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The Joys Of NBA Summer League, Part 2

Aaron Fischman |
July 31, 2012 | 4:14 p.m. PDT

Senior Sports Editor

 

Adam Morrison's shot was on the money in Vegas. (kevin813/Creative Commons)
Adam Morrison's shot was on the money in Vegas. (kevin813/Creative Commons)
The Golden State Warriors finished with the event’s best record, winning all five of their games. Six other teams boasted a record of 4-1.

Because there are so many days and so many games per day, one person can only watch so much basketball. Granted, that is a good problem to have. It becomes difficult, however, to watch every single team. I did not even come close.

Thankfully, I was able to watch the Houston Rockets, who were filled with exciting rookies, including but not limited to the No. 12, 16 and 18 overall picks in the 2012 NBA Draft. Let’s start with Jeremy Lamb, who left the University of Connecticut after his sophomore season. The incredibly lanky guard looked good offensively despite the fact that he’ll need to put on a lot more muscle. He was definitely not shy from the floor, taking all kinds of shots regardless of difficulty level. Lamb showcased a silky smooth jumper, as well as an ability to get to the rim. Although he averaged 20 points per game on 47.6 percent shooting, it is clear that Lamb will have to improve his shot selection. With that said, it is the summer league and highly touted players are encouraged to be aggressive.

Lamb’s teammates, Royce White and Terrence Jones also looked good. White didn’t take many shots (only 7.4 attempts per game), but his physical strength was on full display. Unlike Lamb, White has an NBA-ready body. For the most part, White was content to back down his defender, because he typically held a significant size and strength advantage. White still needs to work on finishing at the rim. Good news, Rockets fans: I am confident that he will be a very good rebounder, especially for his small forward position. Fellow Rockets forward Terrence Jones also had an impressive camp. The 6-foot-9 forward is especially mobile for a power forward. He also rebounded well on the offensive glass.

Another Rockets rookie impressed me. Scott Machado led NCAA Division 1 basketball in assists last season, and he was at it again in the summer league. The former Iona standout placed fourth in Vegas in assists, but if he were given 30 minutes per game, he likely would have led everyone in that department. Machado made passes that I cannot even adequately explain on paper. The best pass I saw from him involved so many fakes (necessary fakes, too) that I am still not sure how his teammate was able to catch the ball and dunk it through. Machado’s court vision is impeccable, and I sincerely hope he makes the Rockets team.

One thing I didn’t like about Machado was his obnoxious brother. His brother, who was probably in his mid-to-late teens, was an extremely vocal cheerleader. That was admirable. But when he began bashing Zoran Dragic, his brother’s teammate (and I guess you could say competition, but not really), it got out of hand. Little Machado shouted, “Go back to Europe” and a few other things of that nature. If that name sounds familiar, Zoran is the younger brother of Goran Dragic (both are left-handed), who spent last season with the Rockets, but will now be a member of the Suns once again. Although Scott’s brother probably shouldn’t have hurled insults at his brother’s teammate, he was right about Zoran. The guy was absolutely horrendous, shooting 24.1 percent over four games. In the game where Little Machado was heckling him from the row behind us, Zoran made one of eight attempts. He also appeared extremely slow on defense. It seems pretty safe to say that he won’t be making an NBA team this season.

Damian Lillard dazzled in the two games I watched. His outside shooting wasn’t the best, but I was especially impressed with Lillard’s athletic ability, court vision and ability to navigate through a sea of defenders. The way the Weber State product slashes to the basket is reminiscent of Derrick Rose’s aggressive style of play.

I caught some Lakers and Clippers action, of course. The LA teams combined to win just three of 10 Vegas contests. Eric Bledsoe looked decent, but I expected him to dominate - something he clearly didn’t do - after coming into the summer league with more NBA experience than many of the other players. I had the pleasure of meeting Clippers Bledsoe, Travis Leslie and Trey Thompkins. Due to a calf strain, Leslie missed all five games, but he cheered on his teammates from the bench. Of those three players, Leslie was easily the most warm and friendly. After I told him I was a huge Clippers fan, he looked a little surprised, but then stopped to talk to me for about 20-30 seconds. He gave me a genuine smile and may have been especially friendly because he probably doesn’t get recognized too often. Unfortunately, Leslie may not make the Clippers’ regular season team, as the two remaining years on his contract are not guaranteed. I wish him the best, but if I had to venture a guess, I'd guess he will not make the Clippers.

