Keenan Evans (Texas Tech 2018) was the most efficient player during action Wednesday across the two NBA Summer Leagues that wrapped up in Sacramento and Salt Lake City. Evans, who was undrafted in 2018, scored 20 points, grabbed three rebounds and snared two steals in 18 minutes for the summer version of the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 81-68. Evans played last season in the NBA G League for the Delaware Blue Coats. Joining Evans on the Hoop Obsession All-Summer League Team for day three... Willie Reed - Utah. 14 points (7-13 FG, 0-1 FT), 16 rebounds in 24 mins. Jordan Howard - Lakers. 25 points (10-15 FG, 5-8 3-pt.), 4 rebounds, 4 assists in 28 mins. Kyle Alexander - Miami. 2 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocked shots, in 20 mins. Semaj Christon - Sacramento. 13 points (5-8 FG, 2-3 3-pt., 1-2 FT), 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals in 25 mins. Damien Jones - Golden State. 15 points (5-8 FG, 5-6 FT), 7 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocked shots in 29 mins. Nick Perkins - Lakers. 20 points (8-13 FG, 2-4 3-pt., 2-2 FT), 7 rebounds in 16 mins. John Konchar - Memphis. 11 points (5-10 FG, 1-4 3-pt.), 8 rebounds in 26 mins. Miye Oni - Utah. 17 points (5-12 FG, 4-8 3-pt., 3-4 FT), 6 rebounds, 2 steals in 28 mins. Davon Reed - Golden State. 12 points (4-8 FG, 2-5 3-pt. 2-2 FT), 2 steals in 19 mins. Hollis Thompson - Sacramento. 9 points (3-7 FG, 1-3 3-pt., 2-2 FT) 6 rebounds in 23 mins. Wenyen Gabriel - Sacramento. 16 points (6-12 FG, 1-4 3-pt., 3-4 FT), 5 rebounds in 23 mins.
Stephan Hicks scored 19 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and dished three assists in 30 minutes to earn the Hoop Obsession Player of the Day nod for the final day of action at the G-League Winter Showcase. Hicks' Fort Wayne Mad Ants defeated the South Bay Lakers 100-97. Hicks, a 6'6" 200 lb., wing from Cal-State Northridge made eight of his 15 field goal attempts. Hicks went undrafted in 2015. He is 26 years-old. Joining Hicks as standouts on Saturday (December 22, 2018)... Richard Solomon - Oklahoma City. 15 points (6-7 FG, 1-2 3-pt., 2-2 FT), 11 rebounds., 2 steals, 3 blks. in 21 minutes. Wille Reed - Salt Lake City. 12 points (6-7 FG), 8 rebounds., 3 assists, 3 blks, in 22 minutes. Harry Giles III - Stockton. 21 points (9-16 FG, 3-3 3-pt.), 8 rebounds, 3 assists in 21 minutes. Christian Wood - Wisconsin. 34 points (9-16 FG, 2-5 3-pt, 14-17 FT), 9 rebounds, 5 blks. in 38 minutes. Alex Caruso - South Bay. 19 points (8-10 FG, 2-4 3-pt., 1-2 FT), 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 3 blks. in 30 minutes. Alize Johnson - Fort Wayne. 16 points(6-15 FG, 4-7 3-pt.), 22 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, in 37 minutes. Cam Oliver - Delaware. 23 points (9-15 FG, 0-2 3=pt, 5-5 FT), 10 rebounds, 3 steals in 33 minutes. Kalin Lucas - Stockton. 20 points (7-16 FG, 4-6 3-pt., 2-2 FT), 12 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals in 28 minutes. Gary Payton II - Rio Grande Valley. 14 points (7-16 FG, 0-2 3-pt.), 12 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals in 35 minutes. Deonte Burton - Oklahoma City. 21 points (9-15 FG, 2-5 3-pt., 1-1 FT), 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 2 blks., in 30 minutes. Troy Williams - Stockton. 13 points (4-9 FG, 2-6 3-pt., 3-4 FT), 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals in 23 minutes.
