2016 NBA Summer League

[Qwigglez]

Just wondering, do the players get paid for being in SL? Obviously I don't mean the players who are already on the roster.

[Zelaznyrules]

Just wondering, do the players get paid for being in SL? Obviously I don't mean the players who are already on the roster.

Unless it's changed recently I would say no, at least not directly. They get covered for room and board plus travel and they also get a per diem for food. A lot of them end up with partially guaranteed contracts given to them in part to cover summer league but for most of the players not on a roster, it's just a chance to showcase their skills in order to create a market.

[King4Day]

Can someone recap this one for me? Who looked good /bad. What led to the loss?

Sent from my SM-G900V using RealGM mobile app

[Qwigglez]

Just wondering, do the players get paid for being in SL? Obviously I don't mean the players who are already on the roster.

Unless it's changed recently I would say no, at least not directly. They get covered for room and board plus travel and they also get a per diem for food. A lot of them end up with partially guaranteed contracts given to them in part to cover summer league but for most of the players not on a roster, it's just a chance to showcase their skills in order to create a market.

Pretty much what I figured, thanks!

[Qwigglez]

Can someone recap this one for me? Who looked good /bad. What led to the loss?

Sent from my SM-G900V using RealGM mobile app

Didn't watch it but just looking at who didn't play (Bender, Chriss, Booker) summed it up for me.

[NavLDO]

Its getting ridicilous, Dunn ain't chopped liver

And neither is Jones...man, I can't even complement a player without being accused of by now, TWO posters of hating on Dunn. Are you not watching what Jones is doing s far???

Why don't you re-read what I posted above...how is that hating, exactly???

Yeah calling him a "dime-a dozen underachieving upperclassmen" sure is generous, you disliked him as a prospect from the start

When did I ever say he was 'underachieving'?? I stated, more often than not, that a big deterrent to taking Dunn was our Guard situation. Even yesterday I said "we may have been better suited to take Dunn/Juancho/Skal/Ulis"...

...my point was instead of reading INTO my posts, how about just reading my posts for what they were. Tyus Jones has been on fire, and oh look, he was named Summer League MVP...that's all I've said, so sue me for knocking Dunn early in the process, but that was largely based, again, upon the difference between a 'dime a dozen' PG over a 7'1" unique talent. And even when I so called 'dissed' Dunn, I even said he looks great, but the results are disappointing, and it's true, and provided a comparison between his results and other PGs.

But ALL I said yesterday is that Dunn will have a difficult time passing Jones on the Depth Chart...I was complementing Jones at the time...that's it.

But whatever, I was in a mood yesterday and didn't feel like dealing with it...no harm, no foul, but understand, I don't 'hate' Dunn, I just didn't think he was worth the 4th overall pick...for us.

[NTB]

http://upsidemotor.com/2016/07/18/las-vegas-summer-league-scouting-report-dragan-bender/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

[dremill24]

Can someone recap this one for me? Who looked good /bad. What led to the loss?

Sent from my SM-G900V using RealGM mobile app

Our top shelf talent didnt play..which didnt help. But really the 2nd half we just played terribly. Couldnt get a good look at the basket, couldnt consistently secure defensive rebounds, started turning it over, and got beat on D a lot. They just got handled in all facets by a team that just plain played better in all areas during the 2nd half.

[NTB]

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/17098376/ranking-ben-simmons-kris-dunn-absolute-best-rookies-summer-league-nba

[tweet]https://twitter.com/DaveKingNBA/status/755077593137680384[/tweet]

It's surprising Bender disappointed Pelton. Is it about last couple of games? Because he always raved about Bender.

Also, can someone copy the article here? I can't use insider2text.xyz for some reason.

[NTB]

Team was so tired, especially Ulis.

[kennydorglas]

Yeah, Ulis was sleepwalking in this last game, just running thru motions.
It was a good SL for tho, I'd like to see Chriss more but what I saw by Bender&Ulis made me very happy.

[gaspar]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/lukewinn/status/755063568547086336[/tweet]

[bwgood77]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/lukewinn/status/755063568547086336[/tweet]

Wow, Alan Williams makes the first team, and Ulis the second. Williams is kind of a surprise, not because of his play, because he was great, but because I'm just surprised they recognized someone who really isn't a big name. Nice to see though.

[bwgood77]

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/17098376/ranking-ben-simmons-kris-dunn-absolute-best-rookies-summer-league-nba

[tweet]https://twitter.com/DaveKingNBA/status/755077593137680384[/tweet]

It's surprising Bender disappointed Pelton. Is it about last couple of games? Because he always raved about Bender.

