http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2012/7/23/3 ... an-lillardJul 23, 2012 - The 2012 NBA Summer League circuit is over, and while it's far too early to accurately judge the trajectory of all these players' careers, it was instructive to see the members of the 2012 rookie class play for the first time. A great Summer League doesn't guarantee greatness, nor does a bad Summer League guarantee disappointment. Nevertheless, we now have a better idea of what these guys can do for their teams once the games start counting.
4. Donatas Motiejunas, Rockets
He's not technically a member of this draft class, but the 2011 first-round pick will play a huge role for the Rockets next season. His skill level for a man his size is off the charts, as he flashed a beautiful jump hook with either hand and a strong perimeter game. He has an acute sense of timing on pick and rolls, knowing exactly when to slip the play to go to the basket and when to hold his position. He had a reputation for being a weak rebounder and defender, but I didn't really notice that very much.
Ten years ago, Motiejunas' slight frame would have doomed him. He would have been considered soft, and his coach probably would have buried him on the bench. In today's NBA, though, his agility, combined with his skill level around the basket, makes him incredibly valuable.
5. Jeremy Lamb, Rockets
It looks like he'll end up being the best shooter in this draft. Despite his slender frame, he has no issues getting on balance, wherever he is on the floor. Given his size, he will be lethal running off baseline screens and spotting up in corners. He also has a reputation for being a poor passer, but I saw several nice reads when he popped up from the baseline. It'll be interesting to see if he can shed the bad habit of dancing around side-to-side too much on pick and rolls. That's about the only weakness I noticed in his game.
Still not understanding how he went four picks after Terrence Ross.
7. Terrence Jones, Rockets
The only reason I have him this low is that he came off the bench in every game, meaning he did most of his damage against tired starters or second-stringers. He also put in a ton of garbage-time points, particularly against the Wizards in the Rockets' second game. But he's also a legitimate isolation threat at the power forward position, able to use his shot fake, perimeter skills and body strength to get to where he wants to go on the court. Assuming he continues to develop, he could be outstanding at punishing the slow-rotating big man in pick and pop situations.
8. Andrew Nicholson, Magic
Probably the best draft prospect among the eight teams that played in Orlando. His play fell off a bit as the week went along, and he still needs to improve defensively, but he's tremendously skilled for his size and can fit in posting up smaller players or running pick and pop with any point guard. He reminds me a lot of David West.
25. Kyle O'Quinn, Magic
He's clearly limited, but he also played like the biggest dude on the court in every one of his games, and that has to count for something. Most famously, he made Andre Drummond look small when the Magic squared off against Detroit. I'm not sure how well he'll hold up defensively, and I was a bit disappointed when looking at his final rebounding totals, but he's big, physical and takes up space. That'll keep him in this league for a long time.