I saw a few highlights, he looked steady as he always does. Efficient scoring. Letting the game come to him.

17-6-5

Problem is he's always going to be that 15-5-5 guy - a super smart, super steady player, with a high floor - getting outshined by the other guy who can go off for 30 every few games.

David Johnson, another guard, had 27 points in 26 minutes, to go along with 4 assists.

From my perspective that's a very good question, Jeff, and one I've wondered about myself, but since my BBIQ is not that high I thought it might be too stupid a question to ask on BA. Now that you've posed it, I await the answers of the high BBIQ BA intelligentsia.

I guess I'm asking how a volume shooter is more valuable to an NBA team than a 15-5-5 guy?

Preston is solid. But he is not special or elite and his skills are not elite (except to us). 15-5-5 is a ceiling in g-league or summer league. He wouldn't sniff that in the NBA. He's not super athletic, nor lightening quick. Doesn't have an NBA knock down shot. And he is getting old (for NBA potential). His court vision is exceptional - but that has limited individual ceiling.

NBA drafts potential - and once you get past the first 16 picks it's often just to round out the bench and possibly find that rare hidden gem. His (potential), unfortunately is dwindling. Preston needs to be on the court to make his "steady" of value. The NBA doesn't look to G-league to find heavy minute folks. Looking more for explosive scorer, leaper or defender who can give them an occasional surge - not what he does.

College numbers and game does not translate to NBA - see Drew Timme (g-league now) and Eddy - headed same route. It's a small margin, but a huge valley between ok and good. The difference between a .250 hitter and a .300 is a hit a week. The difference between a Korn Ferry tour player and a PGA player is a shot a round. It keeps people chasing the dream, but athletes/players don't simply get better at that age.

He was in the wrong system/organization in LA - but it served him well financially. Memphis may be better - but it will most likely be the last NBA stop - too many others with potential coming out each year. The G-league is not financially structured to support hanging on year over year. However the G-league is a viable runway to the NBA. Overseas provides less the runway and more the financial gain (versus G-league). And his game translates well to the the game overseas (more fluid, passing, etc.). Hopefully he can stay on the Hustle roster all year with an occasional call-up (though his best shot at call up was probably with Morant on suspension), spark a little more interest and then see what happens. My guess is he pockets the LA money, gives it his all with the Hustle and then sets himself up for life playing overseas for 4-5 years.

Marcus Smart out 3-5 weeks. Does JP get the call up?

triple double

https://x.com/nbagleague/status/1728924334893461885?s=46&...

If Jason is still with Memphis in March, I'll get to see him play against the Portland Remix. They play at the University of Portland gym (where a bunch of us OU alums watched D.J. and the boys beat UP in the 2012 season).

There is a pretty good G-League story in one of our weekly's:
https://www.wweek.com/sports/2023/12/05/the-nba-g-league-...

Wow what a line

Ja Morant with torn labrum - will miss entire season.

No word yet if Preston gets called up.

Preston picked up by the Jazz. Yuck.

Utah is one of the worst spots he could go.

Unless there are a plethora of injuries Utah currently has FIVE guards averaging 4+ assists, and a lot of recent draft picks.

PG Dunn - former #5 pick on a guaranteed contract, has started about half of Utah's games this season because he's a great defender.
SG / PG Sexton - Other starting guard who shares the ball with Dunn.

PG Clarkson - 6th man legend, having a career year off the bench. Leads team in assists.
PG Keyonte George - was their 16th pick last season. Playing well.
SG Ochai Agbaji - lottery pick in 2022. Started about half the games before Dunn.
PG / SG Horten-Tucker - is great back-up. Averages 11/3/4 in 20 minutes.

SG Sensabaugh in the G League
SG Juzang on a two-way

I hope they give him an actual chance at some PT, but like Memphis it feels more like a G-League move to continue developing Juzang, Sensabaugh (1st rounder last year) and Micah Potter.

2-way. 2 year. max amount ($502,000 per year). fully guaranteed.

I watched JP's Salt Lake game around a week ago that was on ESPN+. I love the kid, but I think it's time to accept that he's going to be a G-League level player. I'm sure he could go to Europe and play, but I'm guessing G-League money is better? Or at least close enough to not justify moving/living in Europe? He was on pace for a triple double in the game I watched and sat for a huge portion of the 4th because a guy off the bench hit a few quick shots and they tried to ride the hot hand. I think Jason finished with 10-8-8 in that game. At this point, I feel like it's clear that his skill set either won't translate to the NBA level or doesn't appeal to the NBA level. Players with a more selfish game that look to score first (and second, and third) seem to get more "love." I hope he continues to make a good living off of the game, I just don't see it happening at the NBA level.