LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Labaron Philon #00 of the Philadelphia 76ers smiles during the game against the Detroit Pistons during the 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2026 at Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Your 2026 Summer Sixers are here, and they got off to just the right start. They won their first game against the Pistons in Las Vegas on Thursday, 101-93, and are back in action Saturday evening against the Pacers.
Of course, following new Sixers rookie Labaron Philon is the main draw, after his handle and smooth shooting stood out at times in the Sixers’ first Summer League game. He only finished the game shooting 6-of-19 for 18 points, but went 4-of-10 from three (the high volume is nice to see), showed off his ball-handling ability, and flashed some nifty playmaking on his way to tallying seven assists to three turnovers.
For the very first time, it's time for Labaron Philon Sixers highlights!
Liked a lot of what we saw from the No. 22 pick. Some inconsistent shooting, but clear ability and game sense. Great handles and awareness; smart about collapsing the defense and kicking out for assists. pic.twitter.com/kdgE1lZrtg
Can Johni Broome continue to build on his solid start this summer? Against the Pistons, he tallied 19 points on 50 percent shooting, 13 rebounds and two blocks, with his work on the glass in particular standing out with his eight offensive rebounds. He’s got some way to go before you can say he looks like a potential NBA player, but this was a good start to his summer after a difficult rookie year.
Apart from the guys we’re more familiar with, Dante Maddox Jr. (21 points on 7-of-13 shooting with four triples) and Isaac Johnson (20 points with four threes) both led the way with their shooting on Thursday. They’ll be players to keep an eye on against Indiana.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 10: The sneakers worn by Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during the game against the Boston Celtics on March 10, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Bruce Thornton #2 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets on July 10, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Friday July 10 marked the start of the Houston Rockets’ Summer League campaign. Unlike previous years, Houston does not have top lottery talent, or even a player picked in the first round competing, but second-round pick Bruce Thornton stepped up to deliver a performance sure to excite fans, as Thornton delivered 27 points in 35 minutes in a 97-86 victory over the Denver Nuggets.
Houston traded with the New York Knicks to acquire the 31st pick in this year’s draft in order to select Thornton, who previously played at Ohio State. Houston’s front office later signed Bruce to a standard NBA contract, so he will be eligible to receive regular NBA playing time in the 2026-2027 season.
The physical 6-foot guard finished with a game-high 27 points while leading Houston to a 97-86 victory (box score) over the Denver Nuggets; the Rockets went +20 in his 35 minutes, best of any player on the floor; he made all seven of his free-throw attempts; his true shooting finished at a solid 64.0%; in addition to scoring, he added three assists, three rebounds, and three steals, the latter of which demonstrated his ability to make plays defensively and committed just one turnover while frequently handling the ball for Houston.
Thornton’s ball-handling is the biggest story here, in my opinion. Everyone knows that Houston struggled without Fred VanVleet last season since they had no real traditional point guard/table setter to initiate the offense. While they tried using Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard, it’s pretty clear that they were playing outside their best roles. If Thornton can learn under VanVleet, it will help place less of a burden on Fred, who is coming back from a significant injury.
No. 31 overall pick Bruce Thornton in the @HoustonRockets' win over Denver:
With all that said, I am excited to see how Thornton looks in the rest of Houston’s Summer League games and hopefully into the regular NBA season. As always, make sure to check back at The Dream Shake for all your Rockets’ news.
By squeaking out a 100-93 overtime victory Saturday over the Pacers after blowing a large second-half lead, the Sixers improved to 2-0 in the Las Vegas summer league.
Labaron Philon Jr. posted 24 points and six assists. Johni Broome had 23 points and 11 rebounds.
Next on the Sixers’ summer league schedule is a meeting with the Rockets on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. Here are observations on their OT win over Indiana:
Strong work from Philon with size advantage
The Sixers used the same starters as for their opening win over the Pistons and the team began brightly for a second straight game.
Broome converted a put-back layup for the game’s first points. Dante Maddox Jr. buried a corner three-pointer and Philon hit an elbow jumper to give the Sixers a 7-2 edge.
Philon was defended by multiple smaller players Saturday in No. 38 overall pick Braden Smith and Yuki Kawamura, both of whom are under 6 feet. The rookie made two smooth mid-range jumpers in the first quarter. He posted up Smith and drew a foul at the start of the second period.
Philon will face plenty of guards bigger than him as a rookie — the Alabama product measured in at 6-foot-2.5 without shoes and just 176 pounds at the NBA draft combine — but it’s evident he knows how to use a size advantage when he has one. In general, Philon has a knack for getting where he wants on the floor.
Broome’s decision-making was a bit sharper than in his first game, which was a 19-point, 13-rebound performance.
He didn’t force up many shots outside of his comfort zone and finished 9 for 19 from the floor and 2 for 4 at the foul line.
Broome has gone 2 for 12 (16.7 percent) from three-point territory so far in summer league. Any progress from him in that department would be helpful, especially in terms of his potential viability for NBA power forward minutes. He shot 28.9 percent beyond the arc in 26 G League games last season.
Broome is set to turn 24 years old next Sunday and has clear weaknesses as a player. Purely from a raw production standpoint, he’s delivered at his second summer league.
Rogers shines off bench
Matt Rogers racked up 11 points in the first quarter.
The 6-foot-9 forward out of American University cut well and brought immediate energy to the game. He also knocked down a three from each wing in Saturday’s first half. Rogers improved throughout his five-year college career as a shooter and went 40.3 percent from long range last season on 4.3 attempts per game.
Rogers’ final stat line was 17 points on 7-for-8 shooting and three rebounds in 20 minutes.
Gerald Ayayi jumped out for the Sixers’ second unit, too. The French guard soared high in the first quarter for an audacious dunk.
The Sixers led by as many as 24 points in the third quarter, but the Pacers made a major run spearheaded by 5-foot-7 fan favorite Kawamura. Philon sunk a key three late in the third and the Sixers maintained a double-digit lead entering the fourth.
