Latest news with #GLeague
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Grizzlies invite Desmond Bane replacements for private NBA Draft workout
The post Grizzlies invite Desmond Bane replacements for private NBA Draft workout appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Memphis Grizzlies are leaving no stone unturned as they prepare for the 2025 NBA Draft, currently holding the 16th and 48th picks. Thankfully, EVP/GM Zach Kleiman has shown a knack for uncovering useful talent outside of the NBA Draft lottery lately. Santi Aldama, John Konchar, Desmond Bane, Brandon Clarke, Jaylen Wells, Cam Spencer, Trey Jemison, Jake LaRavia, and Vince Williams Jr. have provided a great return on the initial investment. Nine new names, led by LJ Cryer and Kobe Sanders, are in the mix to join the organization this summer, according to multiple reports. Advertisement Bo Montgomery (UNC Wilmington), Paul Zilinskas (Indiana-Indianapolis), Ethan Taylor (Air Force), LJ Cryer (Houston), and Kobe Sanders (Nevada) were among the ballhandlers brought in for a better look. These players, most of whom are not projected to see their names on NBA Draft selection sheets, represent the kind of high-upside, low-risk bets that could eventually bolster an already youthful and dynamic Grizzlies roster. LJ Cryer and Kobe Sanders seem like the best bets to get a shot on the NBA Summer League stage. Both have skills that would translate to the G-League well and could eventually add to Tuomas Iisalo's bench depth. The Grizzlies are not alone in liking these two prospects either. The Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder, and San Antonio Spurs are also showing interest. Silky smooth Kobe Sanders RGJ/Andy Barron / USA TODAY NETWORK The silky smooth Kobe Sanders has the kind of skillset that would shine on the NBA Summer League stage. He just flows like that as a 6-foot-9 prospect with a quick first step; Las Vegas usually makes certain prototype athletes look good, if the shot is falling. Making that magic work through training camp and the G League grind would be worth millions in found money for all involved. Advertisement Sanders averaged 15.8 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.9 rebounds on 46% shooting from the field (35% 3PA) as perhaps the NCAA's tallest pure point guard last season. Yes, Nevada put Sanders on the ball and let him pick apart defenses. Getting that freedom and responsibility was invaluable for the late-spouting Sanders. 'As a freshman, I was trying to play defense and hit shots. Sophomore year, I became more of a defensive guy. Junior year is when I really took the helm. I ran the offense, was the leader, facilitator, and point guard. My senior year, I did everything. I was the main scorer, facilitator, playmaker,' Sander explained. 'As you develop, coaches ask for different things, and I adjusted.' 'I was blessed to have a coach who believed in me, Coach John Smith,' added Sanders. 'We spent a lot of time talking and watching film. That helped me develop and play at a high level. Then I was blessed to go to Nevada, where I ran point most of the year until late-season injuries changed things.' Peeking over defenders for pick-and-roll reads or finding the skip pass comes naturally. Assists went up, turnovers trended down with experience. Sanders has made great strides from the free-throw line as well, suggesting a 38% three-point mark is a reasonable expectation. Defensive intensity and size are not a problem, but his shiftiness on both ends of the floor looks to be a step slow. The lack of muscle is concerning given the NBA's muscle and 82-game slog. Advertisement Smart cuts in Tuomas Iisalo's schemes are more important than straight-line speed. Unfortunately, he has not been asked to be an off-ball cutter and will turn 23 soon. Creating shots comes easily, but the form is a bit funky; too many attempts are off the mark. There is too much variance in his fundamentals and it shows in the shooting percentages. Keeping a pass-first mentality will help Kobe Sanders survive the draft process and stick with the Grizzlies. Going all-in on individual buckets is more likely to land the Nevada star in Europe. Grizzlies keep LJ Cryer close Amy Kontras-Imagn Images LJ Cryer (Houston) is a Final Four championship-game certified point guard who could take Yuki Kawamura's two-way spot in leading the G-League's Memphis Hustle. Cryer is also a compact, scoring-first point guard with a knack for creating highlight passes. At 6-foot-1 with a quick release, the 23-year-old thrives as a long-range shooter, boasting a 42.4% three-point percentage last season. Advertisement Averaging only a single turnover per game for multiple seasons is a calling card that scouts will care about. Hitting over 90% from the free-throw line at Houston is also highly encouraging, especially if expected to slot into the Desmond Bane role. LJ Cryer's ability to pull up off the dribble and navigate pick-and-roll situations makes him a potential spark plug off the bench. However, his smaller frame and limited playmaking vision raise concerns about his defensive impact and ability to run an NBA offense. Casual skeptics argue that being an undersized off-ball option may limit Cryer's defensive versatility against larger NBA guards. Scouts all see the excellent scoring ability, particularly from beyond the arc, with a quick release and shot-creation skills. Experience in high-pressure games, including leading Houston in scoring during the NCAA Tournament, showcased Cryer's clutch gene. Modest assist numbers suggest Cryer is more of a scorer than a playmaker, yet the competitive drive would be fun to watch in a battle with Scotty Pippen Jr. The Grizzlies could always utilize another microwave scorer off the bench. The consensus seems to be clear in most. Having LJ Cryer's winning pedigree and sharpshooting in the building could help the Grizzlies survive the Western Conference gauntlet next season. Related: KCP's 'excited' reaction to being included in Desmond Bane-Magic trade to Grizzlies Related: Kendrick Perkins drops 'most overhyped' claim on Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr.
