Insider Request: Best (and worst) of Vegas

[ATLSmith]

Anyone mind posting this insider article from Kevin Pelton of ESPN?

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/9484642/best-worst-vegas-summer-league-midway-point

[matt52500]

Yes, Hawks were well represented.

Best Rookies

3. Lucas Nogueira, Atlanta Hawks
Nogueira's high-percentage finishing (11-for-15 from the field) and ability to crash the offensive glass should enable him to play right away even though he will have a tough time with bigger opponents (Aron Baynes gave him trouble). Besides adding strength, Nogueira must improve his free throw shooting (2-of-7).

Honorable Mentions: Dennis Schröder, Atlanta Hawks;

Best Veterans

Honorable Mentions: Mike Scott, Atlanta Hawks;

Best Playmaker

Dennis Schröder, Atlanta Hawks

Pass-first point guards are a rare commodity in Las Vegas, and Schröder has the potential to be a special passer. When he drives, he's looking to find teammates, and his quickness creates plenty of opportunities for them at the rim or beyond the arc.

Best Hair

Lucas Nogueira, Atlanta Hawks
Because of course. Atlanta's Ed Daniel, who sports a perfectly sculpted 'fro, might rank second overall -- but second on his own team.

Most Entertaining Team

Atlanta Hawks

Between Schröder and Nogueira -- who specializes in dunks, putbacks and blocked shots -- the Hawks have two of this year's most entertaining rookies, and the returning Atlanta players (Scott and shooting guard John Jenkins) neatly complement their skills on offense. While that's translated into just one win in three games, it's made the Hawks the best show off the Strip.

Edited July 17, 2013 by matt52500

[HawkItus]

ESPN.com: NBA [Print without images]

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Best (and worst) of Vegas so far

By Kevin Pelton

ESPN Insider

We've reached the midway point of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, with the new tournament portion of the summer schedule set to tip off Wednesday. That makes this a good time to pause and look at the best -- and occasionally the worst -- of Vegas action so far.

Best Rookies

Zeller

1. Cody Zeller, Charlotte Bobcats

After a slow start, Zeller has put together back-to-back impressive games, scoring inside and out and hitting the glass. His 9.3 rebounds per game lead all rookies. Among a group of first-year players that has generally struggled, he stands out as a clear No. 1.

2. C.J. McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers

McCollum's shooting has gone south since a strong start, and as expected, he's struggled with turnovers playing point guard nearly full-time. However, McCollum has shown the ability to get where he wants on the floor and create shots as well as get to the free throw line. He scored Portland's final five points of regulation, including a game-tying 3-pointer with 10.8 seconds left, to force OT on Sunday.

3. Lucas Nogueira, Atlanta Hawks

Nogueira's high-percentage finishing (11-for-15 from the field) and ability to crash the offensive glass should enable him to play right away even though he will have a tough time with bigger opponents (Aron Baynes gave him trouble). Besides adding strength, Nogueira must improve his free throw shooting (2-of-7).

Honorable Mentions: Dennis Schröder, Atlanta Hawks; Reggie Bullock, L.A. Clippers; Ray McCallum, Sacramento Kings; Deshaun Thomas, San Antonio Spurs

McLemore

Most Disappointing Rookie

Ben McLemore, Sacramento Kings

McLemore finally found his perimeter stroke in the second half Tuesday, scoring 22 points, but that was never the real concern despite his ugly shooting lines in two previous outings. Through three games, McLemore has yet to record an assist and has committed 11 turnovers, a troubling ratio that speaks to his shortcomings as a ball handler.

Best Veterans

Valanciunas

1. Jonas Valanciunas, Toronto Raptors

Valanciunas put the three months between the end of the regular season and the start of summer league to good use in the weight room. His narrow frame has started to fill out, and that newfound strength combined with existing skills -- including the best jumper upfake you'll see from a 7-footer -- has made Valanciunas a nightmare for opposing big men in Las Vegas. He's among summer league leaders in scoring and rebounding, which could translate into a breakthrough season in Toronto.

2. John Henson, Milwaukee Bucks

Through two games, nobody has had an answer for Henson's length. He's simply gone over smaller opponents to dominate the glass, pulling down 28 rebounds in two games. After scoring 19 points in Milwaukee's opener, Henson had a much rougher go of it in his second game (3-of-10 shooting and eight turnovers), but he's the consensus choice as the second-best player in Las Vegas.

