Day 2, Vegas. Stokes remains efficient

Stokes just balls.

Jarnell Stokes was the most efficient player on a wining team during play Saturday at the 2016 Las Vegas NBA Summer League. The bruising power forward scored ten points (4-7 FG, 2-2 FT) and grabbed nine rebounds in 17 minutes. His summer San Antonio Spurs team narrowly defeated the Golden State Warriors 63-61.  

Joining Stokes on the daily Hoop Obsession / BasslineSpin All-NBA Summer League Team...

Jakarr Sampson - Nuggets. 16 points (4-7 FG, 1-3 3-pt., 7-9 FT), 3 rebounds, in 16 minutes. ...Denver de-clawed the Grizzlies 106-62.

Petr Cornelie - Nuggets. 19 points (7-11 FG, 1-2 3-pt., 4-6 FT), 7 rebounds in 21 minutes. 

Jack Cooley - Bulls. 11 points (4-7 FG, 3-4 FT), 8 rebounds in 16 minutes. ...Chicago beat Boston 71-62.

Jonathan Gibson - Mavs. 30 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals in 30 minutes. ...Dallas cooled the Heat 83-64.

Jimmer Fredette - Nuggets. 26 points (9-18 FG, 4-8 3-pt., 4-4 FT), 3 assists, 2 steals, zero turnovers in 27 minutes. 

Tyler Ulis - Suns. 11 points (3-4 FG. 5-6 FT), 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals in 27 minutes. The Suns burned the Blazers 86-73.

Bobby Portis - Bulls. 17 points (7-12 FG, 1-3 3-pt., 2-2 FT), 13 rebounds in 30 minutes. 

Axel Toupane - Nuggets. 10 points (5-8 FG, 0-2 3-pt.), 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals in 26 minutes. 

Dionte Christmas - Jazz. 13 points (3-6 FG, 1-3 3-pt., 6-7 FT) in 17 minutes. ...Utah lost to Washington 88-73. 

Guerschon Yabusele - Celtics. 10 points (3-7 FG, 2-6 3-pt., 2-2 FT), 7 rebounds, 2 steals in 22 minutes. 

Devin Booker - Suns. 28 points (11-21 FG, 3-5 3-pt., 3-7 FT), 8 rebounds, 6 assists in 36 minutes. 

NOTES - ...Never before can I remember so many players having terrible days during Summer League play. No less than a dozen guys had per-minute efficiency ratings at or below "zero" (that is extra terrible.) The 12 that stunk it up included three lottery picks from the 2016 NBA Draft, offering further proof of how far away some of these prospects can be from actually helping a team at this level. In alphabetical order, the players with horrid efficiency Saturday: Jaylen Brown, Michael Carrera, Marquese Chriss, Randy Culpepper, Bryn Forbes, Quincy Ford, Brandon Ingram, Kenny Gabriel, Malcolm Miller, Jonathan Simmons, Rasheed Sulaimon, and James Young. ...For one night, the Showtime Lakers were back. In an instant classic game, the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76'ers battled through a poor first half to completely enthrall fans in the thrid and fourth quarter. The Lakers' Larry Nance Jr. had several highlight dunks, and teammate D'Angelo Russell hit two clutch shots, including a buzzer-beating jumper that gave the Lakers the 70-69 W. For the Sixers, Ben Simmons, the 2016 NBA Draft number-one pick dazzled with his ability to pull of passes with a high degree of difficulty. ...Players who played very well but just missed the cut for our daily 'best of' list included: Daniel Ochefu, Alan Williams, and Michael Eric. 

The way we see it. Post D-League Showcase prospect report.

Another NBA D-League Showcase has come and gone. Each January, we intently focus on the NBA's direct feeder League for one week. Most of the players we are scouting have been seen several times already (either in college, international, or summer league play). However, there are always fresh talents to check out. This year, the D-League has a record 19 teams. Each team played two games during the 2016 Showcase which was held at Kaiser Permanente Arena in chilly Santa Cruz, California (January 6-10, 2016). 

The objective for players is simply to be noticed by the right people and possibly be one of the select few that will earn or continue to earn an NBA pay check. Some of the players know the luxury an NBA salary affords. Many of the 30 NBA teams assign their young prospects to D-League affiliates during Showcase week. Other players have lived the five-star NBA life at a previous point in their career and are now competing hard in an attempt to return. 

