5 NBA gamers due for rookie-scale extensions. Plus, can the Clippers be good?

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I hate to see him go, however I need to give an enormous thanks to Shams Charania for his work right here at The Athletic and the nice job he did with me on The Bounce. ESPN bought the actual cope with him.

Rookie Extension Watch

5 fourth-year gamers who may get 💰💰💰

When free company opened up early within the offseason, we instantly heard about 4 gamers who had been extension-eligible off their rookie-scale contracts, making large paydays inevitable. First-round picks from the 2021 NBA Draft are basically eligible for these extensions earlier than the 2024-25 season is underway. Cade Cunningham (Detroit), Evan Mobley (Cleveland), Scottie Barnes (Toronto) and Franz Wagner (Orlando) all obtained the reported numbers of 5 years and $224 million with these max extensions.

Who else ought to we’ve got an eye fixed on earlier than the season begins? I’ve bought 5 intriguing gamers for you.

Jalen Inexperienced, Houston Rockets:�The No. 2 decide from 2021 was on the commerce block earlier than the 2024 February deadline. The Rockets tried to maneuver him, hooked up with a handful of picks, to the Nets for Mikal Bridges. The deal didn’t get executed. At no level did we expect an extension in Houston was within the playing cards. Perhaps he’d re-sign as a restricted free agent in 2025 or signal a proposal sheet for them to finally match? Then, Inexperienced (22 years outdated) began going off:

First 59 video games: 17.9 factors on 40.4/31.2/80.8 capturing splits with 4.8 rebounds and three.3 assists. Houston was 25-34.
Remaining 23 video games: 24 factors on 46.1/37.0/79.4 capturing splits with six rebounds and 4.1 assists. Houston went 16-7 and completed 41-41.
Alperen Şengün didn’t play within the closing 18 video games.

If that is the kind of participant Inexperienced is after turning the nook, then he’s a max man. My guess is Houston handles him in restricted free company and sees how his season performs out first.

Jalen with the EXPLOSIVE slam 💣 pic.twitter.com/rw2aRTfaqD

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) October 8, 2024

Alperen Şengün, Houston Rockets:�I don’t anticipate the Rockets to do that with Şengün. He was a borderline All-Star all season lengthy earlier than he bought harm in March. Şengün is a monster on the market. His protection nonetheless leaves one thing to be desired, and he hasn’t proven a lot of an outdoor shot, however he averaged 21.1 factors, 9.3 rebounds and 5 assists final season. The present runs by him in a middle-management Jokić approach, which is a praise. Şengün is both a franchise man or, at worst, a No. 2-level possibility shifting ahead. My guess is that they’ll max him out.

Trey Murphy III, New Orleans Pelicans:�Murphy missed 20 video games as a rookie and 23 video games final season, however we all know he’s a really dynamic wing the Pelicans are more likely to preserve round. He’s a outstanding shooter, pulling down 39.2 % of his 3-point makes an attempt in his profession. He can deal with the ball a bit, may be very athletic and has helped them on protection together with his versatility. All the things factors towards him being a vital piece. The issue is: New Orleans has a whole lot of perimeter gamers, and one has to go.

In principle, that will be Brandon Ingram heading out of city for an enormous man in return. Zion Williamson can be wholesome with Murphy round to wreak havoc alongside Herb Jones and Dejounte Murray. One other problem is determining Murphy’s financial worth. He may get a large deal in restricted free company. Perhaps the Pelicans are hoping he indicators for Jones-type cash ($53.8 million over 4 years).

Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors:�For no matter cause, Steve Kerr has been hesitant to embrace the 22-year-old Kuminga. It was one of many massive Warriors subjects of final season. This yr, it nonetheless doesn’t sound like they know precisely what to do with the beginning lineup or Kuminga’s place. With a lot uncertainty, my guess is the one approach Golden State will get an extension executed is that if Kuminga decides to take a reduction within the $15 million annual vary on a four-year deal. I additionally anticipate Kuminga to wager on himself and earn a large payday subsequent summer season. Aggregators, please keep in mind these had been simply guesses and never reviews.

