Kira

Lewis Jr.

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.

The former lottery pick last played in the NBA during the 2023-24 season. He spent last season with the Wizards’ G League affiliate, and now he’s trying to make it back to the NBA with Miami. This was his second Summer League game, and it went better than his first, where he was held to four points in 20 minutes. Even if he is able to earn a roster spot, Lewis Jr. will likely be on a two-way deal and spend most of his time in the G League once again.

Lewis, a 2020 lottery pick played in just one game with the Toronto Raptors last season and has struggled to find his footing since tearing his ACL. Black averaged 2.6 points across 26 games with the Charlotte Hornets last season. Neither is expected to be a significant fantasy asset anytime soon.

Lewis will be in training camp with the Wizards, facing long odds to make the opening night roster. Not only did Washington select Carlton Carrington Jr. with one of its two first-round picks in June, but the team also acquired Malcolm Brogdon from Portland as part of the Deni Avdija trade. The 13th overall pick in the 2020 draft, Lewis’ development was stunted due to an ACL tear suffered during the 2021-22 season. He split last season between New Orleans, Toronto, and Utah, appearing in 28 games.

Clarkson will make his first appearance since March 12, giving the Jazz much-needed scoring off the bench. With Kris Dunn beginning a two-game suspension on Monday, Kira Lewis Jr. will most likely lose out on minutes due to Clarkson’s return. Lewis was not worth rostering while Clarkson was sidelined.

Dunn and Smith got into an altercation early in the second quarter of Saturday’s game, with both ruled to have thrown a punch during the exchange. Dunn will miss games against the Mavericks (Monday) and Spurs (Wednesday), with Kira Lewis Jr. being the player most likely to absorb his minutes. Lewis is not a must-stream player, regardless of fantasy league.

Utah was outmatched from the jump in this game, and they trailed 47-21 at the end of the first quarter. That opened the door for their reserves to see extra minutes, and Lewis took advantage of the opportunity. He set new season-highs for points and rebounds while tying his season-high for assists, which he set while playing with the Pelicans early in the season. Lewis was sent to Toronto in the Pascal Siakam trade, and he was traded to Utah at the trade deadline. He may be worth keeping an eye on as silly season approaches, but he can’t be relied on for consistent production.

Dunn and Smith exchanged words and a few half-hearted fists before cooler heads prevailed, and both players were ejected. Dunn played six minutes off the bench, accounting for two points (1-of-3 FGs) and one rebound. Kira Lewis Jr. has entered the rotation but will not be worth streaming if Dunn is suspended.

Lewis has been traded for the second time this season, as he was included in the three-team deal between the Pelicans, Raptors, and Knicks. The 2020 first-round pick hasn’t been in the rotation in Toronto, and that’s unlikely to change in Utah unless the Jazz trade at least one rotation guard (Jordan Clarkson?) before the 3 PM deadline. As for Porter, he’s been sidelined for most of this season due to injury, and his clock isn’t in line with that of the Jazz organization. This move will free up opportunities for first-round picks Brice Sensabaugh and Taylor Hendricks, so add those two to your watch lists. As for the first-round pick, it will be the least favorable of Clippers/Rockets/Jazz, according to Wojnarowski, likely falling in the late-20s.

Brown made his Raptors debut on Thursday, playing 25 minutes off the bench and having a good night shooting the basketball. Making rash judgements based on a one-game sample size would not be wise, but the opportunities to make things happen as a playmaker could be limited. The Raptors have two point guards in starter Immanuel Quickley and backup Dennis Schroder (seven points, five assists, and one 3-pointer in 26 minutes), and Scottie Barnes is going to have the ball in his hands a lot as well. We’ll see if the Raptors hold onto Brown through the trade deadline, as he’ll have no shortage of suitors, especially among teams looking to make a run in the postseason. Fellow newcomers Jordan Nwora and Kira Lewis Jr. did not see any action on Thursday.