NBA Player News

JDub put on a show Monday night in what was the most productive outing of his brief postseason career. Shooting 56 percent from the field, Williams notched a career-high point total, carrying over his productive play from Games 3 and 4. While Oklahoma City did drop Game 3, the shift to making sure Williams is on the opposite side of the court as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has significantly impacted Indiana’s defense. Having to account for SGA’s drives has left the Pacers in challenging positions regarding how they defend JDub, who’s been able to get downhill far more consistently than he did in the first two games. He and the Thunder will look to close out the series on Thursday.

The third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Sheppard may be overqualified for Summer League. The Rockets certainly sent Sheppard to Summer League to prepare for a bigger role in his second NBA season after averaging just 12.6 minutes per game last year. Sheppard took over Friday’s game in a variety of ways and appears ready for more minutes in the Rockets’ backcourt rotation this year.

McNeeley had 22 points on 16 shots in the win. More importantly, the 19-year-old displayed what it looks like when he has everything in his game working. McNeeley was able to play through contact and convert at the basket despite getting fouled. He also hit back-to-back threes. McNeeley could provide some much needed scoring to the Hornets this year.

Clayton continues to impress this summer. The 22-year-old point guard had at least 20 points and four three-points for the second consecutive game. Clayton should continue to gain experience with heavy minutes in Summer League as he prepares to battle Isaiah Collier for point guard minutes this year.

While the Jazz ultimately lost the game, Filipowski’s 32 points in 30 minutes were a game-high. The 21-year-old power forward took full advantage of the Summer League rules and committed eight personal fouls. Filipowski figures to be one of the Jazz’ primary backup big men this year.

Kolek played 27 minutes in the loss to the Pistons. The 24-year-old point guard had 10 points on 11 shots, missed all five of his three-point attempts and had five turnovers despite his eight assists. Kolek is behind Miles McBride and Jordan Clarkson as backup point guards for the Knicks, but he’s a solid depth player as he showed at times last season.

The Pistons drafted Lanier because of his shooting. The 23-year-old made 3.2 threes per game and shot 39.5 percent from behind the three-point line last year at Tennessee. His Summer League debut wasn’t indicative of the talent the Pistons saw in him. Lanier had just 10 points on 11 shots and was 2-of-7 from behind the three-point line. That’s why he’s getting some much needed experience in Summer League. Lanier will look to provide the Pistons with much needed outside shooting after the team moved on from Tim Hardaway Jr. and Malik Beasley this offseason.

Holland did all of his damage in 28 minutes and sat out the fourth quarter. The 20-year-old dominated in all phases of the game. Holland didn’t play regular minutes with the Pistons last year, but the second-year player showed his experience and was clearly the most talented player on the floor. Holland will look to join the Pistons’ regular rotation this season.

While Jakučionis struggled in his first three Summer League games, the 19-year-old rookie broke out in a big way against the Hawks Friday. Jakučionis, who fell to the Heat at No. 20 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, led the team with 24 points and five three-pointers. It was an impressive showing after he shot 1-of-15 and had just 12 points in his first three Summer League games.

Jackson appeared in just five games for the Pacers last year before suffering a torn right Achilles tendon that ended his season. The 23-year-old big man has never averaged even 20 minutes per game in a season, but suddenly has a clear path to being the Pacers’ starting center this year with Myles Turner in Milwaukee. A former first-round pick in 2021, Jackson has a golden opportunity ahead of him and the Pacers have locked in their starting center for $21 million over the next three years.

Selected by the Heat with the 43rd pick in the 2024 draft, Djurišić’s draft rights were included in a three-team deal between Miami, Atlanta and Houston. The 21-year-old center saw all of his game time in the G League last season, appearing in 32 games for Atlanta’s affiliate. Djurišić’s contract includes a $1.27 million guarantee for the 2025-26 season, and he’ll look to provide additional depth behind Kristaps Porzingis and Onyeka Okongwu.