Pistons second-round pick Luka Garza earned a two-way contract with strong performances in the Las Vegas summer league. Garza dropped 25 pounds since the college season ended and noticed a difference in his mobility, Keith Langlois of Pistons.com writes. “I think it definitely improves my ability to move in multiple ways,” Garza said. “But, for me, I’m not comfortable. I want to continue to work on that and get better and better and better. The better I am on that end, the better my career is going to go.”
We have more from the Eastern Conference:
- Top pick Cade Cunningham showed that he’s ready and willing to be the Pistons’ team leader during summer league action, Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports writes. Cunningham made his presence felt, not only with his play but the way he encouraged and directed his teammates. “He’s a natural leader, which is rare for a 19-year-old kid,” coach Dwane Casey told Goodwill.
- Jevon Carter, who was acquired by the Nets in a trade with Phoenix this summer, won’t hesitate to voice his opinion in the Brooklyn locker room, according to Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. “I’m a vocal leader,” Carter said. “I help the team out.” Carter appeared in 60 regular-season and seven postseason games for the Suns, who included him in the Landry Shamet deal.
- Dwayne Bacon‘s contract with the Knicks is non-guaranteed, Bobby Marks of ESPN tweets. Bacon signed a one-year, minimum-salary deal after being waived by Orlando.
Cunningham is barely favored for ROY, just ahead of Jalen Green.
Once the regular season starts they will likely flip spots fairly quickly.
It’s hard to beat preseason narratives on awards. I’m sure you know, considering how many times James Harden was somehow a winner/runner up, or how Giannis got his
ROY is usually given to a player who shoots a lot on a bad team and gets points. Cade is way better than Green with his all around game – shooting, playmaking and defence.
Your absolutely correct on this.