Arizona Desert Swarm - 2015 NBA Draft tracker: Where the Arizona Wildcats prospects are pickedYour No. 1 free source for all things Arizona Wildcatshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46873/ds-fave.png2015-06-27T09:30:27-07:00http://www.azdesertswarm.com/rss/stream/85744782015-06-27T09:30:27-07:002015-06-27T09:30:27-07:00T.J. McConnell to get six-figures<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://tucson.com/sports/blogs/pascoe/ex-wildcat-mcconnell-signs-partially-guaranteed-deal-with-sixers/article_40511466-1bd3-11e5-9e88-7b0e2e40aedb.html">T.J. McConnell's contract with the Sixers will guarantee him a "six-figure&nbsp;amount"</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>T.J. signed with the Sixers for Summer League, and his agent Chris Emens reports that McConnell will get a "six-figure amount" regardless if he makes the team or not.</p>
<p>Way to go, T.J.!</p></p></div>
https://www.azdesertswarm.com/2015/6/27/8856769/t-j-mcconnells-contract-with-the-sixers-will-guarantee-him-a-sixRyan Kelapire2015-06-27T09:22:27-07:002015-06-27T09:22:27-07:00Ashley changes mind, will now play for Hawks in SL
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/soOMix_qpa-wzP0eQoQoFfSQY-c=/0x0:1976x1317/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46625742/usa-today-8394776.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>James Snook-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It appeared B-Ash was headed to play for the Lakers in Summer League, but a recent report says he'll now play for the Hawks</p> <p>It was reported right after the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-draft" class="sbn-auto-link">NBA Draft</a> that <span>Brandon Ashley</span> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/2015/6/25/8849987/2015-nba-draft-brandon-ashley-to-join-the-lakers-summer-league-roster">was going to play for the </a><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a> in the NBA Summer League, but it appears he has had a change of heart and will now play for the <a href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Hawks</a>.</p>
<p><span></span></p>
<blockquote data-partner="tweetdeck" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Arizona's undrafted Brandon Ashley has changed course from the Los Angeles Lakers' summer league, going to the Atlanta Hawks.</p>
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/614808986475491328">June 27, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p><span>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</span></p>
<p>It's not that unusual for a player to do this. It is vital for Ashley to make sure he'll get a significant amount of playing time in the Summer League to showcase his talent, and if he felt he wasn't going to get enough minutes with the Lakers, switching teams is certainly the right move.</p>
<p>The Hawks are actually a better fit anyway, in my opinion, since Ashley's playing style of a "stretch four" is conducive to the way the Atlanta Hawks play. They love to spread the floor and have their big men to shoot from the perimeter, and if Ashley makes the NBA it will be because of his shooting ability at his size.</p>
<p>The Las Vegas Summer League starts on July 10th.</p>
https://www.azdesertswarm.com/2015/6/27/8856701/2015-nba-draft-brandon-ashley-changes-course-will-play-for-theRyan Kelapire2015-06-25T22:49:35-07:002015-06-25T22:49:35-07:00McConnell to join the Sixers for Summer League
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0EGFDw6amtAoKYn0WBDs_ib2_pw=/0x11:3011x2018/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46617390/usa-today-8458340.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>T.J. will have a great shot to make the team from his home state</p> <p>We already learned that <span>Brandon Ashley</span> will <a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/2015/6/25/8849987/2015-nba-draft-brandon-ashley-to-join-the-lakers-summer-league-roster" target="_blank">reportedly be joining the Lakers for Summer League</a>, and his former teammate <span>T.J. McConnell</span> just got a new home as well. He'll be joining the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.libertyballers.com/">Philadelphia 76ers</a> for the NBA Summer League, per Bruce Pascoe:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">T.J. McConnell has signed free agent contract to play for 76ers' summer league team, dad Tim told me. Sixers called immediately after draft</p>
— Bruce Pascoe (@BrucePascoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrucePascoe/status/614305584251301888">June 26, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>The Pittsburgh-native will have a chance to represent his home state, and honestly has a great shot to make the team. The Sixers used the 3rd overall pick to select Duke center <span>Jahlil Okafor</span>, and they have a major shortage of guards on their team. Their projected starting point guard as of now is <span>Ish Smith</span>, a career journeyman.</p>
<p>McConnell doesn't exactly have the best skill set for the NBA. He's not a consistent shooter, he's a little undersized, and lacks athleticism. However, he can counter that with an incredible motor, high basketball IQ, and above average point guard skills.</p>
