Jameel Warney, C/F, Stony Brook

 

Warney will be entering his second year with the Legends this season. In his first year as a pro, Warney and his game seemed to fit in nicely with  the greater floor spacing and faster pace of play that comes with the professional level. He did go undrafted out of Stony Brook largely due to his size, or lack thereof. At 6’7, almost 260 pounds with no perimeter game, it is understandable. However, he was an incredibly effective weapon for the Legends last year. In just under 30 minutes a game, he threw up a line of 17.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game. Given his undersized frame, adept finishing touch, and his defensive and rebounding instincts, he incites memories of former Maverick, DeJuan Blair. Expect a very productive and efficient player for the Legends, despite what may be uninspiring measurables.

 

 

Jonathan Motley, C/F, Baylor

 

Jonathan Motley was once considered a 1st round pick, but during the 2017 NCAA tournament he suffered a knee injury that would damage his stock so badly that he went undrafted entirely. “Money Mot” wouldn’t stay unemployed for long though, as he would soon ink a deal with the Mavericks. Standing nearly 6’10, weighing over 230 pounds, and sporting a massive 7’4 inch wingspan, the big fella would seemingly fit the traditional mold of power forward. However, We do know that the game is moving away from traditional two big lineups, and more toward passionless basketball. And that leaves Motley in a bit of a weird place. The fact he lacks any sort of consistent shooting touch would seem to relegate  him to playing specifically the  5. But typically in small lineups, you need your 5 to be an excellent rim protector, defensive rebounder, and have the ability to guard smaller players on the perimeter, Motley doesn’t exactly excel in any of these areas just yet. So where does he fit then? it’s unclear still, but that is why using the new Two-way contract feature here makes sense. Motley has flashed lottery type upside on both ends of the floor, and letting him get his feet wet in the G-League is beneficial for all parties. 

 

 

Gian Clavell, G, Colorado State

 

After spending his summer league with the Miami Heat, Clavell received an invite to join the Mavs at training camp. At 6’4, with a silky smooth shooting stroke, Clavell wowed in the preseason and was rightfully awarded the final Two-way contract slot. Given his frame, shooting touch, and his aggressive mindset, Clavell is the prototype off guard in today’s game. And with the Legends liking to play at a fast pace, the fastest in the G-League last year, he should fit in perfectly. I expect many explosive scoring outputs from the reigning Mountain West Player of the Year. 

 

 

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