Eastern Conference Roundup: Ware Welcomes Milwaukee Move; Okorie, Hepburn and Broome Stand Out in Summer Play
SLUG: eastern-conference-roundup-ware-okorie-hepburn-broome
Milwaukee, WI — Center Kelel Ware believes his trade to the Bucks in the blockbuster deal that sent Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami could unlock a more consistent role and speed up his development.
“A fresh start, getting more minutes with that,” Ware said, noting that increased playing time should help him refine his game in real situations. Despite uneven usage over two seasons with the Heat, the 7-footer posted 11.1 points and 9.0 rebounds across 77 games last year. “I feel like I grew mentally in Miami, and I’ll keep developing in my third season,” he added.
Detroit high on rookie Okorie
The Pistons moved up to pick No. 17 on draft night to secure Stanford guard Ebuka Okorie, a decision the club already views as a potential steal. Through two Summer League outings, the 6-foot-5 scorer is averaging 17 points. “My superpower is my IQ,” Okorie said. “Plenty of players can dribble; it’s about knowing which moves to make, how to manipulate defenses and deliver the right read.”
Budget-minded Toronto monitoring Hepburn
With future salary-cap flexibility in mind, the Raptors are closely tracking two-way guard Chucky Hepburn as a possible low-cost option at point guard, according to team observers. Hepburn, still regaining form after January knee surgery, had just two points but dished eight assists and collected two steals against Houston in Las Vegas on Saturday.
Broome making noise for Philadelphia
Second-year big man Johni Broome is showcasing his recovery from late-February knee surgery with the 76ers’ Summer League squad, averaging 21 points and 12 rebounds over his last two games. “My first season wasn’t the best,” Broome said. “I put in a lot of work to make year two better. I want to keep proving myself to Philly every day.”
Ware’s transition to Milwaukee, Okorie’s early flashes in Detroit, Hepburn’s potential value in Toronto and Broome’s resurgence in Philadelphia highlight a busy summer across the Eastern Conference.
Source: Hoops Rumors
