Dennis Schröder

Knicks Notes: Possible Trade Targets, Brunson, Depth, NBA Cup

December 17th, 2025 at 10:55pm CST by Eli Cohen

The Knicks are coming off an exhilarating win over the Spurs to clinch the NBA Cup, but their focus remains on the NBA Finals. With an expensive roster and few trade chips outside of their core players, it’s unclear how or if team president Leon Rose will go about addressing any weaknesses he feels exist on the roster, but at the moment, the front office is happy with how the team is playing, according to SNY’s Ian Begley.

“As we sit here today, the Knicks are not in a rush to make a huge deal,” Begley said in the latest episode of The Putback (YouTube link).

Begley reiterated previous speculation that the Knicks would be interested in making an offer for Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado if New Orleans makes him available. He adds that New York would likely be one of a number of teams with interest in Dennis Schröder if the Kings decide to move him, but notes that Schröder’s larger cap hit (and multiyear guarantee) could make the logistics of a deal more complicated.

Begley also mentions several big men the Knicks could pursue as backup insurance for the oft-injured Mitchell Robinson, noting that the team has shown interest in Sixers backup Andre Drummond in the past.

We have more from the Knicks:

Jalen Brunson was named MVP of the NBA Cup tournament, joining LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo as the first three players to win the award. As Steve Popper for Newsday writes (subscription required), Brunson took the opportunity to display his leadership and team-forward mindset. “Can I say something?” Brunson said after receiving the award. “OG Anunoby, Tyler Kolek, Jordan Clarkson, Mitchell Robinson, they played their [butts] off tonight. Without them, we don’t win this. We got down 10, whatever it was and we found a way to win. That’s it. That’s going to be our motto going forward. We’re going to find a way.”
Head coach Mike Brown offered high praise for his star point guard’s approach. “He’s an unbelievable competitor, but an unbelievable teammate,” Brown said. “I’ve been around those guys. You’re talking about Tim Duncan, Steph Curry, those guys, [De’Aaron Fox, James]. Those guys all mention their teammates because bang, bang, bang, they know this is a team sport at the end of the day.“
Part of what made the Knicks’ defeat of the Spurs so exciting is the proof of concept it showed of Rose’s main focus this offseason: adding depth that could help swing a game when things got tight, writes Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News. It was last season’s loss to the Pacers team New York will face on Thursday that prompted the directive to create a second unit that could survive for stretches, and even without Miles McBride and Landry Shamet, the Knicks showed on Tuesday that their bench could do just that. Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek combined for 29 points on 5-12 shooting from three, and Robinson contributed 10 offensive rebounds and two blocks while bothering Victor Wembanyama on drives multiple times. By following the lessons taken from the Pacers, Winfield writes, the Knicks have managed to level up last year’s Eastern Conference Finalist squad.
The Knicks have chosen not to raise a banner for their tournament win, but what they’re taking home is far more valuable, according to Mike Vaccaro of the New York Post, who says the NBA Cup championship is a statement to a national audience that they belong in the conversation of true title contenders this season. The Knicks beat the team that handed the Thunder their second loss of the season, and according to Vaccaro, people are taking notice.

Pacific Notes: Clippers, Booker, Lakers’ Court, Post, LaVine

December 10th, 2025 at 7:24pm CST by Arthur Hill

The Clippers are tied for 13th in the West at 6-18, but this season hasn’t been the complete disaster that the record would suggest, writes Janis Carr of The Orange County Register (subscription required). L.A. has been competitive in numerous games before seeing them slip away at the end, including its last two losses at Memphis and Minnesota. The Clippers are only three games away from a play-in spot, and coach Tyronn Lue believes a turnaround is coming.

“We’ve really played some good basketball and had a chance to win those games,” he said. “So, when you look at it and you’re not able to close the game and finish the game, that’s the only thing that’s kind of frustrating. … I mean, we definitely can turn it around. One big shot, one big rebound, one less turnover, things like that. And when you’re able to do that, that’s when you can start winning games.”

