Sixers rookie guard Shake Milton was recently cleared to resume limited basketball activities, according to an update on the team’s website. Milton was held out of summer-league action due to a stress fracture in his back. Another update on his status will be provided in approximately four weeks. The former SMU standout signed a two-way contract in late July. Another first-year guard, Landry Shamet, has resumed light basketball activities. The 26th overall pick suffered a right ankle sprain during summer league action.
In other developments from the Atlantic Division:
- The Knicks have a strong interest in former Magic scouting coordinator John Halas, Ian Begley of ESPN tweets. Halas worked with current GM Scott Perry in Orlando and would likely be added to the Knicks’ scouting department, Begley adds.
- Kevin Knox doesn’t have his attention set on being Rookie of the Year, as he told Marc Berman of the New York Post. Knox was one of the most impressive rookies in Las Vegas but the Knicks’ first-round forward more concerned with team wins. “I’m pretty confident I can be one of the top rookies. But one of my goals this year is just to win in New York,” he said. “I’m not really worried about winning the rookie award. I just want to win as a team, take road games, play some of the top teams and beat them to make the playoffs.”
- Robert Williams says his recovery from a knee injury is going well and the Celtics rookie big man expects to be 100% by training camp, Chris Forsberg of ESPN tweets. Williams’ summer league schedule was cut short by left knee soreness.
Williams is set to go. He just bought an apartment next to the Celtics practice facility. Celts say the the facility is a new state of the art facility that will help attract free agents. No more missing initial interviews for Williams. the Celts can use him for his defense and rim protection. Some say he could be the sleeper in this years draft.
It definitely depends on a person’s definition of “sleeper,” but my biggest sleeper is going to be Wendell Carter Jr. for the Bulls.
In terms of a middle 1st round sleeper, I would definitely go with Lonnie Walker for the Spurs. I think they struck GOLD with Walker, and he will help the Spurs with their loss of Kawhi..He obviously will not and can not fill Kawhi’s shoes, but I believe he will certainly help ease some of the pain from losing Leonard.
As for a late first round sleeper, I do like Williams, but I’m just not convinced he’s going to get enough minutes to really shine in Boston. In terms of a solid mix of talent and opportunity, I’m going to go with Atlanta’s pick in Spellman…
As for 2nd rounders, it’s completely a crap shoot..With that being said, I think Gary Trent Jr. could very well thrive with Portland..Mitchell Robinson looks like he could be a steal as well, and finally, I believe Carter for the Grizzlies will have a very long career in the NBA. He should be able to make a long career out of being a solid perimeter defender, someone that can get your team 10PPG with 5AST and rack up some steals, and provide his team with grit and a defensive, tough mindset at the guard position…
If I was forced to pick one sleeper from the 2nd round, it would be Gary Trent Jr. I think he can quickly become a reliable shooter for Portland, and he could end up looking more like a lottery pick, rather than a 2nd rounder, when his rookie campaign ends..
All in all, the 3 players I’d pick to suprise the most, relative to their draft position, I’m going with Wendell Carter Jr., Lonnie Walker IV, and Gary Trent Jr.
Agree with Big Carter, Little Carter and Spellman… although those weren’t your final choices. And, Ayton will be too much for anyone to handle.
For mid-range r1 draftees, SGAlexander will befuddle Walker.
You seem to like suffixed players. I am going for hyphenated players… Keita Bates-Diop.
I think Hamidou Diallo is interesting as well. I don’t think he’ll have a standout career, but I think he’ll be a valuable rotation player for a long time.
More like the OVER sleeper in the draft. How do you OVER sleep your media call and then your flight out to your first game. End of first round is a crap shoot. They took a shot at a damaged player and hope big Al can show him how to be a pro
John Halas? Ugh…idiots.
Are you asking miracles from big Al?
I’m calling it right now Ben Simmons is going to win rookie of the year second year in a row
He’s got it locked down for the next decade
Sorry Phattey, justice is going to be served this year and Donovan Mitchell is going to get the ROY he deserves.
Seriously now, I like this kid Knox’s attitude. I don’t see him being a serious contender for the ROY, but I think he has star makeup. Knicks won’t get W’s this year, but when they do eventually, KK will play a big part in it.