Latest news with #NBA2K26SummerLeague
Forbes
25-07-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Kon Knueppel's Endearing Self Assessment Emphasizes What The Hornets Already Knew
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 20: Kon Knueppel was named the Summer League championship game MVP as ... More Charlotte Hornets team wins the championship game of NBA 2K26 Summer League against Sacramento Kings at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States on July 20, 2025. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images) Kon Knueppel was a Summer League standout. The Charlotte Hornets made him the fourth overall pick in this year's NBA Draft. The former Duke Blue Devil immediately showcased why the franchise should feel great about that decision. Knueppel helped lead the Hornets to a championship in Las Vegas. In the process, he earned a spot on the All-Summer League Second Team. The six-foot-seven forward averaged 15.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.2 steals. While Sin City statistics are the least important part of what a player demonstrates at Summer League, those numbers reflect Knueppel's all-around impact. However, even on the heels of a championship, he was hard on himself while giving Forbes his assessment of how his game grew in Las Vegas. "First game was rough, didn't play well," conveyed Knueppel. "But it's the NBA now, you have so many games, and I think [having] the next game, forget about what happened last game [mentality]. Even tonight, I didn't play very well. I didn't shoot it great at all, really, I had some bad turnovers, bad defensive plays, just next play, next play." That attitude will endear him to his new teammates, coaching staff, and people throughout the Hornets' organization. It captured an individual who has no interest in becoming content or complacent. Instead, a growth mindset fuels his drive to maximize his potential. The Hornets's message to Kon Knueppel Another sign of Knueppel's competitive character came in Charlotte's 109-80 Semifinal win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. He dove to the floor in pursuit of a loose ball. As he got a hand on it, the Wisconsin native crashed into Thunder guard Jazian Gortman's legs. That resulted in the latter inadvertently driving Knueppel's head into the hardwood. That resulted in five stitches to treat the cut above his eye. However, there was no way he was going to miss the Summer League Finals. "We had to fight a lot of people to get me on the floor today," voiced Knueppel after the Hornets captured the organization's first championship of any kind. "It wasn't necessarily from within the organization. It was a no-brainer for me. I just wanted to get out there and help the guys and get this done." While on the ESPN broadcast of Charlotte's title win, an 83-78 victory vs. the Sacramento Kings, head coach Charles Lee said of the situation, "My man's out here playing right now with stitches on the side of his eye, like come on. Just a warrior out there, which I absolutely love about him. And there was no way we were going to be able to keep him out of this game today." Knueppel's bench boss also spoke enthusiastically about the well-rounded nature of what Knueppel showcased in Las Vegas. "Always just trying to impact winning," said Lee. "I think that everyone sees what he can bring with the shooting, but I think he's an overall, really just solid competitor. Defensively, he's made a couple [of] great stops, I think so far here, and he communicates at a really high level. "And then, on top of shooting the ball, he's made the right pass play when he needs to. Defense collapse, he's throwing lobs, if he has to play off of two feet, he has some great footwork after the dribble as well." Knueppel told Forbes he appreciated his head coach returning to support their pursuit of a Summer League championship. He also shared the messaging he has received from Lee and the Hornets' coaching staff. "Charles came back tonight to watch us, which was pretty cool," said Knueppel. "They're watching for the right basketball plays, making the right reads; it's not necessarily about statistics or anything. But making the right plays, both sides of the floor, being in good positioning, those are the things that are important." To the delight of Lee and Charlotte's coaching staff, Knueppel displayed a good feel for the game and a high competitive character that fits perfectly with the culture they're working to establish in the Queen City. While he did so, he demonstrated the dynamic nature of his play, something that deserves more recognition than it receives. What the Hornets saw from Kon Knueppel at Summer League wasn't a revelation to them; it was the reinforcement of why they drafted him. It was the first step in validating that he will become a core member of their build toward a brighter future.
