Delano Banton beats the buzzer from 3 🎯 Watch Live on <a href="https://twitter.com/NBATV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBATV</a> <a href="https://t.co/q77xfegBFc">pic.twitter.com/q77xfegBFc</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1545875403176296450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box score stats: 21 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 6/11 FG, 2/3 3PT, 7/9 FT
Armoni Brooks led the Raptors in scoring and surged late in the game, but Banton impressed me most Saturday. Banton scored 14 points in the third quarter alone, as Toronto pulled away in a great game against the 76ers. The 6-foot-9 point guard had a couple of impressive takes to the basket and appeared more comfortable shooting beyond the arc after making just 25.5% of his threes in the regular season.
Banton also impressed me with his passing, and consistently applied pressure as the lead guard. On one possession, he drove into the paint, stopped, pivoted and hit Koloko on a wraparound bounce pass for an easy layup. He did have 7 turnovers, but Banton committed a few just because he was a bit too ambitious with his reads, which doesn't have to be a bad thing at Summer League.
Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
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My favorite play from Paolo Banchero today. Cross court laser beam right on target <a href="https://t.co/cUkYpWUtX0">pic.twitter.com/cUkYpWUtX0</a>
&mdash; Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/KevinOConnorNBA/status/1545901796719075328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box score stats: 23 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals, 2 blocks, 6/15 FG
The No. 1 overall pick continues to turn heads. Banchero's passes, including the above video, were off the charts against the Kings. He kicked the ball out to the corners, made weak-side reads and threw a no-look dime to a backdoor-cutting Devin Cannady.&nbsp;
Banchero was also notably active defensively for a player with question-marks on that end during the pre-draft process. He picked up two monster help-defense blocks, one of which saved Orlando from a Kings dunk to end sudden-death overtime. It feels like Banchero gives Magic fans an element to get excited about every game.
Neemias Queta, Sacramento Kings
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Neemias Queta quick rotation to provide help and blocks the shot! <a href="https://t.co/LbP6NFWPR1">pic.twitter.com/LbP6NFWPR1</a>
&mdash; Aram Cannuscio (@AC__Hoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/AC__Hoops/status/1545865098476109831?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box score stats: 23 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 8/12 FG, 1/1 3PT
The No. 39 pick from the 2021 NBA Draft made his case for a full contract after playing on a two-way deal as a rookie. At 7 feet tall and 245 pounds, Queta feasted against the smaller Magic frontcourt. He found success as a roll man and lob threat, and threw in a couple of putbacks. Queta attempted two threes all last season across the NBA and G League, so I understand the surprise when he canned a huge shot as part of Sacramento's miraculous comeback.&nbsp;
Keegan Murray, Sacramento Kings
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Mark Jones calling a Keegan Murray game-tying 3 like it&rsquo;s Game 7 of the finals: <a href="https://t.co/SajPPrL4OO">pic.twitter.com/SajPPrL4OO</a>
&mdash; Eli Hershkovich (@EliHershkovich) <a href="https://twitter.com/EliHershkovich/status/1545894844756856837?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box score stats: 20 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 5/11 FG, 4/8 3PT
Murray is&nbsp;here as a shooter. His perimeter game looks so effortless, and he hit shots from a standstill and off movement over the contests of players like Banchero. Murray can square up to the basket so easily as he turns into a jump shot, and everything about his release is clean and consistent.
His other make came when he attacked a closeout and hit a pull-up from the free-throw line. I'd like to see if Murray can get to the rim more, but the Kings have used him mostly as a movement weapon, so he hasn't received many on-ball opportunities. Hopefully he gets some more reps as Summer League continues. Murray also had a pretty tough individual matchup against a bigger, stronger Banchero.
Tari Eason, Houston Rockets
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From defense to offense, Jabari rips the ball from Chet which leads to a Tari Eason dunk 😮&zwj;💨 [F] <a href="https://t.co/xZo05Fnpsp">pic.twitter.com/xZo05Fnpsp</a>
&mdash; Courtside Fracas (@courtsidefracas) <a href="https://twitter.com/courtsidefracas/status/1545951348012769280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box score stats: 14 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals, 5/10 FG, 1/3 3PT
You could pick several Rockets players to highlight, including Josh Christopher and Daishen Nix. I want to spotlight Eason because he's been relentless on the glass, with double-digit boards in his last two games. The two steals and one block also understate how special of a defender he has been so far, both on the ball and in help.&nbsp;
On offense, we saw Eason thrive as a cutter and roller. He also knocked down a three-pointer, which is a major swing skill for his overall offensive impact. If Eason can hit threes at a manageable clip, he'll become an even more dangerous off-ball weapon.