So who has a chance? The results of our D-League Stat audit and the physical observation of games gives us a feel for the players we think can play "rotation" minutes in the NBA. In our opinion, after years of study, D-League call-ups work best with guys who can simply fit in. A 'glue guy' is much more welcome as an NBA teammate than a guy who thinks he will continue to have a usage rate in the NBA similar to what he had in the D-League. By January of any NBA season, the roles of teams are mostly defined. It is extremely rare for a D-League player to be called up and suddenly be asked to be "the shot-taking man" on an NBA team. 

On the contrary, NBA teams are looking for a D-League prospect that can come in and run with the reserve unit, and possibly make their bench better. Which is not to say that making an NBA bench better is the limit a D-League prospect can contribute. Hassan Whiteside was the in the D-League 13 months ago and we all see him now as a vital starting Center for the Miami Heat. But Whiteside's case is rare. More likely for a D-Leaguer that earns a call-up is to get that foot in the door and hope to be like Seth Curry, JaMychal Green, Jonathon Simmons, and Willie Reed; all of which spent multiple years in the D-League and made NBA rosters this season through training camp. 

Two seasons ago, we hyped DeWayne Dedmon as a prospect in the D-League that should be in the big show. Last season, it was Clint Capela we were sure of. This year we think there are two players worthy of getting minutes during the second half of the NBA season. 

Jarnell Stokes and Jordan Mickey are two BIGs that have continually proven to me that they can play at a level of efficiency high enough to warrant further NBA exposure. 

Stokes is stronger than you

Jarnell Stokes - Stokes just turned 22 years-old. He is an incredibly strong, 6'7" 250 lb. traditional power forward on assignment from the Miami Heat. In D-League play in 2015-16 he is shooting a ridiculously good 67% FG! Stokes has been efficient at every level and the D-League is no different. Among players who have logged over 300 minutes, he is the most efficient per minute. Stokes played three seasons at Tennessee, displaying the footwork, rebounding ability, and honest defensive effort that allowed him to be the 35th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. He seems to take the game seriously, and he is in incredible physical condition. I think Stokes is presently the best player in the D-League, all things considered. In my opinion, Miami would be better with Stokes in their rotation which would obviously lead to some difficult choices regarding Heat lifer, Udonis Haslem. Yes, Stokes is a 6'7" power forward. 6'7" is historically small for playing the position in the NBA. However, in THIS case, you throw that lack of height out of the window, and roll with Stokes because his strength is his strength. And what NBA team would not want to be stronger. (Watch Jarnell Stokes do his bully ball thing.)

Jordan Mickey has a legitimate NBA skill. He can block shots. Critics would say Mickey is too small to play Center. He stands a listed 6'8". But his impact on opponent's ability to score in the paint is undeniable. Mickey is just 21 years old, property of the Boston Celtics. He was the 33rd overall selection in the 2015 NBA Draft. Mickey has a refreshing dis-interest in trying to do more than he should. As a bonus he is converting on 76% of his free throws (up from 66% FT at LSU). Mickey does not play in Boston mostly due to their crowded, talented, front-court that includes Jared Sullinger, Amir Johnson, Kelly Oynyk, David Lee, and Tyler Zeller. It is our opinion that most NBA teams should be targeting Boston as place to acquire a quality BIG before the trade deadline. 

Jordan Mickey could be playing rotation minutes in the NBA. His defense could help a team. #Celtics #NBA #DLeagueShowcase

— Bobby Gerould (@BobbyGerould) January 11, 2016

Hoop Obsession, Post D-League Showcase, Top Three at each position.

Point Guards: 

Elliot Williams - Williams, rightfully so, was picked up by the Memphis Grizzlies on a ten-day contract. We viewed him as the best guard in the D-League. Williams was the 22nd pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. 

Lorenzo Brown - The 52nd pick of the 2013 NBA Draft, Brown was recently signed to a ten-day contract by the Phoenix Suns. 

Erick Green - Green is standing out in the D-League. Playing for the high-octane Reno Bighorns, Green can shoot to his heart's content. He is scoring 27.7 points per game. His average to below-average athleticism remains his biggest hindrance to getting back to the NBA. Green was released in November 2015 by the Denver Nuggets. 

