2024: NBA Draft: Sixers reportedly agree with Memphis’ David Jones on two-way deal nba,draft,sixers,reportedly,agree,with,memphis,david,jones,on,two,way,deal,liberty,ballers,front-page,nba-draft,76ers-draft-rumors-news


The Sixers made out well in the 2024 NBA Draft, selecting Duke’s Jared McCain 16th overall and UCLA big man Adem Bona 41st. They also moved quickly to sign Philly native and Kentucky product Justin Edwards to a two-way deal.

Daryl Morey and company aren’t quite done yet. The Sixers are reportedly signing Memphis wing David Jones to a two-way deal. The news was first reported by Keith Pompey of The Inquirer.

A native of the Dominican Republic, Jones moved to the United States to attend high school in West Virginia and play basketball. He spent parts of two seasons at DePaul before transferring to St. John’s, but his final season playing for the Tigers was his best collegiate season.

In 2023-24, Jones averaged 21.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. He also averaged 2.2 steals per game. He didn’t shoot the ball particularly well at the start of his college career, but hit 38.0% on over six attempts per game from three last season. His free throw percentage went up each year, meaning the improvement could be real.

After taking an undersized guard in McCain and a big in Bona, Morey scooped up two wings on the open market. It’s surely a coincidence, but Jones is a lefty like Edwards. Jones is an interesting prospect with his shot improvement plus his rebounding and steal numbers on the wing.

The Summer Sixers should have a fun roster with the players that have been added over the past couple days in addition to Ricky Council IV and Terquavion Smith.

2024 NBA Draft: Is Virginia’s Ryan Dunn the next Herb Jones? nba,draft,is,virginia,s,ryan,dunn,the,next,herb,jones,liberty,ballers,front-page,nba-draft,76ers-draft-rumors-news


Before the 2024 NBA Draft, we’ll take an in-depth look at different prospects here at Liberty Ballers and try to figure out which players would be the best fit for the Sixers at Nos. 16 and 41. Next up in this series is Virginia’s Ryan Dunn.

Ryan Dunn was a defensive menace at Virginia, racking up steals and blocks last season on his way to being an ACC All-Defensive Team pick. Though there are offensive limitations, Dunn could very well be the most impactful defensive prospect in the draft.

Profile

2023-24 Stats: 34 games, 27.5 minutes, 8.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 1.3 steals, 2.3 blocks, 54.8% FG, 20% 3P, 53.2% FT

Team: Virginia

Year: Sophomore

Position: SG/SF

Height (without shoes) & Weight: 6’6.25” | 213.6 lbs

Born: January 7th, 2003 (21 years old)

Hometown: Brookville, New York

High School: Perkiomen School (Pennsburg, PA)

Strengths

Ryan Dunn is considered by many analysts to be the best defender in this draft. He has speed in general; able to close out under control and rotate on defense. He’s able to switch onto a variety of positions with ease, using his 7-foot-1.5” wingspan. He’s an elite rim protector given his position, with great timing and instincts on when to help. Albeit limited, Dunn also plays within his offensive role well, limiting turnovers and other mistakes. Dunn uses his athleticism well offensively and is great at attacking closeouts in a straight line. Capable of using both hands when finishing.

Weaknesses

Dunn is a limited shooter behind the arc, shooting 23.5 percent from three over his two collegiate seasons on less than an attempt per game. Doesn’t have any midrange game, either. Has shown very little, if any, shooting improvement. Barring significant shooting improvements, Dunn will need to be used closer to the rim or as a screener in the NBA — which could potentially limit his playing time. Offensively, he hasn’t shown any ability to create his own shot outside of the transition game or straight-line drives.

Positional Fit

Due to his lack of perimeter shooting, Dunn will likely be used as a power forward at the next level. Fortunately, he does finish well at the rim and rebounds well for his size — both of which should allow him to play around the rim at the dunker spot. Think of Andre Roberson if he was a better finisher around the rim and had a bit more size.

Draft Projection

Second round

Multiple contending teams will be looking at Dunn once the second round comes, however recent reports suggest that he might be gone well before then. HoopsHype’s Mike Scotto reports that some NBA executives say Dunn could be gone by pick No. 25. Teams are always in need of wing defenders and Dunn’s defense is arguably the realest in the entire draft. His limited offensive game will likely keep him from going really high, but it sounds like he might be one of this draft’s late risers.

2024 NBA Draft: Dillon Jones might be the most unique player in the entire draft nba,draft,dillon,jones,might,be,the,most,unique,player,in,the,entire,draft,liberty,ballers,front-page,76ers-draft-rumors-news


Before the 2024 NBA Draft, we’ll take an in-depth look at different prospects here at Liberty Ballers and try to figure out which players would be the best fit for the Sixers at Nos. 16 and 41. Next up in this series is Weber State’s Dillon Jones.