Injuries have played a role in the disappointing start, as Bradley Beal was lost for the season after appearing in just six games, Kawhi Leonard has been limited to 14 outings and Derrick Jones Jr. has been sidelined since mid-November with an MCL sprain. Nicolas Batum said the team needs to find a way to overcome that adversity.

“It’s not an excuse, but it is a challenge every day to come with a different lineup,” he said. “When you start losing one, two, three, four, five games, you think about that also. We right now just need to focus on what we have. We have more than enough to beat teams and to be winning games.”

There’s more from the Pacific Division:

There was hope that Devin Booker might be able to return from a groin injury in time for tonight’s NBA Cup contest at Oklahoma City, but the Suns downgraded him to out shortly before game time, tweets Tim MacMahon of ESPN. “He’s continuing to make progress,” coach Jordan Ott said (Twitter video link from Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic). “We checked in with him after his work there in shootaround. He’s making great progress. We just need a couple of days. We’ll be smart with this thing. It’s a long season.”
The Lakers won’t be using their NBA Cup court when they host the Spurs tonight, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. There were complaints that the surface was too slippery after it was unveiled for a November 25 game, and the Lakers opted for their normal court when they hosted Dallas in another NBA Cup contest three nights later. “That was bad,” Rui Hachimura said after playing on the court, per Dan Woike and Sam Jane of the Athletic. “I felt it right away when I was warming up. It just felt weird. Just like oily, slippery. Everybody was on the floor, literally. Every second.”
Warriors big man Quinten Post said last season’s playoff series against Houston showed him that he needed to get stronger so he could handle the NBA’s physical style of play, per Spencer Davies of RG. Post didn’t make his NBA debut until after Christmas last season, but now he’s an important part of Golden State’s rotation. “At first, your body has to get used to all the work that you put in, and you’re sore because we spent a lot of time in the weight room this summer,” Post said. “But now that the season has started, I definitely feel different just in being able to hold my ground and going up without fouling.”
The Kings have ruled Zach LaVine out for Thursday’s game against Denver due to soreness in his right thumb, relays Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee (Twitter link). Dennis Schröder is doubtful with a strained right hip flexor.

Injury Notes: SGA, Thunder, Booker, Essengue, Schröder

December 7th, 2025 at 9:54am CST by Rory Maher

Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will miss his first game of the season on Sunday when the Thunder face the Jazz in Utah, tweets Clemente Almanza of Thunder Wire. Gilgeous-Alexander is dealing with bursitis in his left elbow, per the team.

The superstar guard is one of seven Oklahoma City players who will be out Sunday. Others include rotation members Luguentz Dort (right adductor strain), Alex Caruso (right quad contusion), Isaiah Joe (left knee soreness) and Isaiah Hartenstein (right soleus strain).

Here are more injury notes from around the NBA:

Suns head coach Jordan Ott provided an update on star guard Devin Booker on Friday, according to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic (Twitter video link). Booker is recovering from a right groin strain and could return for Wednesday’s NBA Cup quarterfinal at Oklahoma City. “We’ll continue to assess him day-by-day, but he’s been through this before,” Ott said. “So he knows exactly where he’s at and his body and he’s made good progress in a short amount of time. … If his body is feeling good and he’s in a good place, he’ll absolutely be available (Wednesday).”
Speaking to the media on Saturday, Bulls lottery pick Noa Essengue said his season-ending left shoulder injury was a dislocation, as K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Sports Network relays (via Twitter). The French forward added that he dislocated the same shoulder a couple of years ago and his surgery is scheduled for Wednesday.
Kings point guard Dennis Schröder was out again last night in Miami due to a right hip flexor strain, notes Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee (Twitter link). While Schröder’s strain is “mild” and he’s considered day-to-day, he has now missed five straight games, having last suited up on Nov. 24 vs. Minnesota.