An and-one layup from former summer Sixer Jalen Slawson late in the fourth quarter cut Indiana’s deficit down to one point. Philon then assisted a clutch Rogers corner three, but the Pacers kept pushing.
Smith drew a foul on Rogers with 5.1 seconds left and made both his free throws to knot the game up at 93-all. The Sixers got the ball to Philon on the final play of regulation and his tightly contested jumper came up well short.
In the two-minute overtime, the Sixers scored the first four points with a Broome put-back bucket and Philon fast-break layup. This time around, they held their lead.
NBA free agency is not over — LeBron James is still out there and taking his time with a decision. After that domino falls, a couple of others can as well, such as James Harden re-signing with the Cavaliers. Then there are restricted free agents Jalen Duren and Peyton Watson, still trying to squeeze every dollar out of their next deals.
That said, we have seen enough to declare winners and losers — and teams that are a little of both. Let's break it down.
Winner: Philadelphia 76ers
When was the last time 76ers fans could celebrate being on the right side of a head-scratching management decision?
Philadelphia added All-NBA Jaylen Brown in his prime while unloading an anchor of a contract in Paul George, a move that vaults this team into title-contender status. That move came at the cost of two first-round picks, but they would have had to give up one just to get off of George in any other trade, and they pick up a guy who finished sixth in MVP voting last season.
It's not perfect,there will be growing pains as a ball-dominant Brown has to fit in with a ball-dominant Tyrese Maxey. Also, the idea of the 76ers as contenders ultimately rests on Joel Embiid's knees and ability to play every other day for a couple of playoff rounds (that said, having Brown there eases the regular season demands and need for Embiid). Concerns aside, there is no question the 76ers are winners this offseason, and new President of Basketball Operations Mike Gansey deserves his flowers.
Loser: Boston Celtics
If we accept Brad Stevens’ premise that in the modern NBA a contending team cannot be built with two supermax players eating up 70% of the team's cap space — and I don't accept that, not fully — it doesn't answer the real issue with Boston's big:
Why this trade at this time? This return is paltry, although the two first-round picks are a good addition. But this should be a contending team featuring Jayson Tatum in his prime, and they replaced All-NBA Brown with 36-year-old Paul George, who, when healthy, is basically a back-end starter-level player at this point. Mitchell Robinson is a good pickup at the price and helps in the minutes and games he can give you. But are the Celtics, as constructed, contenders in the East? I don't see it.
There is a lot of work to be done to build out this roster — the Heat are not title contenders as of now (in fact, I think they are in a tier with Boston and Toronto that may have to battle it out for the 5/6/7 seeds). However, there is a real path to contending now, and nobody wants to face this team in the playoffs under Erik Spoelstra. Miami has to be noticed again.
Winner: LeBron James
At age 41, he is still dominating the free agency conversation — that is a huge win. He is what everyone is talking about, and other moves are on hold until he makes a decision. LeBron seems to be enjoying this and dragging it out. Whatever choice he makes is almost secondary, LeBron has shown how much media and fan gravity he has again this offseason.
Winner and Loser: Los Angeles Lakers
I am a lot higher on the Lakers' offseason than many, in part because they did what they needed to do: Make Luka Doncic happy. Any team with a superstar of his caliber is always on the clock, and the Lakers pivoted away from LeBron — an amicable breakup — and put together a roster that is a better, more natural fit around Doncic and how he wants to play. With that, the Lakers are going to win a lot of regular-season games.
However, are the Lakers a better playoff team now? No. They overpaid for Walker Kessler and have made a massive bet on an unproven player who has been injured a lot over the past couple of seasons. It's a huge risk. The Lakers had to pay more than they wanted to retain Austin Reaves, and LeBron James — the All-Star forward who carried them past Houston in a playoff series at age 41 — is willing to play for the minimum somewhere else to get off this team.
The real issue for the Lakers is that they are locked into this core. Doncic/Reaves/Kessler has to work because if it doesn't, it gets really ugly. There is no optionality here.
Loser: Detroit Pistons
Detroit went into the offseason with a clear top priority: Find a quality secondary playmaker to put next to Cade Cunningham. They have not done that.
Working out an extension with All-NBA center Jalen Duren has gotten messy, and while it may all get cleaned up, unnecessary bad blood has developed. Landing Isaiah Joe from OKC for shooting is a quality pickup that fills a need. Switching out Tobias Harris (who goes to the Spurs) for John Collins is good defensively but a step back on offense (Harris can create shots in ways Collins does not). Salary dumping Isaiah Stewart makes this team worse. Ultimately, it's this simple: Detroit went into the summer with one item at the top of the shopping list, and they have not taken care of that yet. This team feels a little worse.
Losers: Teams with cap space
Look at the teams that went into this offseason with significant cap space. The Lakers used their cap space to reshape their roster and overpay for Walker Kessler. The Bulls signed Norman Powell and traded for Nic Claxton, nice moves but not needle movers. The Nets used their cap space to trade for a floor raiser in Julius Randle.
The reality is, the best players don't move via free agency anymore. The biggest moves this offseason (Brown and Antetokounmpo) were trades, and that has been the trend for a while. Cap space doesn't mean what it used to.
Winner: Centers
Every team in the league is looking at San Antonio and asking, "How are we going to deal with Victor Wembanyama?" In the West, that's without even asking about Nikola Jokic and Chet Holmgren. All of which has put signing big body centers back in vogue: Mitchell Robinson got a raise to head to Boston, the Lakers nearly used all their assets to land Walker Kessler, and a lot of guys who may have been thought of as backup bigs — Quinten Post, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Jusuf Nurkic, Jock Landale, and Day'Ron Sharpe to name a few — got eight-figure new contracts. It's a good time to be a center.
Winner and Loser: Portland Trail Blazers
Portland is a winner because they get to take a shot with Ja Morant for almost no cost. How well he fits in with the team and the city remains to be seen (he was with his new teammates in Las Vegas for Summer League, cheering on Yang Hansen), but at this cost, why not try it? There are reasons to think that his being in a locker room with Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday (and near the Nike campus) is a big plus.