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
How Bucks feel about Damian Lillard returning to Blazers
The post How Bucks feel about Damian Lillard returning to Blazers appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Milwaukee Bucks have spoken out for the first time about Damian Lillard's return to the Portland Trail Blazers following his release earlier this offseason. According to a report from Keith Smith of Spotrac, a Bucks front office executive and a team coach shared candid remarks during NBA 2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas, where the Charlotte Hornets were crowned champions. Lillard, who was waived by the Bucks in a surprise move to clear cap space, signed with the Trail Blazers last Thursday. The three-year, $42 million deal reunites him with the franchise where he spent the first 11 seasons of his career. The contract includes a player option in 2027–28 and a rare no-trade clause, signaling Portland's full commitment to the 35-year-old guard. 'That was really, really hard,' a Bucks front office executive told Smith. 'Dame is such a great player, and we're all thrilled that he landed back home in Portland. It's also hard to take that kind of cap hit in immovable salary for a long time. But when you have Giannis (Antetokounmpo), you have to be willing to do what it takes to win and maximize your time with him.' Bucks reflect on Damian Lillard's Trail Blazers return after signing Myles Turner Lillard averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists in 58 games for Milwaukee last season before suffering a torn Achilles during the team's first-round playoff loss to the Indiana Pacers. While his time with the Bucks was short-lived, the decision to part ways was described as a necessary sacrifice to position the franchise for long-term success. 'I know you're a Moneyball guy from your tweets. 'Adapt or die,' right?' the same executive told Smith. 'When you have a player as good as Giannis, you have to be continually willing to do what it takes to win. That's what we did.' Milwaukee used the newly opened cap space to sign Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million contract. The veteran center, who spent the past 10 seasons with the Pacers, was viewed as a key addition to bolster the team's defensive identity and preserve continuity around Antetokounmpo. 'When we signed Brook (Lopez) forever ago, it was because we knew adding a floor spacer that could protect the rim next to Giannis would make us hard to deal with on both ends,' a Bucks coach told Smith. 'We're doing the same with Myles. He's not exactly the same as Brook, but we don't have to completely change our identity with Myles either. That's huge for continuity.' The Bucks have prioritized surrounding Antetokounmpo with a versatile and defensively sound roster in an effort to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference. While Lillard's departure came with emotional and financial implications, team personnel have expressed confidence that Turner's arrival — and the flexibility it provides — better aligns with their long-term goals. As Lillard begins the final chapters of his career back in Portland, Milwaukee continues to reshape its roster around its two-time MVP. Related: Bucks' Myles Turner draws Brook Lopez comparison Related: Milwaukee Bucks' perfect move in 2025 NBA offseason
USA Today
22-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
8 undrafted free agents who deserve contracts after NBA 2K26 Summer League
Now that NBA 2K26 Summer League has concluded in Las Vegas, there are several standout players who undoubtedly showed they have earned another shot. Maybe you saw some highlights like Bronny James hitting a sick jumper on Cooper Flagg or San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant playing amazing defense. But there are plenty of other storylines you may have missed during the busy few weeks of basketball, including some undrafted rookies showcasing some eye-catching hoops. Several of these players, who were on summer league or Exhibit-10 deals, are fighting for a spot on an NBA roster as two-way players next season. Here some of those top candidates based on what we saw: More: 5 rookies (Yang Hansen!) who look like steals during NBA 2K26 Summer League 1. Curtis Jones TEAM: Denver Nuggets The most obvious undrafted free agent who deserved an NBA contract after summer league was Curtis Jones, who has already since signed a two-way contract with the Nuggets. Already considered one of the top undrafted free agents, he only improved on that reputation. After initially coming off the bench for Denver this summer, he eventually got a nod in the starting lineup. During that game, he had 22 points with 5 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 1 block and just 1 turnover. Jones shot 46.7 percent on 3-pointers while averaging 10.7 attempts per 36 minutes across his five games. This was a savvy move by the Nuggets, who also have Tamar Bates and Spencer Jones signed to two-way deals. 2. Chris Youngblood TEAM: Oklahoma City Thunder One of the top rookies at NBA 2K26 Summer League was Oklahoma City's second-rounder Brooks Barnhizer, who is already on a two-way contract with the Thunder. The Thunder have also reportedly retained big man Branden Carlson on a two-way contract as well, which means the front office can also sign one more two-way player. One notable name to watch is Chris Youngblood. During his time playing summer league, he alternated between time in the starting lineup and coming off the bench, including a performance in which he had 21 points while connecting on five 3-pointers. Youngblood shot 46.5 percent from beyond the arc while averaging 8.9 attempts per 36 minutes. Youngblood trailed only Jones among all undrafted free agents in HoopsHype's Global Rating. He is a a name potentially worth following. 