With a few months before the start of the NBA season, fans have been able to run the rule over the latest crop of rookies in the Summer League. The Summer League gives fans the opportunity to gauge their teams’ chances ahead of the new season.
Bookmakers already have defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the 11/4 favorite ahead of the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the New York Knicks. There are likely to be a few twists and turns before the season starts in October. Hence, those basketball fans who like to spice up game-watching with betting should do their homework and learn on time how to pick the right sportsbooks for the forthcoming NBA season. It’s also good to know how players are performing in the Summer League.
We looked at how the first-round draft picks have fared so far in the Summer League, with only Cedric Coward of the Memphis Grizzlies missing out through injury.
Cooper Flagg
The Dallas Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg was the no.1 pick and had a tricky debut against the Lakers, shooting 5 for 21. However, he turned things around in his second game against the Spurs, showing fans a glimpse of what they can expect with an excellent all-round performance.
Dylan Harper
The San Antonio Spurs’ Dylan Harper shot 7 for 16 at the rim over his first two games, and showed good form apart from that. He will have a tough job ahead of him shifting De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle from the team, but this could work in his favor coming off the bench and getting valuable experience in his first season.
VJ Edgecombe
Edgecome made his 76ers debut in Salt Lake City, but an injury to his wrist and thumb limited his appearances. However, 4 assists, 10 rebounds, and 28 points in his first game gave the 76ers an idea that he could be a valuable addition to their roster this season.
Kon Knueppel
Kon Knueppel had a Hornets debut to forget but was able to step up against Dallas with 16 points and 10 rebounds, followed by 19 points and 5 rebounds in the game after. After a disappointing 3 from 6 free throws in his debut, he only missed one in his next two games and shot 6 in 13 3-pointers.
Ace Bailey
Ace Bailey missed out on Vegas through injury, but played well in the following two games and didn’t do anything to stand out. He gets pass marks, but fans will want to see more of him to get a better idea of how he fits into things for the Jazz this year.
Tre Johnson
Tre Johnson was brought to the Washington Wizards after his scoring form at the college level, and he managed to net 18 points in his debut and 21 in the following game. He only featured in two games but showed enough promise to get Wizards fans on the edge of their seats.
Jeremiah Fears
Jeremiah Fears was the 7th pick for the New Orleans Pelicans, and this trade has the potential to go either way. The young guard showed promise in the Pelicans’ defeat to Oklahoma, scoring 22 points. However, his overall performances require more consistency, and he has to get his assist level up to make an impact this year.
Egor Dёmin
Demin is another player with potential, but the number 8 pick will have to develop his shooting game if he is to help the Brooklyn Nets next season.
Collin Murray-Boyles
The Raptors snapped up a great defensive player in Collin Murray-Boyles, but critics have pointed out his below-average height for his position and his need to improve his shooting. His performance against the Nuggets was promising though, scoring 20 points and getting 9 rebounds.
Khaman Maluach
The Phoenix Suns were lucky to get Khaman Maluach as the 10th pick, with many expecting him to be selected before that point. He had a decent Summer League despite average stats, but fans will understand his game goes beyond stats. His ability to disrupt opponents could prove to be valuable for the Suns this season.
Noa Essengue
As the youngest prospect, Noa Essengue probably needs more time to develop than some of the other players mentioned. That being said, his 21 points against the Pacers and decent showing in Vegas should give him the confidence to enjoy a solid debut season.
Derik Queen
Derik Queen has the potential to provide the New Orleans Pelicans with his offensive play, but he is still defensively naive. Good coaching could sculpt a quality player, but an injury that will lay him low until October will set back his development.
Carter Bryant
Unlike Queen, the Spurs’ Carter Bryant will have to work on his offense, with his defensive qualities already there for everyone to see. A bit more consistency and San Antonio could have a great player on their hands.