<p>He'll put out a great effort at Summer League, and I expect him to get a training camp invite, and ultimately make the Sixers' roster.</p>
https://www.azdesertswarm.com/2015/6/25/8850187/2015-nba-draft-t-j-mcconnell-to-join-the-sixers-summer-league-teamRyan Kelapire2015-06-25T22:14:18-07:002015-06-25T22:14:18-07:00Ashley to join Lakers for Summer League
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yzH-3AWgYpplK3aLjmIrxwZh438=/0x0:2771x1847/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46617040/usa-today-8456061.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>This is a major step towards making an NBA roster</p> <h4>
<a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/2015/6/27/8856701/2015-nba-draft-brandon-ashley-changes-course-will-play-for-the" target="_blank">UPDATE: Ashley changed his mind and will now play for the Hawks in Summer League, not the Lakers, according to a recent report</a>.</h4>
<p>Well, that was quick. <span>Brandon Ashley</span> just <a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/2015/6/25/8849697/2015-nba-draft-brandon-ashley-and-t-j-mcconnell-go-undrafted" target="_blank">went undrafted along with</a> <span>T.J. McConnell</span>, and it wasn't much of a surprise. The next step was to secure a Summer League invite, and it seems Ashley has already done so with the <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Lakers</a>, according to Shams Charania of RealGM:</p>
<blockquote data-partner="tweetdeck" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Lakers reached summer league commitments with undrafted bigs, Washington's <span>Robert Upshaw</span> and Arizona's Brandon Ashley, source tells RealGM.</p>
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/614296182236430336">June 26, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/2015/6/2/8688647/brandon-ashley-to-workout-for-the-grizzlies-and-mavericks">Ashley worked out for the Lakers earlier this month</a>, and it appears the Lakers saw something in him, hence their offer to add him to their Summer League roster.</p>
<p>The Summer League starts on July 10th in Las Vegas, and it will be extremely important for Ashley to showcase his skills. Not only will the Lakers be watching him closely, opposing GM's will be too, in the event that he doesn't receive a training camp invite from LA.</p>
<p>His former teammate, T.J. McConnell, will be <a target="_blank" href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/2015/6/25/8850187/2015-nba-draft-t-j-mcconnell-to-join-the-sixers-summer-league-team">joining the Philadelphia 76ers for Summer League</a>.</p>
https://www.azdesertswarm.com/2015/6/25/8849987/2015-nba-draft-brandon-ashley-to-join-the-lakers-summer-league-rosterRyan Kelapire2015-06-25T21:37:35-07:002015-06-25T21:37:35-07:00McConnell and Ashley go undrafted
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fs5bj_DhSxhzsLPIXB0ul6-PAPE=/0x0:3511x2341/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46616736/usa-today-8447149.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Brandon Ashley and T.J. McConnell didn't hear their names called on Thursday night, but they'll still have the opportunity to make a team going forward.</p> <p><span>Brandon Ashley</span> and <span>T.J. McConnell</span> both went undrafted in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-draft" class="sbn-auto-link">NBA Draft</a> Thursday night. This isn't much of a surprise -- <a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/basketball/2015/5/12/8592399/2015-nba-combine-t-j-mcconnell-gets-a-late-invitation">T.J. McConnell barely snagged an invite to the NBA combine</a>, and <a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/basketball/2015/6/24/8839713/2015-nba-mock-drafts-where-do-the-experts-have-arizona-stanley-johnson-rondae-hollis-jefferson">most mock drafts suggested that neither Ashley nor McConnell would be drafted</a>.</p>
<p>All is not lost, though. Going undrafted does not necessarily mean the NBA dreams are over for McConnell and Ashley. First, both of them will likely get invites to join a Summer League roster-- after all, <span>Kyle Fogg</span>, Brendon Lavender, and <span>Kevin Parrom</span> all played in the Summer League, and Ashley and McConnell are better NBA prospects.</p>
<p></p>
<div class="read-more">
<strong>Draft Profiles</strong>: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/basketball/2015/6/23/8817031/2015-draft-prospect-profile-arizona-point-guard-t-j-mcconnell/in/8574478">T.J. McConnell</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/2015/6/20/8814491/2015-nba-draft-prospect-brandon-ashley/in/8574478">Brandon Ashley</a>
</div>
<p>From there, they'll need to perform well in Summer League in order to land a training camp invite. And obviously a training camp invite could lead to a spot on an NBA roster if they continue to impress. One player that has gone down this path that has been compared to T.J. McConnell is <span>Matthew Dellavedova</span>. He was undrafted out of St. Mary's, performed well in Summer League, made the roster, and subsequently played a large role in the <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Cavaliers</a>' playoff success. Now he's scheduled to be a free agent this offseason, and is expected to get a nice contract and stay in the NBA long term.</p>