Pacific Notes: Doncic, Reaves, LeBron, Schröder, Curry, Richard

November 29th, 2025 at 10:59pm CST by Arthur Hill

Luka Doncic faced the Mavericks again Friday night, but the game lacked the drama of last season’s matchup, writes Dan Woike of The Athletic. Nearly 10 months have passed for Doncic to process the unexpected trade to the Lakers, and the man who made it, Dallas general manager Nico Harrison, has already been fired. So with the emotional stakes lowered, Doncic concentrated on business and delivered 35 points, five rebounds and 11 assists in L.A.’s 129-119 victory.

“I would say it’s a little bit easier now,” Doncic said. “But like I said, games against Dallas always have some special meaning to me. I still have a lot of friends there. It’s always special. It’ll always be special for me.”

The spotlight also belonged to Austin Reaves, who has become one of the NBA’s best offensive players in the midst of a contract year. He led all scorers with 38 points, and Woike suggests he might be headed for his first All-Star appearance.

“I think he’s been one of the best basketball players in this league, just the way he scores, he makes a place for others in the game,” Doncic said before taking a playful jab at his teammate. “It’s very good. I’m just happy he’s on my team. And that’s probably the last compliment I ever give him.”

There’s more from the Pacific Division:

The Lakers are listing LeBron James as questionable for Sunday’s game with New Orleans due to left foot injury management, relays Dave McMenamin of ESPN (Twitter link). It’s the first night of a back-to-back for L.A., which hosts Phoenix on Monday. Marcus Smart, who didn’t play Friday due to back spasms, is doubtful.
Kings guard Dennis Schröder underwent an MRI that showed he has a mild hip flexor strain, tweets James Ham of The Kings Beat. Schröder, who recently lost his starting job, is considered day-to-day and is questionable for Sunday’s game with Memphis.
The Warriors have the league’s worst offensive rating without Stephen Curry, who will miss at least a week with a right quad contusion. Anthony Slater of the Athletic shares comments from coach Steve Kerr about the challenges of scoring without his star guard.
Will Richard‘s low turnover rate has helped him claim a spot in the Warriors‘ starting and closing lineups, notes Scott Ostler of The San Francisco Chronicle. The 56th pick in this year’s draft has quickly earned a major rotation role as well as his coach’s confidence. “You can see it,” Kerr said, “he’s just in the right spot, the right time. He has a lot of confidence, he’s not afraid to let it fly. Never turns it over, just connects the game, he makes the game easier for everyone else. He’s kind of wise beyond his years. I’ve got 100% trust in him.”

Westbrook To Replace Schröder In Kings’ Starting Lineup

November 14th, 2025 at 6:22pm CST by Rory Maher

Head coach Doug Christie is making a significant change to the Kings‘ rotation on Friday in Minnesota, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes, who reports (via Twitter) that Russell Westbrook will replace Dennis Schröder as the starting point guard.

Westbrook has actually started six of his 12 appearances this season, largely being used as a small-ball forward alongside Schröder with Keegan Murray recovering from thumb surgery. Schröder had started each of his 12 games this fall.

Christie said after both Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s losses that he was considering making changes to the starting lineup.

Schröder, 32, was Sacramento’s primary free agent addition over the summer — the team signed the veteran guard to a three-year, $44MM deal. He had an excellent offseason, winning MVP of EuroBasket 2025 after leading the German national team to its second gold medal in three years (the club also won the 2023 World Cup).

However, Schröder has gotten off to a slow start for the 3-9 Kings, particularly struggling during the team’s current four-game losing streak. Over the past four games, the Kings have been trounced during Schröder’s 100 minutes, and he’s averaging just 3.5 points and 4.3 assists while shooting 4-of-27 from the floor (14.8%) over that span.

Westbrook, meanwhile, didn’t sign with the Kings until mid-October, inking a non-guaranteed one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum. He has outplayed Schröder to this point in the season, averaging 14.5 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 5.8 APG and 1.0 SPG on .440/.397/.758 shooting (27.8 MPG).

