The advice of Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, who both missed the 2018 playoffs to injury, counts for even more. “Oh man, they’ve been huge, just really talking to me,” said Smart. “You’re not alone. The team’s here for you. Just showering me with love and encouragement. Obviously they’re devastated that I’m not out there, but really keeping me in my right mind, sane. Being able to get on the court is the way I was able to deal with a lot of things that caused frustration. Not being able to do that now is adding onto it. So it’s good getting that advice now.”
The advice of Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, who both…
July 3, 2022 | 11:21 am EDT Update
Jazz: Donovan Mitchell still their cornerstone player
ClutchPoints: “They have shut down any team who’s called about trying to trade for Donovan Mitchell. The Jazz are committed to moving forward with him as their cornerstone player.” @wojespn on the Utah Jazz’s plans with Donovan Mitchell
Marla Ridenour: #Cavs announce signing of guard R.J. Nembhard to a two-way contract. Joins forward Isaiah Mobley, who signed a two-way contract Saturday
Blake Wesley: I model my game after Jordan Poole and Caris LeVert. I like the way Jordan Poole plays so I try to model my game after him. And then Caris LeVert has the boogie to him, so I try to get boogie like him, so I like both of them.
Blake Wesley: For sure, I always have a chip on my shoulder regardless of Top 16 or not. I’m not satisfied with myself right now. Getting 1 percent better every day, and just competing. I do, I just don’t say anything to the public. I just show my stuff on the court, whether it be Top 16, Top 10 pick. But at the end of the day, I was picked No. 25, which I like, my family likes, so we’re blessed to be in that position, and I’m happy for all the guys that got drafted before me. I’m not that kind of guy that likes to talk all the time. I just like to show my game on the court.
How do you think you have what it takes to make guys in the NBA respect your shot? Blake Wesley: Getting to the rim and shooting. I don’t think some people think I can shoot. I gotta show that at Summer League, and hopefully get that respect going into the season. I feel like defense comes first. If you can impact the game on both ends. I love to defend and impact the game. That can change the game a lot.
July 3, 2022 | 9:45 am EDT Update
Keith Smith: John Konchar’s contract with the Memphis Grizzlies will become fully guaranteed at $2.3M if he’s not waived today. Konchar’s deal is already partially guaranteed at $840K.
Anthony Slater: The Warriors took Gui Santos 55th overall this past draft. Initial plan has been to stash him next season, maybe in Santa Cruz or elsewhere. Looked fluid and skilled offensively in his summer league debut. Here are some of his 20 points in first three quarters. pic.twitter.com/DucZ5K7o3v
