MAVS MIGHT HAVE FOUND BRUNSON REPLACEMENT

The Dallas Mavericks may have lost Luka Doncic's backcourt running mate to free agency this off-season, but they might have already found his replacement.

The Western Conference runners-up saw Jalen Brunson agree to a four-year, $104 million dollar deal with the New York Knicks to leave Dallas.

The Mavs didn't sign a guard to replace Brunson, but maybe they did not have to because they already drafted him with the 37th overall pick — Jaden Hardy.

Falling to the second round after being a consensus top-five pick a year ago, Hardy was eager to make teams regret passing up on him as he sizzled for 28 points in his Las Vegas Summer League debut in an overtime loss to the Chicago Bulls, 100-99.

photo credits: Mavs Moneyball

The G-League Ignite super star reminded everyone why he was the 2nd ranked player out of high school in 2021 as he showed his sick handles, explosive drives, capable passing, and defensive potential in 33 minutes of action.

Hardy did not particularly shoot well from three making just two out of his seven shots but he managed to convert on seven of his 12 shots from the field and eight of 11 free throws.

AJ Lawson, who went undrafted in 2021, also scored 28 points for the Mavs while Marko Simonović led the Chicago Bulls with 27 points, 13 rebounds, and a victory in their Summer League debut.

In other games, rookies and second-year players scored impressive debuts for their respective teams.

photo credits: ESPN

The Cleveland Cavaliers hold-off the San Antonio Spurs, 99-90.

The Cavs survived Spurs' fourth quarter rally to nail their first win behind undrafted second year player RJ Nembhard's game-high 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.

photo credits: world cultures

The Indiana Pacers use dominant third quarter to clinch first win against the Charlotte Hornets, 96-84.

The Pacers outscored the Hornets 32-13 in the third period behind sixth overall pick Benedict Mathurin's 23-point debut.

photo credits: Nets Daily

The Milwaukee Bucks survive the Brooklyn Nets, 94-90.

The Bucks used their balanced attack to overcome a 31-point outburst from Nets' second year guard Cam Thomas.

photo credits: Golden State of Mind

Moody was in a good mood tonight dropping a tournament-high 34 points in a losing effort as the New York Knicks hold-off the Golden State Warriors, 101-88.

The Knicks survived a career-night from Moses Moody as Quentin Grimes shine with 24 points and 8 assists for first win.