Saturday, July 5, 2014

Mason Plumlee stars in Orlando Summer League day one.

Plumlee was outstanding on day one.
The NBA tipped off 2014 Summer League play in Orlando Saturday morning. Ten teams, mostly composed of young players, played five games. We like to look, daily, at the players that were the most efficient per-minute (20 minutes playing time minimum), at their respective positions. While mass media will tell you how the high draft picks fared, we are dedicated to shedding light on the the players who were most effective, regardless of their draft status, size, or any other prejudgements. 

...We are not connected to any player agent, or directly connected to any team. We are not "selling" anything in these reports (except the fact that we love basketball, and have been evaluating players formally for 15 years).

Day One stories: 

Pierre Jackson suffered a right Achilles tendon injury on a seemingly simple play. Jackson was off to a sizzling start, having scored seven points in seven minutes when the injury occurred. His absence made it difficult for Philadelphia to score from the guard position. Orlando beat Philly 83-77. ...Nerlens Noel played his first "professional" game and was highly effective, scoring 19 points (6-11 FG, 7-7 FT) with four steals. 

Most efficient player on a winning team:  Brooklyn's Mason Plumlee. Our Hoop Obsession MVP of the day scored 23 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and had three steals in nearly 24 minutes of playing time at the Center position. The Nets easily handled the Pacers 101-81. 

Most efficient point guard on a winning team: Marquis Teague, also of the Nets. Teague scored 14 points and dished six assists in his 21 minutes of action. 


Adams vertical not an issue Saturday. 
Most efficient shooting guard on a winning team: Jordan Adams, Memphis. ...Adams displayed his amazingly quick hands, coming up with four steals to go with 22 points, off the bench. Adams scored from deep (4-6 3-pt FG), mid-range, and from the free throw line (8-8 FT). The summer Grizzlies mauled the Thunder 84-63. 

Most efficient small forward on a winning team: Donte Greene - Brooklyn. ...Greene scored from deep and also off the dribble, beating slower, bigger players to the basket or drawing a foul. Greene made all six of his free throws. He finished with 13 points and seven rebounds in 21 minutes. 

Most efficient power forward on a winning team: Mike Moser, Boston. ...Moser made plays at NBA speed and showed his ability to work without the basketball as a cutter. Moser scored 17 points in nearly 25 minutes of play. He made 3-6 3-pt FG, and 6-6 FT. 

Seven more stars: 


Don't get in Roberts' way.
Ronald Roberts Jr., Philadelphia. ...Roberts showed off his power and athleticism, dominating in the paint at times. The rookie power forward scored 12 points and grabbed nine rebounds in just 20 minutes. He had a an Antonio Davis-esque finish that was spectacular. 

Victor Oladipo, Orlando. ...Oladipo was brilliant in the Magic win over Philly. He had 18 points (6-11 FG, 4-4 FT), six rebounds, and three assists in 26 minutes. 

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Detroit. ..."KCP" can handle the ball well, which separates him from many other shooting guards. He went for 26 points (8-19 FG, 8-9 FT), and picked up six steals in 32 minutes. 

Nerlens Noel, Philadelphia. ...(See above for stats) ...Noel is extremely quick for his length. He was jack-knifing all over the court, making plays for himself, and his teammates (he had three assists). Defensively, Noel altered many shots at the rim. He also showed the ability to use either hand effectively around the hoop. 

Perry Jones III, Oklahoma City. ...Jones was a bright spot on an otherwise dreary day for the Thunder. He had 15 points (5-7 FG, 2-2 3-pt FG, 3-4 FT) and six rebounds in 31 minutes, playing very much under control. 

Peyton Siva, Detroit. ...Siva still can get into trouble finishing at the rim but his ability to run a team, and make the correct plays is impressive. His Pistons team beat the summer Rockets 95-89 due in large part to Siva's point guard play. Siva finished with 16 points and six assists in 28 minutes. 

DeAndre Liggins, Detroit. ...Liggins is a potential top-tier NBA wing defender. He had five steals, to go with seven points, and seven rebounds in 28 minutes. He only attempted three field goals yet he still found a way, through hustle, to be efficient at small forward. 

Notes: ...Solomon Hill did not play for the Pacers. ...Kelly Olynyk looked more toned, having recently added muscle to his frame. The Celtics second year player scored 20 points in Boston's 85-77 win over Miami. ...See the top 10 plays according to NBA-TV. 



No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.