TITLE: Offseason Roundup: Denver at Ease with Jokic Timeline; Wilson Erupts for Bulls; Brown Impresses in Nets Debut
SLUG: offseason-roundup-jokic-wilson-brown
CONTENT:
Denver’s front office is taking a patient approach with Nikola Jokic’s contract plans, confident the two-time MVP will address his next deal when he is eligible for a richer extension in 2027.
General manager Jon Wallace told ESPN’s Summer League broadcast that the club “feels confident” about Jokic’s future, adding, “We trust him. We’ve got no choice but to.” Jokic, who finished second in MVP voting last season after averaging a triple-double, holds a player option for 2027-28. By waiting an extra year, he could secure a five-year supermax valued around $359.5 million instead of signing a four-year extension now.
Bulls Rookie Caleb Wilson Scores 35 in Vegas Debut
No. 4 overall pick Caleb Wilson poured in 35 points during his first Las Vegas Summer League game Friday, nearly rallying Chicago before the Bulls fell to Memphis, 97-96. The forward, sidelined the final months of his lone season at North Carolina with a broken wrist, said he “got really emotional” before tipoff because it had been exactly five months since he last played.
Wilson hit seven three-pointers—matching his entire collegiate total—while adding six rebounds, three blocks and two steals. His 35 points were the second-highest ever for a Summer League debut in Las Vegas, trailing only Marco Belinelli’s 37 in 2007. He also committed six turnovers, which head coach Tiago Splitter chalked up to aggressive play.
Nets Lottery Pick Mikel Brown Jr. Starts Fast
Mikel Brown Jr. delivered 20 points—16 after halftime—in his first game for Brooklyn, supplementing the total with three assists, two steals and a block. “I know how much work I put in to get to this point,” Brown said afterward. Teammate Egor Demin praised the guard’s shot-making and shiftiness, predicting he will “give a lot of trouble to defenders.”
The game offered an early look at what the Nets hope Brown can become as they continue Summer League play.
Source: Hoops Wire