Stanley Johnson was again the most efficient player on a winning team during Wednesday's NBA Summer League play. With only three games on the schedule, all being played in Orlando, FL, there was an opportunity for some fringe players to open eyes. However, the players who head our list of the dozen best for the day, are a familiar lot. Nobody was better than Johnson, the Detroit Pistons rookie swingman from Arizona. Johnson scored 20 points (8-15 FG, 0-1 3-pt., 4-7 FT), while adding ten rebounds, three steals, and two blocked shots in 26 minutes. The Pistons rolled over the Indiana Pacers 90-65. Johnson has been the best player through the first five days of NBA Summer League games. Hoop Obsession All-NBA Summer League team for Wednesday, July 8, 2015: Myles Turner - Indiana. ...Turner was strong again in defeat. The Pacers' rookie BIG scored 23 points (9-16 FG, 0-1 3-pt., 5-7 FT), grabbed eight boards, and blocked four shots in 31 minutes. Willie Reed - Miami. ...The Heat went to 4-0 with an 87-85 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Reed, as he's done in each game, played a quality game in the paint. Reed finished with 17 points (7-10 FG, 3-5 FT), seven rebounds, and four blocked shots in 30 minutes. Yanick Moreira - Clippers. ...Moreira played his best game to date Wednesday. The rookie free-agent from SMU had eight points (3-6 FG, 2-2 FT) and seven rebounds in just 20 minutes. Joseph Young - Indiana. ...Young is being asked to play point guard on this poorly assembled Pacers summer roster. The team fell to 0-3 Wednesday. Young played as well as one can expect for a guy out of position. The natural shooting guard in a PG's body scored 25 points (9-15 FG, 3-3 3-pt., 4-4 FT), had three rebounds, and five assists (but four turnovers as well) in 32 minutes. Branden Dawson - Clippers. ...Dawson scored 15 points (7-13 FG, 1-3 FT) and added eleven rebounds, three steals, and four blocked shots in another active, productive game. D.J. Newbill - Clippers. ...The undrafted rookie from Penn State has demonstrated the required athletic ability to compete in the NBA. He played his best game of the summer Wednesday with 18 points and four rebounds in 26 minutes. Newbill is a 6'4", 210 lb., shooting guard. Jared Berggren - Detroit. ...Berggren had eight points (4-6 FG) and seven boards in 22 minutes. Sundiata Gaines - Detroit. ...Gaines is among the older players still trying to gain attention in the summer. The 29 year-old NBA veteran from Georgia came off the Pistons bench Wednesday to score 14 points (5-9 FG, 1-3 3-pt., 3-4 FT) and snare three rebounds in 21 minutes. Diante Garrett - Clippers. ...The 26 year-old point guard has impressed as a backup that is right on the verge of being an NBA player again. Garrett was last seen in the league in 2013-14 with the Utah Jazz. Wednesday, Garrett had 20 points (9-18 FG, 1-3 3-pt., 1-2 FT), six rebounds, three assists, and three steals in 37 minutes (a heavy load for summer play). Justin Harper - Detroit. ...Harper had eight points (3-6 FG, 0-1 3-pt., 2-2 FT), six rebounds and two blocked shots, coming off the Pistons bench. We have always maintained that Harper's best position is small forward yet teams seem to want to make him a stretch-four. Despite the good numbers Wednesday, Harper doesn't rebound well enough to pull off the power forward play with consistent success. Scottie Wilbekin - Orlando (White). ...Wilbekin has a reputation as a great defender who can't make perimeter shots. However, he is making strides toward proving folks wrong about his jumper. Wilbekin had 15 points (5-12 FG, 5-8 3-pt.), and three rebounds in 25 minutes as a key cog in keeping the Orlando White team undefeated. The Magic White team beat Charlotte 81-68.