Portland is also a loser because Morant feels more like a distressed asset play than a basketball move, Portland didn't need to bring in Morant. The thing is, that just feels like how new owner Tom Dundon is treating the Trail Blazers: as a distressed-asset play, not as the caretaker of part of a city's culture and identity.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Jaden Bradley #8 of the Toronto Raptors handles the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics on July 10, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Greathouse/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Toronto Raptors may not have come away with the victory in their Summer League opener against the Boston Celtics, but that doesn’t mean the team’s late-moment fumble was a total calamity either. There were enough tantalizing performances to keep fans satiated until the next contest, and fortunately, that’s not too long a wait.
Here are four storylines to consider ahead of the Raptors’ matchup against the Houston Rockets on Saturday. Tip-off is slated for 9:30 p.m. EST on NBA TV Canada and Prime Video.
Toronto needs sharper execution down the stretch to close out games
Allen Graves was a revelation for the Raptors, but it wasn’t enough to pull out a win. The 19th overall pick dropped 22 points on 9-16 shooting from the field, with 13 boards and two blocks in a losing effort. The Celtics might have allowed a bit of cushion room for mistakes, but the Raptors can not afford to commit them against the Rockets.
The Raptors’ mistakes kept the Celtics in the game
The third quarter saw the Raptors’ lead balloon to double digits, but the Celtics capitalized on defensive lapses to put them back in the game. Curtis Jones was doubled at the top of the key, which freed up John Tonje in the wing for a non-contested triple, trimming the Raptors’ lead to 8, 43-51. In a subsequent pick-and-roll action, Hugo Gonzales collapses the defence, leaving Tonje for another three-pointer in the wing, making it a one-possession contest, 48-51.
As much as Graves has been credited for his standout performance on offence, his costly choices on defence gave Boston a lifeline to force overtime. Graves knocks down a transition triple to make it a two-possession game down the stretch, 75-71. In a press action for Toronto, Graves reached for a steal, forcing his teammates to scramble on coverage, which left Tonje open for a three-pointer. On the last possession before extra time, Milos Uzan was doubled off the dribble, finding Chris Cenac Jr. on the corner for the game-tying triple, to which Graves gave a late contest.
Defensive maturity takes time to develop. Besides, Graves’ production is the reason we are even talking about the errors on the other end that gave the Celtics the chance to recover. Expectations on an NBA floor aside, Graves and the young guys don’t have time to waste. If they want to extend their stay in Vegas, they will have to learn how to close out games. Against Houston, that might just happen a little sooner.
The Rockets took off in the 4th
The Rockets and the Denver Nuggets were a point apart entering the fourth. Houston did not waste any time in the early stretches of the last period, as they took off with their offence. Quadir Copeland sparked an early 5-0 run for the Rockets after going for a strong drive to the hoop and finishing with a layup. The next possession saw the Nuggets’ defence sag off him, making them pay with a triple on top of the key.
As good as Copeland’s outing was, it was Bruce Thornton who stole the show for the Rockets, with his ability to finish off the dribble and knock down shots. Thornton finished with 27 points on 7-18 shooting and 3-8 from downtown. While his shooting doesn’t scream consistency, Thornton was a game-high +20. This doesn’t come as a surprise considering his impact on the defensive end, as he finished the game with three steals while taking good care of the ball on offence, committing just one turnover in the process.
How can the Raptors win?
In their last contest, Toronto led for 79 per cent of the game, while the Celtics were only ahead on 12 per cent of the possessions. While Houston is a different team, Toronto could rely on the same strengths it had while minimizing its mistakes.
The Raptors’ paint defence was a force to be reckoned with down low. Jamarion Sharp finished with four blocks while Nate Bittle tallied a team-high six. Graves added a couple to the tally. Toronto might intimidate Houston inside the paint, but directing focus solely inside leaves shooters on the perimeter, and just like the Celtics, the Rockets can also make them pay.
It also didn’t help that the Raptors were defending aggressively, which led to plenty of fouls committed. While rebounding did not serve as an edge against Boston, Houston was massively outrebounded by Denver, which Toronto could bank on.
Defensive adjustments on the perimeter, less aggressive fouling, and dominating the glass are factors that could definitely swing the favor to the Raptors. However, once the game slows down to a possession-by-possession battle, execution will matter most.
Learning to make the right play down the stretch is surely a tall task for first-year and second-year players in the league. But if they want to fit in with the big picture of where the organization is heading, albeit the Aspiration investigation, closing out games is a great way to start.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Koa Peat #18 of the Phoenix Suns plays defense during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on July 10, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Choi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Phoenix Suns opened their Summer League slate on Friday night with a victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. It marked the professional debut of Koa Peat, who was drafted 30th overall by Phoenix after the organization moved up in the draft to acquire him. A local product who attended Perry High School before playing at the University of Arizona, this was our first opportunity to see Peat wearing purple and orange. And he undoubtedly impressed.
This isn’t an overreaction to one Summer League performance. It’s simply a reaction, taking note of what I saw during his first minutes playing within the Suns organization.
There are certainly questions surrounding Peat’s ability to shoot, seeing as he didn’t do much of it during his time at Arizona. What was it? 20 total three-point attempts in college, accounting for just 5.3% of his total shot diet? That being said, the Wildcats’ offense wasn’t built around shooting threes. Arizona ranked 316th in total three-point attempts in college basketball last season. NAU had more than the 625 U of A took.
On Friday night, the trend continued. We didn’t see Peat shoot much, and he didn’t attempt a three-pointer. What we did see, however, was a player who possesses confidence with the ball in his hands, driving toward the basket and embracing the role of the aggressor. That’s what stood out to me the most. Peat wanted the ball, and when he got it, he looked to force the action.
A season ago, we watched Khaman Maluach and Rasheer Fleming make their Summer League debuts in Las Vegas, and I think it’s safe to say that Peat displayed more confidence than either player did in their first appearance. That’s not a criticism of Maluach or Fleming. It’s simply an observation of how comfortable Peat looked from the moment he stepped onto the floor. He wanted the ball in his hands. And when he had it, he had one goal in mind: put it in the basket.
