Two Rookie Guards Notch Solid Minutes in Friday NBA Cup Action
After an entertaining start to the regular season, the NBA Cup kicked off on Friday evening.
There were a handful of entertaining contests, including the Boston Celtics' matchup with the Phildelphia 76ers and the New Orleans Pelicans contest against the LA Clippers.
Jaylen Brown led the Celtics to a 109-108 win with 32 points as Boston improved to 3-3 on the season. In Los Angeles, Jordan Poole scored 30 and Zion Williamson chipped in 29, but 34 points and the game winner from Kawhi Leonard pushed the Clippers past New Orleans.
Alongside standout performances from the aforementioned veterans, first-year guards Jeremiah Fears and Hugo Gonzalez gave their teams solid minutes in games that came down to the wire.
Fears finished with 13 points, shooting 4-of-14 from the field and 2-of-5 from 3-point range. Despite an inefficient shooting performance from inside the arc, the No. 7 overall selection impacted the game in other ways.
The 19-year-old guard added 8 assists, 4 rebounds and 4 steals while committing 0 turnovers in 29 minutes on the floor. Friday night marked Fears' third start in the first five games of his NBA career.
After New Orleans' most recent contest, Fears is averaging 13.2 points, 3.8 assists, 1.6 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.8 turnovers per game while shooting 46.6% from the field and 21.4% from deep.
The Oklahoma product has scored at least 13 points in four of his first five games, and notched more than 5 assists in each of his last two games. Fears' seems to be acclimating to the NBA quickly, which should give the Pelicans optimism despite an 0-5 start.
For the Celtics, Gonzalez finished with 5 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 0 turnovers while shooting 2-of-5 from the field and 1-of-2 from 3-point range in 15 minutes off the bench.
Whlie the No. 28 overall pick's number's aren't eye-popping, the 19-year-old is starting to settle into a solid role within Boston's rotation.
Gonzalez has played at least 15 minutes in three of the Celtics' last five games, and if he continues to give the team solid minutes as a new group of players attempts to gel in Boston, the 6-foot-6 guard should continue to have a spot in Joe Mazzulla's lineup.
While Fears and Gonzalez will have ups and downs throughout the 2025-26 campaign, which is to be expected for young guards, both have already played impressive minutes early in their NBA careers.
Broncos Add Pro Bowler, Former Chargers Playmaker Ahead of Texans Game
The Denver Broncos announced that they made the highly anticipated and historic decision to add veteran Pro Bowler and recent free agent addition, tight end
However, they did not stop there, adding a replacement for an injured All-Pro.
The Broncos even drew attention for what they did not do, in a non-decision that has significant implications.
Broncos Add Marcedes Lewis to Gamday Roster
GettyMarcedes Lewis #84 of the Chicago Bears takes the field against the Los Angeles Rams.
Lewis signed with the Broncos’ practice squad this week amid an injury to
The 6-foot-6 veteran is a solid blocker and can still be a threat in the red zone as an ancillary option for quarterback Bo Nix.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton
“He’s someone you kind of follow his career, and I knew he’d been training. I know he’s in great shape, and he’s a tremendous blocker. I think you don’t want to get caught where, man, it’s got to be jumbo. And so, we brought him in for a workout. Brought him onto our practice squad. I’m glad he’s here. He’s a tremendous leader. I’m anxious for you guys to be around him. So, good first day,”
“He’s been in the league long enough, where the reports have just been unbelievable anywhere he’s been; Jacksonville, Green Bay, Chicago. So, it’s good to have him here.”
Lewis will be behind Evan Engram and Adam Trautman, the Broncos’ most complete tight end.
Payton noted that Lewis’ longevity is “unusual” and a testament to how work ethic in his 20th NFL season. The Broncos also have
Broncos Replace Marvin Mims With Former Chargers Playmaker
GettyMarvin Mims Jr. #19 of the Denver Broncos puts on his helmet during a game against the
In addition to Lewis, the Broncos also elevated former Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver and return man Michael Bandy from their practice squad. An undrafted free agent in 2021, Bandy is in his third season with the Broncos.
He has not played in a regular-season game since the 2023 season with the Broncos.
Bandy will help the Broncos in the return game with All-Pro return man Marvin Mims
Mims is lower in the pecking order than his standing on the depth chart as the Broncos’ WR2 would suggest. But Nix and Co. will miss him in that regard, too, as a deep threat and versatile gadget player.
Bandy has caught 10 of 21 targets for 89 yards, starting two of his 12 career games.
Broncos’ Non-Decision Could ‘Pay Off’ in Big Way
GettyPat Surtain II #2 of the Denver Broncos reacts after a win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
With Lewis and Bandy joining the active roster, the Broncos’ decision not to place Adkins or Pat Surtain II on IR has the most significant implications, particularly with the latter.
“Now official what’s been percolating this week: No IR placement for CB Pat Surtain II (pec) or TE Nate Adkins (knee),” The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel posted on X on November 1. “Will have to carry the two roster spots but will pay off in the #Broncos’ mind if each is back by Nov. 30 at
According to 9News’ Mike Klis, the Broncos’ bye in Week 12 was a “factor.”
The Broncos will look to replace Surtain internally, with 2023 fifth-round pick