Stanley Johnson was the most efficient player on a winning team in the three games played Sunday at the NBA Orlando Summer League. The rookie from Arizona was the eighth selection in the 2015 NBA Draft. Johnson showed off his combination of strength, athleticism, and skill in the Detroit Pistons 77-69 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Johnson scored 24 points (10-14 FG, 1-3 3-pt., 3-5 FT), grabbed nine rebounds, and snatched three steals in 31 minutes. It says here that Johnson will be a big upgrade on the wing for the Pistons this season. Last season, Detroit played the aging Caron Butler, and aging Tayshaun Prince far too often at small forward. Jodie Meeks and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope received the bulk of the shooting guard minutes. Pairing Johnson with Meeks (healthy headed into the 2015-16 season) appears to be the correct path for improvement. Our Hoop Obsession All NBA Summer League Team for Sunday July 5, 2015... Troy Daniels - Charlotte. ...When Troy Daniels has his shot dropping like it was Sunday there is not too much the defense can do to stop him. Daniels went nutso from beyond the arc, nailing six three-pointers en route to 21 points (7-12 FG, 6-9 3-pt., 1-1 FT) and six boards. Daniels' Charlotte team was beaten 79-75 by Memphis. Daniels spent time on three NBA rosters in 2014-15. The way he is playing for Charlotte he may give P.J,. Hairston a run for his position. Kammeon Holsey - Detroit. ...Holsey scored 16 points (7-9 FG, 2-4 FT), and had two steals in 22 efficient minutes. Holsey is 6'8" 234 lbs. He went undrafted in 2014 out of Georgia Tech. Holsey played for the Grand Rapids Drive in the D-League last season. Willie Reed - Miami. ...Reed continues to make our "best-of" lists whether it is in the D-League or Summer League it is apparent to us that Reed is good enough to be on an NBA roster. Sunday Reed was instrumental in Miami's win by pouring in 17 points (9-12 FG, 1-3 FT), and grabbing nine rebounds in 28 minutes. ...The Heat beat the Nets 71-70 on a tip-in by Tyler Johnson who received a pass from Justise Winslow from side out of bounds, with four tenths of a second left. Ryan Boatright - Brooklyn. ...Boatright is a shooting guard in a point guard's body. Sunday Boatright was fantastic as a playmaker for himself, shaking his man repeatedly to gain space for his jumper. Boatright scored 23 points (7-14 FG, 5-8 3-pt., 4-4 FT) and added two steals in 25 minutes. Boatright ran the point for the Nets Sunday. Despite his good scoring, Boatright had zero assists and three turnovers offering further evidence that he is not a point guard. Aaron Harrison - Charlotte. ...Aaron Harrison, undrafted out of Kentucky, looked like a guy with a real shot to make an NBA team. He didn't shoot well from the perimeter but he used his size advantage (6'5" 210) to be an efficient contributor. He had 16 points (6-10 FG, 0-3 3-pt., 4-6 FT), eight assists and four rebounds in 29 minutes. Frank Kaminsky - Charlotte. ...Kaminsky had another solid outing. He scored 14 points (6-8 FG, 2-3 3-pt., 0-1 FT) with eight rebounds and two blocked shots in 33 minutes. Russ Smith - Memphis. ...Smith is so speedy. He also is a fierce competitor that is a pesky defender. I enjoyed watching him run the Summer Grizz, leading them to a win. Smith had 14 points (5-10 FG, 0-2 3-pt., 4-5 FT), seven assists, and three steals Sunday. Tyler Johnson - Miami. ...Johnson had the game winning shot for the Heat, a testament to his strength and jumping ability that he could score in a desperate situation. The second year pro from Fresno State continued to excel in summer play with 12 points (4-9 FG, 1-2 3-pt., 3-4 FT), four rebounds, and four assists in 25 minutes. Jarnell Stokes - Memphis. ...Stokes bullied his way to ten points (3-5 FG, 4-6 FT) and eight boards in the Grizzlies victory. Notes: Two players who have caught my eye as terrific defenders are Josh Richardson and Greg Whittington. Richardson, a Heat second round pick from Tennessee, has shown the ability to block jump shots one-on-one. His length and recovery time is extraordinary. ...Whittington is simply all over the court. His lively defensive game is light years ahead of his offense but his defensive impact on two games in two days was eye opening.
The annual NBA D-League Showcase moves from Reno, Nevada to Santa Cruz, California for 2015 and it offers some structural changes as well. For the first time, a tournament format will be used with the top eight teams advancing to the championship round of play. The focus on team play is welcomed and should be applauded. In past D-League Showcases we have seen players "going for their own" too often. Prior to the Showcase we do an audit of the D League stats, year-to-date, and try to enter the 2015 Showcase as "data informed" as we can be. We continue to believe that data can be a useful tool but it must be combined with a "feel" and a dose of common sense when scouting professional basketball is concerned. The D-league can be a source for help to an NBA roster. In many instances, the youngest players on NBA rosters are not much better, if better at all, than the top D-Leaguers. Last season, Shabazz Muhammad and Rudy Gobert used the Showcase to shine. DeWayne Dedmon was still property of the Santa Cruz Warriors. He has since parlayed that into a gig with the Orlando Magic. I was hoping to see Joe Alexander play this time around but the Santa Cruz Warriors forward signed a deal to play in Israel through April. Alexander, now 28 years old, had started to show NBA worthy ability. This year - here are the players we are particularly interested in seeing again...
