With the Summer League just ending, I guess it’s about time to do a Summer League recap, but also begin our preseason content, um, season. Which is already starting off great if you hate reading! Tis true though, all of it… we are back in business, and the business is the NBA and business is especially good if you are a top-3 Celtics player or have a nickname that starts with P and ends in 18 dribbles and a shot off the side of the backboard.
If only I could find someone to give a fifth max year to this post, well, you get the joke. I think. But that’s right, before we get to some analysis recapping all the trades and free agency happenings in the past several months along some way-to-early rankings, let’s go over some of my notes from this year’s Las Vegas Summer League…
Granted, this year’s draft class was often being compared to my love-making; mediocre and forgettable, but there’s still some reason to believe that I can do better. But also that this draft may not turn out as bad as it would seem and at the very least, some of the performances from the rookie class did pique some interest.
Zaccharie Risacher, the number one overall by the Hawks had a very nonchalant 14.5/5/2 slash, and actually I think will have been remembered most for Alex Sarr‘s debut against him, where the overall second pick had 12 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks against Risacher. That’s the same Sarr who went 0-for-his-next-231.
I mean, it wasn’t that bad, but he did go 0-for-15 (0-7 from 3) and had one of the worst shooting percentages both in Vegas and my local Rec. If you’re asking me if he’ll have any fantasy value this season, my answer would be a resounding “not really, but maybe?”. But, I do like his defensive talent, the fact that he can move very well for a 7-footer and the current tank position for the Wizards. I know Sarr wanted to be drafted as a stretch-4, not a pick n’ roll 5 so the shooting troubles are worrisome, but again, it’s Summer League, if you can’t chuck in live ball here, where else?
Speaking of big-men that might warrant a look at this season, Donovan Clingan would seem to be the most ready to play NBA minutes. At 7’2″ and nearly 300-pounds, it’s no surprise he dominated the boards (7.0 RPG) and averaged the most blocks per game with 4.3. His long-range shooting is still a work in progress, but there are already plenty of Walker Kessler comps going on and I’m fine with that, after a fashion.
Last but not least, the other big man in the group is perhaps the biggest, standing at 7’4″, and there’s certainly a case already to be made that Zach Edey might just be the opening day starter for the Grizzlies. Unfortunately for Summer League watchers, there wasn’t really any evidence submitted as he just spent 42 minutes on the court total. But lacking any further legalese and the best modern day box man and perhaps the best current pick-man, Steven Adams’ role immediately goes to Edey as he tries to open up the paint with his size for Morant and company, which automatically makes him an intriguing mid-tier option despite the rawness.
I don’t really want to talk about Bronny James since he’s not the 3&D bench piece the Lakers have been selling (you’d need to have some measure of defense and some measure of three-point shooting, that’s just me though, but we can at least talk about Dalton Knecht‘s legitimate shooting. The Lakers desperately need another bench piece that can shoot, so expect him to find some points somewhere.
Speaking of guards, I really like what I saw from Reed Sheppard. Though size might be an issue, standing at just 6’2″, he showed poise running plays and had no trouble getting to his shooting spots. The Rockets have a need for another guard that can run the offense, so expect much less than his Summer League average of 20/5.3/4.8 with 2.8 steals, but there’s no reason why he can’t be a legitimate depth option that offers measured stats on both side of the floor.
And some interesting non-rookie tidbits!
Jalen Wilson won Summer League MVP, averaging 21.8 points and shooting over 55% from the three point line. More meaningful, he may have solidified a continuing role for the rebuilding Nets.
Scotty Pippen Jr. (oh my god I’m old) showed some great play-making in Vegas as he dominated day 16 with 29 points, 11 assists and 5 rebounds. He’s an interesting, but small-sized (6’1″) depth piece, so it’s really up to how you feel about the Grizzlies’ backcourt staying healthy.
Even though he was much older than his competition, it looks like 24-year-old Jordan Miller has all but earned a spot on the Clippers roster with his 25.4 PPG average, most by any Vegas player who started at least three games. His teammate, Kobe Brown, also continues to improve and added some more tools to his kit, averaging three more assists than last year’s impressive Summer League debut. Still, both might not have large roles, until they do… I mean, how you do feel about Kawhi Leonard’s knee? [Drinks copious amounts of whiskey.]
And GG Jackson continues to build off a strong rookie campaign, scoring at least 16 points in all eight games and looks to garner a lot of bench minutes for what looks to be a playoff bound Grizz.
Next we’ll go over the recent trades, free agent signings and a way-too-early Top-200 rankings!
Jay is a longtime Razzball everything who consumes an egregious amount of Makers Mark as a vehicle to gain wisdom and augment his natural glow. Living in the D.C. area, he also likes spending time visiting the local parks and feeding lettuce to any turtles he encounters, including Mitch McConnell.