#30 overall pick Koa Peat SHINED in his NBA Summer League debut!
And put it in the basket he did. Peat finished with 17 points on 6-of-11 shooting, with six of those points coming at the free throw line. Granted, he made 3-of-5 free throws, but they counted for six points because that’s the Summer League rule. Outside of the final two minutes of the fourth quarter, players take one free throw worth two points. It’s something I’m not necessarily a fan of, but I don’t mind the NBA experimenting with it.
That’s where Peat really shined. His ability inside 15 feet to attack defenders and initiate contact was impressive, and the fact that he finished through that contact on multiple occasions stood out even more.
Koa Peat’s ability to attack has been impressive. Get him inside 15 feet and he’s coming downhill with purpose, using his strength to create contact and draw fouls
I find it difficult to think of a Suns player in recent years who consistently initiated contact and finished through it the way Peat did Friday night. To see a 19-year-old already possess that ability as a weapon in his arsenal is encouraging, and it’s something that could pay dividends for the organization down the line.
Another part of Peat’s aggression was the fact that he finished with eight fouls, and I didn’t mind that at all. Being aggressive and physical is part of the overarching identity the Phoenix Suns are trying to establish, and seeing him bring that same mentality to the defensive end is something I appreciated. Does it need to be refined? Absolutely. Controlled aggression is the goal. You don’t get 8 fouls in the NBA or the G League. You get the bench. But I’d much rather see that than a tentative player, and Peat certainly wasn’t.
He finished with both his left and right hands, while also showing the ability to knock down jumpers. Nothing came from outside 15 feet, but that’s consistent with what we saw from him at the University of Arizona. Time and again, when the Wildcats needed a basket, Koa Peat would drive into the paint and create an opportunity for himself to score. It’s part of the reason he was named to the All-Big 12 Third Team and named to the West All-Region Team in the NCAA Tournament.
Koa Peat’s Shot Chart at the University of Arizona | DraftBallr.com
Are there holes in his game? Absolutely. But the fact that he’s only 19 years old and displayed the confidence he did in his professional debut is something I don’t take for granted. He’s somebody who can use Summer League as an opportunity to get reps, gain experience, and begin understanding what it takes to play at this level. He’ll most likely spend a significant portion of next season with the Valley Suns in the G League, and I think that’s fantastic for his development.
Peat plays with a physical edge that can’t be taught. It’s great to see somebody like that enter this organization because it further fortifies the identity the Suns are trying to build. It also showcases that Brian Gregory is clearly identifying a specific type of player he wants to bring into the building. Those players? Pardon my vulgarity, but assholes. Motherfuckers. Guys who are here to fuck shit up. And I’m all for that.
One Summer League game doesn’t tell us what Koa Peat will become. It did tell us something about who he already is. He’s physical, confident, aggressive, and completely comfortable creating chaos. The shooting needs development. The fouls need refinement. And that’s what the G League and time are for. Phoenix drafted a 19-year-old who already plays with an edge this organization is actively seeking. Now comes the fun part: seeing what they can turn him into.
LAS VEGAS — Tyler Herro has made headlines over the past 24 hours in Las Vegas, but not in the way he or his new team wanted. Herro got into a physical altercation with former Miami Heat teammate Bam Adebayo at a hotel on the Strip, in part due to social media comments disparaging Adebayo that were linked to a secondary Herro social media account.
Before all that drama became public, Herro — in Vegas in part because his AAU team is here competing in a tournament — spoke with reporters, including Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, about being traded to Milwaukee as part of the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade.
"I saw it coming. If any summer, it was going to be this summer, so I was anticipating this. And obviously not knowing Milwaukee, but I kind of figured I was going to get traded this summer. I'm excited and happy it's Milwaukee...
"Miami is an organization that wants to win championships and they want to compete. We've obviously almost got there, and we've had years where we've lost in the first round, we've had years where we didn't make the playoffs. So it's like, I've been through every ending of the season. And it makes sense for them to want to get a fresh start, get someone like Giannis and build from there. So, it's understandable."
Herro was born in Milwaukee and raised in Wisconsin, and he has said he is happy to be going home. Last season in Miami he averaged 20.5 points while shooting 37.8% from 3-point range. In Milwaukee, he will have the ball in his hands a lot and be asked to be a primary shot creator.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Meleek Thomas #15 of the Cleveland Cavaliers high fives teammate during the game against the Indiana Pacers on July 10, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers weren’t able to pull out a win in their first Summer League game against the Indiana Pacers on Friday, but there were plenty of good things to take away from the loss. Mainly, the strong play of Meleek Thomas and Nae’Qwan Tomlin.
Thomas, the 34th overall pick in this most recent draft, scored 20 points on 7-14 shooting. This included Thomas going 2-5 from deep. The scoring touch that the Cavs were talking about after the draft showed through in his first game.
Tomlin looked like an NBA player in Friday’s loss. That’s mostly all that you want to see from a player of his caliber in this environment.
Malaki Branham also performed well, putting up 15 points on 4-8 shooting in the loss. He’s a player to keep your eye on throughout Summer League and possibly the training camp process.
One player you would like to see a nice bounce back from is Tristan Enaruna. Enaruna is on a two-way contract with the Cavs and showed great strides as a shooter throughout the previous G League season with the Charge. That didn’t show through on Friday as he went 1-7 from the field and was limited to just six minutes of play. We’ll see if he can turn it around on Sunday.
The Celtics outlasted the Raptors, 83-80, in an overtime thriller Friday night in Las Vegas. Amari Williams led the way with an emphatic 23 points and 13 rebounds. John Tonje contributed 20 on five 3-pointers, and Hugo González was far from efficient, but provided 17 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists in 37 minutes.
Rookie Chris Cenac Jr. (14 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks) buried a corner 3-pointer with 0.8 seconds remaining to tie it. It wasn’t always pretty from the Celtics, but they hit their stride as the game progressed and saved their best for last.
