Graham

Ike

Starting for the second consecutive game, Ike looked more comfortable than he did in Friday’s loss to the Grizzlies. Of course, while Suns center Khaman Maluach is listed at 7-foot-1, he isn’t as big as Memphis’ Zach Edey, which may have made things easier for Ike. The rookie out of Gonzaga, who’s on a two-way contract, recorded his first double-double and played 26 minutes. While Ike doesn’t need to be added in redraft leagues, dynasty league managers should stash him if possible.

After starting Draymond Green at center in Wednesday’s loss to the Lakers, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr opted against that approach on Friday. As a result, Ike made his first NBA start. The rookie from Gonzaga shot reasonably well, but he offered little value beyond points and three-pointers. The Warriors visit Phoenix on Saturday, and Ike may play more, as Al Horford hasn’t played both games of back-to-backs in a few years.

The 54th overall pick in June’s draft, Jones played for the Warriors’ Summer League team but faced long odds of earning a roster spot in training camp. Instead of going to training camp, he’ll play in Italy this season, with the Warriors retaining his draft rights. With the Warriors signing former Gonzaga center Graham Ike to a two-way contract, all three of those slots are filled going into camp, with Malevy Leons and L.J. Cryer occupying the other two.

After two seasons at Wyoming, Ike played three at Gonzaga, emerging as one of the most dominant post presences in college basketball. As a redshirt senior, the 6-foot-9, 250-pound pivot averaged 19.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.8 blocks while shooting 56.3 percent from the field and 79.7 percent from the foul line. Ike became more comfortable stepping out on the perimeter during his time playing for Mark Few. However, the All-American still needs time to develop a consistent shot to become a reliable pick-and-pop option.