Other notable performers: Armoni Brooks (Raptors), Jeff Dowtin Jr. (Raptors), Trendon Watford (Trail Blazers), Mychal Mulder (Heat), Marcus Garrett (Heat), Kenny Lofton Jr. (Grizzlies), Josh Christopher (Rockets), Daishen Nix (Rockets), Brandon Boston Jr. (Clippers), Isaiah Livers (Pistons), Jared Butler (Jazz), Jordan Schakel (Wizards), Trey Murphy III (Hornets)
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DUDS
Sam Hauser, Boston Celtics
Box score stats: 7 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2/12 FG, 1/9 3PT
Hauser signed a three-year deal with the Celtics after joining them on a two-way contract as an undrafted free agent last season. This wasn't an inspiring first effort under his new contract, as the second-year forward struggled against a Miami Heat defense that was prepared for his usage. Hauser couldn't consistently generate separation, and battled several strong contests.
I would chalk this up to successful Miami stoppage more than Hauser's own failures, but it's worth monitoring the looks he receives (and how he shoots them) moving forward.
Sharife Cooper, Atlanta Hawks
Box score stats: 3 points, 2 assists, 1/6 FG, 0/4 3PT
Cooper was a game-time decision for Saturday's contest and only played 18 minutes, so it's possible he was dealing with rust from an ailment. The 2021 second-round pick missed all of his three-point attempts. He showed improvement with a 35.9% clip in the G League last season, but Cooper isn't out of the woods on that shot being a valid concern.&nbsp;
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The point guard was also a non-threat at the rim, missing one shot badly and barely getting into the paint against a tough Utah Jazz defense. If there's an positive takeaway, Cooper put together some stronger defensive moments himself. But it was an underwhelming day for a young player with a real shot at claiming backup guard minutes this season.
Johnny Davis, Washington Wizards
Box score stats: 6 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 1/11 FG, 0/2 3PT
The No. 10 overall pick made his first shot, a tough fadeaway jumper through contact, and proceeded to miss his next 10. Most of them were just difficult, low-quality looks. Davis wasn't really a threat to pass, and settled for tough fadeaway jumpers, contested pull-ups and far-fetched rim attempts. I admired the physicality, but he just couldn't create anything easy for himself against a Detroit Pistons defense that guarded him tightly.&nbsp;
Santi Aldama, Memphis Grizzlies
Box score stats: 4 points, 8 rebounds, 2/7 FG, 0/2 3PT
Memphis summer head coach David McClure had this to say about Aldama's performance on Saturday:
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David McClure on Santi Aldama: &ldquo;I think he&rsquo;s in his head a little bit right now. He&rsquo;s at his best when he&rsquo;s just playing basketball. Maybe he&rsquo;s putting too much pressure on doing one thing or another. When he lets the game come to himself, that&rsquo;s when he&rsquo;s at his best.&rdquo;
&mdash; Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) <a href="https://twitter.com/DamichaelC/status/1545983746158891008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Aldama just looks like he's trying to fit too many roles on offense. His perimeter jumper was kind of a mess against the Los Angeles Clippers. Aldama seems best right now when he can cut and work as a connective passer instead of spacing the floor or running actions. It's just very difficult to envision what that role looks like with him, or how he can get those kinds of extended opportunities with Memphis. I'm still a believer in Aldama, but it's been a rocky road for one of the 2021 draft's most polarizing picks.&nbsp;

Isaiah Joe and Paolo Banchero highlighted the third day of NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.

10 studs and duds from Day 3 of NBA Summer League in Las Vegas

Bookmark this page and we'll keep you up-to-date on every NBA rumor. We'll continue updating this tracker over the next 24 hours.

NBA Rumor Tracker: Compiling the latest news and intel

In recent years, there are many examples of players who slipped on draft night because they were older than their peers and teams wanted to go with a younger, higher-upside option.
Players who fit this description include Desmond Bane, Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson, Jalen Williams, Malcolm Brogdon, Derrick White, Herb Jones, Grant Williams, Payton Pritchard, Grayson Allen, Matisse Thybulle, Brandon Clarke and Terance Mann among others.
Many of these players have outperformed their draft slot, and quite a few were key contributors during the 2022 NBA Playoffs, rewarding the teams that took a chance on them.
Most NBA teams prioritize youth and upside in the draft. As a result, the more experienced prospects tend to fall. But given the success of these older players in recent years, could we see teams shift their thinking a bit when it comes to these prospects?
