Nba Summer League MidSeason:
I love summer league basketball because of a couple things. I love the fact that no player can foul out and fans get to see guys who are hungry and trying to prove themselves against others a lot like them. Sure, some were first round picks but that only makes it harder in a lot of cases because people are out to prove that they belong. Here’s what i think has stood out so far:
Tyreke Evans: In the words of Charlie Murphy describing Prince as a basketball player, “that cat can ball”. Tyreke Evans is shooting the ball well and scoring with ease in the summer league. He has shown the ability to get to the basket and is a very strong finisher. His shot is ugly looking but rather effective. Typically players with ugly shots are usually streaky shooters and he’s no different but his ability to get in the lane and get fouled will help him in the league. More and more I love this pick for the Kings because Evans is a playmaker. He’s not a point yet but he’s a legit playmaker and will prove that in the NBA.
Steph Curry: Disappointing so far. I still think he’s going to be a good pro but so far he isn’t shooting the ball well and players are going at him hard. He’s had some good halves of games but hasn’t put a complete one together yet. I think he’s trying to hard and forcing too many shots. He doesn’t have to be the man anymore and that might be effecting his play. I’m just attributing it to trying to hard and that’s it. Curry can play.
Adam Morrison: So far the guy is proving that he may not be the worst pick in the history of the draft. Morrison is a year removed from ACL surgery and sat the bench for the Lakers last season. IN fact, he wasn’t even on the playoff roster. Morrison has a lot to prove and is one of the veterans of the summer league but he scores the ball well. He’s averaged 21 a game so far while shooting 42% from 3. I know it is a small sample size but he is showing that he might have some value on a roster and actually earn some time. However let me say that using my self created “Luke Jackson” rule…no summer league superstar has ever been given time based on his play in the summer league. Luke Jackson looked like a superstar in the summer but never put it together in the league.
James Harden: He’s trying to prove me wrong and I’m a LOT suprised. I watched this kid in college game after game and never was truly impressed. As i watched ASU lose in the NCAA tourney I was convinced that Harden wouldn’t be a great pro. He’s showing some strong signs in summer league that he can play and do many things well. I still think he’ll struggle in situations where he doesn’t have the ball and where he isn’t an option offensively but he’s showing now that he deserves a look to be an option for the Thunder. I’m not sold yet but i’m coming around to the idea that he can play.
