The NBA Summer League just concluded its tournament in Las Vegas, and for general managers and coaches, there was lots to both like and dislike. The annual tournament has been a barometer for teams to see what their future holds.
For some the prospects are rosy, while for others it is cloudy. For an unfortunate few it is down right bleak.
Below, we take a look at some of the winners and losers of the Summer League.
Winners
The Los Angeles Lakers
For the second consecutive year the team had one of its players named the MVP of the tournament. Josh Hart joined second-year player Lonzo Ball in earning the honor.
Hart led the team to the championship game, and though they lost to the Portland Trailblazers, they still can count the event a success. They finished 6-1, and not only did Hart impress, so did teammate, Brandon Ingram.
The biggest surprise was an appearance by their high profile teammate, LeBron James. Adorned with Lakers shorts, he gave the two hugs of support and showed that he is serious about bonding with his supporting cast of players.
Jaren Jackson Jr.
The Michigan State player’s ability to thrive at the next level, so was the Memphis Grizzlies thinking in taking the forward/center No. 3 in the draft. Fortunately he showed that it was a wise selection.
The forward/center proved that is a much more mature player, and definitely ready for the NBA. He averaged 11.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.8 blocks a game in Las Vegas. An added bonus was his 3-point shooting, which was much better than expected.
Kevin Knox
The New York media was frothing in its disgust when the Knicks used its No. 9 pick on the small forward, especially when higher rated Mikal Bridges and Miles Bridges were still available. Management defended its choice in the Kentucky freshman.
He showed why they might have known what they were doing. Knox averaged 21 points per game in four games, despite shooting 35 percent from the floor. He looked more polished than expected, playing aggressively and running the floor like a seasoned veteran.
Losers
Phoenix Suns
They are billed as a young team that could surprise the league, but instead looked like they will be cellar dwellers yet again. Number 1 pick DeAndre Ayton had trouble when double teamed and got lower marks than contemporaries Wendell Carter Jr. and Jackson.
Two of their previous top 5 draft picks – Josh Jackson and Dragan Bender – didn’t help Ayton, and looked really bad at times. Having been to previous summer leagues, and spending time in the NBA, the two should have been better.
Robert Williams
The Celtics newest player’s problems began before he even took the floor, and whispers about his professionalism echoed throughout the Thomas and Mack Center. Originally thought a lottery pick, the center fell all the way to 27th and then was late for a introductory conference call.
He missed a team flight, lost his wallet twice, and played seven minutes before suffering a calf injury. For someone needing to prove he is a better player than where he as selected, Williams has had a disastrous beginning.