Orlando Summer League Final Summary

Sorry for not posting the day 5 and 6 summary’s of the Orlando summer league, I was kind of busy the last few days and didn’t have a chance to give you guys my first class, premium analysis I love to give. Orlando Summer league has now concluded so with that said lets focus on some of that players who left a great impression with fans and teams alike.

Reggie Jackson (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Summer League Stats: 19.5 Points Per Game 2.5 Rebounds 2.5 Assists 1 Steal 53%FG

Reggie Jackson in his Boston College days was one talented scorer. I can attest to that seeing him the ACC lighting up the Hurricanes. As a pro though it seems like Reggie is finally coming into his own. Last season as Russell Westbrook was injured in the playoffs Reggie gained valuable experience and played some good basketball. A more matured game and demeanor seem to be a bi product of that invaluable experience for Jackson. This summer league he wanted to show Thunder management that he should be in their plans moving forward. He did all that and more as he lead all Orlando summer league players in scoring at just under 20 a game and actually set a new Summer league record for points in a game with 35.

Final Analysis: Reggie has shown the ability put the ball in the basket and moving forward as he continues to mature and develop I see the Thunder running small line ups with him at the 1 Westbrook at the 2 and Durant at the 3. The better he plays the more line up flexibility it gives OKC which makes them much more dangerous. Reggie Jackson took some great steps in this summer league season.

Kelly Olynyk (Boston Celtics)

Summer League Stats: 19.5 Points Per Game 8 Rebounds 2.8 Assists 2.3 Steals .5 Blocks 57%FG

I have to say I had a lot of doubts about Kelly Olynyk and I still do but he proved to me in Summer League he can play. He isn’t overpowering in strength but he is crafty and knows how to score the basketball. With his perimeter jump shot he stretches the defense and with his footwork in the post he can create his own offense. I was thoroughly impressed with Olynyk.

Final Analysis: Kelly Olynyk granted this was summer league was dominant and the guys he will see when the season starts will be way more experienced and polished but he is going to be a good fit with Rondo. New coach Ben Stevens needs to get Rondo and this guy on the same page. I think a lot of high pick and pops with Rondo and Olynyk will do wonders for the Celtic offense. I’m looking forward to see how the Celtics use him in this years rotation.

 

Victor Oladipo (Orlando Magic) 

Summer League Stats: 19 Points Per Game 4.3 Rebounds 2.3 Assists 3 Steals 37%FG

If you’re a Magic fan then this season is going to be an exciting one and that excitement comes in the form of first round draft pick Victor Oladipo. This guy has a motor on him and just gets after it on the defensive side of the ball. If you watched him at Indiana you would know he broke the SEC record for steals set by Isaiah Thomas. Watching him at summer league he was all over opposing players causing deflections and forcing turnovers he averaged 3 steals a game. I knew he had a motor and could lay defense but I didn’t know he had the ability to run the point. In many summer league games the Magic had Oladipo running point guard and he did a good job of setting up his teammates.

Final Analysis: The youth movement in Orlandohas to be exciting if you’re a Magic fan with young guys like Nikola Vucevic, Maurice Harkless and Tobias Harris all having the chance to grow with each other. Throwing a guy like Oladipo into that mix just gives them a guy who can potentially be an All-Star and I’m excited to see what’s in store for the Magic youth.

Terrence Jones (Houston Rockets)

Summer League Stats: 15.8 Points Per Game 7 Rebounds 2.5 Assists 1.2 Blocks 42%FG

Terrence Jones is a very talented player. After being sent to the D-League because the Rockets couldn’t find minutes for him in the Houston rotation. It was a blessing in disguise for him because he had a chance to work on his game and polish up. He clearly showed that he improved as he now can handle the basketball, plays with a purpose and every now and then can hit a 3 pointer. Terrence Jones is a man and he plays like one on the glass and gives you great effort.

Final Analysis: Terrence Jones proved this summer league he is no D-League lifer if anything he proved why he is the Rockets future starting power forward. I really hope that’s the case because he is a solid player and I’d hate to see that talent go to waste.

