Former Kentucky forward E.J. Montgomery, who was in training camp with the Bucks last month, has signed with Lithuanian team BC Nevezis, according to an announcement from the club (Twitter link).
After going undrafted in 2020 following his sophomore season with the Wildcats, Montgomery caught on with Milwaukee on a non-guaranteed camp deal, but was cut on December 16. While the Bucks may have, at one point, envisioned Montgomery as a potential G League affiliate player, the Wisconsin Herd opted out of the NBAGL’s bubble plan for 2020/21, opening the door for the 21-year-old to pursue another professional opportunity.
Here are more odds and ends from around the basketball world:
- Isaiah Thomas and Excel Sports Management have parted ways, as the free agent point guard continues to seek an NBA comeback, per Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports (Twitter link). Presumably, Thomas will hire new representation to spearhead the effort to land him an NBA job.
- The NCAA was forced to cancel March Madness in 2020, but the 2021 event is still scheduled to tip off in mid-March. According to a press release from the NCAA, the plan is for the entire tournament to take place in Indiana to reduce the coronavirus risk associated with travel.
- Michael Scotto of HoopsHype spoke to a handful of player agents and team executives about what it looks like when a player requests a trade and how the process typically plays out behind the scenes.
- Draft expert Jeff Goodman of Stadium has unveiled his big board for the 2021 NBA draft, which is headed by Gonzaga’s Jalen Suggs. Cade Cunningham (Oklahoma State), Jalen Green (G League Ignite), Evan Mobley (USC), and Jonathan Kuminga (G League Ignite) fill out Goodman’s initial top five. The same five prospects are atop ESPN’s big board, albeit in a different order.
Isaiah Thomas was sweating Steph Curry so hard on twitter, you’d think he was trying to get a job haha
Sounds like someone on this very board lol
That sucks for Montgomery he was just getting the hang of things at Kentucky and then all of the sudden he just went to the draft. He would have really helped this Kentucky team now
Grown man. Made his own choices. Obviously he (and his father) thought more highly of himself than others.
He did the exact opposite of what PJ Washington did. PJ had a disappointing freshman year and likely would have been undrafted, so he came back and built himself into a lottery pick the next year. Montgomery came in was a 5 star as well and even though he was a year older, he was progressing much the same way as PJ. I haven’t been as disappointed by a Cat leaving early this much since the Harrison twins.
Nets should be looking at Isiah. Scoring off bench is what they need. He can backup Kyrie. If he’s healthy he’s right for them. A vet never won and has something to prove.
You’re probably right Al, but I’m wondering is everybody thinking about Isaiah Thomas of four years ago? All that down time and injury for a 5-10 guy could deem him ineffective. He has played since and possible everyone sees he’s lost a step his last four years. He was already slightly handicapped on defense, if he’s not getting it done on the offensive end could be the end for him.
But I like what you’re saying.. he’s worth at least a shot, a try out. Nets need him or someone like him right now.
Yeah I get what you’re saying, and you are right. First he’s gotta be healthy. But considering his age. Time resting is healing. I’m just saying he should be looked at. Gotta be in gm shape right. Nets need to find some depth after Dinwiddie
Yeah he should be one of the first guys they look at because he’s been there done that and lead a team through playoff success. Perfect Replacement if he’s healthy.
Next yrs draft is deep. The first rd will be loaded. You can score outside the lottery IMO. The five they mention in article are probably future stars. Donk know about overseas players yet. But there’s gotta be a few. Teams who are out of playoffs this yr. Should just load up for draft. Best in yrs trust me. If your a B-ball fan. You should follow this draft. You will see the talent grow. Knicks got 2 picks in first rd. So you know I’m stoked for this.
“Probably future stars” is the one phrase that means we are discussing draft picks again. It just amazes me that people never learn. Just look back at the top 5 picks in every draft since the draft began. You average 1-2 guys that make All Star teams and 1-2 that are role players and 1-2 that are complete busts. It won’t be any different with the next crop either. The goal for any team should be to get lucky and get the right one.
Those G-League guys have played 2 scrimmages. G.M.’s in the NBA do not know how to scout. They read these websites.
Yes that’s right but it’s always the same teams making the mistakes. Look at the Sacramento Kings and the Charlotte Bobcats or Hornets. They always draft crap because they have no clue. Even before this present Warriors regime they sucked at drafting. You know the list. I mean, Mike Dunleavy Jr? The man Couldn’t Shoot Straight and was a 6-10 do everything okay kind of guy. Didn’t excel at anything at all and was picked #3.
And to validate your point even the teams that are decent at drafting have like a 50% success rate. Lakers scored with Ingram but blew it with Ball, as an example.
Isaiah Thomas backup in Milwaukee please!