![]() ![]() But it’s not just Ignite where impact players are unearthed, as evidenced by risers like Portland’s Michael Devoe, who last year played for the Los Angeles Clippers’ G League affiliate in Ontario, California. ![]() The NBA’s developmental minor league has always been a diamond mine for scouting departments on the hunt for rough stones with hidden talent waiting to be polished, but has become even more so in recent years with the advent of the G League’s Ignite team, which offers young stars (like the aforementioned Scoot Henderson) a professional alternative to the traditional one-and-done collegiate route. This has been the lesson, in some way, for several years running. It’s still a mystery as to why the 6ft 7in small forward went so far adrift on draft night, but between his obvious upside and the newly formed chip on his brawny shoulders, it’s a safe bet that more than a few teams will be living with regrets. Whitmore was sensational in Vegas: he was named Summer League MVP and, by all accounts, looked healthy and NBA-ready. This year, the descender in question was Villanova forward Cam Whitmore, who was expected to go among the top six or seven picks but slipped all the way to the Houston Rockets at No 20. It’s usually a bit opaque as to what made them fall: health concerns, a weird interview, a swept-under-the-rug personal issue, or some combination thereof. Photograph: Brian Babineau/NBAE/Getty Images 5) A lot of teams will regret passing on Cam WhitmoreĮvery June, we watch in painful awkwardness as a projected early pick plummets in the draft order. ![]() The Trail Blazers’ Scoot Henderson made an indelible impact in only 21 minutes of action during Summer League. And, unfortunately for Charlotte majority owner Michael Jordan (no stranger to being passed over at No 2), Henderson’s brief but electrifying Summer League appearance isn’t going to do anything to silence the critics: the 6ft 2in point guard looked every bit the ready-made star he’s been billed as (and then some) during his 21 heart-pounding minutes of action at the Thomas & Mack Center. But many were floored that the Hornets passed on the chance to draft what looked like a potential generational talent in Scoot Henderson, who was promptly chosen third by the Portland Trail Blazers. Some understood why Charlotte would want the 6ft 8in University of Alabama forward with the second overall pick: Miller’s rare combination of size and skill is tantalizing enough to deflect any off-court controversy. Photograph: Zach Beeker/NBAE/Getty Images 3) Scoot Henderson is the Real Deal™įrom the moment the Hornets selected Brandon Miller behind Wembanyama on draft night, the decision was met with harsh criticism. Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren, whose maiden NBA campaign will launch one year behind schedule due to a foot injury suffered last summer, could challenge Victor Wembanyama for top rookie honors. The 21-year-old Holmgren averaged 20.5 points on 56% shooting in Vegas, and it’s no surprise he’s been reinstalled as the bookmakers’ second favorite for ROY honors. Holmgren’s hype entering his own draft certainly didn’t match the fever pitch of Wembanyama’s, but there was plenty of excitement about the 7ft 1in center from Gonzaga, and he shares a lot of the same unorthodox skills for his player of his size. The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Chet Holmgren was actually drafted second in 2022, but an untimely foot injury last summer left him sidelined for the entirety of his would-be rookie season. But the market has corrected itself slightly, thanks to memories being jogged over the past week about the existence of another sinewy, multi-talented giant who also has yet to play an official NBA game. If the betting odds are any indication, French uberprospect Victor Wembanyama was a shoo-in to be named Rookie of the Year even before he was chosen by the San Antonio Spurs with the No 1 pick in last month’s draft and flashed glimpses of his limitless potential in Vegas. Read more 2) Wembanyama might have Rookie of the Year competition ![]()
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