Andre Drummond (Detroit Pistons)

Summer League Stats: 15.7 Points Per Game 15 Rebounds 1.3 Assists 2.7 Steals 2.7 Blocks

Andre Drummond is for lack of a better term a “Stat Sheet Stuffer”. Looking at his summer league numbers will indicate that for you. The Pistons recently picked up Josh Smith and I feel that him, Monroe and Andre Drummond can be the best frontcourt in the NBA. They all know how to rebound and score in the post but all of them are very flawed fundamentally in some areas, Andre Drummond showed that during summer league.

Final Analysis: Drummond has all the physical tools to be an elite center in the NBA but he needs to play smarter and become more efficient from the free throw line. Beside all of that though I think that he is a phenomenal talent and will continue to progress as long as he doesn’t get lazy.

Stay tuned for my new Vegas Summer league series coming soon.

NBA Orlando Summer League: Day 1

Today was the start of the NBA Summer League in Orlando. This is where players prove themselves and all of that pre draft hype gets put to rest. This is where many players set the tone for their careers. Although a lot of these guys have different roles and situations on their team they all have a common goal which is ball out to the best of their abilities and show all suitors and potential suitors they belong to play among the greatest players in world in the NBA. Many Players made their NBA debuts today some went well and some not so well but that’s what I’m here for to break it down for you.

Terrence Jones (Houston Rockets)

Day 1 Stats vs Sixers: 24 Points 12 Rebounds 1 Assist 9-13 FG in 29:23 minutes of play

Last season after being drafted 18^th overall in the 2012 NBA Draft Terrence Jones found himself outside of the Rockets rotation and found himself in the D-League. He could have complained because lets face it this is a guy who is extremely talented and started on one of the greatest college basketball teams ever but he didn’t let his ego get in the way of improving as a player and worked on his craft which led him to becoming a D-League all-star. Watching him in his 2013 Orlando summer league debut he looked a hell of a lot more polished from when I last saw him with the Rockets. If you watched then he showed you he could do a little bit of everything. In the early stages of the game he flashed his perimeter game hitting his only three-pointer of the game. From there on you saw a player who just gets after it on the boards hauling in 12 rebounds and using every bit of that 6 foot 9 inch 252 pound frame to display his toughness on the boards. He stayed in attack mode and found himself earning lots of points in the paint, this in turn put him at the free throw line where he knocked down 5 of his 7 attempts from the charity stripe. Jones has a high motor and it was on all full display Sunday morning.

Final Analysis: For a guy who worked hard at his craft in the D-league and accomplished a lot this was the best start he could have asked for. If NBA GM's had any questions about the development of Terrence Jones then all of that was quickly put to rest and they were reminded of how talented he was at Kentucky.Terrence has a great chance to earn some minutes in the Rockets rotation this season and as long as he stays consistent this summer league with similar performances like this he will prove to be an asset once the games really count.

Michael Carter-Williams (Philadelphia 76ers)

Day 1 stats vs Rockets: 26 Points 7 Rebounds 8 Assists 9 turnovers 8-23 FG in 34:05 minutes of play

It's a new era in Philadelphia 76ers basketball in recent years they have gotten rid of all-stars Andre Iguadola and Recently traded Jrue Holiday because they have limitless faith in former Syracuse standout point guard Michael Carter-williams, Monday morning he made his summer league debut vs Houston. While I do see a lot of potential in the 6'7 guard I also see someone who for now is very flawed and has some serious adjustments to make. Lets start with the good Carter-williams he is long so when he gets in the lane he can finish and he showed that on a few plays collecting and 1's. He had 11 free throw attempts and made 10 of them so not only did he show the ability to stay aggressive and get to the line but he was nearly perfect from the free throw line which kept the Sixers in the game. Now the bad Carter-williams like most rookies in the league is going to try to do more then he can and force things when he should, his shot selection was very erratic 8-23 he shot he needs to let the game come to him. 9 Turnovers shows that he needs to take care of the basketball but as the game went on he displayed that he can adjust and make plays for his teammates.