Shooting Guards:

Same Jimmer

Jimmer Fredette - Jimmer looked like the same guy to me. And we had plenty of opportunities to see him live during his time in Sacramento (2011-14). Perhaps his confidence is up a bit but Jimmer is still Jimmer. He will knock down a very high rate of open looks. He will also be a liability on defense, and his occasional over-penetration will result in a blocked shot igniting the opponent's fast break. We continue to maintain that Jimmer CAN work in the NBA but only on a team with both a shot blocker to help clean up the times Fredette gets beat, and a back-court mate that is at least 6'5" with defensive skill. 

D.J. Stephens - Stephens did not play at the Showcase. He was sitting out after suffering a concussion in a game December 29th vs. Sioux Falls. Stephens is a true 'freak athlete'. He has a 46" vertical! Stephens is so gifted, if he was called up to the NBA, he would be among the top-five percent of NBA athletes. His overall game continues to be a work in progress but Stephens can do some things on a court that some players can only dream of. 

Walter Lemon Jr. - Lemon is a 23 year-old that played four years at Bradley. He can really jump. More importantly, he has shown an ability to shoot accurately (50% FG, 41% 3-pt.) this season to-date. Lemon will need to be a better defender to sniff NBA action but he is now on our radar. 

Small Forwards: 

Coty Clarke - Clarke is 23 years old with an NBA body. He stands 6'7", weighs 235 lbs. If you make a checklist of what you would like a small forward to do, Clarke checks a lot of boxes. He shoots 35% 3-pt., has more assists than turnovers, makes his free throws (82.4%), and most importantly, he plays defense. Clarke's defensive rating is a full two points better than his Maine Red Claws team DEFRTG. 

Allen Durham - Durham is 27 years-old. He has been playing internationally following a four-year career at Grace Bible College (Wyoming, MI.). Durham plays D, makes shots when needed, and doesn't try to do more than he should. His defensive rating is significantly better than the Texas Legends team DEFRTG. 

Raphiael Putney - Putney is a skinny scorer that has enough athleticism to impact a game. He is averaging 20.3 points, and ten rebounds per game. He is 6'10" but only 185 lbs. His length and quick reactions allow him to block shots at a high rate. Putney is averaging 3.0 blocked shots per game (that is best in the D-League). 

Power Forwards:

Jarnell Stokes (see above)

Vince Hunter - The stretch-four craze has left a sizable pool of traditional power forwards treading water, hoping to get a chance to prove they belong. Vince Hunter would surely be in the NBA as an undersized FOUR if he were born 15 years earlier. He is currently third in the D-League in rebounds per game (12 rpg). Hunter is 6'7", 218 lbs. He runs the floor very well and beats opposing BIGs with his ability to out-quick them. Hunter is AVERAGING five offensive rebounds per game. 

Chris Walker - Walker clearly has the physical tools to be among NBA players. He is long (wingspan is 7' 2.5") and quick. Walker is shooting 62% FG this season in the D-League. That said, Walker's hoop IQ needs to be better. We watched him demonstrate what NOT to do in 'read and react' situations at the Showcase.

Centers:

Jordan Mickey - See above. 

Keith Benson - Like Earl Barron did last year, Keith Benson has a chance to earn a call up as a veteran BIG that could serve as a stop-gap for a team in need. Benson's decision making with the ball is still suspect but the rest of his game is solid. He is 27 years-old. 

Jordan Bachynski - Bachynski is a tall (7'2"), tough, 26 year-old, FIVE that has a chance to play in the NBA. He is improving. He was a career 61% free throw shooter in college. He is shooting 71% FT this season. 

Notes: Sean Kilpatrick was signed today to a ten-day contract by the Denver Nuggets. We thought there were better options. But good for Kilpatrick. In ten-days in the NBA, he will make roughly $49,000 which is about double what he would make playing an entire D-League season. 

The Charlotte Hornets will have a direct affiliate D-League team next season. The Greensboro Swarm will begin play in November 2016. Likewise, the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets will join in the fun for 2016-17, bringing the total number of teams to 22. Brooklyn's D-League team will play on Long Island. 

The city of Santa Cruz certainly gains community profits from the participation of 19 D-League Teams, the attendance of representatives from all 30 NBA teams, plus the international scouts, and media. Virtually everywhere I went in downtown Santa Cruz I saw someone connected to the Showcase. 

The Trophy

The Santa Cruz Warriors Team Store downtown doubles as their headquarters (front office). It was a cool treat to see the 2015 D-League Championship trophy on display. 

One thing not on display or for sale was any D-League Showcase souvenirs. A worker at the Santa Cruz Warriors mobile team shop said that last year the D-League Showcase apparel they had did not sell. Thus the decision was made to not offer any items in 2016. Bummer. 