Dillon Jones was a dominant force in the Big Sky, taking home the conference’s Player of the Year award in 2023-24. His usage rate and overall efficiency improved in all four of his collegiate seasons at Weber State. His versatility makes him one of the most unique prospects in this year’s draft.

Profile

2023-24 Stats: 31 games, 37.0 minutes, 20.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 2.0 steals, 0.1 blocks, 48.9% FG, 32.4% 3P, 85.7% FT

Team: Weber State

Year: Redshirt Junior

Position: Forward

Height (without shoes) & Weight: 6’4.5” | 236.8 lbs

Born: October 9, 2001 (22 years old)

Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina

High School: Sunrise Christian Prep

Strengths

Jones is built like a tank and appears ready for the NBA from a physicality standpoint. What’s impressive is how smooth he is with the ball in his hands at that size. He possesses a strong handle and wide-ranging bag. He’s able to finish through and around defenders while looking mighty comfortable pulling up in the midrange. He’s a below-the-rim player, but has a quick first step which showed when he crushed the shuttle run at the combine. While he didn’t shoot it well from three, his success inside the arc and elite free throwing shooting make him a projectable threat to stretch the floor.

He will certainly be able to handle guarding bigger forwards thanks to his sturdy frame and 6-11 wingspan. He showed excellent off-ball instincts, recording two steals a game last season. He’s also an outstanding rebounder, averaging double-digit boards in two of his four seasons.

Weaknesses

As mentioned, Jones is not an elite athlete. While he might have enough craftiness and skill to overcome that on the offensive end, it might be tough for him to hang with quicker wings and guards. And while his shot from deep is projectable, it’s just that — a projection. The 32.4% from three he hit last season was easily a career high.

The bigger issue with evaluating Jones is going to be the level of competition he played against. Once upon a time, Damian Lillard starred at Weber State, became a top-10 pick and is now a future Hall of Famer. Outside of Lillard, there aren’t really any success stories out of that school.

Positional Fit

Jones will likely be a combo forward at the next level, but a very unique one. If he can improve his shot and guard smaller players, he has the makings of an extremely versatile player on both ends of the floor.

Draft Projection

Second round

Jones is fascinating player. I’d be leery of the small school factor, but he is just good at basketball. Players that can dribble, shoot and pass at that size don’t grow on trees. His long wingspan could help him overcome some of the athletic deficiencies at the next level. He feels like a player that could fit on just about any team, including the Sixers — if he can make threes consistently.

Kouame, Abarrientos boost Strong Group’s Jones Cup roster


FILE–Ange Kouame.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Ange Kouame and RJ Abarrientos bolstered the Strong Group-Philippines roster for the 43rd William Jones Cup set from July 13 to 21 in Taipei.

The local club team on Sunday announced its latest addition to its roster as Kouame is set to make his third appearance in the Jones Cup after playing for Ateneo in 2018 and reinforcing Rain or Shine last year.

“Ange has been like a son to our team owner, Boss Frank (Lao). Finally, I will get the chance to coach him, especially after our Dubai stint where he got sick and had to miss the tournament completely,” said Strong Group coach Charles Tiu.

READ: Strong Group taps ex-PBA import Chris McCullough for Jones Cup

“I know he’s improved a lot and has been healthy, so that’s a good sign. Whenever it comes to playing for the flag, Ange has always been willing.”

The Gilas naturalized center was supposed to play for Strong Group in the 2023 Dubai International Basketball Championship but his team-up with former NBA star Dwight Howard was derailed due to dengue.

Kouame played in France with Nationale Masculine 1 club UB Chartres Métropole, averaging 10.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in 22 games.

“I’m really, really happy to represent the country again. It’s another opportunity for me to win this competition,” said the UAAP Season 84 MVP.

Meanwhile, Abarrientos, armed with his experience with his B.League team Shinshu Brave Warriors in Japan, teams up with Kiefer Ravena and Jordan Heading.

READ: Strong Group brings back Jordan Heading for Jones Cup

“RJ was one of our first options for the point guard spot, but we had to wait until he got clearance from Japan and his agent to play,” said Tiu. “I always like guards who can score, so we are excited to have him on the team. When the opportunity to play for the country arose, he immediately said yes!”

In his debut season with the Brave Warriors, Abarrientos averaged 7.8 points and 2.4 assists per game.

The Far Eastern University product won the 2022-23 Korean Basketball League Rookie of the Year with the Ulsan Hyundai Mobis before taking his act to Japan.

“Of course, I’m very excited because it’s my first time on the team, and I’m eager to play with my kuyas and to represent our country again,” Abarrientos said. “I’m also thankful for the opportunity given to me by SGA. I can’t wait to join them and compete on the big stage.”

Chris McCullough and Caelan Tiongson are also part of Strong Group’s roster for the Jones Cup.