3. Kent Bazemore, Golden State Warriors

Bazemore's defensive prowess is a given. He's locked up Otto Porter and McLemore for the Warriors' undefeated summer league team. To that base, Bazemore has added the ability to make plays out of the pick-and-roll and contribute on offense. He has improved at going right and has also found teammates at times.

Honorable Mentions: Mike Scott, Atlanta Hawks; Jeff Taylor, Charlotte Bobcats; Marquis Teague, Chicago Bulls; Evan Fournier, Denver Nuggets; Cory Joseph, San Antonio Spurs

MKG

Most Disappointing Veteran

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Charlotte Bobcats

Kidd-Gilchrist's first jumper of summer league was highly anticipated, as everyone wanted to see if new Charlotte assistant coach Mark Price had helped Kidd-Gilchrist fix his broken form. Unfortunately, it was as cringe-inducing as ever, and Kidd-Gilchrist missed both 3-pointers he attempted in that contest. Beyond that, he made little impact on the game.

Taylor, the Bobcats' second-round pick a year ago, has been the team's best wing player in Las Vegas. That's a troubling sign for last year's No. 2 overall pick, who has yet to improve much as a pro, granting that he doesn't turn 20 until September.

Goudelock

Best Free Agent

Andrew Goudelock, Chicago Bulls

After leading the summer league in scoring through the first two games, Goudelock was held to 11 points in Sunday's game against Portland. There's still no denying Goudelock's ability to get buckets, and mostly in efficient fashion. He has gotten hot at times from beyond the arc and uses his beloved floater to neutralize shot-blockers. Teams rarely look to Las Vegas to find scorers, but Goudelock might be the exception.

Honorable Mentions: Stefhon Hannah, D-League Select; Ian Clark, Golden State Warriors; Jack Cooley, Memphis Grizzlies; Eloy Vargas, New York Knicks

Best Shooter

Ian Clark, Golden State Warriors

The undrafted Belmont sharpshooter, who averaged 16 PPG playing for the Heat in Orlando Summer League, has continued to cause trouble for opponents from beyond the arc in Vegas after changing teams.

Henson

Best Rebounder

John Henson, Milwaukee Bucks

With apologies to Malcolm Thomas, who pulled down 22 rebounds for the Bulls on Monday, Henson has been the best overall rebounder.

Best Playmaker

Dennis Schröder, Atlanta Hawks

Pass-first point guards are a rare commodity in Las Vegas, and Schröder has the potential to be a special passer. When he drives, he's looking to find teammates, and his quickness creates plenty of opportunities for them at the rim or beyond the arc.

Varnado

Best Shot-Blocker

Jarvis Varnado, Miami Heat

Befitting the NCAA's all-time leading shot-blocker, Varnado blocks shots both for quantity -- 12 in three games -- and quality. He went up to deny a Hawks player at the rim Roy Hibbert-style in Sunday's game.

Best Hair

Lucas Nogueira, Atlanta Hawks

Because of course. Atlanta's Ed Daniel, who sports a perfectly sculpted 'fro, might rank second overall -- but second on his own team.

Most Popular Player

Anthony Marshall, Miami Heat

With No. 1 overall pick Anthony Bennett sidelined by shoulder surgery, the hometown favorite on the UNLV campus is former Runnin' Reb Marshall, who is playing point guard for the Heat's summer squad. Signing a UNLV product is the surest way to get the local fans on your side.

Las Vegas Summer League

We're tracking the top storylines and players in Vegas. Summer League »

Most Tattooed Player

Nick Minnerath, Sacramento Kings

The summer league's answer to Birdman is Minnerath, who is playing alongside college teammate Ray McCallum for the Kings.

Like Chris Andersen, Minnerath has overcome drug addiction and has impressive athleticism for his size. Minnerath -- who bears a passing resemblance to rapper Macklemore -- also sports tattoo sleeves on both arms, though he hasn't yet worked his way to the neck.

Most Entertaining Team

Atlanta Hawks

Between Schröder and Nogueira -- who specializes in dunks, putbacks and blocked shots -- the Hawks have two of this year's most entertaining rookies, and the returning Atlanta players (Scott and shooting guard John Jenkins) neatly complement their skills on offense. While that's translated into just one win in three games, it's made the Hawks the best show off the Strip.