Here are 15 thoughts on their debut:
1. Summer League is electric.
Let’s start with a general, all-encompassing thought: real basketball lovers have an absolute blast watching Summer League. It’s so much fun evaluating these guys as they fight for their professional lives and try to prove they belong. The defense is impressive, the hustle is there and the passion is undeniable.
2. Amile Jefferson deserves this opportunity.
Amile Jefferson pushed all the right buttons down the stretch in this one. He has a unique perspective because he was once in their shoes, on the cusp of making the NBA and desperately trying to get there. Jefferson and Cenac Jr. have somewhat similar games (not the same, but there’s some overlap), so it helps to have him there to mentor him.
3. It was nice to see the veterans show their support.
It’s always cool when the players on the NBA roster come watch the young guys. When you see Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Neemias Queta, and Jordan Walsh in the stands, that gives you an extra jolt. A little team bonding never hurts, even in July.
The Summer League Celtics celebrate with Jayson Tatum, Derrick White and the rest of the Celtics after an overtime win pic.twitter.com/1O1g7kBmJ7
The Celtics figured it out as they went, but it wouldn’t be accurate to call this one pristine from start to finish. They struggled with Toronto’s ball pressure in the first half and seemed to be sped up, often driving into double teams and getting caught in the air. This can happen sometimes in Summer League, because everyone plays with desperation, but it will be interesting to monitor how they come out to start the next few games.
5. Then, they figured it out, and it was a joy to watch.
The Celtics had just 40 points with 3:48 left in the third. Tonje buried a triple to cut the deficit to 8, then they took that momentum and ran with it. They scored more points in the final 16 minutes (43) than they did the first 26 (40). Credit to the players and coaches for meeting the moment.
6. The rookie had the play of the game.
Cenac Jr. already has a signature moment, and it only took him one game. His former college teammate, Milos Uzan, deserves praise as well for splitting two defenders and spraying the ball to him on the money in the corner. Cenac Jr. timed it well, got his feet set and fired away. The result was pure, and it kept the Celtics alive. He impressed all night as a rebounder, rim runner and floor spacer. I see the vision and why they picked him.
It seems like Tonje maximizes each opportunity that comes his way. He’s always ready to shoot and frequently hits pivotal shots at key moments. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him carve out more of a role in the next couple years, whether it’s with the Celtics or a different team.
8. Amari Williams showcased his college skill set.
It can be difficult to come into an NBA came and show your true skill set in just a few minutes. In an extended run Friday, as a leader of the group, Williams played like he did in college. He’s a better passer than people realize and operates effectively out of the high post as an adept decision maker. Williams finished with conviction inside and also displayed impressive touch.
What a showing by Amari Williams in Las Vegas today:
9. Is Hugo OK? It looks like a bowling ball fell on his arm.
Seriously, what happened? That bruise was huge. Maybe it affected his shot more than we realize. Who knows? González had kind of a funny game, and it was definitely a mixed bag. He almost looked like a kid who had too much sugar and didn’t know how to react. But give him credit, too. As the game progressed, he realized his shot wasn’t falling and decided to attack the basket. He also thrived as a rebounder and passer all night and put his teammates in ideal positions.
10. Dillon Mitchell is a heck of an athlete.
The rumors are true. Dillon Mitchell can really get up there. He’s a blur in transition, plays hard defensively and is more athletic than almost everyone who stands in his way. The next steps for him are obvious: develop some moves, work on his jump shot and improve his decision making. If he’s able to make strides in those areas, watch out. Even if he’s not, he’s a weapon because of his bounce.
11. I was surprised to see Alondes Williams struggle.
Alondes Williams was a super fun player to watch in college and I’ve always admired his game. When I saw he was on the Summer League roster, I thought it would be a chance for him to prove himself and showcase the versatility that makes him sparkle. It didn’t happen Friday, but he still has time, so don’t be surprised if he figures it out in the games to come.
12. Milos Uzan has elite feel for the game.
Uzan is another guy I really liked watching in college. He’s a true floor general, plays with Houston tenacity and is a better shooter than he gets credit for. Uzan had some decent looks that just didn’t go down, and he finished a game-high plus-17 with five assists in 30 minutes. With all due respect to old friend Max Shulga, I give Uzan an edge in nearly every category. Keep an eye on him as well.
13. I really like Allen Graves.
Sorry, a quick non-Celtics note. Raptors forward Allen Graves is legit. He’s 6 feet, 9 inches, can really shoot it and has a great feel for the game. He was a steal at No. 19, and I think he has a chance to blossom into the No. 3 or No. 4 option on a contender in his prime.
14. I don’t like the one free throw for two points trial run.
Call me old-fashioned, but I think players should get two or three free throws every time they step to the line. What is this one attempt for two points garbage? I get why they’re trying it, and it does speed up the game a bit, but I don’t think it works. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but that’s my two-cents.
The one free throw rule will be tested at the upcoming NBA summer leagues.
With this rule, any foul that would typically result in one, two or three free throws under standard NBA rules will instead result in a single free throw attempt. That attempt will be worth the same… pic.twitter.com/tFiOpJLnQW
BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 1: Payton Pritchard #11 and Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics high five during the game against the Milwaukee Bucksduring the 2026 NBA Pioneers Classic on February 1, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
We get it. After last playoff’s early exit collapse after a 3-1 lead over Philadelphia and then trading Jaylen Brown to the 76ers, it’s been a rough couple of months and weeks. But hey, we’ve got actual games, albeit Summer League, and we’re back!
As our rookies and sophomores continue to tear it up on the Strip, we’ve started to look forward to next season. With a handful of veteran additions, we asked our readers about some big questions heading into training camp in September: Could Payton Pritchard regain his starting spot for good? Does Mitchell Robinson start over the incumbent Neemias Queta? Would it make sense to make Paul George our next great sixth man?