Jalen Suggs, Orlando Magic:�I do not know what Suggs’ worth may or ought to be as a result of he’s robust to nail down. The 23-year-old hasn’t been an excellent playmaker or scorer (though he improved from 10.8 factors on 48.7 % true capturing in his first two seasons to 12.6 factors on 60.2 % true capturing final season). Suggs’ worth comes from him being a defensive monster. He in all probability desires greater than the 4 years, $37 million Alex Caruso signed for in 2021 — however perhaps that’s the market if he doesn’t have one other nice capturing season?

Sink or Sail

Did Kawhi by accident shade the Clippers?

I’ll totally admit I do not know what to make of the LA Clippers heading into this season. It’s possible you’ll keep in mind Paul George left them for Philadelphia this summer season, when the Clippers cited the brand new second-apron luxurious tax penalty zone as a hindrance in holding PG. They tried to interchange him by signing Kevin Porter Jr., Nicolas Batum, Derrick Jones Jr. and Kris Dunn (guard, however a defender). Additionally they anticipate Terance Mann to have a much bigger function with out George there. Perhaps James Harden can channel that Houston Harden mode�to assist out?

The brand new period is off to a tough begin, with Kawhi Leonard not being prepared for camp. He missed the tip of final season for the Clippers after taking part in 68 video games, his most since 2016-17. Then, he bought shut down from Group USA earlier than the Olympics.

Kawhi Leonard on Clippers function, taking part in with James Harden and unsure future https://t.co/2Q4qm1WOXc

— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) October 8, 2024

Right here is Tyronn Lue explaining why he began Kris Dunn Saturday, whereas sharing that Terance Mann will begin vs Nets

Kawhi Leonard being week-to-week ought to open up a spot for Dunn or Mann. pic.twitter.com/5hWKfWHqxr

— Regulation Murray 🏟️ (@LawMurrayTheNU) October 7, 2024

The excellent news is that Leonard, requested Saturday about his well being and the brand new roster additions, stated he feels good they usually’re working towards getting him again on the court docket. That’s what you need to hear in case you have a rooting curiosity within the Clippers. What you don’t need to hear is his reply about who stood out among the many new guys:

“Simply the brand new guys. Watching them, the brand new additions we’ve got, Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr., simply so many younger guys we introduced in. Kai Jones final yr. Simply seeing how they might develop. So simply watching them from Day 1 to Day 2 to Day 3. Seeing their development.�However no person stood out to me thus far.”

That’s … not supreme. The web had enjoyable with this quote since you’d like for him to prop up his new teammates. However in basic Kawhi vogue, he didn’t. It instantly jogged my memory of the story about Kawhi being instructed by a coach to not swap off a scorer in a sport. When he requested why, Kawhi was knowledgeable his teammate wasn’t defender. That led to Kawhi questioning why his teammate was taking part in if he couldn’t guard. It’s completely Kawhi.

With a wholesome Leonard, you would really feel higher about this Clippers factor. You can even have stated that about each different season he’s been in Los Angeles. It makes extra sense when he’s on the market and Harden is operating the present. Then, Jones or Porter or Batum can fill in solidly for George. As a substitute, they should piece it along with guys who haven’t stood out to Kawhi thus far. Perhaps they’ll shock all people, however even the Play-In Event may not occur. Yikes!

Poster SZN!

Spurs rookie Stephon Citadel caught a physique

We right here at The Bounce love to see folks get dunked on. The identify “The Bounce” has a whole lot of meanings, and one among them applies to the bounce gamers should dunk throughout a defender who’s hoping to be a hero. Our first poster dunk (TikTok dunk? Viral dunk?) of the 2024 preseason occurred final evening: San Antonio Spurs rookie and No. 4 decide Stephon Citadel determined to make a reputation for himself in opposition to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder. That’s precisely what he did.

The nationwide champion from UConn took the ball in a secondary transition alternative, noticed an open driving lane on the left aspect of the ground and solely Alex Ducas across the basket. Citadel knew it was time to drop the 🔨:

He completed by contact to the left shoulder, reached approach again with the suitable hand and completed the large dunk. One of the best half is that they lower to the Spurs bench, and we noticed Keldon Johnson having a holy expertise as he tried to carry again his teammates.