&ldquo;The trends seem to go in waves, but I do think some of the recent success that older players have had will affect some decisions to a certain extent,&rdquo; said Matt Babcock, a former NBA agent and current NBA Draft analyst. &ldquo;However, I believe teams will always have somewhat of a juggling act when it comes to selecting prospects who have upside and ones who are NBA-ready.&rdquo;
While it&rsquo;s true that younger players tend to have a higher ceiling, there is this idea that older prospects have already realized their full potential and what you see is what you get. Bane, Bridges, Brunson and Co. are proving that this isn&rsquo;t always true, as they have each made huge strides since being drafted despite their advanced age.
&ldquo;The perception that an older rookie doesn&rsquo;t have as much upside isn&rsquo;t a fair label for a tough-minded player who continues to work on his game,&rdquo; an Eastern Conference general manager told BasketballNews. &ldquo;I think history and analytics show that the younger the player, the more likely that player succeeds, but it isn&rsquo;t a cut-and-dry method when it comes to selecting players. There are older players who often come from strong college programs who tend to have a chance to succeed, because they have been through three-to-four years of great coaching and have developed the work habits and toughness that allow them to impact an NBA game right away.&rdquo;
&ldquo;A high ceiling isn&rsquo;t just based on your physical gifts, a high ceiling is based on your work ethic when nobody is watching,&rdquo; ESPN&rsquo;s Fran Fraschilla added. &ldquo;So whether it&rsquo;s a 19-year-old player or an older prospect with a few years of college experience, what the team needs to figure out is, &lsquo;What kind of character are we drafting? When we pay him life-changing money, is he going to be the same guy and keep working?&rsquo; I think you&rsquo;re more confident (trusting) a four-year-guy like a Desmond Bane or CJ McCollum because you can go back and watch more of his career unfold, and you&rsquo;re more confident that those guys are going to continue developing their game. So, in effect, their ceiling becomes just as high as the guys who have all of this great potential and who could be more boom-or-bust sometimes.&rdquo;
Rather than generalizing and writing off players because of their age, it&rsquo;s important to evaluate each situation on a case-by-case basis.
&ldquo;I do believe in the concept that a younger player generally possesses more upside and room for growth; I mean, it's common sense,&rdquo; Babcock said. &ldquo;However, every player is different and has had a different path to the pros, and subsequently, each player needs to be evaluated separately rather than put into a general classification.
&ldquo;Every team and every pick is different. The way I see it, it's like baseball. Every pitch presents a unique situation and requires a different strategy, and so does every pick in the draft. Which players are available? How do they fit within the team&rsquo;s current roster structure now and in the future? How does that team value each player &mdash; whether it&rsquo;s for their ability to contribute right away or their upside? Do they have potential depth issues that need to be addressed? Does an available player possess too much talent to overanalyze? I could keep going on and on, but my point is that I think it should come down to taking things case-by-case and weighing the pros and cons rather than just selecting a player who&rsquo;s most ready or who possesses the most upside.&rdquo;
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/usatsi_18148126_690w.png" alt="" width="740" height="370" />
Fraschilla echoed this sentiment.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I think the draft is always a case-by-case situation. Teams always have to weigh whether to go after production vs. potential,&rdquo; Fraschilla said. &ldquo;If they chase production, it&rsquo;s usually a guy who has been in college for three or four years, he&rsquo;s proven himself and he&rsquo;s played in big games. If they chase potential, it&rsquo;s probably a freshman or a kid from the G League Ignite, and you&rsquo;re looking at a 19-year-old and trying to project where he&rsquo;ll be at age-25. You have a little bit more comfort with an older player, but a little less upside allegedly.
"But a smart team always views it case-by-case. We&rsquo;ve seen four-year guys flame out and we&rsquo;ve one-and-done guys flame out. I think it&rsquo;s a matter of a team doing the necessary homework on a kid&rsquo;s character, work ethic, self awareness to be a role player &mdash; all of these things factor in.&rdquo;
The Eastern Conference GM pointed out that there&rsquo;s another reason teams may alter their approach and opt for more NBA-ready players.
"I would also say that some NBA teams are less inclined to focus on what a 19-year-old can develop into by age 26 or 27 because there is so much roster turnover and change in the league today," the GM said.
Fraschilla also mentioned that sometimes older prospects are more mature and come into the NBA knowing their role, whereas some one-and-done prospects may struggle taking a back seat.
&ldquo;Herb Jones is a perfect example of someone who knows who he is &mdash; his self awareness is evident," Fraschilla said. "Even at Alabama, he had talented guys around him, and he was a great defender. He fits exactly the role that the Pelicans needed him to play as a rookie. He played in a high-level college league where he guarded really good players, and he plays with great energy.