McAdoo is on the verge
James Michael McAdoo - Santa Cruz 6'9" 229 PF ... I wasn't sold on him at North Carolina but McAdoo is making me re-think. McAdoo has one of the strongest defensive ratings in the D-League. He can score despite not shooting the three-ball at all. He has improved from being a 56% free throw shooter in college to now hitting 72%. That is HUGE because he does get to the line often. He is getting closer to being good enough as a decision maker to have a shot at playing on an NBA team. He currently has as many assists as turnovers through 16 D-League contests. His standing reach of 8'10.5" is the same as Kyle O'Quinn and Quincy Acy which helps explain why McAdoo is blocking shots left and right. Willie Reed - Grand Rapids 6'10" 220 PF ...The "stretch four" fascination in the NBA is working against Reed, now 24 years old, and continuing to improve. He is shooting 70% FG and he gobbles up rebounds, especially on the offensive end. He plays solid defense. Reed is averaging 13 points and eleven rebounds per game but his shooting range is limited. He still can't make free throws (47%), and his decision making is suspect. JaMychal Green - Austin 6'9" 220 PF ...The reigning D-League Player of the Month, Green is playing with absurd efficiency. He is averaging 22.5 points, and eleven rebounds per game on the season for the Spurs affiliate. He does not have reliable range out to the three point line but he does have touch for a BIG. He shoots 80% FT (career). Green is 24 years old. Talib Zanna - Oklahoma City 6'9" 232 PF ...Zanna was draft eligible in 2014 out of Pittsburgh. He is shooting 63% FG while averaging 12 points and ten boards for the OKC Blue. He leads the D-League in offensive rebounding (total). Tim Frazier - Maine 6'1" 170 PG ...Frazier is a guy capable of putting up a triple-double in any game he plays in. His one weakness is his deep shooting, otherwise I think he would already have an NBA gig. Frazier is averaging 16 points, eight assists, and six rebounds per game. The D-League Showcase begins January 15 and runs through the 19th. For more information and to purchase tickets please follow this link.
Willie Reed was the most efficient player on a winning team in day three action of the NBA Orlando Summer League. Reed was effective at both ends of the floor in the Pacers easy 96-77 win over the Celtics. Reed, listed at 6'10" 220 (but looks heavier) scored 18 points (8-12 FG), had six rebounds, four blocked shots, and three assists in 25 minutes. Reed was recently released by the Sacramento Kings after playing for their D-League team, the Reno Bighorns. He is 24 years old. Most efficient point guard on a winning team: Nolan Smith, Oklahoma City. ...Smith did not look ready to play Saturday but Monday he performed well. Smith, 25 years-old, from Duke, scored eleven points (3-4 FG, 4-4 FT), dished four assists with zero turnovers, and had three steals in 20 minutes. His Thunder notched their first win in three tries in Orlando Summer League play with a 98-84 W over the Brooklyn Nets. Most efficient small forward on a winning team: James Nunnally, Indiana. ...How can a guy go 0-5 FG and be efficient you ask? The answer; do a bunch of other things to fill up the boxscore and help your team get to the winner's circle. That's what Nunnally did Monday. The 23 year-old from San Jose, CA had six points (6-6 FT), seven rebounds, four steals, and four assists with no turnovers in 21 minutes. Most efficient power forward on a winning team: Mitch McGary, Oklahoma City. ...McGary was a monster on Monday. The 21st pick in the 2014 NBA Draft had 18 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocked shots in 31 minutes. A rookie from Michigan that was instrumental in the Wolverines 2012-13 success, McGary again showed his high-revving motor, and well-rounded skill set. The 22 year-old left hander projects as a great fit for the Thunder. While McGary can be sloppy with the ball (four turnovers Monday), he "gives himself a chance" by staying perpetually aggressive and involved. If he stays healthy, the real Oklahoma City Thunder may have found a solution to their gaping efficiency hole up front. Switch the ever-efficient and active McGary with Kendrick Perkins and the OKC team efficiency rises significantly. It appears to us to be a potential elevating fit in the same way that Kawhi Leonard replacing Richard Jefferson made the Spurs more efficient overall.
Lamb makes it look easy.
Most efficient shooting guard on a winning team: Jeremy Lamb, Oklahoma City. ..."The Lambinator" makes the game look easy. He had 26 points (8-21 FG, 2-7 3pt. FG, 8-9 FT), eight rebounds, and three steals in a heavy 35 minutes Monday. Seven more stars: Elfrid Payton - Orlando. ...Payton rebounded tremendously from a poor opening game Saturday. The tenth overall selection in the 2014 NBA Draft looked like the floor-leader Orlando wants him to be Monday in the Magic's 87-69 victory over the summer Rockets. Payton had 12 points (5-5 FG, 2-4 FT), eight rebounds, and nine assists (four turnovers) in 29 minutes. Mason Plumlee - Brooklyn. ...Playing his third game in three days, Plumlee was still effective. The soon-to-be second year pro had 13 points (4-6 FG, 5-6 FT), six rebounds, and three assists in 23 minutes.