Adam Morrison was a pleasant surprise for the Clippers squad. He scored 20 points per game on 55.1 percent shooting despite taking the bulk of his shots from the perimeter. Like his days at Gonzaga, Morrison was just stroking jumpers left and right. He’s a well-below average defender and displays poor body language when he’s not getting enough touches, but it was nice to see him excel offensively. After winning two championships from the Lakers’ bench, Morrison has been out of the NBA for two full seasons, while playing in Europe. Although his many deficiencies stand as sizeable obstacles to an NBA comeback, it is not out of the realm of possibility. It really is sad how far the former No. 3 overall pick has fallen from grace.  

The Lakers’ Andrew Goudelock apparently had a devoted fan in the crowd during the two Lakers games I witnessed. “All gas, no brakes, Goudelock” was the man’s only cheer, yet he yelled it virtually every time Goudelock got the ball. Just for fun, I yelled, “All brakes, no gas,” but the man didn’t seem to mind and I don’t think Goudelock heard me, because the game was played in the larger Thomas & Mack Center. That guy was extremely annoying, to say the least, but it became funny when a kid who was probably about 10 years old, began imitating the chant. Only he was using it incorrectly. The chant was designed strictly for Goudelock, but the kid kept performing the cheer when Darius Morris had the ball. Wrong guy. I still hear “All gas, no brakes, Goudelock” in my sleep from time to time.    

The Grizzlies hope Josh Selby can replicate his 2012 Summer League success. (KCouliau/Creative Commons)
The Grizzlies hope Josh Selby can replicate his 2012 Summer League success. (KCouliau/Creative Commons)
Later that day, I saw a member of the Lakers’ summer league team leaving the basketball complex. Having just watched the Lakers play, but forgetting the guy’s first name, I goofily said, “Good game, Ka-zoo.” His full name is Julian Khazzouh, and I think I pronounced his last name right, but who calls a guy by his last name? He thanked me and went on his way. I wasn’t just saying that, though. The Australian center played masterfully against my beloved Clippers. He made six of seven shots to the tune of 16 points and six rebounds. If not for Khazzouh, I think Adam Morrison and the Clippers would have defeated the Lakers. 

My encounter with Tom Thibodeau, the head coach of the Chicago Bulls, was pretty weird. It was really simply actually. I said, “Hey Tom,” he responded with “Hi” and then walked away. It was probably my fault. I couldn’t think or react fast enough to say something interesting. Then, Thibs went and spoke with the Timberwolves’ Coby Karl for at least five minutes. While Karl and Thibodeau were conversing, I figured out what I should’ve said. I should’ve told him I thought the Bulls would have had a great chance of beating the Heat had Rose stayed healthy. Or maybe that would have brought up a sore subject. It was pointless anyway. All I said was, “Hey Tom.” 

I witnessed far too many funny, shocking and overall fascinating developments to describe all of them, but Vegas Summer League was truly an experience I’ll never forget, even if I couldn’t see everything. 

Josh Selby was the star of the league. Unfortunately, I was not able to catch any of his games. The 21-year-old two-guard will be expected to pick up much of the slack after O.J. Mayo’s departure from the Memphis Grizzlies. Selby placed second in scoring (24.2 ppg) among players who competed for more than three games. Amazingly, the former Jayhawk converted 27 of 42 three-point attempts for 64.3 percent.  

Before I sign out, I want to sincerely thank Neon Tommy director Marc Cooper and Neon Tommy Sports for allowing to me to report on such an exciting event.  

If you enjoyed this, you may also enjoy Part 1.

Aaron can be reached via email or Twitter.



 

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