[ATLSmith]

Sweet. Thank you both.

I'm starting to think that we should just bring Bebe over this year and start his development in our system early. Except for his lack of size (mentioned ad nauseum), he looks like a talented player.

I remember the Hawks getting some attention for John Jenkins shooting last year, but nothing like the praise being dished out this year. Good stuff.

[vdunkndunk]

Does anyone know if bringing Bebe over this year is a possibility from a contractual standpoint? I thought he was having trouble getting FIBA clearance or that he had a huge buyout or something like that, but I might be wrong.

[Guest]

Does anyone know if bringing Bebe over this year is a possibility from a contractual standpoint? I thought he was having trouble getting FIBA clearance or that he had a huge buyout or something like that, but I might be wrong.

I know he got his contract extended to 2015 prior to the draft.

"He is still under contract with Estudiantes, his Spanish ACB League team, until 2014, and his buyout for this year is $2 million dollars."

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/6/27/4468390/nba-draft-2013-atlanta-hawks-lucas-nogueira-results

[macdaddy]

Its early but so far all of Ferry's draft picks are looking pretty good. It'll be interesting to see if Scott and Jenkins can become rotation players.

[Jody23]

Interesting that Lucas is rated higher here than Dennis. Despite his rawness, Lucas has put up some solid numbers. I really do hope he stays on the team this year so he develop under the veterans guidance. He's just not going to learn NBA basketball overseas no matter how much he plays.

[benhillboy]

Interesting that Lucas is rated higher here than Dennis. Despite his rawness, Lucas has put up some solid numbers. I really do hope he stays on the team this year so he develop under the veterans guidance. He's just not going to learn NBA basketball overseas no matter how much he plays.

Bebe's percentage shows he's very aware of taking good shots, a great foundation to have when he bulks up. I don't know who Ian Clark is, and frankly I don't have to see him to know he isn't a better shooter than J.Jenk. Othe than that, great read. I'm gonna fork over the money for ESPN Insider someday.

[txsting]

I haven't seen Luc do much of anything to be honest. All these "shots" (only 15 in three games) are tip-ins or lobs. I don't believe I have even seen him operate with the basketball, having watched maybe 60% of the action so far.

[LamarHampton]

If Bebe's buyout is really $2M he will almost certainly NOT be coming this year. Ferry seemed iffy about him coming this year anyway in a recent interview where he said they were considering all options, including "bringing him in in a year or maybe two."

[LamarHampton]

I haven't seen Luc do much of anything to be honest. All these "shots" (only 15 in three games) are tip-ins or lobs. I don't believe I have even seen him operate with the basketball, having watched maybe 60% of the action so far.

I also haven't seen him do much. Very surprised at this ranking. Love the Best Hair ranking though.

[DrReality]

What are the chances one of them could be our budding Star?

[CJB]

I'm gonna fork over the money for ESPN Insider someday.

I've had ESPNinsider for like 5 or 6 years now. Best way to do it is this: Subscribe to ESPN the Mag and you get insider access for free. DiscountMags.com runs specials on ESPN the Mag frequently, I got 4 year subscription for 5 bucks a year from their last deal. Can't beat it.

[Sothron]

I'm loving the love on Dennis the German Menace.

Fun question: when was the last time we had a pure pass first point guard in Atlanta?

[Buzzard]

This is good. Basically we have the two most entertaining high school age players in summer league. I am not bashing; just pointing out the obvious. Three to four years from now they could be gunning for all star games.

[Afro]

This is why I dont trust people on this board. Everyone says BeBe sucks. Professionals say hes one of the best. Granted we ALL know he needs to bulk up, but he has a lotta talent.

[AHF]

Ummm...definitely not everyone says Bebe sucks. I am excited about our draft and both our first round picks for sure.

[taz]

This summer league team could win a championship

[TheFuzz]

I think Ferry is showing he operates comfortable in the draft no matter where he is. Muscala has some stuff to prove but he was a no brainer for where he was picked. The other 4 picks have all looked like they deserved to be drafted much higher.

This summer league team could win a championship

I'd like them to. They're inconsistent though and not very good defensively. But I'd love to see it.