Darius Bazley and Lance Stephenson Shine On Day Two Of 2023 NBA G League Winter Showcase
Darius Bazley dropped 43 points, Lance Stephenson flirted with a triple-double, and other prospects continued to make their mark during day two of the 2023 NBA G League Winter Showcase.
The 2023 NBA G League Winter Showcase continued Wednesday, with a new crop of prospects getting a chance to mark their mark in front of NBA personnel.
Here are some players who especially rose to the occasion on day two.
Darius Bazley and Terquavion Smith, Delaware Blue Coats
It’s not everyday that a pair of teammates combine to score 83 points regardless of whatever level of competition it is, but that’s exactly what this pair did.
On any given night, the 40-piece tallied by Smith, the intriguing 20 year old currently on a Two-Way contract with the 76ers, would’ve made him the sole toast of the town at the Winter Showcase. Such a performance is still being celebrated, but it was Bazley who stole the show by proving he’s as hungry as ever to return to the NBA.
Bazley was acquired by Delaware earlier this month, making the Showcase his official coming out party to remind NBA teams he’s available. He erupted for 43 points, 18 rebounds, and 6 blocks — each stat obviously leading his team as the Blue Coats came away victorious. It was a ridiculous outing, one that is unlikely to be matched by anyone the rest of the week. Still just 23 years young, Bazley played in the NBA last season and owns career averages of 9.1 points and 5.3 through 228 games (118 starts) in four NBA seasons. He’s not just ready, he’s pounding on the door. The key for Bazley, once he does get that next call, will be proving he can have a positive impact, regardless of his role and/or the minutes he receives. That’ll ensure he can add value to any team, playoff contenders included.
Bazley and Smith combined to shoot 11 for 21 from deep in the win.
Lance Stephenson, Iowa Wolves
Most NBA fans are still used to watching Stephenson flirt with the possibility of NBA All-Star bids. On day two of the 2023 NBA G League Winter Showcase, the veteran flirted with a triple-double instead.
Stephenson looked cool, calm, and collected as he coasted his way through a 16 point, 10 rebound, 8 assist effort, all in just 22 minutes off the bench. Best of all, it came in the midst of an Iowa victory.
Often times, veterans competing in the minor league look like they’re forcing things because the pressure is on to earn that coveted promotion. As far as Stephenson is concerned, it’s refreshing to see him visibly enjoying the moment — immersing himself in the game itself, the competition at hand, and doing what he can to make his younger teammates look good as well.
Don’t be surprised if Stephenson’s budding veteran presence is a factor in him getting an NBA Call-Up.
Miller Kopp, Oklahoma City Blue
Standing out in the NBA G League as a young athlete means identifying your niche and mastering it; honing in on the special skills and value you’d provide an NBA team.
After shooting 44% from long range for Indiana at the collegiate level last season, there’s no doubt Kopp can let it fly. Like any up and coming professional, Kopp is navigating through the waters of the minor league and forging this path, averaging just over 10 points for the Blue this season.
But with the bright Winter Showcase lights shining upon him, the 25 year old flipped his own switch and had his best performance of the season on day two. Kopp made an eye-popping 7 of 10 shots from three-point range en route to scoring 27 points to lead OKC to victory. While an NBA Call-Up may not come tomorrow, a display like this is surely to put big league decision-makers on notice. You can’t ask the basketball gods for more than that, with Kopp proving he can be effective at spacing and spreading the floor.
Braxton Key, Gold Rapids Gold
Currently on a Two-Way contract with the defending champion Denver Nuggets, Key has winning DNA all over him. He’s already an NBA G League champion and an NBA G League All-Defensive team member.
Key’s special defensive prowess and ability to crash the boards could distinguish him as somewhat of a taller-Josh Hart kind of player. He plays with energy, hustle, and understands that the things he does on the defensive end can directly impact winning basketball. It’s easy to see why Denver brought him into the fold. When the minutes are there, he’s the kind of player who can fit right in and play a very important (yet beautifully subtle) role.
On Wednesday, he turned up with a 16 point, 14 rebound, 5 assist effort in the Gold’s Winter Showcase victory.
Cam Whitmore, RGV Vipers
There are athletes who use their time in the NBA G League to merely identify and validate their potential role at the next level. Then there are others who are well on their way to making an NBA impact and understand how they’ll do it: the minor league is just a waiting room to get better until that time comes.
The 19 year old Whitmore is pounding at that big league door until the Rockets are ready to let him in. The 2023 NBA first round pick is currently leading the G League in scoring at 26.8 points per game on a 49/40/81 shooting clip.
He turned up at the Winter Showcase with a 28 point performance in an RGV victory, looking confident and assertive despite struggling from beyond the arc in this one. The confidence at just 19 years of age, however, is truly something to marvel at. This Villanova product is likely to rise as another success story coming through that pipeline.