"I know I'm a much better shooter and more effective" - LaMelo Ball's backup takes a step forward

The Hornets' guard, KJ Simpson, is embracing his role as the main initiator for the Charlotte team in the Summer League after missing the event as a rookie a year ago, writes Roderick Boone from the Charlotte Observer. The Hornets' roster is filled with guards, and Simpson is aware that he needs to be more consistent offensively to secure a role on the team this season.

"I know I'm a much better shooter and much more effective scorer than I was during the season," said Simpson. "Being more effective, taking better shots, and making better decisions, that can always be improved."

Simpson also knows he needs to be a nuisance on defense if he wants to earn his spot on the court. One player he looks up to is T.J. McConnell, whose videos he has been watching for inspiration, including the Pacers guard's tendency to defend full-court.

"T.J. is a good example that heart matters, not height, and I just want to go out there and show that I can do the same at the same level," Simpson states.

Miami, Atlanta, and Orlando

After being criticized by Heat coach Erik Spoelstra for his lackluster start in the Summer League and his overall attitude, second-year center Kel'el Ware responded emphatically on Sunday night, as reported by Barry Jackson in the Miami Herald. Ware racked up 21 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks in his fourth Summer League game, while also hitting two of three three-point shots, although Jackson points out he still has much room for improvement in defensive rebound attention to detail and transition defense. "He's the coach and believes in me, and he wants to see me give my best," Ware said after the game. "So, I took it as motivation." Summer League coach Eric Glass liked what he saw from Ware. "When he comes in with that focus and intensity, the rest of his game flourishes," Glass said. "He has that potential, and we want to see him do it again tomorrow."

Jacob Toppin aims to capitalize on his strong start in the Summer League with the Hawks, according to Lauren Williams of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Toppin's speed and athleticism with the ball have stood out during his play, and Summer League coach Bryan Bailey has taken notice. "Obviously, his size, wingspan, and ability to push the ball," Bailey said. "We even saw (Friday) in the game, right in the last quarter, that he can push the ball. He can dribble. So, we have him as a weapon in transition. Just have to keep developing those things." The Hawks have a roster full of athletic forwards, but Toppin knows what he needs to do to prove he's worth the investment. "On defense, be a threat, be able to guard one through four, keep opponents in front," he said. "On offense, be that athletic wing who's going to run the floor, make open shots, and things like that."

Losing in the first round for the second consecutive season convinced Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley that additional help was needed, not only on the roster but also on the coaching staff, writes Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel. This led the team to hire God Shammgod and former Bucks assistant Joe Prunty. "What they bring is experience," Mosley said. "They bring a level of relationship with the players they've developed over all these years in the league. For our coaching staff, they continue that connectivity we have." Mosley has worked with both coaches before, with Shammgod in Dallas and Prunty in Cleveland, and is excited about what the duo can bring to the team. "Sham, more on the technical side, can analyze some of the offensive plays, individual moves, and players' plays," Mosley said. "Joe will take care more of the offensive aspect, the offensive flow of our style of play."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, "Sé que soy mucho mejor tirador y más eficaz" - El suplente de LaMelo Ball da un paso adelante