Doug Christie Rips Kings For ‘Shameful’ Compete Level

November 13th, 2025 at 9:48am CST by Luke Adams

Since Kings head coach Doug Christie vowed on Tuesday that his team would “get it right” following a shaky start to the season, Sacramento has lost back-to-back home games against the Nuggets and Hawks. Wednesday’s defeat to Atlanta was especially one-sided, as the Kings fell behind by 44 points before ultimately losing by 33 and extending their winless streak to four games.

Immediately after sitting down for his post-game media session on Wednesday, Christie referred to Sacramento’s compete level as “shameful” (Twitter video link via Sean Cunningham of KCRA 3). He then proceeded to express his frustrations with his 3-9 club over the next 12 minutes as he fielded questions from reporters.

Here are a few of the most notable remarks from the Kings’ head coach:

On the Hawks’ 33-8 advantage in fast-break points on Wednesday:

“(That) says that you’re not getting back, you’re not communicating, you’re not building walls, you’re not being physical. … Listen, this ain’t about anything but competition and effort, period. You can play that team 10 times and I doubt you would get a result like that – especially after this, play them nine more times – not if you’ve got no damn pride.”

On representing the Kings the right way for fans in Sacramento:

“Put on the jersey, represent it properly. These people need to come into the turnstiles and they need to be proud when they leave here about the product that they see, not f—ing embarrassed. Unacceptable, period. It is. This is a simple one, this ain’t even hard.”

On the Kings’ struggling starters and whether he’s considering lineup changes:

“You’ve got to. I mean, those guys are -31 (DeMar DeRozan), -38 (Domantas Sabonis), -34 (Russell Westbrook), -20 (Dennis Schröder). You’ve got to.

“They need to look at themselves and say, ‘When we’re competing at a high level, we’re playing against anybody.’ We were (within) three points or whatever it was going into the fourth (quarter) with Denver. Milwaukee, you compete all the way to the end. And then you just do that? That’s wild. And that’s not anything except tying your shoes tight and saying, ‘You know what? I’m about this life and I’m going to represent properly.'”

On subbing out his entire starting lineup just over two minutes into the second half:

“There’s people that will actually do things the right way. Might not be as talented, but guess what? That’s when the hockey shift came in. We’ve got some young kids. You know what they’re going to try to do? They’re going to try to compete. Now, Max (Maxime Raynaud) is not as talented as (Kristaps) Porzingis yet and he got into trouble, and Nique (Clifford) got back-cut. OK, but it ain’t from a lack of effort. It ain’t from a lack of want.”

On the Kings’ lack of physicality:

“I was embarrassed. I wish I could’ve put on the jersey. At 55, I would’ve showed you better than that. At least I’m going to use all six fouls. I can’t move, but I’m gonna foul the s–t out of somebody. Like, people just running around, running down the lane, not grabbing nobody.

“And then (the Hawks are) just grabbing, holding, pushing so much that the refs are like, ‘That’s how they play.’ Because that’s how we should play, and the refs should say, ‘That’s how they play. Can’t call them all.’ But our (fouls are) blatant because we ain’t touching nobody. We’re not physical. So as soon as you do touch somebody, it’s a foul. And then you’re looking at the ref crazy. Nah, can’t say really too much to the refs, because the refs can’t help you on this.

“This is all an individual saying, ‘We bringing it.’ And they can, they have. And I’ll be damned if they will.”

On how he would like his veterans to respond:

“I would like them to lead. … Because we’ve got young players in there watching this. And I’m going to text every one of the young players, ‘That’s not acceptable. Do not even think about even trying to equate that that is OK. Do not do it. I will not let you do that, because that s–t, it ain’t cool.’

“They need to lead. What do you want for your team? What do you want for this city? If you want something more than what that was – because that was trash – then lead them. Talk to them. Demonstrate for them. Go out there and show them.

