Summer League Primer: Your map through the wilderness
Summer League play doesn't captivate the casual fan like the riveting and irresistible 2007 NBA Finals did, but there are developments worth monitoring during the coming week.
Action tipped off over the weekend in Las Vegas, where 21 NBA teams and Team China are taking part in a 55-game showcase that runs through Sunday. Six teams opted to stay closer to home and take up residence at Orlando's event, which runs through Friday, and a handful will be double-dipping, playing in either Vegas or Central Florida before heading off to Salt Lake City for the Rocky Mountain Revue. Of the league's 30 teams, only Toronto has opted not to field a Summer League entry.
Aside from the usual hordes of players looking to make an impression and avoid another season in Europe or in a domestic minor league, almost every rookie and second-year player in the league has committed to playing, not to mention a few veterans whose names you wouldn't expect to hear. Here's the rundown:
The NBA's next line of saviors
Greg Oden and Kevin Durant were among the first players to make their debuts, participating in the first day of play out in Vegas last Friday. Greg Oden fouled out in just over 20 minutes, which on this stage takes 10 personals. Kevin Durant scored 18 points but shot 5-for-17. He also pulled down just one rebound.
Don't write them off. It's only natural to get adjusted to the speed of the game at this level, and neither neophyte has been immune.
Greg Oden looked better in his second outing Sunday, staying on the court for 27 minutes despite picking up nine fouls. He had 13 points and 11 rebounds and said he was feeling more comfortable. The Blazers, who team owner Paul Allen proclaimed were bringing the "best Summer League team ever" out to Las Vegas, have lost their first two.
One surprise in Durant's debut was that the Sonics started him at shooting guard, making him one of the most unlikely shooting guards in league history. Go ahead and name another two with a 7-foot-4 wingspan who have ever played this game. You can't. Now would be the time to tinker, and Seattle is clearly taking advantage.
Upstaging Oden?
It sounds like it would be hard to cast a shadow on the affable Greg Oden, whose combination of size, promise and personality has already turned him into a star, but that's what 2006 No. 2 pick LaMarcus Aldridge is doing.
He's arguably been the top big man in the entire event through two games, averaging 22 points and 11 rebounds while shooting 59 percent, and it would be no surprise if he winds up being the player who most benefits from the departure of Zach Randolph, at least initially. It's easy to forget how solid he was late in his rookie season, even getting the better of Tim Duncan one night. If he continues improving at his current pace, fans in Portland are going to have a legitimate Twin Towers combo to root for.
"He's a beast," Greg Oden said of Aldridge. "I didn't know he was that good, but playing alongside him makes me feel better because when I'm not on, I just give him the ball and get out of the way."
Greg Oden is going to have to miss Wednesday's action to fly out for a previously scheduled appearance at the Espy Awards, but while he's absent, expect Aldridge to keep his seat warm. It's clear that the top post player from the Class of 2006 doesn't intend on having his coming-out party spoiled by the arrival of his new high-profile teammate. Luckily, Greg Oden is grounded enough to welcome the help, which speaks volumes about his character in an era where many professional athletes would take a teammate's success as a personal affront. Good thing, too. Greg Oden might have to get used to it.
The Summer of Yi
Yi Jianlian continues to be one of the more intriguing stories of the 2007 offseason. In the past 10 days the No. 6 pick has blown off visiting Milwaukee after being selected, met with team officials as a courtesy in a Las Vegas hotel room, and then has gone out and tantalized the Bucks with his skills as a member of the Chinese national team, which played three games in three nights this past weekend.
Yi was brilliant in his first showing, scoring 23 points against Memphis. He followed that up shooting 2-for-14 on the second night of a back-to-back, and then won a Sunday game over Cleveland with a buzzer-beater, the final of 17 fourth-quarter points.
He has Bucks officials convinced he might be another Toni Kukoc and has impressed everyone I've talked to with his fluidity. He's not very strong but moves great for a forward pushing 7 feet in size. The team drafted him to keep him, but unless they feel confident they can reach some form of agreement that would make this embarrassment worth it, they've got to start listening to offers soon.
Fortunately, Yi hasn't harmed his market value. He's definitely China's top prospect since Yao Ming.
Don't forget us
In all, 16 of the top 20 picks have made their way out to Vegas, including all but three lottery selections.
Mike Conley was not in Memphis' starting lineup for its debut but figures to split time with second-year guard Kyle Lowry, beginning a competition for the point guard job that should continue all the way through camp.
Durant's running mate on the wing, No. 5 pick Jeff Green, joined him in struggling out of the gate, committing eight fouls and scoring just seven points.
