By Dave Deckard, About.com NBA Summer League Guru
Out of the two hundred plus players who competed in this year’s NBA Summer League a couple dozen managed to distinguish themselves. Just keeping track of the names is near impossible, let alone distinguishing which are likely to continue their rise in the NBA and which are fool’s gold glinting in the Vegas sun. This is a rundown of most of the players who excelled in the last two weeks and an assessment of their chances in The Show gleaned from observation and courtside conversations. To keep the list manageable I’ve left out players who have already seen success in the league such as Rudy Gay, Nate Robinson, and Francisco Garcia. These players have just been drafted or have yet to make a significant impact with their teams.
Players Who Will Probably Do Well (Or Better Than Expected)
Demetris Nichols, G, New York Knicks
Isiah appears to have struck again with his draft magic. Nichols’ 15 points per game, 53% shooting, and 39% three-point shooting clip were impressive for a first year player. He’s tall and rangy and knows how to get to spots to score. His defense needs work but if he can keep hitting he has a good chance of sticking with the club.
Rodney Stuckey, G, Detroit Pistons
Stuckey became one of the big names of the summer with his speed, athleticism, and a far more polished game than most observers were expecting. He really stood out from the crowd in nearly every game he played. He ended up averaging 19 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal and looks far ahead of most of the rookie class.
Von Wafer, G, Denver Nuggets
Wafer came out of nowhere to become the scorer of the summer, averaging 24 points per game on 54% shooting including an eye-popping 44% from three-point range. He doesn’t seem to need a ton of time or space to get his shot off accurately, which should help him at the next level. He’s also pretty good at finding the cracks in the defense. His game was not limited to long-range bombing but it’s likely to be the part of his repertoire that serves him best. An open three is an open three whether it’s in Vegas or Denver.
Louis Williams, G, Philadelphia 76ers
Williams is a slight point guard with big heart and drive who averaged 25 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and almost 2 steals per game this summer. That all-around game distinguishes him from many of his contemporaries. Normally you’d worry about his frame but his drive overcomes it. Besides there’s a lot of room to grow in that Philadelphia lineup right now.
Al Thornton, F, Los Angeles Clippers
Thornton hit the ground running in Vegas, averaging 18 points and 6 rebounds off of his sky-high leaping ability. He will be able to get a jumper off over almost anyone in the league. His field goal percentage was low and his turnovers were high but both of those should improve with experience. If he gets a point guard who knows how and where to put the ball in his hands he’s going to be a serious offensive threat.
Javarais Crittenton, G, Los Angeles Lakers
At 17 points per game Crittenton was nowhere near the leading scoring average in Summer League but if there was one guy who looked like he was going to be a break-out clutch star, he was it. Late in the Lakers’ final game against Detroit they were down three and needed a long-range bucket. From the second they came out of the huddle Crittenton looked like he wanted the ball. It was written over every line of his body. He got it and he sank it. That was par for the course for him. The Lakers will want him at the point but he didn’t exhibit sterling floor generalship. Also he won’t get as many opportunities with Kobe Bryant dominating the ball. Those are the only things that will hold him back. He looks special.
Dominic McGuire, F, Washington Wizards
McGuire averaged a modest 12 points per game but added 6 rebounds as a small forward. He also looked superior athletically. He’s a legit 6’8”, has a strong body, and can jump. He should be able to bang or run as needed. If he learns to defend a little better on the perimeter the Wizards may have a nice forward of the future.
D.J. Strawberry, G, Phoenix Suns
Strawberry shot a low percentage and committed nearly five turnovers a game this summer but his confidence overcame his shortcomings. He knew what to do with the ball and when it was time to take his shot he did it without hesitation. He looks like a great intangibles guy. 16 points and 6 assists is respectable for a Summer League opening and with some more experience Phoenix may have found another reasonably good point guard.
Jeff Green, F, Seattle Supersonics
Green displayed a mature all-around game in Vegas, scoring 15 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and shooting near 44%. He’s going to be one of those players that makes the whole team better because of his variety of skills. With opposing defenses paying so much attention to fellow rookie Kevin Durant this year Green may even manage a respectable scoring average.