“Listen, maybe you’ve only got 10 minutes of, ‘Man, put it down.’ Well, if that’s what you got, then that’s what you give. Not floating for 30 and playing for 10. Play the game. The game is to be respected. There’s a way to play this game (and) that ain’t it.”

Kings Notes: Christie, Trade Rumors, Schröder, Lineup

November 12th, 2025 at 2:44pm CST by Luke Adams

Ahead of Tuesday’s game against Denver, Kings head coach Doug Christie spoke to reporters for about two-and-a-half minutes without taking any questions, acknowledging his team’s early-season struggles while insisting that the organization is “aligned in what we’re doing” and vowing that the club will “get it right,” per The Associated Press.

“Change is hard,” Christie said (YouTube link via KCRA 3). “It’s hard. But understand — and we understand — that we’re not there yet. But we’re about to work at it like crazy. We totally get that. And it will be bumpy. It will, because change is like that. But buckle up. For the real ones, buckle up.

“… When I see the hate, the haters, the fakers — all you guys, you keep that energy,” Christie continued. “That’s good. You keep that. And you know who you are because while you’re doing that, we’re gonna be working. And while you’re doing that, we’re gonna be growing. And while you do that, eventually, we’re gonna be coming — the Kings Show. Sac proud, know that.”

Christie spoke during his pregame session about prioritizing defending, rebounding, and sharing the basketball, but the team hasn’t done any of those things especially well yet this season. Sacramento ranks 27th in the NBA in defensive rating (120.4), 29th in rebounding percentage (47.0%), and 14th in assist percentage (62.6%).

After losing on Tuesday to the Nuggets, the Kings hold a 3-8 record, including a 2-4 mark at home.

Here’s more on the Kings:

As the AP’s report notes, Christie’s pregame remarks on Tuesday may have been in response to a rumor that circulated earlier in the day about the team’s willingness to shop stars Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan. That rumor appears to have originated from plugged-in local radio reporter Carmichael Dave (Twitter links). While it’s unclear if it was hard reporting or informed speculation, Dave suggested on Tuesday that the Kings are preparing to launch a full-fledged rebuild and intend to begin reshaping their roster next month when trade season unofficially opens.
The Kings’ bench outscored Denver’s by 23 points on Tuesday, but Sacramento’s starters were outscored by 37 points, notes Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee. Offseason addition Dennis Schröder continues to struggle — after a scoreless outing vs. Denver, he’s now shooting 38.3% from the floor (27.7% on three-pointers) this season, including 1-of-19 in his past three games.
Asked after Tuesday’s loss if he’s weighing a starting lineup change at point guard or another position, Christie said the team is “considering everything,” per Anderson. “This is about us playing at a high level,” the Kings’ coach said. “Twenty-four minutes tonight, maybe 30. It’s not enough. We need a 48-minute effort to win in this league, especially against a team like that. That’s a team that’s a championship-level team. You can’t play for small stretches. (The effort was) better, but nobody’s checking for participation trophies.”
Subbing in Russell Westbrook for Schröder is one option Christie figures to evaluate, according to Chris Biderman of The Sacramento Bee. As Biderman points out, some of the Kings’ starters – who have historically been very productive offensive players – haven’t been playing up to their usual standards, but Christie is more concerned about the team’s performance on the other end of the court. “Offense? Ain’t nobody talking about offense,” he said when asked about that subject on Tuesday. “(We only scored) 108 (vs. Denver), but on most nights we’re scoring enough points. It ain’t about the offense. There’s a lot of people that can score the basketball. If we want to win, we need to focus on the defense, period. Offense — make some shots. You make and miss shots. I get that. There’s timing and different things. But I don’t want to hear about no offense.”

Kings Notes: Sabonis, Schröder, Ellis, Achiuwa

November 10th, 2025 at 9:02am CST by Arthur Hill

Domantas Sabonis was back on the court Sunday night after sitting out two games with a left ribcage contusion, but he couldn’t prevent the Kings from suffering their second straight blowout loss at home, writes Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee (subscription required). Sabonis, who played 30 minutes and posted 20 points and 13 rebounds in a 144-117 loss to Minnesota, was determined to play because he felt that the pain of losing was worse than the “sharp stab” he was feeling in his ribs.

