Ryan Dunn, Anthony Black, Toumani Camara and Ausar Thompson named as replacements for Rising Stars

NBA Communications: Dunn is replacing Philadelphia 76ers rookie Jared McCain. Black, Camara and Thompson are replacing NBA sophomores Dereck Lively II of the Dallas Mavericks, Brandon Miller of the Charlotte Hornets and Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs. -via Twitter / January 31, 2025

The Detroit Pistons’ 107-96 victory over the Houston Rockets on Monday was Ausar’s first NBA win against Amen. And although the brothers did not spend many possessions matched up against one another, with Ausar defending Rockets star Jalen Green and Amen guarding Pistons star Cade Cunningham, after the final buzzer they were drawn together like magnets. They shared an embrace on the court, but Amen Thompson was content for it to be brief, knowing the taunting that awaited. “I’m not even gonna open my phone, bro,” the Rockets guard said. “I can’t even do it. I got his messages on silent.” “I’m just gonna brag,” Ausar confirmed. “Talk to him about it all day.” -via Houston Chronicle / January 21, 2025

Ausar Thompson’s game meshes with his role. He’s the Pistons’ top perimeter defender, one of their best playmakers in transition and a great rebounder for his size. The team is 9-2 in January despite losing Jaden Ivey on New Year’s Day, largely thanks to Thompson.  “(It’s) us just trying to monitor him and keep him as fresh as we best possibly can, and honestly on some days that’s different,” Bickerstaff said of the minute restriction. “Sometimes I can look at him and see, ok he’s doing good. Other times I may look at him and think he needs a break. Just depending on the pace of the game — how many breaks, how many stoppages, free throws — all of those things play a part in it. The timeout situation around it, obviously those things impact the length of his stretches. And it’s kinda a gut feel as you’re going into the game as well.” -via Detroit Free Press / January 21, 2025

A pro scout told HoopsHype about Dylan Harper: “He could end up being better than Flagg. He’s not the most athletic, but he has that ‘slow-fast’ pace to his game. Offensively, I think Harper has a higher ceiling than Flagg. Worst case, as a lead guard, he’d be like [Anthony] Black – but Harper moves better and scores at a much higher level. His ceiling feels Jalen Williams-esque – a versatile player who can function as a guard or has the size to be a point-wing, it really depends on how a team develops him. Harper is a better shot creator than Flagg and makes everyone around him better. He moves like a wing but plays like a guard.” -via HoopsHype / January 22, 2025

Dan Savage: Final: Nuggets 113, Magic 100 Wendell Carter Jr. – 16 pts, 14 rebs, 5 asts Anthony Black – 14 pts, 5 asts KCP – 12 pts, 4 asts da Silva – 12 pts, 4 rebs Banchero – 10 pts, 7 rebs, 5 asts Isaac – 10 pts, 6 rebs -via Twitter @Dan_Savage / January 19, 2025

When both forwards get going on defense together, they can become a force. If both also deliver offensively, the Blazers become tough to beat. Both said their on-court connection comes from sharing the same competitive mindset. “I think it’s our energy, how hard we play on both ends and how much we want to impact the game to try to win games,” Camara said. Their tight relationship off the court has helped them develop chemistry on the court. “I feel like we’re very good at communicating with each other,” Avdija said. “We’re both real competitors. We want to help the team as much as we can.” -via Oregonian / January 27, 2025

Trail Blazers PR: INJURY UPDATE: Toumani Camara, Donovan Clingan, Kris Murray and Anfernee Simons are AVAILABLE to play tonight @ CHA -via Twitter @TrailBlazersPR / January 24, 2025

Kellan Olson: Ryan Dunn will be available for the Suns while Kevin Durant will go through his warmup first before his status is decided, per Mike Budenholzer -via Twitter @KellanOlson / January 29, 2025

Duane Rankin: “Kind of upset at first not making it,” Ryan Dunn on not being selected for NBA Rising Stars, but he gave props to the 10 rookies chosen. 76ers rookie Jared McCain was chosen, but is out with a season-ending injury. The NBA will replace him for the Feb. 14 Rising Stars pic.x.com/4yhvUfIEXY -via Twitter @DuaneRankin / January 29, 2025