Among the recognizable faces in attendance at games during the week: Sam Amick, Guss Armstead, B.J. Armstrong, Bernie Bickerstaff, Mike Bratz, Bubba Burrage, Doug Christie, Scott Howard-Cooper, Vlade Divac, Bobby Jackson, Bob Myers, Lute Olson, Jerry Sloan, John Stockton, and Peja Stojakovic. 

Scott Howard Cooper reported during the week that the NBA seems likely to move the D-League Showcase next year to a location in the eastern time zone. 

The D-League has stepped up in too many ways to comprehensively list. It does not go unnoticed that officials, off duty, are dressed professionally. If you envision a bunch of basketball scouts in sweatsuits and sneakers watching these games, that would be wrong. The NBA pedigree is evident at all turns. Many of the executives or scouts were wearing sport coats or otherwise dressed closer to G.Q. than Slam! 

...Jorge Gutierrez put up a triple-double at the Showcase. ...A fan made a half-court shot during a break on Thursday. 

Tweets:

In 19 #DLeagueShowcase games, this #Reno #Maine game has the highest combined total (229 right now). It's 115-114 w/ 1:38 left Q4. #betterD

— Bobby Gerould (@BobbyGerould) January 11, 2016

Ronald Roberts Jr. is wining me over as a prospect. He's worked to be in better physical condition. His FT shooting still needs lots of work

— Bobby Gerould (@BobbyGerould) January 10, 2016

The level of play in the D-League is impressive. Understand I'm coming from the perspective of having seen where the level once was.

— Bobby Gerould (@BobbyGerould) January 9, 2016

Orlando Johnson came into this game shooting .515 from 3-point range this season (35 of 68). #DLeagueShowcase

— Bobby Gerould (@BobbyGerould) January 9, 2016

Gone are the days of "minor" league hoop being a no defense zone. Austin's front line goes 6'7", 6'9" & 7'0". @nbadleague

— Bobby Gerould (@BobbyGerould) January 9, 2016

ESPNU will also broadcast the Conference and D-League Finals in April.

— D-League Digest (@DLeagueDigest) January 7, 2016

Last gm today at #DLeagueShowcase is TX vs. Delaware. I'm getting educated on a few players I've never seen "live". pic.twitter.com/l40QM6tqk9

— Bobby Gerould (@BobbyGerould) January 8, 2016

Being the best scorer in the D-League (Jimmer) has got to be a very difficult spot to be in...NBA teams want to know what else you can do.

— Ridiculous Upside (@RidicUpside) January 6, 2016

Putney puts on a show. Day two of D-League Showcase

Putney scored 38 Thursday.

Raphiael Putney dazzled in the opening game of day two at the 2016 NBA D-League Showcase. In front of NBA and international scouts, and children from local elementary schools, Putney scored 38 points (14-22 FG, 6-11 3-pt., 4-5 FT), and grabbed 18 rebounds in a win for his team, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. The Vipers beat the Fort Wayne Mad Ants 111-99. 

Putney is a 6'10", 185 lb. forward from Massachusetts. He played a limited role on the Vipers last season but has emerged as a starter that plays heavy minutes in 2015-16. Putney went undrafted in the 2014 NBA Draft. He is 25 years old.  

Each day of the Showcase, we list a 12-man roster of the most efficient players. This is done mostly to help ingrain each name in my own memory and help me further my feel for the individuals' games.

The Hoop Obsession All D League Showcase Team for Day Two (Jan. 7, 2015)  

Starting Five: (Click on name to see highlights if available)

Xavier Mumford - Bakersfield 
Manny Harris - Texas 
Raphiael Putney - Rio Grande Valley
Jarnell Stokes - Sioux Falls
Michael Eric - Texas - 14 points (6-9 FG), 6 rebounds, 3 blocked shots in 24 minutes.

Reserves:

Terry Rozier - Maine
Allen Durham - Texas
Coty Clarke - Maine
Chris Walker - Rio Grande Valley
Greg Smith - 905
Brandon Ashley - Texas
Askia Booker - Bakersfield

James Ennis gets down on day two

Ennis' J is improved.

The most efficient player Sunday at the NBA Orlando Summer League was Miami's James Ennis. The 6'7" 210 lb small forward from Long Beach State scored 29 points on a ridiculously good 10-12 FG. Ennis made seven of the eight three-point shots he attempted in the Heat's 110-91 victory over the Brooklyn Nets summer squad. Ennis' high-energy game earned him our Hoop Obsession MVP award for day two. 