Moser's been good in Orlando
Mike Moser - Boston. ...Moser posted 11 points (3-9 FG, 3-7 3-pt. FG, 2-2 FT), six rebounds, and four assists in 21 minutes off the bench Monday. The undrafted rookie free-agent has looked the part of an NBA forward in his opening two summer league games. He is offensively aggressive. Kevin Jones - Indiana. ...Jones, 24, from West Virginia, has been playing professionally in the Philippines. He scored 17 points (7-12 FG, 3-4 FT), and grabbed seven rebounds in the Pacers win Monday. His face-up shot was falling and he and Willie Reed played well together. Jones looks out of shape to our eyes but that did not stop him from playing well. At 6'8" 250 lbs (or more), Jones is now certainly a power forward. There was a point in his career where he seemed to be in-between being a THREE or a FOUR. Marcus Lewis - Oklahoma City. ...The D-League/French League veteran with the big behind knows how to play. He was trotted out as OKC's starting center (think Chuck Hayes) Monday. Lewis responded with 13 points (6-8 FG), three assists, and three steals. He is 27 years old. Cory Jefferson - Brooklyn. ...Jefferson, a rookie from Baylor that was the 60th and final pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, had a nice contribution Monday. Jefferson scored nine points (2-4 FG, 5-5 FT), and grabbed five boards in 23 minutes. Chris Crawford - Houston. ...Crawford did not shoot well but played a nice game otherwise as a lone bright spot for the surprisingly bad Houston summer team. Crawford had 12 points (3-13 FG, 5-5 FT), eight rebounds and five assists in 26 minutes.
Today we look at a half-dozen players that needed to be reevaluated...
Gilbert Brown is a great athlete that made strides as a shooter during his five-year career at Pittsburgh. …In 2007-08 he shot just 24% from 3-pt range but by the end of his Senior season (2010-11) he was up to a very good 42% from beyond the college arc. ...He also improved his assist-to-turnover ratio to a very respectable 1.51:1. ...He is an excellent offensive rebounder for his position and he also can defend. ...He is clearly improving and is also putting in the time to improve. He has been working out in Las Vegas at Impact Basketball Academy in preparation for the draft.
Leon Radosevic is a solid basketball player that seems to have an understanding of how to play the game. However - he lacks the athleticism and dynamic ability that most NBA players possess. He rarely takes a bad shot and that is a strength in his game. He shoots 54% FG. ...He struggles at the line at 67%. ...He does not shoot the long-ball at all. Radosevic recently signed a contract extension with Cibona through 2014.
Willie Reed played two seasons at St. Louis but sat out the 2010-11 campaign after being dismissed from the university following a sex scandal. He is a 6'9" shot blocker that struggles with any perimeter shooting. His free throw percentage for two years as a Billiken was a putrid 50 percent. He led the Atlantic 10 in field goal percentage as a sophomore (.587). ...In high school - as a junior - Reed was ranked 32nd among forwards in the nation by the scouting service Scout.com.
Xavi Rabaseda can be seen on YouTube doing Rex Chapman-like reverse dunks but is his overall game ready for the NBA? Rabaseda is a good enough athlete but his skill level just is not there yet. He might be a guy worth drafting just to retain his rights because his ceiling is higher than most in Europe due to the bounce in his step. Rabaseda's low efficiency this season (.324 EFR) just does not translate to success at the NBA level. He shoots just 43% FG, and 69% FT. He has more turnovers than assists. …Right handed. ...He does demonstrate the ability as an athlete to compete in the league but so does Terrell Owens. Video of Rabaseda below:
Another under-the-radar player garnering looks from NBA teams is Chaisson Allen of Northeastern. Allen has size at 6'4" for a point guard but his overall efficiency is not high enough to warrant NBA consideration. He is not able to sufficiently create his own shot or get consistent penetration into the paint. He does shoot the three-ball well (38% as a Senior), and he does defend well too.
Joffrey Lauvergne worked out today for the Boston Celtics. The French product is a right handed PF that pursues the ball well. He shows promise for a 19 year-old kid but he lacks the hyper-athleticism needed to compete favorably against NBA BIGS. …I like his all-business demeanor on the floor and he has good timing and rebounding instincts. This season he is shooting only 64% from the line and he has more turnovers than assists.