<p>Now even if McConnell and Ashley fail to make an NBA team, expect that both T.J. and Brandon will be playing professional basketball <i>somewhere</i> next season, whether it be overseas or in the NBA D-League. And if this is the case, specifically for Ashley, it does not mean that his decision to leave Arizona was a bad one. Making a living playing basketball is his dream, and it can still be accomplished whether he's in the NBA or not.</p>
<p>Good luck, guys.</p>
https://www.azdesertswarm.com/2015/6/25/8849697/2015-nba-draft-brandon-ashley-and-t-j-mcconnell-go-undraftedDavid Potts2015-06-25T20:48:23-07:002015-06-25T20:48:23-07:00Rondae Hollis-Jefferson traded to the Nets
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QygUY6SpGTEhnsGFf9cNS4r3fiQ=/0x0:2864x1909/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46616458/usa-today-8668156.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Looks like Rondae is on the move already</p> <p>We thought <span>Rondae Hollis-Jefferson</span> was headed to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Portland Trail Blazers</a> after being selected 23rd overall, but he has been dealt to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Brooklyn Nets</a> instead, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports:</p>
<p><span></span></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brooklyn will send <span>Mason Plumlee</span> and <span>Pat Connaughton</span> to the Blazers for Hollis-Jefferson and Blake, league sources tell Yahoo.</p>
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/status/614276113032986624">June 26, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>Apparently Rondae thought he was being punk'd or something when it happened.</p>
<p><span><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rondae Hollis-Jefferson on when he heard about the trade: &quot;I thought they were joking ... then they told me to take off the hat.&quot;</p>&mdash; Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) <a href="https://twitter.com/TimBontemps/status/614297126999334912">June 26, 2015</a></blockquote></span></p>
<p><span><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></span></p>
<p><span>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</span></p>
<p>It's not that uncommon for players to be traded just after being drafted. This might end up being a good thing for Rondae since the Nets are a veteran team that desperately needs a wing defender like Rondae. I'd say there's a pretty good chance that he starts for the Nets alongside <span>Deron Williams</span> and Joe Johnson.</p>
<p>He'll be on a team that will just need him to defend, rebound, and bring intensity. Something he obviously does real well.</p>
<p>Rondae is from Pennsylvania and this trade will move him closer to home. Not to mention that the shimmy will now be in the LARGEST MARKET OF THE UNITED STATES.</p>
https://www.azdesertswarm.com/2015/6/25/8849663/2015-nba-draft-rondae-hollis-jefferson-traded-to-the-brooklyn-netsRyan Kelapire2015-06-25T19:38:52-07:002015-06-25T19:38:52-07:00Watch the Trail Blazers select Rondae Hollis-Jefferson<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.nba.com/blazers/video/channels/draft/2015/06/26/2015-draft-pick-23.nba">Watch the Trail Blazers select Rondae&nbsp;Hollis-Jefferson</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>Here's what it looked like when Rondae had his name called</p></p></div>
https://www.azdesertswarm.com/2015/6/25/8849439/watch-the-trail-blazers-select-rondae-hollis-jeffersonJason Bartel2015-06-25T19:13:42-07:002015-06-25T19:13:42-07:00Rondae drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1VwYQ8slDHsxsLROlc9cA_IKLF4=/0x6:2691x1800/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46614730/usa-today-8261304.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The shimmy is headed to the Pacific Northwest </p> <p><span>Rondae Hollis-Jefferson</span> has been selected by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Portland Trail Blazers</a> with the 23rd overall pick. <span>Stanley Johnson</span> was the first Arizona Wildcat off the board after being selected by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Pistons</a> with 8th overall pick, and now Rondae becomes the second.</p>
<p>The Blazers are expected to go through a slight rebuild this offseason as they traded their starting SF Nicolas Batum to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.atthehive.com/">Hornets</a>, and star PF LaMarcus Aldridge is expected to leave via free agency. Starting shooting guard <span>Wesley Matthews</span> is also a free agent. As a result, Hollis-Jefferson may have the chance to get significant minutes from day one.</p>
<p>It was a joy to watch Rondae that past two seasons, and the shimmy will sorely be missed. While Rondae is moving on, he'll always be a Wildcat and we wish him luck in his professional career.</p>
<p>On another note, we'll continue to wait to see if Rondae will be the last Wildcat drafted tonight. <span>Brandon Ashley</span> and <span>T.J. McConnell</span> are still available, but neither are expected to be drafted.</p>
https://www.azdesertswarm.com/2015/6/25/8847867/2015-nba-draft-rondae-hollis-jefferson-drafted-overall-by-theRyan Kelapire