The Nets clearly like what they see from Jalen Wilson.
The rookie forward, who was selected by the Nets in the second round (51st overall) of last year’s draft, announced on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday afternoon that his contract has been changed to a three-year NBA contract. He had previously been signed to a two-way contract, and the Nets had a spot open on their roster.
Wilson played in 21 games for the Nets this season, averaging 5.0 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists.
It has been extended. USA TODAY Sports (via Reuters Con)
Most importantly, Wilson has appeared in all five games since Kevin Ollie took over as interim coach, averaging 12.0 minutes per game in that span.
Wilson had six points, five rebounds and two assists in the team’s 124-97 win over the Hawks on Thursday night.
In the G League, Wilson averaged 19.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game in 22 games from the regular season through the G League Showcase.
Already 23 years old, Wilson is an older rookie after playing four seasons at the University of Kansas.
O’Ree spoke highly of Dennis Smith Jr. after Thursday’s game without saying a word. Smith had 10 points, five assists and one steal in 21 minutes.
“I want to pay tribute to Dennis Smith Jr.,” Ollie said. “It’s been a little tough for him the last few games. He came in and wrote [Dennis Schroder] because [he] I’ve been playing for a long time. ”
The timing is notable, as Smith saw O’Ree’s non-garbage minutes drop in his first few games as manager.
Smith and O’Ree had an interesting exchange after the Nets’ 111-86 win over the Grizzlies on Monday. Smith, who played just 14 minutes in the game and was mainly on mop-up duty, looked displeased as he walked past O’Ree as he tried to shake his hand after the game.
Ollie grabbed Smith and put his arm around him, seemingly giving him a message.
“He did a great job of leading the team until the end, talking the team and being a great point guard,” Oley said. “It goes back to what we know Dennis Smith Jr. can do, which is defense and coming out on breaks and running the team.”
Ben Simmons is doubtful to play in Saturday’s rematch with the Hawks because of soreness in his left foot.
He missed Thursday’s game with the same injury. Simmons also missed Tuesday’s loss to the Magic, but this was done for maintenance on his lower back since he has not yet been cleared to play in back-to-back games.
Cam Thomas will miss Saturday’s game with a sprained right ankle. He has missed the past two games due to injury.
