NBA Las Vegas Summer League: Vol, 5
In an effort to continue bringing the world much-needed NBA Summer League updates, I’ve been keeping track of what’s going on in Las Vegas, bringing us to round five of the ever-increasingly interesting summer league action.
In other words, this type of stuff rarely matters for anything else besides the actual player’s self esteems.
Then again, how often do you get to see some of these guys play at this level?
If you’re a true fan of college stars and the future of the league, at least paying some half-assed attention to the summer league helps it serve it’s purpose.
To see who played their best, read on:
DaJuan Summers, F, Detroit Pistons
Summers has really opened up his offensive game, and is displaying his ability to take games over and assume a leadership role.
He’s fairly well put together on both ends of the court, and plays with good intensity.
Final line: 26 Pts, 8 Reb
Austin Daye, F, Detroit Pistons
Daye continues to surprise, as he’s actually living up to his selection value.
He still is on the thin side, but his offensive game has transitioned nicely to the next level, and offers Detroit a lot of optimism toward using his size and versatility right away.
Final line: 27 Pts, 13 Reb
Brandon Jennings, PG, Milwaukee Bucks
After starting his Bucks career off with some interesting quotations and a brash introduction, we’re starting to see Jennings mature on the court.
He hasn’t come in with an ill-advised chip on his shoulder as many predicted. He’s been very eager to get his teammates involved, and has allowed the rest of his game to come naturally to him.
He’s played balanced basketball, and isn’t forcing anything.
Final line: 14 Pts, 9 Ast, 6 Reb, 3 Stl
Joe Alexander, F, Milwaukee Bucks
Alexander had the hot hand, but it took him 16 shots to pace the team with 18 points.
If he can get stronger and more consistent at getting to the hole, he has enough offensive skills to make him a 16 PPG player.
Final line: 18 Pts, 5 Reb
Amir Johnson, F, Milwaukee Bucks
After a slow start earlier in the league, Johnson has come on strong lately, playing aggressive defense, and being more assertive on offense.
He has the makings of the type of player that can affect games on defense, while offering a serviceable inside presence.
Final line: 17 Pts, 8 Reb, 2 BS
Quincy Douby, G, Toronto Raptors
If there was one guy in this league that has been showing his worth in every game he’s played, it’s been Douby, as he’s topped 16+ points in every game he’s played.
We know he isn’t going to unseat Jose Calderon for the starting point guard. And to be honest, he’s never going to run any offense for any team.
But he is the offense. Douby can shoot and score with the best of them, and that’s why he keeps making rosters.
Final line: 16 Pts, 4 Reb, 2 Ast
DeMar DeRozan, SG, Toronto Raptors
DeRozan hasn’t surprised anyone with his outstanding athleticism and slashing abilities.
Once he completely refines his shot, he could be a deadly offensive weapon.
Vince Carter, who?
Final line: 20 Pts, 3 Reb, 2 Ast, 2 Stl
Jason Thompson, F, Sacramento Kings
We knew from mid-season and on last year, that Thompson can produce.
It took him a while to get completely comfortable as a go-to option in this summer league, but he delivered a dominating performance on Wednesday night.
Final line: 31 Pts, 10 Reb
Othyus Jeffers, F, NBA D-League
Jeffers put in his second straight game over 20 points, and was solid on the boards, as well.
He and the other D-Leaguers are putting up points at an extremely high rate for summer league action, letting their names be known.
Final line: 21 pts, 7 Reb, 2 Stl
Dante Cunningham, F, Portland Trail Blazers
Cunningham ended the game with solid numbers, but only shot “okay”, and wasn’t very good defensively.
He still has a long ways to go to earn a spot in Portland’s already deep rotation.
Final line: 20 Pts, 5 Reb, 2 Stl
Chase Budinger, G/F, Houston Rockets
Budinger dropped in another solid offensive display, while shooting 6-8 from the field in less than 20 minutes of action.
While he clearly can score the ball and has a fairly complete offensive package, his impact on the rest of the game is very marginal.
That will have to change quickly for him to play significant minutes as a rookie.
Final line: 17 Pts
Sonny Weems, G/F, Denver Nuggets
The electric combo-forward was on full display on Wednesday night, as he took over offensively for the Nuggets, and hit the glass hard on the defensive side of the ball.
Weems is a phenomenal athlete with a ton of potential, while his weak 6-15 shooting shows he still has a lot of work to do with his mechanics and shot selection.
Final line: 17 Pts, 11 Reb
Player of the Day: Andray Blatche, F, Washington Wizards
Blatche got quite the work-out in his second game, putting up his second straight 20+ point effort, while also being very active on the boards.
We already know Blatche can play. He just needs to get stronger and maintain consistency.
Quite honestly, he’s a superstar waiting to happen, so long as he earns some hard minutes.
Final line: 27 Pts, 15 Reb, 3 Ast, 2 St