Latest news with #G-League
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Knicks hopeful to see a second-year leap from former first-round pick
The days of the New York Knicks' younger inexperienced players not seeing the court are over. With Mike Brown now in the fold, it's safe to assume the Knicks will be less reluctant to play their younger, unproven talent than they were under Tom Thibodeau. For players such as Pacome Dadiet, this is good news to hear. Keith Smith of Spotrac spoke with an anonymous Knicks scout at the NBA Summer League. The scout told Smith that the hope is to get Dadiet, and the team's other young players in the mix in some way, shape, or form. 'This is a tough rotation to crack. We have a lot of NBA veterans who are going to play a lot,' they said, per Smith. 'But Pacome (Dadiet) looked a lot more comfortable this year than last year. Tyler (Kolek) got some run last year and we're comfortable with playing him more this year. Ariel (Hukporti) was forced to play at time last year and he's more ready if that happens again this year. And Kevin (McCullar Jr.) and MarJon (Beauchamp) both looked awesome out here (Las Vegas). We're still figuring out the rest of the roster, but we hope all of those guys factor in somehow.' Dadiet was selected 25th overall by the Knicks in the 2024 NBA Draft, and played sparingly with the big league club, spending most of the year in the G-League. Dadiet appeared in 18 games with the Knicks last season, and averaged 1.7 points per game in 6.2 minutes of action. In the G-League, he averaged 14.9 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. While barely sniffing the court in his rookie season, the Knicks hope they will see him have more of an impact in year 2. The 19-year-old has shown plenty of potential, but he needs to be on the court in order to showcase it more.
News18
5 days ago
- Sport
- News18
From Wiping Floors to Calling Plays: Sacramento Kings' Dipesh Mistry's Rise To The NBA G-League
Last Updated: Dipesh Mistry's journey from playing basketball in Markham as a kid, to becoming a G-League head coach is one that reminds us all that basketball is for everyone. From playing basketball throughout his childhood for the sheer love of the game, to doing all the grunt work for his university team, to eventually standing shoulder-to-shoulder among the best coaches in the G-League, Dipesh Mistry's journey is a powerful example of how success often follows an unpredictable path. In fact, it's the kind of story we're used to seeing on the big screen. Now 32, the Canadian-Indian from Markham, Ontario, overcame what could have been the end of his basketball aspirations. Instead, he reinvented himself and steadily climbed his way to the professional ranks of the G-League. After not making the cut for Ryerson University's basketball team, Mistry spent two years doing the unglamorous, unpaid work—rebounding, doing laundry, wiping down floors—while learning everything he could. During that time, he found inspiration in people he could truly relate to, to keep his eyes on the prize. 'Eric Spoelstra was probably one of the biggest inspirations for me, you know. But also like even in my level, like Roy Rana was one, as an Indian coach. To see what he was doing at Ryerson, and to have him take me under his wing when I was 20 or 21, to show me how global basketball is and how big it can become for me too. I was very young, and I just kind of helped him out. So that was someone like close to home that I could actually see and be like, 'Oh, yeah, that makes sense. I could do it too.'" Eventually, he caught his break. Mistry's analytical skills first drew national attention when he joined Team Canada's women's basketball team as a performance analyst for the 2016 Rio Olympics. He later worked as a video coordinator with the men's national team. Then came the big league: the NBA. His initial NBA opportunity came while working under coach Jay Triano, the interim head coach of the Phoenix Suns in 2017. He brought Mistry onto the staff: a moment that launched his NBA career. In 2018, he joined the Atlanta Hawks as head video coordinator, eventually becoming a coaching associate and special assistant to the head coach by 2021. In 2023, he moved to the Sacramento Kings, where his relentless work ethic quickly stood out. Head coach Doug Christie saw his potential and supported his appointment as head coach of the Kings' G-League affiliate. 'When I was sitting on the bench during my first Summer League game in charge, it felt normal. But then, when like the first couple baskets went through and I had to stand up, that's when I really felt it. And I was like, 'Wow, this is incredible'. I thought that was an incredible moment for myself, but also for my family and for all the people and coaches who supported me. It's a moment I'll probably never forget." When the moment came, Mistry rose to it. He led a young, newly drafted roster to a standout showing in the 2025 Summer League, guiding them with a team-first approach that earned the Kings a place in the final against the Charlotte Hornets. Although the Kings fell short in the championship game, the experience was a personal win for Mistry. 