3. Gabe Madsen TEAM: Golden State Warriors Gabe Madsen was recently a notable breakout player this offseason for Golden State. Among all undrafted free agents, according to Nick Kalinowski, none had a higher box-plus minus (15.6) in Las Vegas during NBA 2K26 Summer League than Madsen. In fact, per Kalinowski, his BPM trailed only Toronto's A.J. Lawson among all players who logged at least 50 minutes during these games. Madsen was the overall leader in Offensive Box Plus-Minus. Madsen scored 22 points off the bench during a win over the Jazz on July 13, shooting 6-of-10 from beyond the arc. Even though he didn't provide a ton else in other statistical measurements, his shooting makes him a possible two-way candidate. The Warriors currently have multiple two-way vacancies on their roster and Madsen may have earned one. 4. Chris Manon TEAM: Golden State Warriors (now Los Angeles Lakers) Madsen was not the only undrafted rookie to play well for Golden State during NBA 2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas. His teammate, Chris Manon, also turned some heads with his performance as well. Manon eventually signed a two-way deal with the Lakers, not the Warriors. He reportedly looked like a 'hidden gem' during his time on the court and it was easy to see why. After a slow start for the first few games, he eventually reached double-digit scoring in four consecutive games. He also finished three games with multiple steals and multiple blocks. Among all undrafted collegiate players, Manon ranked fourth-best in box plus-minus (9.6) and defensive box plus-minus (5.9) last NCAA season. He ranked second-best in steal percentage (5.3 percent) with those same qualifications. He joined Matisse Thybulle as the only collegiate players on record to ever average a block and steal percentage both above 5.0 percent in the same NCAA campaign, per Bart Torvik. 5. Dink Pate TEAM: New York Knicks Another one of the players who we considered a top undrafted free agent earlier this offseason, Dink Pate was fantastic during NBA 2K26 Summer League. Pate was a longtime prospect to watch after signing with the NBA G League Ignite, but once that program fell apart, his name was not exactly as prominent. He played for the Mexico City Capitanes in the G League last season but went undrafted. While the Knicks currently have a two-way qualifying offer on the table for Kevin McCullar, there are no other reported deals for anyone else on a two-way contract. Pate should easily get a nod, especially after averaging 13.1 rebounds per 36 minutes for New York. He ranked fifth-best among all undrafted free agents in box plus-minus (7.2) and third-best among those not currently signed to a two-way deal, per Nick Kalinowski. 6. Nell Joseph TEAM: Atlanta Hawks Also known as Nelly Joseph or Nelly Junior Joseph, this product of NBA Academy Africa who played at Iona and New Mexico is a fun sleeper to keep an eye on. Joseph recorded at least 5 rebounds in all five games he played during NBA 2K26 Summer League, averaging 13.0 rebounds per 36 minutes. Note that Joseph led all collegiate undrafted free agents in defensive rebound percentage (27.7 percent) last NCAA season. He also had multiple assists in all but one of the games he played during summer league. Joseph ranked fourth-best among all undrafted free agents in HoopsHype's Global Rating and second-best (behind only Youngblood) among those who are not yet signed to a two-way deal. The Hawks do not currently have any more space for a two-way player so would need to either waive or offer a full contract to someone already under contract (Eli Ndiaye, Jacob Toppin, or Keaton Wallace) to get Joseph on a two-way. If not, however, perhaps the former Portsmouth Invitational Tournament MVP can get a look from another team, work his way up through the G League, or try his luck overseas. 7. Mylik Wilson TEAM: Houston Rockets After a slow start to his tenure in NBA 2K26 Summer League with the Houston Rockets, it ended up as a very strong showing for Mylik Wilson. His calling card was on defense, where he averaged 4.7 steals per 36 minutes for the Rockets. But he also showcased some impressive blocks, including 3 against the Portland Trail Blazers, most notably this one against Yang Hansen. Among all undrafted collegiate players, Manon ranked sixth-best in box plus-minus (9.2) last NCAA season. He already has a deal to play in Hungary for Kaposvári KK but perhaps he showed enough that the Rockets decide to give him an opportunity to play in the United States instead. 8. Moussa Cisse TEAM: Dallas Mavericks The Mavericks still have an open two-way spot available and Moussa Cisse is a worthy candidate. Cisse, who ranked second in block percentage (9.8 percent) among all collegiate undrafted free agents during last NCAA season, showed some of those same rim protection skills during NBA 2K26 Summer League. He averaged 4.2 blocks per 36 minutes for the Mavericks. The big man also led all collegiate undrafted free agents in offensive rebound percentage (17.3 percent) and free-throw rate last NCAA season. With a very long wingspan and as an occasionally viable lob threat, he makes sense as a smart gamble.