Final Analysis: It is only Michael Carter-Williams 1^st game and there are a bunch of high expectations being placed on this guy to replace All-Star Jrue Holiday so give him time. I see a lot of versatility with him as far as his ability to attack the rim, get to the line as well as guarding bigger players when switching pick and rolls with him being 6 feet 7 inches tall. That height also allows him to post up smaller guards on the block which is a viable asset for him, that aspect of his game reminds me a bit of Shaun Livingston. All in all I think he needs to put on some size and develop a perimeter jump shot which will come in time but considering how much he was pressing in the first half of his debut he wound up having a good showing. The future is bright in Philly for this guy.

Victor Oladipo (Orlando Magic)

Day 1 Stats vs Celtics: 18 Points 6 Rebounds 7 Assists 5 Steals 5-13 FG in 33:28 minutes of play

Of all the guys who made their debut Sunday I was most excited to see Victor Oladipo more then anybody. He is one of the pieces in the Orlando Magic youth movement and the future at shooting guard looks bright for them. From the very get go it was the Victor Oladipo show he scored the Magic's first 6 points on two 3 pointers. He showed a lot of what he has to offer with his defensive tenacity deflecting many passes which lead to Boston turnovers and eazy transition points as he collected 5 steals and just caused a whole lot of trouble for the Celtics. One of the most underrated parts of his game was his play making ability as the primary ball handler I was completely oblivious to the fact that he had that ability and the fact that he has that is impressive to me.

Final Analysis: Oladipo is solid in every sense of the word he gets after it defensively, finishes at the rim and makes his teammates better I think the Magic found a good one in the former Hoosier standout. My prediction when speaking about summer league is that Oladipo would be the best player in it and so far it looks like I am right but he looks exactly like the kind of guy you want on your basketball team. Lets see how consistent he stays he already looks like an impact player.

Kelly Olynyk (Boston Celtics)

Day 1 stats vs Magic: 25 Points 7 Rebounds 2 Assists 2 Steals 9-12 FG in 26:42 minutes of play.

Not going to lie of all of the guys in both summer leagues there are no draft prospects I had a lower expectation level for then Kelly Olynyk he comes off as very soft to me and that rubbed me the wrong way at his time at Gonzaga. When I watched him play he pretty much showed me he could play even though he plays like an oversized shooting guard. He displayed tremendous touch around the rim and away from hit very efficient against the Magic big men. He still played very soft he could play with more intensity on defense but he had a good showing in summer league lets see how long it lasts.

Final Analysis: Olynyk looks like the kind of big you would want to play with Rajon Rondo he is an excellent pick and pop player who can stretch the floor with his shooting. Not sure how he will fit into Bostons plans but interested to see what happens to the former Gonzaga phenom.

Jarvis Varnado (Miami Heat)

Day 1 Stats vs Jazz: 10 Points 6 Rebounds 4 blocks 4-11 FG in 31:22 minutes of play

Jarvis Varnado is an excellent shot blocker dating back to his days at Mississippi State and not much has changed now in that department. In his 2013 debut in the Orlando summer league he proved he can give the Heat a presence in the middle which they so desperately need against the Pacers and the Bulls. The only knock on him his he has trouble finishing at the rim needs to work on his hands if he can fix that they won't have to look at Greg Oden.

Final Analysis: If he does what he needs to do then Varnado will be in the Heat rotation come October if not then you will see him in street clothes again on the bench...GET IT DONE JARVIS!

Dionte Christmas (Utah Jazz)

Day 1 stats vs Heat: 14 Points 5 Rebounds 3 Assists 1 Steal 6-10 FG in 24:43 Minutes of play

Dionte Christmas has been trying to get into the league for a minute in his days at Temple he averaged 19+ points for 3 seasons he is a proven scorer and Sunday Morning was no different. In yet another summer league tryout this time with the Utah Jazz he led them in scoring at 14 points in a win over the Heat. He does a great job of getting to his spots on the floor and hitting shots. He needs to continue to do that if he wants to make an NBA Roster.

