NBA Draft
Derek Parker

Derek Parker

Joined: Apr 24, 2024

Derek is co-founder and publisher for Draft Digest and Inside The Thunder for Fan Nation, powered by Sports Illustrated. He has been a sports writer in the Oklahoma City market for five years now, primarily covering the NBA Draft and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Oct 17, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) reacts after making a three point basket against the Phoenix Suns during the overtime period at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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Lakers’ Rookie Sees Preseason Explosion

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht saw a white-hot scoring performance against the Phoenix Suns Thursday night.

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Oct 16, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Kobe Bufkin (4) brings the ball up the court against the Miami Heat in the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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Hawks' Former Top Pick Finding Footing in Preseason

Atlanta’s top 2023 draftee is starting to find his NBA groove in the preseason.

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Oct 11, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; The Portland Trail Blazers stand for the national anthem before the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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NBA Draft: Noa Essengue, Ben Saraf Shine Against Trail Blazers

Israeli guard Ben Saraf and 17-year-old Noa Essengue got their first look at NBA action Wednesday against Portland.

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Oct 15, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Tidjane Salaun (31) shoots the ball while being defended by New York Knicks guard Tyler Kolek (13) and New York Knicks forward Precious Achiuwa (5) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
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Hornets’ Rookie Tidjane Salaun Looks Ahead of Schedule

Charlotte’s rookie looks to be well ahead of schedule through preseason action.

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Oct 14, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Washington Wizards small forward Kyle Kuzma (33) dribbles the ball against Brooklyn Nets small guard Cam Thomas (24) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
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Nets Thrash Wizards in Potential Cooper Flagg Showdown

Two teams that will likely be competing for the NBA Draft’s No. 1 pick faced off Monday.

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Oct 12, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (14) goes to the basket against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
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Grizzlies’ Zach Edey Talks Challenges of NBA

Memphis big man Zach Edey is quickly acclimating to the NBA style. But it hasn’t been without its challenges.

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Oct 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) on the court against the Indiana Pacers during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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Hawks Top Pick to Follow Up Scorching First NBA Performance

Zaccharie Risacher, the Atlanta Hawks top pick in June, will play his second preseason game tonight against the Philadelphia 76ers.

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Oct 13, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) controls the ball as Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) defends in the second quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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Phoenix Suns Rookie Shows Off New Skill in Preseason

Phoenix rookie Ryan Dunn is showing off an entirely new skillset in his very first preseason action.

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Sep 30, 2024; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Kel'el Ware (7) poses for a photo during media day at Kaseya Center Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Top NBA Rookies to Watch in Tonight’s Preseason Action

A few of the top NBA newbies to watch in tonight’s loaded preseason slate.

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Oct 12, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (14) goes to the basket against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Grizzlies’ Rookie Sees Best Professional Game Yet Against Bulls

Memphis big man Zach Edey saw an all-around performance in Chicago Saturday.

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Oct 10, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (14) talks with head coach Taylor Jenkins during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Grizzlies’ Zach Edey Could See Breakout Game Versus Bulls

Through a few preseason games, Memphis rookie Zach Edey has yet to see a breakout performance. But that could come tonight against Chicago.

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Oct 11, 2024; Des Moines, Iowa, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Rob Dillingham (4) sets the offense against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Arena. The Timberwolves beat the 76ers 121 to 111. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images
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Timberwolves’ Rob Dillingham Showcases Passing Versus 76ers

Minnesota’s rookie showcased a new skillset in the team’s preseason contest versus Philadelphia.

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