'It's funny because Chris Gent, the (Charlotte Hornets' G-League team) coach on the other side. I was in Atlanta with him and I learned under him for three years. So, it was kind of coaching against someone who mentored me for a long time. It was a surreal experience as well." His journey, though, is far from over. 'Yeah, I think my younger self would probably be pretty shocked and be like, 'Wow, it actually happened'. Maybe he was onto something, you know? Maybe it was possible after all." As one of the few Indian-origin coaches operating at this level, Mistry understands both the weight and the honor of his role, while embracing the same to push himself further. 'It's just about just going through the process and, and going through the journey. However I do, I think it's an honor to be someone to look up to and be like, 'Hey, if he could do it, I could do it too. And he looks like me.'" Basketball is for everyone—and Mistry embodies exactly that. News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : NBA view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
USA Today
16-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Former USC men's basketball star Drew Peterson signs with Charlotte Hornets
Former USC men's basketball star Drew Peterson has a new home. On Monday night, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Peterson has agreed to a two-way contract with the Charlotte Hornets. Peterson spent the past two seasons on a two-way deal with the Boston Celtics. In 2024, he won an NBA championship with the team. This past year, Peterson appeared in 25 games, averaging in 2.3 points and 1.5 rebounds per contest. After starting his college career at Rice, Peterson played at USC from 2020-2023. In each of his final two seasons in Cardinal and Gold, Peterson was named first-team All-Pac-12. During his USC tenure, the Trojans made it to three consecutive NCAA Tournaments, including a trip to the Elite Eight in 2021. Peterson was not selected in the 2023 NBA Draft. After a brief stint with the Miami Heat's G-League affiliate in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, he signed a two-way contract with the Celtics in December of 2023. Peterson had a lot of great moments during his time in Cardinal and Gold. USC fans will certainly be continuing to cheer him on at the next level.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Olden Polynice Drops Bombshell on the NBA Summer League: "It's the Biggest Moneymaker Scheme, and It Serves No Purpose"
Olden Polynice (Image via Getty) The NBA Summer League has long been billed as a proving ground for rookies, unsigned free agents, and developmental talent. But not everyone is buying the hype. Former NBA center Olden Polynice recently took a flamethrower to the event, calling it out as nothing more than a 'moneymaker scheme' with 'no real value for the players. ' His harsh words have sparked new debate over what the Summer League actually accomplishes—and who it really benefits. What's the NBA Summer League Supposed to Be? Held during the NBA off-season, the Summer League features exhibition games that showcase newly drafted rookies, G-League prospects, and unsigned hopefuls trying to catch the eye of team executives. For some, it's a stepping stone to a professional career. For others, it's a last chance to make an impression. It's marketed as a first look at the league's next wave of talent—but the competition level and stakes are far lower than the regular season. Fans tune in for glimpses of top draft picks, highlight-reel dunks, and buzzy storylines. But beneath the surface, the stakes are personal: every game could be a make-or-break moment for dozens of players fighting to stay in the league. Olden Polynice Unfiltered: 'It Serves No Purpose' Olden Polynice didn't hold back in his recent critique, stating bluntly: 'It has no real value for the players. It's the biggest moneymaker scheme, and it serves no purpose.' His comments touch on three key concerns: 1. Profit at the Player's Expense LeBron's Endgame! — Jeanie Buss's $10 Billion Gamble & Magic's Power Play Polynice argues that the Summer League is more about generating revenue than developing talent. Between ticket sales, sponsorships, TV deals, and merchandise, NBA teams and the league cash in. Meanwhile, the athletes—many of whom lack guaranteed contracts—risk injury and burnout with little financial security. 