Plenty of attention has been paid to where today’s stars will play next season. But in the meantime, the legends of tomorrow are just getting started. 😎
Today’s Lineup
☀️ Summer Slam
Darryn Peterson’s stellar start lights up Salt Lake City.
👀 LeBron Watch
The latest on the King’s impending decision.
🚨 Offseason Rundown
Andre Drummond, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Patrick Ewing find new homes.
🎉 Happy birthday Pau Gasol and Jae Crowder! 🎉
Game Recaps
Peterson’s 28 PTS highlight start of Salt Lake City Summer League
The draft’s second overall pick wasted no time getting acclimated to his new home.
On Saturday, Darryn Peterson scored 28 PTS in his Summer League debut, giving the local Jazz fans in attendance a glimpse of what may be in store for his NBA future. The Kansas product’s fluid, surgical game was on full display— his three-point stroke (4/7) was pure, while his drives were smooth and his moves decisive. Above all else, he looked comfortable, just ask Iso Joe.
Peterson wasn’t the only top pick taking care of business. #3 selection Cameron Boozer showed off his trademark versatility in his first showing for Memphis, scoring 15 PTS on 7/11 shooting and notching 4 REB/4 AST, while #7 pick Darius Acuff switched shoes after a 3/14 first half, finishing with 25 PTS and leading Sacramento to a W.
Other standouts from the first two days included Lakers first-rounder Cameron Carr’s 26 PTS and 8 REB in a win over Miami, as well as Nets sophomore Egor Denim’s 23. Peterson vs. Boozer tonight… stay tuned!
🏀 🏀 🏀
LeBron watch: Rich Paul discusses candidates for the King’s next home
In an almost unprecedented level of Free Agency transparency, LeBron’s agent Rich Paul broke down the many factors at play in where the King will play next on an episode of his podcast with Max Kellerman. Let’s break down five key takeaways:
Paul displayed a whiteboard containing several lineups, teams, and key considerations. The 10 franchises: the Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, and New York Knicks.
Paul said that the Cavs are a serious contender based on their roster and existing relationships with LeBron (including owner Dan Gilbert, President Koby Altman and assistant GM Brandon Weems, a childhood friend of James's), but that they would be even more appealing had they kept Darius Garland, who LeBron “loves.”
Another young guard LeBron is fond of? Philadelphia’s Tyrese Maxey, who Paul cited as one of several forces driving in the Sixers’ favor. Paul said Philly’s recent acquisition of Jaylen Brown “changed everything,” and that the Sixers’ front office — which includes Jameer Nelson, a former All-Star Game teammate of LeBron’s, and Mike Gansey, an old Ohio high school basketball rival — is important to consider.
Paul cited a number of engaging components of other organizations, including the basketball fit alongside Anthony Edwards in Minnesota, the Kroenke ownership group in Denver, and even the golf in Dallas. He also said that if the Knicks had not won the title, “there would be no board. He’d be going to the Knicks.”
LeBron is expected to take his time mulling over the choice, and there’s currently no timetable for a decision. As Paul put it, “Everything looks great in July.”
Let us know where you think LeBron is headed in the poll below…
🏀 🏀 🏀
🧠 Daily Trivia 🧠
Where will LeBron play next?
Offseason Rundown
The bulk of offseason action may be wrapped up, but there’s still plenty of key players switching jerseys. Let’s break down some of the recent moves, including an NBA legend’s return to the sideline.
Knicks nab Drummond to replace Mitchell Robinson
After their longest-tenured player left for Boston, the reigning champs found a capable replacement in Drummond, who will bring tenacious rebounding and even some three-point shooting from the backup big spot. Plus, the one-year, $3.9 million deal is a bargain.
Okogie brings sharpshooting to Utah on two-year deal
Josh Okogie began his career as a sub-30% three-point shooter. Now, he’s getting signed for his ability beyond the arc. Okogie will bring a 38.5% long-range clip as well as tough perimeter defense to a Utah team looking to take a step forward.
DFS dealt to Hornets
Charlotte added to their ever-increasing haul of draft capital by absorbing the salary of Dorian Finney-Smith, who was sent from Houston along with three second-round picks. Something is building in the Buzz City…
Patrick Ewing joins Wizards staff as assistant coach
One of the league’s all-time great big men is suiting up once again— in a coach’s quarter-zip. Ewing, an 11-time All-Star, will join Brian Keefe’s staff as an assistant with Washington after serving as an ambassador to the title-winning Knicks. Ewing was previously an assistant for the Wizards, Rockets, Magic, and Hornets, as well as head coach of his alma mater, Georgetown. Welcome back, GOAT!
Three in the Key
👀 Five Days ‘till Live Show…
Grab your tickets to see the guys in Vegas!
🤝 Brunson x Haaland
This World Cup has been ELECTRIC!
💪 Build Your All-Traded Lineup
This pool is stacked…
What We’re Enjoying
Need a second to debrief all the craziness of this offseason? Us too. Luckily, our guys over at Numbers on the Board have you covered, running through the major moves shaping the championship chase. Give it a watch!
Signing Off
And we out! Thanks for spending a portion of your day with us. This week, try to set a new goal for yourself. Whether it’s short or long-term, working toward a larger purpose can be remarkably rewarding. See you soon!
Walker Carnathan
