Four NBA Eastern Conference Teams Ink Up-and-Comers

Charlotte traded for Jones a day after the New York Knicks selected him with the 19th overall selection of the 2021 draft. However, according to ESPN, the Hornets decided to release him before the start of training due to unusual behavior.

The Hornets announced last week that the 6-foot-11 forward/center would not join the team for training camp following some bizarre behavior on social media, including a mostly indecipherable video on Instagram Live and other criticism of teammates on X. He appeared in 67 games for the Hornets, averaging less than 10 minutes a game.

Jones has appeared in 67 career games for the Hornets. The 6-11 athletic center is at his best when in transition and around, as he is very limited offensively. He has the ability to be a good shot-blocker and rebounder while being a solid defender.

Last week, Shams Charania of The Athletic stated that Jones has been working on himself “on and off the court” since the fall, hoping to earn another NBA opportunity. The young center said back in November that he was meeting with teams, and one report around that time indicated that the  Los Angeles Clippers brought him in for “a visit of some capacity.”

While Jones has not played in the NBA or G-League this season. However, he performed well in two AmeriCup games in March for the Bahamas, averaging 13.5 points and 8.2 rebounds while shooting 68.8% from the field over 30 minutes.

New York Knicks sign Diakate and Jeffries

On Thursday, New York signed two players to 10-day contracts, Mamadi Diakate and DaQuan Jeffries.

Diakate, who spent training camp with the Knicks this fall, was waived by the San Antonio Spurs on March 2. The 27-year-old big saw 16 minutes of action in three minutes for the Spurs this year. He has career averages of 3.3 points and 2.4 rebounds with a shooting slash line of .486/.236/.697 in 52 career games.

Diakate is an athletic 6-9 forward who can play both frontcourt positions. He is at his best around the rim and an excellent rebounder. Diakate is also a good shot-blocker.

Diakate has also played for Cleveland, Oklahoma City and Milwaukee.

Jeffries is in his third stint with the Knicks, as he has spent most of the season with Westchester of the G-League. He last signed a 10-day contract on Feb. 22, where he saw four minutes.

Jeffries has seen 34 minutes of playing time over 13 appearances, totaling 11 points and five rebounds while connecting on 5 of 14 shots from the field, including 1 of 7 from deep.

The 26-year-old wing has appeared in 60 career games, scoring 3.2 points and having a shooting slash line of .432/.280/.750.

Jahmi’us Ramsey

After his first 10-day contract expired on Thursday morning, the Raptors decided to re-up with Jahmi’us Ramsey for another 10-dayer, per Sportsnet’s Blake Murphy.

Ramsey will be ineligible to sign a third 10-day deal with Toronto, so the team must decide if it wants to retain him for the remainder of the season on March 24.

The 22-year-old scored a season-high 10 points on 3 of 5 shooting, including 1 of 2 from the 3-point line and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line, in the Raptors’ 113-103 loss to Orlando on Friday. He grabbed five rebounds, doled out an assist, and posted a steal.

Friday was Ramsey’s third game with the Raptors this season. He is averaging 5.3 points and 4.7 rebounds, though he is shooting just 33.3% from the field and 14.3% from the 3-point line.

The 2021 second-round draft pick has appeared in 35 career games, with 32 contests being with the Kings.

The athletic 6-3  wing can play all three backcourt positions with a scorer’s mentality. He is a slasher who finishes well at the rim. However, Ramsey is not a good shooter and not a 3-point threat.

Wizards Bring Over Draft-and-Stash Prospect

The Washington Wizards signed 2023 second-round draft pick Tristan Vukcevic to a two-year contract on March 14. The 21-year-old was playing for KK Partizan before securing a buyout. He left the European club at the beginning of the month.

Vukcevic averaged 7.7 points and 3.1 rebounds in just 14 minutes over 30 appearances, including seven starts, for Partizan. He also drained one trey a game while shooting .540/.432/.839.

The 6-11 center has been playing professionally in 2020. He was selected with the No. 42  pick this past June.

Vukcevic is an athletic big who can play both frontcourt positions. He is an excellent finisher around the rim and loves to catch lobs. Vukcevic is also a capable 3-point shooter.

However, Vukcevic’s defense is a major weakness, according to Dionysis Aravantinos of Hoopshype.

Despite his size, Vuk is not much of a rim protector. He might struggle a lot defensively in the Association’s much faster tempo. Vukvevic also needs to work on his body and bulk up a little to keep up with the physicality of the NBA.

Vukcevic performed well during the summer league in Vegas. He compiled 11.7 points, 6.5 caroms, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks in 23 minutes. However, Vuk struggled with his shot, turnovers, and fouls. Vukcevic will make $2.4 million this season with the Wizards. He also has a club option for next year, which is valued at $2.4 million. If it is exercised, he will be a restricted free agent in 2024-25. Washington has 12 players under contract for next year. The Wizards are currently $11 million under the projected 2024-25 salary cap. But the Wiz have some flexibility, with Richaun Holmes possessing a player option for $12.8 million. Landry Shamet ($11 million) and Eugene Omoruyi ($2.1 million) also have nonguaranteed deals.