"You probably feel more comfortable with the older player who has more of a sense of who he is, as opposed to the one-and-done guy who automatically thinks he&rsquo;s going to be Penny Hardaway or LeBron James or Kobe Bryant. In the NBA, 95% of the league are role players. There are 25-30 great players and everyone else is a role player."

With older prospects outperforming their draft position in recent seasons, will teams shift their thinking when they're on the clock?

Experience or upside? Weighing pros, cons of older NBA Draft prospects

After weeks of speculation and countless trade-machine ideas floating around, The Athletic's Shams Charania has reported that the Brooklyn Nets and Kyrie Irving are at an "impasse" about his future with the franchise.
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Sources: Kyrie Irving, Nets are at impasse in conversations about his future in Brooklyn, clearing way for the seven-time All-Star to consider the open market. Lakers and Knicks expected to emerge among potential suitors. Inside Pass at <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAthletic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheAthletic</a>: <a href="https://t.co/VbOOtrzdTB">https://t.co/VbOOtrzdTB</a>
&mdash; Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1538873230534090755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Irving has until June 29 to decide whether to exercise his player option that will be an expected cap figure just under $37 million for the 2022-23 season. To be clear, Irving hasn't explicitly said that he wants out of Brooklyn, and Sean Marks has never said that he wants to move on from the All-NBA point guard.
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The Nets would prefer a shorter-term, incentive-based deal with Kyrie Irving, per <a href="https://twitter.com/JakeLFischer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JakeLFischer</a> Dialogue between both sides is expected to remain 'fluid' up until the June 29 deadline for Irving to opt into his $36.9M player option <a href="https://t.co/HonP7DgQ09">pic.twitter.com/HonP7DgQ09</a>
&mdash; Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) <a href="https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1539230313242669057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Basically, Marks wants Irving to opt out oand sign a deal for less money/average annual value for cap space to fill out the roster. The theoretical fit of Irving, Kevin Durant and Ben Simmons has yet to be seen, and one would imagine that the Nets would prefer to give the trio a chance. With the return of Joe Harris from injury and Seth Curry still under contract, Brooklyn could still be the odds-on favorite for an NBA title next season when they are at full strength.
However, if the impasse between the two continues, Marks may very well opt to move on. While remaining in Brooklyn is likely the final outcome of this saga, there are a few other destinations that make sense for both Irving and the Nets to strike a deal.
LOS ANGELES LAKERS 
According to Marc Stein, Irving has had some <a href="https://marcstein.substack.com/p/kyrie-irving-latest-more-trade-talk?sd=pf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recent contact with LeBron James about a reunion</a>. (It's worth mentioning that Stein's sources told him it'd be "a stretch" to say L.A. is actively pursuing Irving.) Also, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Lakers are the most significant threat to sign Irving away from the Nets.
This is an obvious hypothetical destination for Irving, as the Lakers have a player with a similar contract who makes for a logical financial swap. However, swapping Russell Westbrook for Irving would not be something the Nets would entertain. Outside of trying to force a second marriage between Westbrook and Durant, the pairing of Westbrook and Ben Simmons would provide the least amount of spacing that $60 million could buy.&nbsp;
For the Lakers to reunite Irving with LeBron, there would need to be a third team to reroute Westbrook to. One team that seems like a possible match for such a deal is the Indiana Pacers, who are actively shopping both Malcolm Brogdon and Myles Turner. Sending those two to Brooklyn and Westbrook to Indiana is a possibility, but not all that attractive for the Pacers, as they look to build around Tyrese Haliburton as their lead guard. Perhaps if enough draft picks are attached, Indiana may be willing to help.
Other possible third teams include the Charlotte Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets.
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The Hornets have been mentioned due to the relationship between Westbrook and team owner Michael Jordan, but again, LaMelo Ball plays the same position.
Oklahoma City has been known to take on a bad contract in return for a handful of assets, which neither L.A. nor Brooklyn really have; plus, there's the whole reunion story where he could mentor Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey.
The Rockets are interesting because it could simply be a three-player deal where each team just gets a new point guard, landing John Wall in Brooklyn.
While it's fun to speculate about a reconciliation between LeBron and Kyrie for another title run, this still feels highly unlikely, and Brooklyn still seems like a better situation for Irving than the Lakers.