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Wisconsin basketball center signs with NBA team
Former Wisconsin center Steven Crowl signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Utah Jazz after the conclusion of the NBA draft on Thursday, according to KSTP's Darren Wolfson. The contract is a one-year, non-guaranteed minimum salary. It's commonly used to sign undrafted players for the NBA Summer League (July 10 to 20) and preseason. That player can then earn a spot on the team's G League affiliate. With strong play, the contract could be converted to a two-way deal with the NBA team itself. Crowl gets his NBA shot after a busy predraft process. Despite not being invited to the NBA combine or G League Elite Camp, the now-former Badger reportedly worked out for the Golden State Warriors, New Orleans Pelicans, Charlotte Hornets and Denver Nuggets in the weeks preceding the draft. The center is making the jump to the professional ranks after a terrific five-year career with the Badgers. He started 141 of his 153 career appearances in five seasons from 2020-25, averaging 9.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and two assists per game while shooting 52.5% from the field, 36.3% from 3 and 82% from the charity stripe. Arguably, his best season came as a senior in 2024-25. In 37 starts, Crowl averaged 9.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists while shooting 54% from the field, a whopping 41% from 3 and 82% from the free-throw line. Notably, Crowl will join John Tonje on the Jazz summer league team. Utah selected Tonje in the second round of Thursday's NBA draft. Both Wisconsin products will look to turn heads during the upcoming summer league circuit. While the two joined the Jazz under different circumstances, both still need strong play to earn a spot on the team's roster. Most likely, that would be the NBA roster for Tonje and the G League roster for Crowl. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
The Advertiser
a day ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
'We're fired up': Rocco tops historic Aussie draft call
Minnesota reckon they got a NBA Draft steal in giant Rocco Zikarsky, who led a historic Australian contingent called during a frantic, 10-pick window. The Brisbane Bullets centre was taken with pick No.45 by the Timberwolves during the second round on Friday (AEST). Fellow Australians Tyrese Proctor (Cleveland, No.49), Alex Toohey (Golden State, No.52) and Lachlan Olbrich (Chicago, No.55) followed soon after. A record 15 Australians were on NBA rosters this season and not since No.7 pick Chris Anstey led the draft charge in 1997 has the country had as many names called in a single draft. The 18-year-old Zikarsky, who hails from the Sunshine Coast and completed two NBL seasons, was overlooked on the first night of the event at Barclays Centre in Brooklyn. But, the tallest in the class at 220cm, he was snapped up with the 15th pick of the second round, which Chicago had traded to the Timberwolves. He had worked out almost exclusively at the Timberwolves' facility in the lead-up and, unless he's traded, would have French centre Rudy Gobert at his disposal to learn from. "We had a great workout with him, had him much higher on the board," general manager Tim Connelly said. "Seven foot, three inches (tall) ... we're fired up." Like most second-round picks Zikarski is likely to sign a two-way deal with the club's G League outfit Iowa and won't receive the guaranteed contract of those selected in the top-30. "He could stay overseas, he could do the G league, we want to maximise Iowa, so we're not sure," Connelly said. "But we want to make sure he's going somewhere where his development continues." Sydney guard Toohey impressed in his pre-draft workouts and will link with superstar Steph Curry but, like Zikarsky, will likely need to earn his stripes in the tier below. Olbrich, fresh off an NBL title with Illawarra, will have compatriot Josh Giddey for company at the Bulls while Duke star Proctor is reportedly set for immediate NBA action at the Cavaliers. A 64-win season saw them claim the No.1 seed in the east and Proctor is set to help star guard Donovan Mitchell again challenge for a championship. Proctor was the last of Duke's starting five to be drafted, including top pick Cooper Flagg, in a coup for the college. "Tyrese has had an elite basketball education - from his local club at Sutherland to the NBA Global Academy and, of course, Duke University," Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence (COE) coach Robbie McKinlay, said. "A floor leader, elite shooter and versatile defender, Tyrese has already played on big stages in the ACC and NCAA tournaments and shown he is a big-game player." All four Australian draftees honed their craft at the COE. "To be spoken about as a future NBA prospect, any player needs to have an elite combination of physical tools, skill and basketball IQ and all four tick those boxes," McKinlay said. Minnesota reckon they got a NBA Draft steal in giant Rocco Zikarsky, who led a historic Australian contingent called during a frantic, 10-pick window. The Brisbane Bullets centre was taken with pick No.45 by the Timberwolves during the second round on Friday (AEST). Fellow Australians Tyrese Proctor (Cleveland, No.49), Alex Toohey (Golden State, No.52) and Lachlan Olbrich (Chicago, No.55) followed soon after. A record 15 Australians were on NBA rosters this season and not since No.7 pick Chris Anstey led the draft charge in 1997 has the country had as many names called in a single draft. The 18-year-old Zikarsky, who hails from the Sunshine Coast and completed two NBL seasons, was overlooked on the first night of the event at Barclays Centre in Brooklyn. But, the tallest in the class at 220cm, he was snapped up with the 15th pick of the second round, which Chicago had traded to the Timberwolves. He had worked out almost exclusively at the Timberwolves' facility in the lead-up and, unless he's traded, would have French centre Rudy Gobert at his disposal to learn from. "We had a great workout with him, had him much higher on the board," general manager Tim Connelly said. "Seven foot, three inches (tall) ... we're fired up." Like most second-round picks Zikarski is likely to sign a two-way deal with the club's G League outfit Iowa and won't receive the guaranteed contract of those selected in the top-30. "He could stay overseas, he could do the G league, we want to maximise Iowa, so we're not sure," Connelly said. "But we want to make sure he's going somewhere where his development continues." Sydney guard Toohey impressed in his pre-draft workouts and will link with superstar Steph Curry but, like Zikarsky, will likely need to earn his stripes in the tier below. Olbrich, fresh off an NBL title with Illawarra, will have compatriot Josh Giddey for company at the Bulls while Duke star Proctor is reportedly set for immediate NBA action at the Cavaliers. A 64-win season saw them claim the No.1 seed in the east and Proctor is set to help star guard Donovan Mitchell again challenge for a championship. Proctor was the last of Duke's starting five to be drafted, including top pick Cooper Flagg, in a coup for the college. "Tyrese has had an elite basketball education - from his local club at Sutherland to the NBA Global Academy and, of course, Duke University," Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence (COE) coach Robbie McKinlay, said. "A floor leader, elite shooter and versatile defender, Tyrese has already played on big stages in the ACC and NCAA tournaments and shown he is a big-game player." All four Australian draftees honed their craft at the COE. "To be spoken about as a future NBA prospect, any player needs to have an elite combination of physical tools, skill and basketball IQ and all four tick those boxes," McKinlay said. Minnesota reckon they got a NBA Draft steal in giant Rocco Zikarsky, who led a historic Australian contingent called during a frantic, 10-pick window. The Brisbane Bullets centre was taken with pick No.45 by the Timberwolves during the second round on Friday (AEST). Fellow Australians Tyrese Proctor (Cleveland, No.49), Alex Toohey (Golden State, No.52) and Lachlan Olbrich (Chicago, No.55) followed soon after. A record 15 Australians were on NBA rosters this season and not since No.7 pick Chris Anstey led the draft charge in 1997 has the country had as many names called in a single draft. The 18-year-old Zikarsky, who hails from the Sunshine Coast and completed two NBL seasons, was overlooked on the first night of the event at Barclays Centre in Brooklyn. But, the tallest in the class at 220cm, he was snapped up with the 15th pick of the second round, which Chicago had traded to the Timberwolves. He had worked out almost exclusively at the Timberwolves' facility in the lead-up and, unless he's traded, would have French centre Rudy Gobert at his disposal to learn from. "We had a great workout with him, had him much higher on the board," general manager Tim Connelly said. "Seven foot, three inches (tall) ... we're fired up." Like most second-round picks Zikarski is likely to sign a two-way deal with the club's G League outfit Iowa and won't receive the guaranteed contract of those selected in the top-30. "He could stay overseas, he could do the G league, we want to maximise Iowa, so we're not sure," Connelly said. "But we want to make sure he's going somewhere where his development continues." Sydney guard Toohey impressed in his pre-draft workouts and will link with superstar Steph Curry but, like Zikarsky, will likely need to earn his stripes in the tier below. Olbrich, fresh off an NBL title with Illawarra, will have compatriot Josh Giddey for company at the Bulls while Duke star Proctor is reportedly set for immediate NBA action at the Cavaliers. A 64-win season saw them claim the No.1 seed in the east and Proctor is set to help star guard Donovan Mitchell again challenge for a championship. Proctor was the last of Duke's starting five to be drafted, including top pick Cooper Flagg, in a coup for the college. "Tyrese has had an elite basketball education - from his local club at Sutherland to the NBA Global Academy and, of course, Duke University," Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence (COE) coach Robbie McKinlay, said. "A floor leader, elite shooter and versatile defender, Tyrese has already played on big stages in the ACC and NCAA tournaments and shown he is a big-game player." All four Australian draftees honed their craft at the COE. "To be spoken about as a future NBA prospect, any player needs to have an elite combination of physical tools, skill and basketball IQ and all four tick those boxes," McKinlay said. Minnesota reckon they got a NBA Draft steal in giant Rocco Zikarsky, who led a historic Australian contingent called during a frantic, 10-pick window. The Brisbane Bullets centre was taken with pick No.45 by the Timberwolves during the second round on Friday (AEST). Fellow Australians Tyrese Proctor (Cleveland, No.49), Alex Toohey (Golden State, No.52) and Lachlan Olbrich (Chicago, No.55) followed soon after. A record 15 Australians were on NBA rosters this season and not since No.7 pick Chris Anstey led the draft charge in 1997 has the country had as many names called in a single draft. The 18-year-old Zikarsky, who hails from the Sunshine Coast and completed two NBL seasons, was overlooked on the first night of the event at Barclays Centre in Brooklyn. But, the tallest in the class at 220cm, he was snapped up with the 15th pick of the second round, which Chicago had traded to the Timberwolves. He had worked out almost exclusively at the Timberwolves' facility in the lead-up and, unless he's traded, would have French centre Rudy Gobert at his disposal to learn from. "We had a great workout with him, had him much higher on the board," general manager Tim Connelly said. "Seven foot, three inches (tall) ... we're fired up." Like most second-round picks Zikarski is likely to sign a two-way deal with the club's G League outfit Iowa and won't receive the guaranteed contract of those selected in the top-30. "He could stay overseas, he could do the G league, we want to maximise Iowa, so we're not sure," Connelly said. "But we want to make sure he's going somewhere where his development continues." Sydney guard Toohey impressed in his pre-draft workouts and will link with superstar Steph Curry but, like Zikarsky, will likely need to earn his stripes in the tier below. Olbrich, fresh off an NBL title with Illawarra, will have compatriot Josh Giddey for company at the Bulls while Duke star Proctor is reportedly set for immediate NBA action at the Cavaliers. A 64-win season saw them claim the No.1 seed in the east and Proctor is set to help star guard Donovan Mitchell again challenge for a championship. Proctor was the last of Duke's starting five to be drafted, including top pick Cooper Flagg, in a coup for the college. "Tyrese has had an elite basketball education - from his local club at Sutherland to the NBA Global Academy and, of course, Duke University," Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence (COE) coach Robbie McKinlay, said. "A floor leader, elite shooter and versatile defender, Tyrese has already played on big stages in the ACC and NCAA tournaments and shown he is a big-game player." All four Australian draftees honed their craft at the COE. "To be spoken about as a future NBA prospect, any player needs to have an elite combination of physical tools, skill and basketball IQ and all four tick those boxes," McKinlay said.