Most efficient shooting guard on a winning team: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Detroit. ..."KCP" went nuts again. As the featured scorer for the Pistons summer squad, Caldwell-Pope scored 30 points (10-20 FG, 4-8 3-pt FG, 6-7 FT), and grabbed 12 rebounds. Needless to say, he was impressive in the Pistons 85-82 win over Memphis. "KCP" was lauded yesterday as well for his outstanding efficient play. With Rodney Stuckey an unrestricted free agent, Caldwell-Pope seems in line for a big opportunity on the real Pistons squad come fall. 

Most efficient center on a winning team: Justin Hamilton, Miami. ...Hamilton is better than I had previously given him credit for being. He really has a nice offensive skill set, including the ability to face the basket and make perimeter shots. Hamilton scored 15 points (6-12 FG), and grabbed nine boards in 25 minutes. He is 7'0" 260 lbs. 

Most efficient point guard on a winning team: Shabazz Napier, Miami. ...After a day to forget Saturday, Napier rebounded with a very good performance Sunday. He scored 17 points, dished seven assists and had four rebounds in 26 minutes. Napier had the pass of the day on a pick-n-roll, going between Mason Plumlee's legs with a bounce pass assist. 

Most efficient power forward on a winning team: Ronald Roberts Jr., Philadelphia. ...Roberts actually played center for most of this game but we project him as a "beast forward" in the NBA if he makes the cut. He certainly has made scouts aware of his combination of power and athleticism. Roberts scored 12 points (5-6 FG) and had six rebounds in the summer Sixers 84-73 win over Oklahoma City. 

Seven more stars: 

Strength is Stokes' strength. 

Jarnell Stokes, Memphis. ...Stokes was outstanding in a losing effort for the summer Grizz. Stokes is an extra strong power forward that also has a high basketball IQ with regard to his own game. He will pass up a shot that is too deep and wait for the right time to show his paint game. He scored 16 points (6-9 FG, 4-5 FT) and grabbed 12 rebounds in 29 minutes. 

Mason Plumlee, Nets. ...Plumlee, while not as effective as he was yesterday, was still plenty good. On Sunday, Plumlee scored 18 points (6-7 FG) in 23 minutes. 

Peyton Siva, Detroit. ...The more I watch Siva, the more I believe in him as a rotation backup NBA point guard. He is so smart, and he makes his teammates better, constantly looking for ways to set them up. Sunday, Siva finished at the rim and scored enough to be dynamic. He had 12 points, seven assists, and five boards in 28 minutes. 

Jordan Adams, Memphis. ...Adams showed that his first day success was not a fluke. The UCLA product knocked down jumpers and made all seven of his free throw attempts en route to 20 points (6-13 FG) in 30 minutes. Adams added seven rebounds. 

K.J. McDaniels, Philadelphia. ...He only played 20 minutes but McDaniels was effective in his brief run. He scored 13 points and had four rebounds while playing smothering defense. 

Roberson played some TWO Sunday.

Andre Roberson, Oklahoma City. ...What to do with Roberson? He lined up at shooting guard Sunday and had 12 points, ten rebounds and two assists with only one turnover in 30 minutes. While we don't foresee Roberson playing full-time on the wing, he did make a three-point shot, and he took care of the basketball Sunday. He is such a talented rebounder, and efficient player, OKC would be wise to continue to look for creative ways to get Roberson on the floor. 

DeAndre Liggins, Detroit. ...Liggins plays a complementary game that would benefit many teams. He simply gets after it defensively and then has enough ability as a passer to be effective enough on offense. He had eight points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals in his 28 minutes Sunday. 

Notes: Tyler Johnson of Fresno State looked sharp in in limited playing time. In just 13 minutes, Johnson scored 14 points on 6-6 FG. A back-cut for a quick-jump dunk was eye-opening. ...Jorge Gutierrez left the Nets game in the first half after an apparent rib injury. ...Casper Ware scored 20 points, with five rebounds, and five assists in Philly's win. ...Jakarr Sampson, a rookie from St John's, showed NBA athleticism but his game has a long way to go to be efficient. ...Semaj Christon replaced Nolan Smith in the OKC starting lineup. Christon is a player that has some upside in our opinion due, in part, to his self-confidence.