In fifty games as a starter last season, Pritchard averaged nearly 17 points and five assists. Coming off the bench? Seventeen points and five assists. Outside of a higher shooting percentage from 3 (43% vs. 35%), Pritchard was the picture of consistency for Boston and his role could be the most malleable of the Celtics key rotation players.
Yahoo Sports’ Tom Haberstroh made an early offseason observation that “the Celtics trading Brown is a bet that Pritchard is their in-house version of New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, a diminutive player who didn’t fully show his talents until Luka Dončić was out of the picture.” We got a glimpse of that last year. but with two years left on his team-friendly contract, he’s eligible for a contract extension. A step-up in responsibility could lead to higher production and ultimately, a nice payday for PP.
But maybe we’re getting ahead of ourselves. If you’re watching the squad out in Sin City, our friends at FanDuel have the Summer Cs as +4.5 underdogs against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday.
May 6, 2026; Milwaukee, WI, USA; A young Milwaukee Bucks fan enjoys a press conference introducing new head coach Taylor Jenkins (not pictured) at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Yesterday, the Milwaukee Bucks announced that, for the first time since 1994, they will broadcast all 82 games and the final three Summer League games free over the air on MY24 and statewide affiliates, in partnership with Rincon Broadcasting Group.
Milwaukee-area residents can specifically watch it on MY24, most major cable systems, and YouTube TV. The news also stated that the Bucks will announce the full statewide affiliate network and streaming options will be available at a later date. Bucks and Fiserv Forum President Josh Glessing gave a brief statement in the announcement:
““This season marks an exciting return to our roots as we bring Bucks basketball back to full-season over-the-air television for the first time in more than three decades. We’re grateful to our partners at Rincon Broadcasting Group for helping us make Bucks games more accessible to our fans throughout Wisconsin.”
The Bucks have spent the last 19 years on several iterations of what was originally Fox Sports Wisconsin. That name changed several times over that span: first in 2021 to Bally Sports Wisconsin, then again in 2024 to FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin. This move became necessary after FanDuel Sports Network’s parent company, Main Street Sports, closed its regional sports network operation back in April. Their closure allowed the 13 NBA teams and seven NHL teams under their umbrella to find new TV deals, which the Bucks now have.
The first game of this new partnership will be tomorrow, when the Bucks take on the San Antonio Spurs in their second Summer League game. Tip-off for that game is slated for 8:00 p.m. CDT. The other two scheduled Summer League games will come against the Phoenix Suns on Monday, July 13, at 9:00 p.m. CDT and the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, July 15, at 6:30 p.m. CDT.
This isn’t the first time in recent history that the Bucks have had games on TV. Over the last three seasons, the Bucks have partnered with the Wiegel Broadcasting Company to broadcast select games on WMLW, CBS 58, and Telemundo. During that partnership, they provided 23 games free for Bucks fans across Wisconsin to watch. Before that, the last time the Bucks had been free to watch was in the 2006-07 season, before their partnership with Fox Sports began.
Brew Hoop community, how are you feeling about the Bucks returning to MY24 to broadcast the entire regular season? Let us know in the comments below!
After two disappointing seasons in Dallas, Klay Thompson could get one more shot to play for a contender.
The Mavericks are reportedly interested in parting ways with the 36-year-old — via trade or buyout, according to NBA insider Marc Stein — and the Heat reportedly have interest in seeing Thompson “shake free,” allowing them to add one of the league’s all-time shooters to a frontcourt-heavy, win-now lineup, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, which desperately needs players who can create spacing.
Klay Thompson during a 2026 Mavericks game against the Knicks. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
“To this point, as much has been relayed to me is, the Mavs’ preference would be a trade,” Stein said on the Bleacher Report stream. “I think it’s still early enough in the summer that if you’re the Mavs, you would exhaust those options first, but there’s stuff we have to keep an eye on it.”
After winning four titles and receiving five All-Star Game selections in 13 years with Golden State, Thompson — who missed two full seasons earlier this decade with injuries — is now essentially limited to being nothing more than a perimeter threat.
Last season, Thompson had the worst campaign of his career, coming off the bench for the first time since his rookie year.
He shot a career-low 39.3 percent from the field (38.3 percent on 3-pointers), while averaging 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game.
Thompson is scheduled to earn $17.5 million in the final year of his contract.
Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the new-look Heat. NBAE via Getty Images
His off-the-court life has also experienced some recent turbulence, with his ex, rapper Megan Thee Stallion, accusing him of cheating.
“I’ve made the decision to end my relationship with Klay. Trust, fidelity and respect are non-negotiable for me in a relationship, and when those values are compromised, there’s no real path forward,” she told Page Six in April. “I’m taking this time to prioritize myself and move ahead with peace and clarity.”
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Hugo González #28 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket during the game against the Toronto Raptors on July 10, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Greathouse/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
#1 Clank City
The opening five minutes of the Summer League Celtics’ game were a tough watch. We had five missed shots, seven turnovers and two foul calls, all before a bucket was scored in open play. Sure, there was a successful trip to the line, but overall, things got off to a shaky start.
That’s Summer League basketball, though. We’re not coming into these games expecting everyone to be perfect. We know things are going to be gritty and sometimes clumsy. As long as everyone is giving their full effort, you can overlook the mistakes, especially if you see players learning from them on the fly.
Unfortunately, the Celtics’ shooting woes didn’t get much better throughout the first half. They went into the locker room at halftime having shot 15.6% from the field (7-of-45) and 12.5% from deep (2-of-16). Those aren’t typos.
Whatever Amile Jefferson and his coaching staff said at halftime clearly had a positive impact. In the third quarter, Boston shot 47.4% from the field and 40% from deep. When looking at the second half as a whole, it’s clear the Celtics upped their game, 47.1% from the field, 41.2% from deep.
Much better.
The question now is whether the Summer League Celts can avoid another slow shooting start when they face the Hornets on Sunday.
#2 Pros and cons of the new free-throw rule
If you’ve been watching Summer League games outside the Celtics, you’ve already seen this rule in place. If not, then it probably came as a slight surprise. The NBA recently announced that it would be adopting the “one free-throw” rule for this year’s Summer League contests in Salt Lake City, Northern California and Las Vegas.