USA Today
19-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Rockets vs. Timberwolves, July 19: NBA summer league lineups, rosters, broadcast info
The Rockets (0-4) will wrap up 2025 NBA summer-league action with Saturday's difficult matchup against the unbeaten Minnesota Timberwolves (4-0). 2025 #NBASummerLeague roster for the @HoustonRockets Still in search of their first win, the Houston Rockets will wrap up a five-game schedule at the NBA's 2025 summer league when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday afternoon. Both teams will be playing their final summer-league game in the league's ongoing showcase at the Thomas & Mack Center and Pavilion. With a win-now roster centered around star players such as Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Sengun, the Rockets were always light on proven NBA talent for their summer-league roster — and that became even more pronounced when second-year guard Reed Sheppard was shut down after two games with a minor calf injury. Meanwhile, Minnesota's roster features more quality players with NBA pedigree such as Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon Jr., Leonard Miller, Jaylen Clark, and Tristen Newton. With those types of prospects in featured roles, the Timberwolves are a perfect 4-0 in Las Vegas. For Saturday, here's our look at broadcast details and potential lineups. The Rockets did not have a first-round selection in the recent 2025 NBA draft, whereas Minnesota's squad also features Joan Beringer, the No. 17 overall selection. When and How to Watch Potential Starting Lineups Houston Rockets (0-4) Minnesota Timberwolves (4-0) Injury/Status Reports The NBA does not require official injury reports to be issued before summer league games, but Sheppard and two-way center N'Faly Dante (ankle sprain) are both expected to be out for the Rockets. For Minnesota, Shannon didn't play in the fourth game. Rockets, Timberwolves Complete Rosters 2025 NBA summer league rosters and statistics for all teams Summer League Coaches Rockets' 2025 Summer League Schedule, Results More: After two games, Rockets shutting down Reed Sheppard at 2025 NBA summer league The NBA 2K26 Summer League schedule for July 19-20:
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
New Orleans Pelicans rookie Derik Queen out 12 weeks after wrist surgery following breakout NBA Summer League
Derik Queen is a New Orleans Pelicans rookie (Image via Getty Images) Derik Queen 's offseason, which had been going well, has ended abruptly and regrettably. This is because the forward/center for the New Orleans Pelicans recently had surgery. It was to repair a ruptured scapholunate ligament in his left wrist. In Los Angeles, California, Dr. Steven Shin carried out the procedure on July 18. In all three of his NBA 2K26 Summer League appearances, the 13th overall choice in the 2025 NBA draft recorded double-doubles. Wrist injury sidelines New Orleans Pelicans rookie Derik Queen ahead of first NBA training camp Derik Queen had wrist surgery on Friday and will be checked again in 12 weeks, his team said. The treatment was necessary for him to treat a ruptured ligament in his wrist. He was hurt on July 15 when his team played against the Portland Trail Blazers in the Summer League. According to that schedule, the New Orleans Pelicans player will be reassessed throughout the training camp and maybe close to the NBA season. Depending on how his recuperation proceeds, he may not be able to physically participate in his first NBA training camp and may not return until the NBA season begins. With three double-doubles, Derik Queen displayed an exceptional offensive skill set at the NBA Summer League. His team beat the opponent and reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, where they lost. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo After the Atlanta Hawks chose him with the 13th overall pick in the NBA, the New Orleans Pelicans made a trade for his rights. During the summer league, the rookie was displaying promise, and he looked dominant in his final game against the Portland Trail Blazers . With the opportunity to drive to the hoop, grab rebounds, and create opportunities for others, he was able to become the offensive center he was in college. Derik Queen is out of surgery now (Image via Getty Images) However, unfortunately, he got injured. Derik Queen's injury is an unfortunate setback just as he was finding his rhythm in the NBA Summer League. The New Orleans Pelicans will now have to patiently await the return of their talented rookie , hoping he can bounce back strong and resume his development as a key part of the team's future. Also read: Tyrese Haliburton spotted supporting Caitlin Clark at Indiana Fever game after recent surgery Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