Indianapolis Star
a day ago
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Pacers sign UConn's Samson Johnson, ECU's R.J. Felton, Creighton's Steven Ashworth to Exhibit 10 deals
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Pacers signed Connecticut center Samson Johnson, East Carolina guard RJ Felton and Creighton guard Steven Ashworth to undrafted free agent contracts after the second round of the NBA draft on Thursday, a league source confirmed to IndyStar. All three of those contracts are expected to be Exhibit 10 deals, according to the league source. An Exhibit 10 contract is a one-year, non-guaranteed minimum deal and it is usually used for teams to add to their Summer League and G League rosters. A team can have six Exhibit 10 deals and if it waives a player, that player can earn a bonus of up to approximately $75,000 for spending at least 60 days with that team's G League affiliate. This most likely means Johnson, Felton and Ashworth will play for the Pacers in July's NBA Summer League in Las Vegas and then for the Noblesville Boom in the G League. What to know about Kam Jones: 'I'm just ready to get to Naptown and get to work' What to know about Taleon Peter: This is why the NBA draft is beautiful' The 6-10, 225-pound Johnson — a native of the west African nation Togo — played four years at Connecticut and won two national championships with the Huskies. His minutes were limited as a freshman and sophomore, but he appeared in 40 games with the 2023-24 championship team, averaging 16.0 minutes, 5.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game and making 72.5% of his field goal attempts. This year, he started for the first time and averaged 7.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game, making 76.6% of his field goals and helping the Huskies earn another trip to the NCAA tournament before they lost a second-round thriller to eventual national champion Florida. RJ Felton, a cousin of former NBA point guard Raymond Felton, started in three of his four seasons at East Carolina averaging at least 13.8 points per game in all three of those seasons. He was named third-team All-American Athletic Conference as a junior and first team All-AAC as a senior. The 6-3, 215-pounder averaged 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game this season and made 86 of 229 3-point attempts (37.6%). Ashworth spent three seasons at Utah State and then two at Creighton. The 6-foot, 175-pounder earned first-team All-Mountain West Conference honors at Utah State in 2022-23, averaging 16.2 points and 4.5 assists per game and leading the MWC in 3-point percentage (.434), free throw percentage (.878), and total 3-pointers (111). At Creighton this past season, he was named second team All-Big East. He averaged 16.4 points per game and led the Big East in assists (6.8 per game), free throw percentage (.930) total 3-pointers (110) and total minutes (1,261).
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
NBA prospect Dylan Harper comes from a championship family—but his 13-year-old sister might be the real star in the making
Image viaAs Dylan Harper waits to hear his name called during the 2025 NBA Draft tonight, it's not just his basketball future that has people talking—it's his family. The 19-year-old Rutgers standout comes from a lineage of athletic greatness, but there's one name quietly making waves in her own right: Mia Harper. While Dylan could soon share the court with NBA legends, his 13-year-old sister is stealing the spotlight in her own way—on the dance floor, and perhaps one day, the hardwood too. Inside the Harper family dynasty: Championship roots, NBA prospect rise, G League grind, and one rising dance star Dylan Harper 's NBA dream is just the next chapter in a family legacy built around sports. His father, Ron Harper, was an NBA fixture for 15 seasons, winning five championships alongside the likes of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen with the Chicago Bulls . Dylan's older brother, Ron Harper Jr., is grinding in the NBA G League, and their mother, Maria Pizarro Harper, once played college ball at the University of New Orleans before coaching prep school basketball. But then there's Mia—the youngest Harper sibling, and arguably the boldest. When asked by in 2024 who the best athlete in the family is, the then-13-year-old didn't hesitate: 'It's me,' she said. 'Everyone says this. Yes.' Dylan might not fully agree, though he did admit she's close. 'She is a close second,' Dylan said in a recent interview. 'She's not first. My pride kicks in here. She's not first though.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AC Installation & Repair from Certified Pros Search7 Learn More Undo Their mom, however, sided with Mia. 'At comparative age of 13… Mia, 100 percent,' Maria said. 'She jumps higher. She's more coordinated. She's explosive.' Despite her athletic gifts, Mia has chosen a different path—for now. She's a competitive dancer at Studio L. Dance in Waldwick, New Jersey. But Dylan believes if she ever switched back to basketball, she'd be a force. 'She'd be like a 6-foot-2 point guard in high school,' he said. 'Caitlin Clark.' Tonight will mark a major milestone for Dylan Harper as he steps into the professional ranks of the NBA, likely as a first-round pick. It's a culmination of years of hard work, family legacy, and relentless focus. But even as the spotlight turns to him on draft night, the Harper household remains a team effort. Also Read: Dylan Harper drops 8-word reaction as Times Square debut fuels NBA draft buzz and San Antonio Spurs rumors From Ron's championship pedigree to Maria's coaching wisdom and Ron Jr.'s current grind in the G League, it's clear this is no ordinary sports family. And right in the middle of it all is Mia—confident, explosive, and carving her own lane. Whether she stays on the stage or returns to the court, one thing is certain: the Harper name isn't fading anytime soon. In fact, it's just getting started. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
