I've been watching the Summer League games on NBATV and there are some surprises and disappointments thus far while some players are just what they are billed to be.
The Heroes:
Anthony Randolph - Golden State Warriors
19 points, 6.3 boards a game
My first impression of this guy was "boy he's skinny", but this guy is wiry strong. He was banging in there with the big boys every chance he got. What really impressed me was his ball handling abilities. He truly handles the ball like a point guard and showed some nifty behind the back dribbles going full speed to juke guards trying to steal the ball from him. He is exactly the kind of player that needs to play alongside Monta Ellis.
Kevin Love - Minnesota Timberwolves
20 points, 15 boards and 2 assists per game (3)
Many had this guy as a bust and questioned McHale's decision to deal Mayo for him, but this guy is look like a beast so far. He's much more athletic and quicker than I thought he was. He showed that he can score in a variety of ways. Love and Jefferson in the front court? Wow.
Donte Green - Houston Rockets
25 points and 4 rebounds
Though I would like to see his rebounding numbers higher, he has really impressed me with the way he can stroke the ball. Possibly the best shot creator in the draft. Had a 40 point game and was on fire from everywhere on the court. Can handle the ball pretty well also. Though comparing him to another Syracuse product, Carmelo Anthony, wouldn't be too far off at this stage, he's definitely Tim Thomas.
Others: Joey Dorsey, Eric Gordon, JJ Hickson, Marreese Speights, Jason Thompson
Zeroes:
Jerryd Bayless - Portland Trailblazers
27 points and 1.3 assists
For a guy that had huge questions regarding his ability to play the point guard position, he has yet to show that he can play that position. His defense has been pretty bad and his shoot first, shoot second mentality makes Iverson look like John Stockton. 1 assist and less than a steal a game? Hardly Arenas type numbers, even in Summer League standards. Will be a role player in the league like a Luther Head, Juan Dixon, Delonte West, or Willie Green.
DJ Augustin - Charlotte Bobcats
19 points and 1 assist
The same goes for Augustin who as a 5'11 point guard, should dish out more than an assist a game. On a team like the Bobcats who have very little passers, this may not bode well for their team. He's looking more like Nate Robinson without the athleticism and speed.
Others: OJ Mayo, Robin Lopez, Darrell Arthur, Javale McGee, DeAndre Jordan
I've been watching the Summer League games on NBATV and there are some surprises and disappointments thus far while some players are just what they are billed to be.
The Heroes:
Anthony Randolph - Golden State Warriors
19 points, 6.3 boards a game
My first impression of this guy was "boy he's skinny", but this guy is wiry strong. He was banging in there with the big boys every chance he got. What really impressed me was his ball handling abilities. He truly handles the ball like a point guard and showed some nifty behind the back dribbles going full speed to juke guards trying to steal the ball from him. He is exactly the kind of player that needs to play alongside Monta Ellis.
Kevin Love - Minnesota Timberwolves
20 points, 15 boards and 2 assists per game (3)
Many had this guy as a bust and questioned McHale's decision to deal Mayo for him, but this guy is look like a beast so far. He's much more athletic and quicker than I thought he was. He showed that he can score in a variety of ways. Love and Jefferson in the front court? Wow.
Donte Green - Houston Rockets
25 points and 4 rebounds
Though I would like to see his rebounding numbers higher, he has really impressed me with the way he can stroke the ball. Possibly the best shot creator in the draft. Had a 40 point game and was on fire from everywhere on the court. Can handle the ball pretty well also. Though comparing him to another Syracuse product, Carmelo Anthony, wouldn't be too far off at this stage, he's definitely Tim Thomas.
Others: Joey Dorsey, Eric Gordon, JJ Hickson, Marreese Speights, Jason Thompson
Zeroes:
Jerryd Bayless - Portland Trailblazers
27 points and 1.3 assists
For a guy that had huge questions regarding his ability to play the point guard position, he has yet to show that he can play that position. His defense has been pretty bad and his shoot first, shoot second mentality makes Iverson look like John Stockton. 1 assist and less than a steal a game? Hardly Arenas type numbers, even in Summer League standards. Will be a role player in the league like a Luther Head, Juan Dixon, Delonte West, or Willie Green.
DJ Augustin - Charlotte Bobcats
19 points and 1 assist
The same goes for Augustin who as a 5'11 point guard, should dish out more than an assist a game. On a team like the Bobcats who have very little passers, this may not bode well for their team. He's looking more like Nate Robinson without the athleticism and speed.
Others: OJ Mayo, Robin Lopez, Darrell Arthur, Javale McGee, DeAndre Jordan
Summer League Rookie Zeroes and Heroes
