Second-round pick Amari Bailey averaged 9.3 points in 16.1 minutes per game in Summer League and the Hornets rookie found the experience very beneficial, he told Sarah Efress of The Charlotte Observer.
“It was just an amazing experience, being able to spend time with some of the guys on the team and the coaches as well. I feel like we have a great family dynamic around the whole organization,” Bailey said. “Given us being somewhat of a younger team, I feel like I can come in and just work right with everyone else. I feel like we’re very hungry, so there’s a lot to look forward to here.” Bailey signed a two-way contract with the Hornets last month.
We have more from the Eastern Conference:
- If Tyler Herro is re-routed in a potential blockbuster between the Heat and Trail Blazers, the Raptors should only be moderately interested in being the third team, Eric Koreen of The Athletic writes in a mailbag piece. While the Raptors could use a high-level shooter and scorer like Herro, he’s a defensive liability and the Raptors are not in a position where they should be giving away more first-round picks, Koreen opines.
- If the Pistons can unlock James Wiseman‘s overall game to match his physical gifts, they’ll have two premier young centers, Keith Langlois of Pistons.com writes. Wiseman is expected to share minutes with Jalen Duren, a late lottery pick last year who turned heads during his stint with the USA Select Team. Wiseman felt reinvigorated merely by getting an opportunity to play through his mistakes after he was traded from Golden State, Langlois notes.
- Jared Butler was arguably the Thunder’s best player during his four Summer League appearances, averaging 20.0 points and 4.3 assists per game, Bijan Todd of the NBC Sports Washington writes. Todd takes a closer look at Butler, who signed a two-way deal with the Wizards last month.
Hopefully Jared Butler will play in Washington, and not get buried innthe rotation.
Butler is a good scorer, and facilitator that needs opportunity. Washington looks pretty full already, hope Butler still gets a shot.
I think Detroit should play Duren at PF and start shooting 3s. Starters PG. Cunningham SG. Ivey SF. Thompson PF. Duren C. Wiseman. Trade Bogdon, Bagley and Hayes for draft capital and expiring contracts. Sign veterans on the bench. Monty will mess this all up. Draft Ron Holland
Trade Bogdon, Bagley and Hayes to Atalanta for Bogdon, Mills, Griffin and G Matthews with a 2nd
1st*
Two premier young centers indeed. Like them both still. This is a show me yr for Wiseman.
Duren isn’t tall for a 5, but his pure athleticism and board-grabbing are Adebayo-esque. He’s got plenty of what it takes to stay there. On the other hand, he’s shown zero aptitude for developing a distance shot. Not in college, not in regards to free throws, and not in the pros. Short jumpers, hooks, scoops, and banks are about all.
Isaiah Stewart should lose some bulk and focus on being a more switchable defender. He’s strong enough to not need to weigh 250. The 3pt shot will keep developing with increased reps and confidence. He’s already taken the step to make it a big part of his shot diet, and his inside pullups look decent enough.
As for Wiseman? Just keep playing. He just needs reps in general. Still too raw to make an actual determination. The physical gifts are obvious, but he’s not really developed any standout skill.
These constant Heat trade rumours are stale…
They don’t have enough to offer and no team should be willing to give away picks to help Miami get Lillard…
Not even bottom dwellers like the Hornets…