Also, can someone copy the article here? I can't use insider2text.xyz for some reason.

That's probably why he was disappointed, because he had him graded 2nd in the entire draft.

Who were the best NBA rookies at the Las Vegas Summer League? Which young veterans performed best? And who was most disappointing?


Don't let anybody tell you there's no parity in the NBA ... summer league. The action in Las Vegas concludes Monday, when the last-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves will try to complete their unlikely run through the summer league tournament by beating the Chicago Bulls to win the championship.

However, summer league is really less about wins and losses than the development of the rookies and young players in action.

Let's take a look at the best (and some of the worst) on display over the past 10 days.

Best rookies

1. Kris Dunn | Minnesota Timberwolves

Sadly, Dunn hasn't been a part of Minnesota's Cinderella tournament run because of a concussion he suffered during his second game. Before then, however, Dunn was far and away the most productive rookie in Vegas. He had 48 points in his two appearances and shot 18-of-29 (62.1 percent) on 2-point attempts, living in the paint.

Perhaps most intriguingly, Dunn showed the ability to coexist with another point guard (Tyus Jones; more on him later), suggesting the Timberwolves should consider playing him with Ricky Rubio at times.

2. Tyler Ulis | Phoenix Suns

While Phoenix drafted a pair of players in the lottery (Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss), there's no doubt second-round pick Ulis was their most impressive player over the past week and a half.

Ulis posted an impressive 3.45 assist-to-turnover ratio, setting up teammates while taking care of the ball. While he had a more difficult time finishing over bigger defenders (Ulis shot 43.5 percent on 2-point attempts), he compensated for his small stature on defense with nearly three steals per game.

3. Jamal Murray | Denver Nuggets

Despite struggling to find the range from downtown (8-of-29, 27.6 percent), Murray looked a lot more like the current version of Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum than McCollum himself in his first summer league -- and that was after four years in college to Murray's one.

Murray isn't much of a playmaker out of the pick-and-roll -- he averaged just 2.4 assists per game -- but he's great at manipulating the defense to set up scoring opportunities. He made an even 50 percent of his 2-point attempts, many of them off the dribble.

Honorable mention: Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics; Juancho Hernangomez, Denver Nuggets; Patrick McCaw, Golden State Warriors; Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers; Ivica Zubac, Los Angeles Lakers

Most tantalizing rookie

Ben Simmons | Philadelphia 76ers

Though he earned a spot on the All-NBA Summer League First Team, I'm not sure Simmons was actually one of the five best rookies on the court. He had more turnovers (21) than field goals (18) in his three games in Las Vegas (Simmons also played two games in the Utah Jazz summer league, which don't count here) and shot 41 percent from the field.

Like Emmanuel Mudiay last year, Simmons showed more promise than production, which is OK for a 19-year-old rookie.

Most disappointing rookie

Dragan Bender | Phoenix Suns

Spending much of his time on the perimeter -- partly because he started at small forward before Chriss was sidelined by illness -- Bender took two-thirds of his shots from 3-point range and made them at just a 26.5 percent clip. Though he showed promise as a passer, Bender had just five assists against 19 turnovers, and he predictably got pushed around on the glass.

Bender was the youngest player in Las Vegas -- he's more than two years away from being able to enter a casino -- so there's no reason for panic about his play, but he struggled more than I expected.

Best veterans

1. Tyus Jones | Minnesota Timberwolves

After Dunn was sidelined, Jones reminded everyone that the Timberwolves have three quality point guards on their roster. While his size is still an issue against NBA competition, Jones' skills shined through in Las Vegas.

He's capable of beating defenses as both as scorer and a playmaker depending on what they give him. Perhaps most impressive was Jones' ability to get to the free throw line -- he has shot 47 free throws in seven games. His production translated into results, with Minnesota pulling off four upsets in a row to reach the final.

2. Devin Booker | Phoenix Suns

Booker played just two games in Las Vegas, but that's all he needed to make everyone wonder why he was playing after earning All-Rookie First Team honors last season. None of the other four players on the All-Rookie First Team played summer league, though Nikola Jokic (national team) and Jahlil Okafor (knee surgery) didn't have the option.

Serving as a go-to guy in last year's second half has made Booker more polished and confident off the dribble, and he handed out 13 assists in addition to scoring 52 points in two games. Alas, Booker's infamously low steal rate carried over too -- he didn't have one in 67 minutes of action.

3. Norman Powell | Toronto Raptors

Like Booker, Powell could easily have begged out of summer league after starting games in last year's playoffs. Instead, he relished the opportunity to play a larger role than he did in Toronto.