Final Analysis: Dionte Christams is no scrub he just needs a chance to play and hopefully Utah gives him that chance but he has to give him a reason with more performances like this one.

Andre Drummond (Detroit Pistons)

Day 1 stats vs Nets: 12 Points 16 Rebounds 6 Blocks 5 Steals 5-14 FG in 25:18 Minutes of play

The Detroit Pistons have signed Josh Smith and already have Greg Monroe I have already stated multiple times on Twitter that I think they have a great chance to be the best front court in basketball. If that is going to happen a lot of that falls on the shoulders of man child Andre Drummond. In his Summer League debut plenty of reasons people like myself and in the Pistons organization are so high on him were shown. His rebounding was great he grabbed 16 boards with a whopping 7 offensive rebounds so controlling the glass is something Drummond brings to the table. He gave you 6 blocks and 5 steals displaying his athleticism that most big men don’t have. As great as all of that is he still has work to do if he wants to become an elite dominant center in the league like taking care of the basketball 7 turnovers for a center is in excusable. Most importantly though Free throws, he shot 2-9 and that is a deficiency in his game hopefully he gets that corrected because if he does the Piston front court could be special.

Final Analysis: Good dominant performance in the facets of the game you would expect from Drummond like rebounding, blocks you know big man stuff. If he wants to mature into that franchise center the Pistons think he could be he must work on hitting shots from the free throw line. All in all though a very goo showing by Drummond now lets build off of that.

Day 1 is a wrap, stay tuned for day 2 coming soon. To stay up to date with all things Tru School Sports and NBA Summer league related follow me on Twitter or Like the Facebook page in the links below.

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5 draft prospects to watch out for in the NCAA Tournament

March Madness is going on and although the NBA will have to take a back seat for a few weeks that doesn’t mean that NBA General Managers and Executives across the league aren't watching and observing the Talent scheduled to come out next year. Although this draft class is rated by many experts as a weak one there are still some solid pieces to be added to NBA clubs. So without further ado I give you the Top 5 NBA Prospects to watch out for in the NCAA tournament.


#5 Victor Olapido (Indiana)

The 6'5 Forward has come out of nowhere to become a star for the Indiana Hoosiers and has put himself in the discussion for college player of the year. He has always been known more for his Defense but due to a vast improvement on offense his draft stock has soared and could soar even higher Depending on his Performance in the tournament. His Defensive prowess and ability to run the floor in transition could help a lot of NBA teams out.

#4 Kelly Olynyk (Gonzaga)

While Kelly Olynyk won't be a star in the league he will definitely be a solid player and if you have a premier frontcourt player already on your roster then he will be a great compliment to them. He is very efficient, moves well for a guy his size. If your a team looking for a solid pick&roll big men this is your guy.



#3 Trey Burke (Michigan)

Whenever I see Trey Burke I just think about Buckets. Trey Burke is a professional scorer and although he needs to size up a bit more at the next level you can definitely see the tools. Who ever drafts this kid is getting someone who is fundamentally sound and cares about winning.



#2 Anthony Bennett (UNLV)

The Rebels are already eliminated from the tourney but Anthony Bennett showed enough people this season that he is ready for the next level. He has been compared to UNLV Legend Larry Johnson because of his physicality but Bennett also can handle the basketball and just brings a certain toughness and swagger most guys in this class don't posses. Whoever Drafts this guy is getting a whole lot of talent.


#1 Ben Mclemore (Kansas)

Many people including myself consider this guy the best player in the country. The 6'5 Shooting Guard has drawn many comparisons and for good reason the kid is “Wet” and can shoot the basketball but also has the Athleticism to get to the rim and finish with authority. Mclemore is big time and he is only a freshman so there is plenty of upside which make him a very attractive pick.