The rule changes mean that if a player is sent to the line, they will take one free throw for the full value of the points. i.e., if a player gets fouled while shooting a three, they will take one shot at the line worth three points.
The aim is to speed up the game. Fouls in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter and in overtime will result in the normal free-throw system.
I have mixed feelings about this rule. On the plus side, games move more quickly. We’re not being held up by lengthy shooting routines at the line (yes, I’m looking at you, Giannis), either. From a consumer standpoint, there’s a clear upside.
However, player evaluation, from a fan’s perspective, becomes a little more complicated. If you’re watching a rookie play in Summer League, and they’re struggling to get their shots to fall, you can always look at their free-throw success as a potential (small sample size) indicator of shooting skill. When you essentially half the number of free throws in a game, that data becomes significantly less reliable.
There’s also the fairness of it all. If you’re fouled when shooting a three-pointer, you have three chances to put points on the board. Even if you go 2-of-3 from the line, you’ve added to the score. Under this new rule, it’s sink or swim on the one attempt.
The G League has run with this rule for a couple of seasons now. I do wonder whether it eventually makes its way into the NBA.
#3 Chris Cenac Jr. had himself a night
Chris Cenac Jr. had a quietly impressive game. He let the action come to him, rarely forced anything and came up big when it mattered. He ended the night with 14 points, 10 rebounds and 5 stocks, going 2-of-4 from deep in the process.
Throughout the game, we saw Cenac flash different aspects of his game, be it his bounce, like when he missed the putback dunk after crashing into Dillon Mitchell, his perimeter scoring or even his ability to put the ball on the floor and finish off the bounce.
I was surprised that Cenac wasn’t part of the starting lineup, with Mitchell (Boston’s 2026 second-round draft pick) starting ahead of him. However, it clearly didn’t mean much, as he ended the night as one of the Celtics’ most impactful players.
Still, I’m not allowing myself to get too carried away by his performance on Friday; this is still Summer League after all. However, with his ability to play at both the four and five, guard multiple positions, provide switchability on defense, and knock down open treys, I wouldn’t be surprised if he worked his way into Joe Mazzulla’s rotation at some point this season.
Solid Summer League debut from the Houston product. I love that he played within the flow of the game, rather than trying to force things in hopes of impressing.
#4 Dillon Mitchell is full of energy
The box score won’t remember Mitchell fondly for this game, but when has that ever stopped us from falling in love with an energy guy?
Mitchell gave everything when on the floor. He was the first to leak out once his teammates secured rebounds, and if some of the pitch-ahead passes had been a little better timed, he could have ended the game with double-digit scoring numbers. Mitchell also had 4 stocks in the game, hustling on both sides of the floor.
Another thing I really liked about Mitchell was his explosiveness. He had a great putback dunk late in the second quarter after running the floor and sticking with the action.
Of course, it should come as no surprise that we didn’t see Mitchell attempt anything from deep. After all, he enters the NBA having shot just 19.3% from the perimeter in college. I’ll be interested to see whether he gets given a remit to start working on his outside game during the remaining Summer League games, or whether that’s something he’ll be developing with the Maine Celtics’ staff (if at all).
#5 Amari Williams, take a bow
I loved what Amari Williams brought to the table in this game. In regard to how Mazzulla likes to use non-shooting bigs, Williams perfectly fits the bill. He’s patient when in possession, is a capable and willing screener and can score in a couple of different ways. On defense, he’s got the size and frame to be a deterrent, while also having enough hip mobility to step outside of the paint and contain ball-handlers.
We saw a wide range of what Williams brings to the table against Toronto. However, it was his work in delay actions that really stood out.
Williams never rushes into an action. His poise allows things to unfold around him before he begins making his move.
Check out the above play.
Rather than trying to feed Hank Morgan on his cut, Williams keeps control of the rock, waits to see how the defense shakes out and then opts to initiate a dribble hand-off with Alondes Williams. The play doesn’t amount to anything, but for those of you who have been reading my work for a while, you’ll know i’m all about the process.
It would have been easy for Williams to fire off a pass to Morgan once he cut off his screen. Instead, Williams read the floor and got the ball to a curling forward who could pressure the defense while getting downhill. What did Williams do after the hand-off? He positioned himself in the dunker spot to either contend for an offensive board or offer an outlet if the defense locked in.
In fairness, Williams probably should have hit Mitchell on his cut, but that’s whatever at this point.
Some solid play from Williams, who faces an uphill battle to earn playing time next season.
#6 Where I go, Hugo
Whenever you tune into some Summer League hoops, it’s usually clear which players have enjoyed a year or two of professional hoops and the development that comes with it. On Friday, those players were Hugo Gonzalez and Williams for Boston.
Hugo is going to be Boston’s focal point throughout this Summer League run, or at least until the Celtics decide they’ve seen enough and shut him down. In an expanded role, the sophomore forward flirted with a triple-double, ending the night with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists.
However, the Celtics will want to see better shooting nights from Hugo in the coming days. He went 3-of-16 from the field and 1-of-9 from deep. Did that gnarly bruise on his arm play a part in such rough shooting splits? Maybe. Maybe not.
Still, despite his struggles from the field, Hugo showcased some playmaking ability, generating scoring opportunities for himself and others while running the PnR.
We already know what Hugo is capable of on the defensive end. However, seeing what he can do in an expanded offensive role is going to be incredibly fun over the next week. His timing will surely improve, as will the quality of his passing. Still, on first glance, there’s every reason to believe that over the next few years, Hugo will emerge as a solid, if not vital, member of Boston’s rotation.
#7 A 2-Man Game
Did anyone else peep the two-man game between Hugo and Williams? They had multiple possessions where they connected on some pretty good actions. It makes sense that Boston leans into plays with its two best Summer League players, especially when they’re finding so much success in those situations.
