NBA Summer League: Jack White’s contract push headlines the latest news on NBL and Aussie stars playing in Vegas
The hype train around Jack White shows no signs of slowing down, after another strong performance at the 2022 NBA Summer League.
In his third game for Denver in Las Vegas, the Melbourne United forward posted 14 points (5/6 FG and 2/3 FT), six rebounds, two steals, one assist and one block – as the Nuggets down Luke Kendall’s Clippers 80-75.
Jack White again displayed why he belongs to the Nuggets roster ????
— Nuggets Nation (@NuggetsNationCP) July 14, 2022
14 points
6 rebounds
2 steals
1 block
5-of-6 FG
2-of-2 3PT
2-of-3 FT pic.twitter.com/LVgH1tePsc
In particular, the 24-year-old was particularly happy with his shooting performance from downtown – hitting both of his three-pointers at the Thomas and Mack Centre.
“It was incredibly important for me to show I can shoot like that, as I haven’t been able to do it at the level I know I’m capable of the past few years,” the Duke alum said.
“It’s an aspect of my game that I’m always working at and in this game, I came in with a good mindset and taking confidence from my last game – that I can compete and play at a high level.
“I had some nice looks early on, thanks largely to the unselfish guards on my roster like Collin Gillespie and Christian Braun – who both have elite drive and kick games, allowing me to just stand there and knock down the shot.”
#NBLxNBA Summer League ????@MelbUnited's Jack White continued to impress in the @nuggets' W over the Clippers earlier today, including showing he can stretch the floor and hit the 3-ball ????
— The NBL (@NBL) July 14, 2022
Keep it rollin', @5jackwhite! pic.twitter.com/R0rk3vk2u3
OK JACK WHITE! ???? pic.twitter.com/BJF60YIPOW
— Melbourne United (@MelbUnited) July 14, 2022
With one two-way deal still available on the Nuggets’ 2022-23 roster, White’s name has been strongly mentioned as a candidate for that during the July 7-17 tournament.
“I haven’t let any of that talk get to me as I know opportunities will take care of themselves if I go out there and do my job for the team,” said White, who admits it’s been an adjustment from playing an international style of game with the Australian Boomers to in Vegas at his first Summer League.
“All of that stuff is out of my control, so I’m concentrating on the aspects I can control, how to be best effective when I’m on the court and trying to win games and have fun with this group we have assembled in Vegas.
“I all trust that if we do the day-to-day work, those kinds of rewards will come.”
So good to see so many @NBL people around @NBASummerLeague and see so many of its players on court: Jack White, JLA, Josh Giddey, Luke Travers, Hugo Besson and Tahjere McCall last 24 hours pic.twitter.com/jlkHqNGy32
— Chris Anstey (@ChrisAnstey13) July 14, 2022
Day eight
Adelaide recruit Rob Franks had just one missed shot in six minutes during Boston’s 108-91 win against Memphis.
Former Perth forward and Cleveland draftee Luke Travers showed his diversity against Detroit on Thursday, tallying six points (2/5FG and 1/1 FT), two rebounds, two dimes, one assist and one block in 22.04 minutes, during the 82-79 win.
For the Bulls, one-time Sydney NBL Next Star Makur Maker produced his second-straight strong game – with 11 points (4/4 FG including two triples and 2/2 FT), two boards and one swipe in Chicago’s 89-73 win against Charlotte. Illawarra’s Akoldah Gak picked up a DNP-CD for the Bulls in the victory.
BULLSEYE ????@jogracehealy caught up with @SydneyKings Next Star @MakurMaker after he kept it ???? in the @chicagobulls' win over the Hornets earlier today.#NBLxNBA pic.twitter.com/XW4vVrWXnz
— The NBL (@NBL) July 15, 2022
Ex-Breaker RJ Hampton once again didn’t suit up for the Magic, who lost 102-89 to Brian Goorjian’s Knicks.
In the Bucks’ 100-89 win against the Mavericks, ex-Breaker Hugo Besson chalked up four points (1/5 FG and 2/2 FT) and two boards in 12.19 minutes, while former 36er Dusty Hannahs was a DNP-CD.
Another NBL Next Star Didi Loudaza returned to the Blazers’ line-up against the Rockets, adding one rebound and one block in Portland’s 85-77 triumph.
To coaching and Kings legend Matt Nielsen and his San Antonio Spurs threw away a nine-point third-quarter lead to lose 87-86 to Atlanta, while Adam Caporn’s Nets downed the Timberwolves 102-83.
#NBLxNBA Summer League Day 7⃣ Wrap ????
— The NBL (@NBL) July 14, 2022
Jack White with another SOLID game, Travers continues to look comfortable, Besson getting some burn with the Bucks, and plenty of chatter around #NBL23 Next Stars…@Liam_Santa and @jogracehealy cover all that and more in today's wrap ???? pic.twitter.com/zF0asPWOwv
Day seven
Former Breaker Hugo Besson came to life in the Bucks’ 87-75 win against the Timberwolves – scoring six points (both triples) to go with five boards and one assist. Fellow NBL talent Dusty Hannahs (Adelaide) suited up but didn’t hit the floor for Milwaukee.
Aussie Summer League sensation Luke Travers again started for the Cavaliers in their fixture with Charlotte but could only muster four points (2/3 FG), four boards, one dime and one swipe in 25.14 minutes during the 11-point loss.
One game after getting a DNP, Cairns guard Tahjere McCall chalked up nine points (4/4 FG), two boards and one assist in the Wizards’ 106-88 loss to the Pelicans – who were again without Dyson Daniels (right ankle).
For Toronto, Perth forward Vic Law picked up a DNP-CD during their 84-70 loss to the Trevor Gleeson-led Raptors.
Returning to the OKC line-up on Wednesday was former Breaker Ousmane Dieng, tallying 12 points (5/8 FG and 1/2 FT), seven rebounds, one assist and one block in 22.52 minutes as a starter – helping his Thunder down the Kings 86-80. Aussie hoops prodigy Josh Giddey was rested for the clash.