Four West Coast-based rookies had exceptional debuts, led by the Clippers' Al Thornton's 24 points and eight rebounds against Denver. Mike Dunleavy has said he expects his 24-year old lottery pick to contribute immediately, and Thornton's first impression is that he's polished enough to do it.
Sacramento center Spencer Hawes, the No. 10 pick, looked much more comfortable than Greg Oden managed to, scoring 19 points by displaying the impressive offensive game scouts were lauding. He committed seven turnovers and seven fouls to go with his seven rebounds.
Golden State guard Marco Belinelli, the second international player taken behind Yi, fell one point short of a new Summer League record with 37 points in his first appearance. Thrilled by the fast-paced style the Warriors employ, the Italian guard got into a groove and shot 14-for-20 from the field. Brandan Wright, acquired in the Jason Richardson deal, is not expected to participate in the event due to a strained hip flexor.
Javaris Crittenton, who slipped to the Lakers at No. 19, had a very impressive performance in his first outing, hitting 8-of-13 shots and getting to the basket at will.
Atlanta is debuting in the Rocky Mountain Revue that starts on Friday, so third pick Al Horford and No. 11 selection Acie Law will have to wait a few more days to get started. Chicago's Joakim Noah will look to make an impression in Orlando, less than 200 miles from Gainesville.
Needs improvement
Reigning Rookie of the Year Brandon Roy and former No. 1 pick Andrea Bargnani are among the few second-year players not participating in summer events. Most have been given specific tasks to work on given the opportunity to play major minutes.
Minnesota has Randy Foye honing his point guard skills, envisioning the likelihood that he'll open the season there with Mike James having been traded to Houston. The 'Wolves will also be getting a look at how he co-exists with Corey Brewer.
Charlotte's Adam Morrison is adamant about getting stronger and becoming a better defender, and he'll be under the microscope in Orlando. He has said that he let criticism get under his skin last season and is adamant about becoming more of a contributor. The Bobcats, having officially released Brevin Knight, have also asked third-year guard Raymond Felton to show up and run the team's offense for a few games, helping give new coach Sam Vincent a better look at what he's got.
J.J. Redick will no doubt be the focal point of the Magic's team, with the hope that he can improve on getting his own shot and becoming a more effective defender.
Chicago is hopeful that both Tyrus Thomas and Thabo Sefolosha can make strides offensively to capitalize on their remarkable athleticism, while the Lakers have asked Jordan Farmar to become a better shooter. His first crack at that didn't go so hot; he shot 1-for-8, including 1-for-5 from 3-point range.
Dallas was hopeful that DeSagana Diop would develop more of an offensive touch but hasn't seen that either. He's 2-for-13 through his first two games, though he did nab the unique distinction of swatting Durant's first offering, then followed it up two days later by swatting Greg Oden.
Memphis' Rudy Gay looked very comfortable in the Grizzlies' up-tempo offense, executing crisply and building off a strong finish to his rookie season. Philadelphia's Louis Williams, a former high school player of the year once touted as the next Allen Iverson, has averaged 25.5 points through two games. He's had his quickness and elusiveness on full display, getting into the paint and to the free throw line whenever he has wanted.
Cleveland's Daniel Gibson, a revelation during the postseason, reported to the Cavs squad ready to lead and improve his floor skills at the point, but that hasn't gone too smoothly. He has played great but caught an elbow under his right eye that required stitches in his opening game and then turned an ankle in his next. Something may be trying to tell him that it's time to give the sneakers a rest for the rest of the summer.
Phoenix also has Marcus Banks out there learning to be a point guard. The light has yet to come on for the UNLV product, but the Suns are still hoping he'll come around.
What are you doing here?
Chris Kaman is a part of the Los Angeles Clippers' entry in Las Vegas, though he's not expected to play too many minutes. Chris Kaman wanted to get into playing shape after struggling with his weight and injuries in 2006-07. ... Lamond Murray wants back into the league and is trying to prove to Denver that he can be the perimeter threat it needs. The 34-year-old was out of the league last season but looked sharp early, hitting 6-of-9 shots to pace the Nuggets with 17 points in their first outing. Another UCLA product, Jelani McCoy, is trying to make himself a home with George Karl's team, too. If he keeps playing like he did over the weekend, he'll catch someone's attention. McCoy scored 14 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and blocked a few shots. He has been playing in Italy and Spain the past two seasons. ... Rafael Araujo, a free agent who played for the Jazz last season, will remain with them on their summer team despite not being under contract. He's hoping to use his time as an audition for the rest of the NBA.
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