NBA Player News

Undrafted from Arizona in 2024, Johnson has been a part of the Heat’s bench for the last two seasons. The 24-year-old forward won the slam dunk contest, besting the Spurs’ Carter Bryant in the final round. Bryant earned the only 50 score of the night with a dunk that resembled Vince Carter’s iconic dunk in the 2000 slam dunk contest, but failed to complete a dunk on his next turn. Johnson won the competition with a windmill jam after taking off from a step inside the free throw line.

The 13th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Lewis is still looking to cement his status as an NBA player after injuries limited his opportunities in New Orleans. The 25-year-old last appeared in the NBA during the 2023-24 season, so a good showing for the Bucks at the California Classic and in Las Vegas is essential. Despite the Bucks losing by 20 on Sunday, Lewis made sound decisions with the ball as a playmaker for others and in getting his own shots. With Milwaukee rebuilding and having an open two-way contract slot, the door may be open for Lewis, even if he only earns a training camp invite.

After most of their key summer returnees played in Saturday’s loss to the Kings, the Nets rested those players on Sunday. As a result, there were more opportunities for Sallis, who is looking to earn another opportunity once training camp begins in the fall. Waived from his two-way deal by the 76ers in December, the former Wake Forest standout did a little bit of everything in the 89-69 victory. And the ability to chip in beyond scoring is what Sallis will need to show if he’s to get another two-way deal.

Clifford had some strong outings during his rookie season, but that didn’t lead to him dominating during his first game of this summer league. However, he was able to come up big at the end by drilling a three-pointer with five seconds left to give the Kings the win. Clifford should be an important rotation piece for Sacramento this upcoming season, but when the team is healthy, there won’t be enough minutes for Clifford to make much of a fantasy impact.

Sacramento added Sharp with the 45th pick last month, and the experienced guard was able to make a well-rounded impact in his first game as a King. This stat line is similar to his college averages, where he was an effective scorer and good source of steals, though his field goal percentage was subpar. Sharp will continue to play a large role during summer league and may be part of the rotation as a rookie, especially with Devin Carter now in Atlanta.

Mogbo, who signed a two-way contract with Sacramento at the start of free agency after spending his first two seasons with Toronto, made his debut for the Kings in this game. He immediately showcased why he’s been such an intriguing player in fantasy basketball. Despite the lack of a perimeter shot, he’s more than capable of racking up the defensive stats. On a two-way deal, his availability this upcoming season may be spotty, but he may have some stretches as a valuable streaming option if he gets the minutes.

As an undrafted rookie last season, Cardwell was able to make a big impact on the defensive end, which he carried right over into summer league. He isn’t the most dynamic offensive player, but Cardwell is a valuable piece in the Kings’ frontcourt and should be able to contribute defensive stats when he gets the opportunity this upcoming season. However, with Domantas Sabonis healthy, the minutes may not be quite as plentiful.

The Kings’ first-round pick last month certainly wasn’t afraid to let it fly in his debut for the team. Acuff showcased plenty of offensive ability during his freshman season at Arkansas, and while he didn’t get many assists in this game, he did have one to Nique Clifford with just five seconds left to win the game. Acuff is a talented offensive player, and if he continues to have this type of mentality, he’ll put up gaudy numbers as a rookie, even if they come inefficiently.

The Nets’ second-round pick made his summer league debut and was able to contribute in multiple areas. Bilodeau is an older rookie, so he should be ready to make an impact from day one if needed, though that doesn’t mean he’s going to play a significant role as a rookie. He’ll continue to get plenty of minutes as summer league continues.

Saraf had a strong finish to his rookie season, but the Nets’ backcourt only got more competitive with the addition of No. 6 overall pick Mikel Brown Jr. He didn’t play in this game, but he will likely start over Saraf when he eventually debuts. Saraf should have a role for the Nets this year, but it is unlikely he makes much of an impact in fantasy basketball.

As a rookie, 71.7 percent of Dëmin’s shot attempts were from beyond the arc, and 69.3 percent of his total made field goals were from deep. Getting to the rim and scoring inside the arc were both question marks for him as a prospect and after his rookie season, but he certainly looked better in that regard in this game. He should once again play a major role for the Nets this upcoming season.