“You don’t want to keep losing games,” he said after pregame warmups. “I love the game and we’re not winning, so you want to try to turn things around.”

It’s been a difficult season for Sabonis so far apart from the injury. The three-time All-Star is averaging 15.3 points per game, by far his lowest total since coming to Sacramento, and his shooting percentages of 47.7% from the floor and 15.4% from three-point range are down sharply from last season.

There’s more on the Kings:

Also off to a rough start is point guard Dennis Schröder, who was added in a sign-and-trade deal as one of the team’s major offseason moves. Schröder’s shooting woes continued against the Wolves as he made just one shot on the night and is 1-0f-16 over the past two games. In an interview with Sean Cunningham of KCRA News (Twitter video link), Schröder admitted that he’s still adjusting to his new surroundings. “I don’t feel comfortable, and when I don’t feel comfortable it’s just not effective,” he said. “I’ve got to watch film and get better in areas where I can be more effective. If the shot’s dropping or not dropping, you can’t control if the ball goes in, but what you can control is on the defensive side of the ball that you’re impacting it.”
Kings fans chanted for Keon Ellis during Sunday’s game, but once again he didn’t get off the bench until the fourth quarter. Coach Doug Christie explained why he’s not using Ellis more often despite the team’s defensive struggles (Twitter video link from Cunningham). “Trying to play 10 players and finding a rhythm for that is difficult, like there’s a logjam at that position,” Christie told reporters. “One guy plays damn near the whole game, the other guy plays a few minutes and then there’s Keon. But I know in this league that things happen how they happen, and the one thing we’re going to do is try to figure it out.” He also promised that Keon “will get his opportunity.”
Christie was complimentary of Precious Achiuwa, who made his first start since joining the Kings and delivered 12 points and 10 rebounds in 29 minutes. “There’s some grown man things that Precious does out there, and I’m all for it,” Christie said. “There’s a level of physicality, there’s a level of aggressiveness and he rebounds the basketball.”

Pacific Notes: Ellis, Leonard, Curry, Warriors

November 8th, 2025 at 11:04pm CST by Arthur Hill

Keon Ellis is trying to be philosophical about his reduced role in the Kings‘ rotation, writes Chris Biderman of The Sacramento Bee. Ellis logged just 12 minutes of action in Friday’s loss to Oklahoma City — all in the fourth quarter of a blowout — continuing a trend that has seen him reach 20 minutes in just three of the team’s first nine games.

Biderman notes that Ellis had reason to expect a more prominent position after finishing second on the team in three-point percentage last season at 43% and ranking second in the league with 280 deflections. Ellis provides a level of perimeter defense that the team has been lacking while ranking 25th in defensive efficiency, 28th in deflections and 28th in contested shots coming into Friday’s game.

“Because I know if I go out there, I do what I do,” Ellis responded when asked about his playing time. “If I don’t go out there, it is what it is. I control what I can control.”

The Kings added Dennis Schröder and Russell Westbrook to their backcourt during the offseason, and they’re both playing ahead of Ellis. Westbrook has been putting up vintage numbers lately, including 24 points, nine assists and six rebounds Friday night after posting a triple-double on Wednesday, but Schröder hasn’t been as effective. The Kings have been outscored by 85 points in the 287 minutes he has played and they have a minus-9.9 net rating when he’s on the court. Biderman states.

“It’s a numbers game,” coach Doug Christie said. “There’s a big logjam there. Night to night, it could be different. It’s not going to be any easier once you get Keegan (Murray) back. But this is a good problem to have. It’s one that hasn’t been here for a long time when you talk about wing players and the ability to have them. Keon’s a pro so I know he’ll be ready and prepared.”

