Central Division Update: Wilson’s 35-Point Debut, Duren’s Contract Impasse, Lanier’s Growth, Slawson’s Case, Kawamura’s Spark
central-division-update-wilson-duren-lanier-slawson-kawamura
LAS VEGAS — No. 4 overall pick Caleb Wilson poured in 35 points and hit seven three-pointers in his first Summer League game for the Chicago Bulls, yet the rookie focused on six turnovers and four missed free throws after the loss. “That whole Big Four thing is a media creation,” Wilson said, adding that he intends to let his play settle any perceived rivalry among top draftees. Teammate Dailyn Swain noted, “Caleb is hunting everybody … we can see it in his mentality.”
Pistons
Detroit’s standoff with restricted free agent center Jalen Duren remains unresolved. The 20-year-old has few options beyond signing an offer sheet or pursuing a sign-and-trade, a route the Pistons front office has publicly ruled out.
Second-year guard Chaz Lanier, a 2025 second-round pick, is seeking a larger role after appearing in 34 games last season. “It’s my second year of Summer League. I’m taking on a leadership role,” Lanier said. He scored 25 points in Detroit’s second Vegas contest on Sunday.
Pacers
Indiana extended a two-way qualifying offer to forward Jalen Slawson before free agency, but all three two-way slots are currently filled. Slawson strengthened his bid for a roster spot Saturday with 26 points on 8-of-16 shooting, five rebounds and one block. He had five blocks but struggled from the floor in the Pacers’ opener.
Japanese free-agent guard Yuki Kawamura, 25, has energized Indiana’s Summer League squad. “He just kind of explodes into the game,” head coach Rick Carlisle said. “He really knows how to play … he has a great sense for how to draw contact and put the defense in jail.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
