The Nets clearly like what they’ve seen from Jalen Wilson.
The rookie forward, drafted by the Nets in the second round (No. 51 overall) last year, had his contract converted to a three-year NBA contract, he revealed on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday afternoon. He had previously been on a two-way contract, and the Nets had an open roster spot.
Wilson has played in 21 games with the Nets this season, averaging 5.0 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists.
extended. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Most importantly, Wilson has featured in all five games since Kevin Ollie took over as interim coach, averaging 12.0 minutes per game in that stretch.
Wilson had six points, five rebounds and two assists in the team’s 124-97 win over the Hawks on Thursday night.
In the G-League, Wilson averaged 19.3 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game in 22 games between the regular season and the G-League Showcase.
Already 23 years old, Wilson is an older rookie after playing four seasons collegiately at Kansas.
Ollie, unprompted, had high praise for Dennis Smith Jr. after Thursday’s game. Smith finished with 10 points, five assists and a steal in 21 minutes.
“I really wanna give some kudos and some praise to Dennis Smith Jr.,” Ollie said. “It’s been kinda tough for him the last couple of games. He came in and spelled [Dennis Schroder] because [he] has been playing a lot of minutes.”
The timing is notable, as Smith had seen his minutes, other than garbage-time action, decline during Ollie’s first few games in charge.
Smith and Ollie had an interesting interaction after the Nets’ 111-86 win over the Grizzlies on Monday. Smith played just 14 minutes in the game, mostly in mop-up duty, and after the game appeared to be sulking while walking past Ollie, who was looking to greet him with a handshake.
Ollie grabbed Smith, put his arm around him and seemingly delivered a message to him.
“He just did a great job down the stretch leading our team, talking and being a great point guard,” Ollie said. “Getting back to what we know Dennis Smith Jr. can do, and that’s defense and that’s getting out on the break and running our team.”
Ben Simmons is questionable for Saturday’s rematch against the Hawks with left leg soreness.
He missed Thursday’s game with the same injury. Simmons also sat out Tuesday’s loss to the Magic, though that was designated as maintenance for his back as he is not yet cleared to play back-to-back games.
Cam Thomas will miss Saturday’s game with a right ankle sprain. He’s missed the past two games with the injury.