That didn't always work -- Powell shot just 40.5 percent on 2-point attempts and had more turnovers (13) than assists (12). But he also made 12 3-pointers in five games at a 46.2 percent clip, and his fine defensive work gives him the nod over D'Angelo Russell (and his porous defense) for this spot.

Honorable mention: Trey Lyles, Utah Jazz; Jordan McRae, Cleveland Cavaliers; Bobby Portis, Chicago Bulls; Terry Rozier, Boston Celtics; D'Angelo Russell, L.A. Lakers

Best free agent: Christian Wood | Philadelphia 76ers

Technically, Wood is no longer a free agent, having parlayed his impressive run in both Salt Lake City and Las Vegas into a two-year deal with the Charlotte Hornets.

Between the two leagues, Wood made 69.4 percent of his 2-point attempts, six 3s and got to the free throw line 37 times in six games. Wood is still a ways from harnessing that potential into NBA production, but he's much closer now than a year ago.

Honorable mention: Bryn Forbes, San Antonio Spurs (signed with San Antonio); Jonathan Gibson, Dallas Mavericks (signed with Dallas); Jameel Warney, Dallas Mavericks; Troy Williams, Phoenix Suns

While being asked to play summer league after your second season no longer carries the same stigma -- by my count, one-third of the first-round picks from 2014 played -- it's a bad sign when you don't stand out.

Stauskas, the highest-drafted player among that group (eighth overall) had 22 points on 7-of-20 shooting in his two-game cameo and generally failed to distinguish himself from the players trying to make teams.

Best shooter: Devin Booker

In the two games he played, Booker casually made six of his 10 3-point attempts. Ho hum. Gibson, who made a Vegas-high 17 3s at a 46 percent clip, was impressive in a larger sample.

Best rebounder: Alan Williams | Phoenix Suns

A year ago, Williams was my pick for best rookie in summer league. He passed on training-camp opportunities to play in China before joining the Suns for the stretch run. While not quite as impressive offensively this time around, Williams beasted on the glass, pulling down 23.1 percent of all available rebounds according to RealGM.com -- including an incredible 17.4 percent on the offensive glass.

Best playmaker: Ben Simmons

Led by Ulis, a handful of other players assisted teammates more frequently than Simmons. In terms of quality, however, nobody's dishes were better. Simmons dazzled with highlight passes to set up layups and open 3-point attempts, racking up few assists of the kind players get simply by running the offense or having the ball in their hands.

Best shot-blocker: Richaun Holmes | Philadelphia 76ers

Holmes' best rim protection actually came in Salt Lake City, where I believe he blocked a few of my tweets because he was just rejecting everything in sight. He came down to earth a bit in Vegas, but still averaged 2.5 blocks per game.

Best dunker: Troy Williams | Phoenix Suns

At one point after a thunderous putback, I told a colleague that Williams' nickname was "Helicopter." This does not appear to be the case, but maybe we should make it so. Williams spent much of his time in Vegas above the rim, at least when he wasn't hoping to prove to possible NBA suitors that he's also capable beyond the arc. (Williams shot 26.3 percent on 3-point attempts, but 74.1 percent on 2s, mostly dunks.)

Best hair: Atlanta Hawks

In the first round, the Hawks drafted DeAndre Bembry, whose Afro would not have been out of place in the NBA in the 1970s. In the second round, they added French guard Isaia Cordinier, who sports an impressive mop of hair in his own right. While the jury is still out on the production of Atlanta's rookies, their hair is already a steal.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/17098376/ranking-ben-simmons-kris-dunn-absolute-best-rookies-summer-league-nba

[jcsunsfan]

It's been only three months since the season ended, but Booker already looks considerably better.

His handle in traffic is tighter. His court vision and ability to create for his teammates has improved. His footwork in the post and on the elbow is more efficient. His shot release off the dribble is quicker and more fluid. He's stronger and more physical when attacking the offensive glass and driving the lane to draw contact.

“Everything,” Booker said of what he has worked on this summer. “Mostly my body, though. Eating right. Getting more flexible. At the same time, more leadership skills. That’s why I was at summer league -- just getting acquainted with the younger guys and trying to teach them the ropes.”

Overall, Booker averaged 26 points (on 60 percent 3-point shooting), 5 rebounds and 6.5 assists during his two games in the summer league, leading the Suns to wins over the Trail Blazers and the Celtics.

If his stretch at summer league is any indication of how he’ll play next season, Booker is destined for stardom, and the Suns might have finally found a franchise player.

