Smith Resigns in Indiana
News broke last week that the Indiana Pacers signed former Maryland forward Jalen Smith to a two-year, $9.6 million extension. With restrictions in what the Pacers could offer given Smith was traded from Phoenix still on his rookie contract, Indiana emphatically stated the former first-round pick had carved himself a starting role alongside Myles Turner in the frontcourt.
“One thing they said about Jalen’s experience with Indiana is that it’s great to see him smile again,” Indiana head coach Rick Carlisle said during Wednesday’s signing. “He’s signed on here to be the starting power forward going forward.”
Despite becoming just the sixth player in NBA history to have their third-year team option declined, Smith quickly acclimated himself to new surroundings last fall after averaging 13.4 points and 7.6 rebounds in 22 games. “Any place you go and you feel like you’re loved, you’re always going to have a joyous feel to you,” Smith said. “It’s just amazing to be welcomed after being traded and after everybody giving me that confidence boost.
Hawks-Kings Trade Official
One week after news broke, the Kings and Hawks finalized the trade on Wednesday following physicals that sent former Maryland guard Kevin Huerter to Sacramento for the next phase of his NBA career. “Thank you to @ATLHawks organization and their fans for the past 4 years. Atlanta truly became a 2nd home, the relationships and memories I created here will last a lifetime. The city embraced me as their own, as K’Von, and for that I’m truly thankful. Always love for the ATL,” Huerter penned on Twitter. Along with joining former Terp and current center Alex Len out west, it turns out that Huerter and rookie Keegan Murray share a unique mutual connection in Connor McCaffery.
Fatts Begins Pro Career
After several NBA workouts heading into the 2022 NBA Draft, former Maryland guard Fatts Russell has found a home on the professional level.
KK Mornar Bar, based out of Montenegro, announced a deal with Russell on Thursday. The news came on the same day that the club announced the signings of Nemanja Nedovic, who played one season with the Golden State Warriors, and Lovro Gnjidic while announcing the return of Danijel Jusup for his sixth stint as head coach.
NBA Summer League Action Starting
A pair of former Terps are on rosters with the NBA Summer League set to begin in Las Vegas on Thursday, but only one was in action during the three days of games out in Utah. Second-year guard Aaron Wiggins dropped five points in just over 18 minutes of action during Tuesday’s 98-77 win over the Utah Jazz before sitting out of Wednesday’s 87-71 win over Memphis. Meanwhile, former Maryland and Marquette guard Darryl Morsell was added to the Utaz Jazz’s summer league roster but did not play in either game due to coach's decision. The rookie and Baltimore native will look for an opportunity to showcase himself during the next slate of games with Utah’s first game set for Saturday, July 9 against Atlanta at 7:30 PM.
Related Links