Throughout Summer League, I’ll be providing at least one (or maybe more if inspiration strikes!) observation per team per game. Here’s the first batch!
Orlando Magic vs Cleveland Cavaliers
· Anthony Black played well when given chances last season. The challenge is that the Magic backcourt is stuff with players in front of him now. Still, Black is ready and may force his way on the floor eventually.
· Tristan Da Silva flashed the sort of all-around game that caused Orlando to draft him. Watch his off-ball movement, as that will be key for him to get minutes as a rookie.
· Jett Howard looked better in this game than he did most of his rookie year in the NBA or the G League. That’s encouraging.
· Jaylon Tyson flashed some good finishing ability. Early on, his best attribute might be his ability to run the floor for transition buckets.
· It wasn’t a good shooting night, but it was nice to see Emoni Bates gets his shots off. This was especially true for off-the-bounce jumpers.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs New Orleans Pelicans
· Rob Dillingham struggled to get his shot to fall, but he did a nice job as a playmaker. That’s probably more important in Year 1 anyway.
· The Wolves best player was Terrence Shannon Jr. in the first game in Las Vegas. Shannon got into his shot easily and did a nice job breaking down defenders off the dribble.
· Yves Missi did a nice job challenging shots and on the glass.
· It remains to be seen what role Karlo Matkovic will have, but he’s a player to monitor. The Pelicans need frontcourt depth and Matkovic can play.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Sacramento Kings
· The Grizzlies have a lot of veteran NBA guys on this roster. Players like Jake LaRavia, GG Jackson, and Scotty Pippen Jr. and Trey Jemison. Those guys are going to be a step ahead of most other teams in Las Vegas.
· Cam Spencer already looks like he’ll be the next two-way success story for Memphis. He’s going to be a rotation guard eventually.
· Devin Carter is out for the Kings, so they don’t have too many key young players in Vegas. Keon Ellis is the best player for Sacramento, but he doesn’t have a ton of help around him. Hopefully guys like Isaiah Crawford or Isaac Jones will pop when they settle in.
Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers
· This is going to end up being a cameo appearance for Cam Whitmore. He’s too good for Summer League.
· Terrific debut for Reed Sheppard. He made a bunch of plays on both ends. Houston got a good one. That’s huge for a backcourt that could be in a bit of transition after this season.
· Dalton Knecht looks comfortable. He’ll eventually start to finish a bit better, but you can already see he has great feel for the game.
· Bronny James can compete right now defensively in the NBA. The shot is going to be a year-long work-in-progress.
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