“I think you’re seeing a star in the making,” Williams said. “He’s already a star, but he’s taking his game to the next level. It’s unfair to a lot of people.”

http://espn.go.com/blog/nba/post/_/id/22658/devin-booker-emerges-as-summer-league-standout

[NavLDO]

It's been only three months since the season ended, but Booker already looks considerably better.

His handle in traffic is tighter. His court vision and ability to create for his teammates has improved. His footwork in the post and on the elbow is more efficient. His shot release off the dribble is quicker and more fluid. He's stronger and more physical when attacking the offensive glass and driving the lane to draw contact.

“Everything,” Booker said of what he has worked on this summer. “Mostly my body, though. Eating right. Getting more flexible. At the same time, more leadership skills. That’s why I was at summer league -- just getting acquainted with the younger guys and trying to teach them the ropes.”

Overall, Booker averaged 26 points (on 60 percent 3-point shooting), 5 rebounds and 6.5 assists during his two games in the summer league, leading the Suns to wins over the Trail Blazers and the Celtics.

If his stretch at summer league is any indication of how he’ll play next season, Booker is destined for stardom, and the Suns might have finally found a franchise player.

“I think you’re seeing a star in the making,” Williams said. “He’s already a star, but he’s taking his game to the next level. It’s unfair to a lot of people.”

http://espn.go.com/blog/nba/post/_/id/22658/devin-booker-emerges-as-summer-league-standout

Yes. I have a 'nervous' excitement for Booker, and hope he truly is headed for 'stardom'; it would be nice to know we drafted our future for the next 8 years, at least, and hopefully, several years beyond that.

I say 8 years due to what I've heard as the team having 'control' over Booker for 9 total years, but is that foolproof, or could he not sign a second contract with us a the Max level if he chose not to? Not sure how that all works.

[bwgood77]

It's been only three months since the season ended, but Booker already looks considerably better.

His handle in traffic is tighter. His court vision and ability to create for his teammates has improved. His footwork in the post and on the elbow is more efficient. His shot release off the dribble is quicker and more fluid. He's stronger and more physical when attacking the offensive glass and driving the lane to draw contact.

“Everything,” Booker said of what he has worked on this summer. “Mostly my body, though. Eating right. Getting more flexible. At the same time, more leadership skills. That’s why I was at summer league -- just getting acquainted with the younger guys and trying to teach them the ropes.”

Overall, Booker averaged 26 points (on 60 percent 3-point shooting), 5 rebounds and 6.5 assists during his two games in the summer league, leading the Suns to wins over the Trail Blazers and the Celtics.

If his stretch at summer league is any indication of how he’ll play next season, Booker is destined for stardom, and the Suns might have finally found a franchise player.

“I think you’re seeing a star in the making,” Williams said. “He’s already a star, but he’s taking his game to the next level. It’s unfair to a lot of people.”

http://espn.go.com/blog/nba/post/_/id/22658/devin-booker-emerges-as-summer-league-standout

Yes. I have a 'nervous' excitement for Booker, and hope he truly is headed for 'stardom'; it would be nice to know we drafted our future for the next 8 years, at least, and hopefully, several years beyond that.

I say 8 years due to what I've heard as the team having 'control' over Booker for 9 total years, but is that foolproof, or could he not sign a second contract with us a the Max level if he chose not to? Not sure how that all works.

I guess ultimately it comes down to the new CBA. But you control all first round picks for four years, two guaranteed years and two team option years. Then you offer them the QO or try to negotiate a 4 or 5 year contract. If offered the QO, he can either accept that, which is not much money and no guarantees after a year, and then he is a UFA, or he can sign deals with other teams that we could match.

I can't think of many guys taking the QO so they could leave. The only semi big name in recent times was Greg Monroe.

[LukasBMW]

So the media says we got the 2nd best player in summerleague with our 2nr round pick. Wow.

[nevetsov]

Ending of the Vegas SL final, wow. Shoot-out, talk about clutch.

[Frank Lee]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/lukewinn/status/755063568547086336[/tweet]

Wow, Alan Williams makes the first team, and Ulis the second. Williams is kind of a surprise, not because of his play, because he was great, but because I'm just surprised they recognized someone who really isn't a big name. Nice to see though.

Re-read the article. William was mentioned in the first part.... then disappears from the player breakdown/analysis. He resurfaces as an honorable mention. Glad for Ulis, but Big Sauce didn't quite cut the mustard here. Have my doubts in the biggies too. Like Len, he lacks a crucial big man talent... good hands. At least thats was my take.