2. Questionable Developmental Value He also questions how effective the Summer League is at helping players improve. For most participants, the format doesn't allow for long-term coaching, role definition, or sustained growth. Instead, it prioritizes quick performances and media buzz. 3. Mounting Pressure, Minimal Reward The high-stakes environment can lead to desperation. Young players often push themselves too hard for limited opportunities, which Olden Polynice believes can backfire—derailing careers before they start. Supporters Defend the System Not everyone agrees with Polynice. League insiders, coaches, and even some players argue the Summer League provides crucial exposure and helps teams evaluate young talent. They point to successful examples—players who turned strong showings into roster spots or multi-year deals. But critics like Olden Polynice counter that these success stories are rare exceptions. For most participants, the Summer League ends in heartbreak or obscurity. The increasing focus on fanfare, celebrity appearances, and media hype, they say, only reinforces the idea that spectacle is winning out over substance. A Double-Edged Sword for Players There's no denying that for some, the Summer League can be transformative. A few standout games might lead to an NBA training camp invite, a two-way contract, or an overseas deal. But the reality is stark: the majority of players exit with no guarantees—just the physical toll of competition and brief flashes of exposure. The NBA Summer League isn't just about basketball—it's a cornerstone of the league's year-round content machine: - Merchandise Boom: Rookie jerseys often hit the market during Summer League play, sometimes selling for more than G-League salaries. - Media Buzz: With the regular season months away, the League keeps fans engaged through social media highlights, sideline interviews, and constant coverage. This entertainment factor may be part of the problem. Olden Polynice and others argue that the league has leaned too far into monetizing hype, leaving player development on the back burner. Can the System Be Improved? Olden Polynice's comments have renewed calls for reform. If the NBA wants the Summer League to truly support up-and-coming talent, critics suggest a few changes: - Better compensation and healthcare coverage for players. - Less emphasis on spectacle, more on mentorship and skill-building. - Individualized feedback and support beyond the two-week spotlight. Olden Polynice's sharp critique might rub some the wrong way, but it shines a light on the growing tension between profit and purpose in the NBA Summer League. Is it a launchpad for the stars of tomorrow or just another cog in the league's entertainment engine? Also read: Jaylen Brown's Deep Regret and Lasting Tribute to Kobe Bryant: How the Lakers Legend Shaped a Celtics Star The truth may lie somewhere in between. But as long as voices like Olden Polynice's keep raising hard questions, the conversation—and hopefully the system—will continue to evolve. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
USA Today
07-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Explaining the NBA Summer League's new 'heave' rule
The NBA is always looking to improve its game, and with players getting more and more concerned with their personal stats, a rule that was previously experimented with in the G-League is now making its way into the 2025 Summer League. The new "heave" rule is an effort to get players more invested in last-second shots from their own side of the court at the end of quarters. Full court buzzer beaters have made for some of the NBA's most viral moments in recent years. Whether it's Nikola Jokic casually one-handing a shot at three-quarters court and acting like it was nothing, or Steven Adams doing the same and then hitting a shimmy, these moments have become fewer and far between as NBA players have recognized that their stats can affect contract negotiations down the line. Missed shots lead to lower field goal percentages, which means less money. Despite attempting a heave being objectively the correct play, given that opponents will not have a chance to retaliate, many players have opted to avoid taking them altogether. The Houston Rockets' newest star Kevin Durant has even claimed that he will refuse to take such shots if he isn't having a good night from the floor. He'll take an extra dribble or two in order to make sure the buzzer goes off before attempting the shot. Thusly, Durant has not attempted a "heave" since the 2017-2018 season. The new rule will attempt to incentivize more of these shots. Here's what to know. NBA News: Former Pistons guard Malik Beasley paid barber, dentist $60,000 after lawsuit What is the new 'heave' rule? The new rule states that any shot attempt from beyond 36 feet from the basket (beyond the center circle extended) within three seconds from the end of a quarter will not count against the individual player's shooting statistics, only the team's field goal percentage. During its time in the G-League, the "heave" rule was generally accepted positively. Most criticisms of the new rules were centered around "not wanting to cater to selfish players" or potential statistical inconsistencies in the future. However, neither of those issues appear damaging to the game. Will this rule be introduced to the NBA next season? Currently, there is no guarantee that the rule will be introduced for the 2025-26 NBA season. However, it's reception in the Summer League will likely play a major role in determining its viability in the NBA regular season. NBA Summer League play began on July 5 and will end with the championship game as well as two consolation games on Sunday, July 20. NBA News: Kevin Durant to Rockets becomes official as part of historic 7-team NBA trade