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS 
A sleeper team in the potential Kyrie sweepstakes is the Los Angeles Clippers. This is the one team that could perhaps assemble a better "Big Three" than the Nets. Irving alongside Paul George and Kawhi Leonard might instantly become the best trio in the NBA.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/usatsi_15520646-1_690w.png" alt="" width="756" height="378" />
A package of Norman Powell, Marcus Morris Sr. and Ivica Zubac, plus draft compensation could do the trick. If the Clippers do not want to part with Zubac, they could possibly package Reggie Jackson, Robert Covington, Powell and picks.
If the Clippers are able to assemble a lineup of Irving, George, Leonard, Luke Kennard, Morris/Covington, Terance Mann and/or Zubac, this would be a top-five rotation in the league at worst.&nbsp;
Brooklyn taking back Jackson, Powell and Covington would be a nice return of players to fit around Durant, but it still fails to replace the talent of Kyrie. If the Clippers, who also lack draft capital, can put together an enticing enough package to land Irving, this would be an optimal landing spot for him.
NEW YORK KNICKS 
The Knicks have been linked to almost every available player via trade or free agency. They have longed for a superstar since the Carmelo Anthony era, and it just so happens that a point guard is also a position of need for the historic franchise.
In order for this to work financially, the Knicks would have to part with some combination of Alec Burks, Kemba Walker, Nerlens Noel, Evan Fournier and Derrick Rose. The Nets would do well to come away with Noel, Walker and Burks in terms of roster fit, but that return is hardly enough talent-wise for Brooklyn. Including the No. 11 pick in this year's draft &mdash; plus one of Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin or Cam Reddish &mdash; may be required.
Kyrie staying in New York and swapping local teams may make some sense on paper, but it would be a step backwards in pursuit of a championship for Irving. At this point in his career, championship rings appear to be the goal for Irving, and he'd be better off working it out with the Nets than making a move to the Knicks.
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WASHINGTON WIZARDS 
A team with a long shot to land Irving would be the Washington Wizards, but the franchise has made it known that it is going to do whatever it takes to make Bradley Beal happy. Wizards president Tommy Sheppard mentioned using the No. 10 pick in this year's draft to acquire a veteran point guard.
&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t see a rookie starting at point guard for us next season. I could be wrong, but I just don&rsquo;t see that," Sheppard said in an April interview with Team 980 hosts Chris Russell and Pete Medhurst. "I think free agency or trade is probably the right route to go.&rdquo;
It has been <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/wizards-pursuing-shai-gilgeousalexander-dejounte-murray-malcolm-brogdon-nba-trade-rumors" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that the Wizards have inquired about Dejounte Murray, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Malcolm Brogdon, so clearly they are kicking the tires on notable point guards. While Brogdon may be the better fit next to Beal, the opportunity to add a talent like Irving doesn't come around often. Sheppard has talked about swinging for the fences and pouncing on opportunities when they present themselves.
"I can&rsquo;t say this enough: you can&rsquo;t be afraid to take big swings when you get an opportunity... Some things present themselves to you," Sheppard said in February. "Jerry West told me when I got this job, &lsquo;Don&rsquo;t ever be afraid to take a big swing.&rsquo; There&rsquo;s only going to be so many opportunities to get talent and to get talent, you have to give up talent."
The Wizards could send Kristaps Porzingis, No. 10 and either Corey Kispert or Deni Avdija to the Nets. Brooklyn could then use the 10th pick to acquire a veteran point guard themselves.&nbsp;
This deal, of course, relies upon Beal opting into his player option rather than the current reports that he has <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/bradley-beal-to-decline-player-option-enter-unrestricted-free-agency" target="_blank" rel="noopener">declined his option to pursue unrestricted free agency</a>. The Wizards have not been afraid to swing for a big trade, and they may have the ammo to do just that here.&nbsp;
BROOKLYN NETS 
Ultimately the best possible destination for Irving is the Nets. Durant hand-picked him as his running mate for another championship, and it is in the best interest of all parties involved to figure this out.
As mentioned above, the trio of Kyrie, KD and Simmons has yet to take the floor together; the Nets and the NBA world need to see how that would play out. Kyrie can still get paid, the Nets can still be contenders and in the end, they would keep Durant happy, which should be priority No. 1 for Marks.&nbsp;
Trade speculation is fun, but it is often merely speculation in the end. Kyrie is a Brooklyn Net with a player option that would net the highest possible payday he could receive for the 2022-23 season, as it is unlikely anyone offers him a long-term max contract.
Maybe Irving and Marks find an acceptable restructure of his contract that is more incentive-laden, or maybe he opts in for the full amount. At the end of the day, there is a next-to-zero chance the Nets get a package in return for Kyrie that matches his talent level.
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