Nuggets
The Nuggets may not know exactly what Nikola Jokic plans to do in two years. They’re choosing not to worry about it.
Jokic is expected to wait until 2027 before making a decision on his next contract, allowing him to become eligible for a larger five-year supermax worth an estimated $359.5 million instead of the four-year extension he could sign now.
Denver general manager Jon Wallace sounded unfazed.
“We feel confident,” Wallace said during ESPN’s Summer League broadcast, via Bennett Durando of The Denver Post. “We trust him. We’ve got no choice but to.”
Jokic, who finished second in MVP voting after averaging a triple-double last season, has a player option for 2027-28 before potentially hitting unrestricted free agency. While the uncertainty will linger another year, the Nuggets don’t appear interested in pressing the issue.
Bulls
Caleb Wilson couldn’t have asked for a much better start.
The No. 4 overall pick poured in 35 points in his Summer League debut Friday, nearly leading the Bulls to a comeback before Chicago fell to Memphis, 97-96.
According to ESPN’s Jamal Collier, Wilson admitted he became emotional before tipoff after missing the final months of his lone season at North Carolina with a broken wrist.
“It’s been five months to the day since the last time I played,” Wilson said. “I’ve just been really emotional because I haven’t been able to play.”
The rookie knocked down seven 3-pointers after making just seven all season in college, adding six rebounds, three blocks and two steals. He also committed six turnovers, but Bulls coach Tiago Splitter said he welcomed Wilson’s aggressive approach.
Wilson’s 35 points were the second-most ever by a player making his Las Vegas Summer League debut, trailing only Marco Belinelli‘s 37 in 2007.
Nets
Mikel Brown Jr. didn’t waste much time making an impression.
The Nets’ lottery pick scored 20 points in his Las Vegas Summer League debut, with 16 coming after halftime, while adding three assists, two steals and a block.
“I know how much work I put in to get to this point,” Brown told Brian Lewis of the New York Post. “I’m a savant when it comes to this stuff.”
Brown’s confidence didn’t surprise teammate Egor Demin.
“He’s extremely talented,” Demin said. “His shooting ability, his ability to create his own shot, and how shifty he is, he’s gonna give a lot of trouble to defenders.”
For Brooklyn, it’s only one Summer League game. But it was a promising first glimpse of what Brown may eventually become.
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