I especially liked seeing the duo connect on PnR actions, especially when it led to a scoring opportunity. It’s hard to get excited about two young guys on a roster we’re hoping will be ready to contend for a championship in 12 months’ time. Nevertheless, I couldn’t help but wonder whether we’ll see Hugo and Williams emerge as a fun-to-watch duo for years to come, either off the bench or as part of the Celtics’ starting unit down the line.
For now, though, I’ll be doing my best to keep track of how often the Celtics lean into the Hugo/Williams two-man game over the remainder of Summer League, while cheering for every possession where those plays work out well.
#8 Amile Jefferson had Tatum in support
Jayson Tatum made an appearance at Boston’s opening Summer League game, along with Derrick White. During the game, Tatum was mic’d up, as he spoke about Jefferson stepping into the head coaching gig for the Summer League C’s.
“I think this is where I’m supposed to say I’m very proud of Amile for being a head coach,” Tatum said. “But it’s his first time coaching. I had to come support my brother. Part of coaching, you’ve got to look the part. This is like the first step in becoming a head coach.”
Jefferson got his Summer League coaching career off to a great start. Not only did the Celtics win, but they turned things around after a brutal first half and stayed composed during overtime. He’s certainly got a platform to build on heading into Sunday’s matchup.
#9 Milos Uzan might have something
Uzan signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Celtics earlier this summer. Therefore, he’ll be with the team throughout Summer League and into training camp. I hadn’t seen Uzan play before yesterday, so I didn’t know what to expect coming in.
Like most of his teammates, Uzan struggled shooting the rock. However, his speed, changes of pace and ability to change direction on a dime were all impressive. He also found ways to get his teammates involved, ending the night with five dimes. Defensively, it felt like Uzan got lost a couple of times, but nothing that I would deem egregious.
It’s hard to judge a player based on one game. Especially when that game comes in the Summer League, which is often a false dawn. I came away looking forward to seeing more of Uzan over the next week, and wondering whether he could earn a two-way spot with the Celtics. Having another speedy guard who can score and create off the bounce wouldn’t be a bad thing for Boston’s depth throughout the regular season.
#10 Locking down the perimeter
We’ve got to credit the Celtics for the work they did in locking down the three-point line. The Raptors shot just 19.6% on non-corner threes in this game, going 7-of-36. Some of that will be the fact that guys were forcing their looks, but a lot more will be the way the Celtics locked down the perimeter and forced Toronto into difficult shots under legitimate resistance.
Outside of long middies, the Celtics held Toronto to below-average scoring from every major shot location. For a group that is looking to impress both the coaching staff and onlooking scouts, putting in the work on the defensive end is the perfect pathway to both team and individual success.
Boston’s identity continues to be as a gritty defensive unit. Ensuring that translates to Summer League is a testament to the coaching staff and the players on the floor.
Tougher tests will await them during their stay in Vegas, but starting off with this type of rearguard performance gives this young Celtics roster a solid platform to build on.
But the move that may outshine them all in the short and long term was re-signing Mohamed Diawara to a four-year, $11.2 million deal. The 21-year-old forward averaged just 3.6 points in his rookie season, but his on-court flashes and physical gifts make him a nuclear lottery ticket for the Knicks.
As New York and many other contenders dealt with this offseason, the second apron restrictions are making it tougher to maintain cost-controlled but still competitive teams. The Thunder traded two of their key young guards ahead of their extensions, the Celtics downgraded from Jaylen Brown, and the Knicks couldn’t shell out to keep Robinson.
Diawara’s contract runs under $3 million a year, a rounding error to the salary cap. If he becomes a rotation player, or something more, the Knicks would get a near-term contributor to their championship core and foundational piece of the next one at a fraction of the cost.
Why the Knicks are betting on Diawara's upside
Diawara's build is outrageous: 6’9” with a 7’4” wingspan, 225 pounds, and the baseline skills to boot.
He’s got some handles and a knack for finding the open man, even getting some pick-and-roll reps in real minutes this season. That kind of self-advantage creation from a player his size is rare, and he’s used it to get two feet in the paint, finishing with his length or finding others.
Diawara showed some nifty moves in his limited minutes, spin dribbles and tough angles finishes. If there’s a high-scoring upside here, we’re seeing the beginnings of it already.
On @Honda SportsNite, @IanBegley discusses the Knicks finalizing a deal with restricted free agent Mo Diawara, who the Knicks have held pre-draft workouts with, and how the Knicks' pick at 24 in the NBA Draft impacts their approach to the offseason and the second apron pic.twitter.com/1qEv2PoSSx
The big surprise was how he shot the lights out in his rookie season. Through the month of February, he shot 41.4 percent from deep, going 10-18 in one six-game stretch.
He finished the season with a 36.9 percent clip on only 130 attempts, struggling with the higher volumes he was entrusted with in March and April, but the base is there. His jumper is fluid, tough to contest, and bagged 19 of 33 attempts from the corners.
Defensively, Diawara was ahead of schedule as a neophyte, picking up team concepts as the season evolved and even stepping up for big moments. He had standout, promising stretches, like when he shut down Jaylen Brown in one matchup.
While there was plenty of rawness, Diawara also carried a poise and audacious confidence despite making his debut on a championship team. When he got a chance to crack the rotation, he jumped on it.
He didn’t get consistent playing time, but for weeks at a time, especially later in the season, he was getting regular burn that served as real experience under his belt and a validation of his behind-the-scenes work. Diawara wasn’t entrusted with playoff minutes, but a bigger role this regular season could set him up for some.
The Knicks may need him, currently lacking traditional forwards beyond their starters. Until last year’s trade deadline, Guerschon Yabusele was taking those minutes and head coach Mike Brown also experimented with double-big lineups, plus super small ones with Mikal Bridges at the four.
With no Yabusele or Robinson, the Knicks could use an extra threat in the frontcourt and Diawara can start to make his claim at Summer League. With a good performance there and a strong training camp, he could earn a rotation spot out of the gates and flex his development on the big stage.
The Knicks won their championship by trusting promising, culture-fitting guys to raise their games. Locking up Diawara gives them the chance of finding another one without losing financial control.