There’s more from the Pacific Division:

Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said Kawhi Leonard will miss “the next few games” with a sprained right ankle, according to The Associated Press. Lue didn’t provide any specifics about Leonard’s condition, but he stated that medical tests are indicating it won’t be a prolonged absence.
After missing two games with an illness, Warriors star Stephen Curry is listed as questionable for Sunday’s meeting with Indiana, per Sam Gordon of The San Francisco Chronicle. Curry started feeling fatigued in the second half of Tuesday’s contest and didn’t travel with the team on its two-game trip to Sacramento and Denver. Al Horford is also questionable after being scratched from Friday’s game due to a left foot strain.
Draymond Green was critical of the Warriors‘ defense, and coach Steve Kerr lamented “a lack of purpose and energy” following Friday’s loss at Denver, relays Nick Friedell of The Athletic. Golden State fell behind early and wasn’t able to fight back in a 129-104 defeat. “There has to be some fire in the belly to get out of a tough night,” Kerr said. “It’s tough as a young player when things aren’t going their way, the game’s not going their way, it’s easy to get down. You can’t do that in this league. You have to fight and compete every second, and it didn’t feel like we did that tonight.”

Pacific Notes: Knecht, Booker, Williams, Schröder

October 10th, 2025 at 7:52am CST by Luke Adams

Lakers forward Dalton Knecht got off to a great start as a rookie last season, averaging 12.2 points per game and making 43.9% of his three-pointers in his first 19 outings. However, he averaged just 8.1 PPG and knocked down just 34.8% of his outside shots the rest of the way while struggling defensively.

As Dan Woike of The Athletic writes, a poor Summer League showing in which Knecht shot just 32.1% from the field and 23.7% on three-pointers further exacerbated the concerns that rival scouts and executives have about the 24-year-old, whose trade value has dipped in the past year.

While Knecht has been viewed as a prime trade chip for the Lakers – he was part of the package the team was prepared to give up in February for Mark Williams – sources who spoke to Woike don’t believe the Lakers would be able to extract value comparable to the No. 17 pick they used on him right now. The general consensus, Woike writes, is that he could return multiple second-rounders, or perhaps even a single second-rounder.

However, Knecht is in just the second season of his four-year rookie contract and should still have plenty of time – and opportunities – to work on making his game more well-rounded. Head coach JJ Redick remains optimistic about Knecht’s potential.

“I’m very confident (that) when he’s confident, he’s a high-level offensive player in the NBA,” Redick said last weekend. “It’s the other stuff that he’s got to just do and find that consistency in his defense, on being the low man, or boxing out, or crashing every time or sprinting back and actually talking in transition. When he’s doing those things, he’s an impact player.”

Here’s more from around the Pacific Division:

With Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal no longer in Phoenix, Devin Booker knows there’s more pressure on him to be the face of the Suns on and off the court, as Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic relays. “(I) think it’s a big responsibility for me to be a leader and continue being a leader and getting everybody on the same page so we can start this thing off the right way,” Booker said within a more extensive Q&A ahead of the team’s preseason games in China.
New Suns center Mark Williams, who is entering a potential contract year and has dealt with injuries during his first three NBA seasons, was a high-risk, high-reward investment for Phoenix. Doug Haller of The Athletic takes a closer look at the bet the Suns made on Williams and what his ceiling might look like. “He could be one of the better rim protectors in the game, first of all,” former Hornets assistant Tyrone Corbin said. “He could get quicker at setting screens and just rolling to the rim really hard. He’s a threat at the rim always because he can catch the ball. He just has to get there a little quicker. … He’s smart. … He has the potential to be a pretty good starter and a reliable guy in the lane.”
While the Kings made it an offseason priority to add an experienced point guard like Dennis Schröder in large part to organize the offense, head coach Doug Christie is also asking the 32-year-old to “set the tone” defensively with full-court ball pressure. Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee has the story on Christie’s defensive expectations for Schröder and the rest of the Kings.

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