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King Calucha 11 years, 11 months ago.
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- Posted on: Sun, 07/06/2014 - 3:22am #57092
christebasParticipantHere, in no particular order, are some notable performances from Day 1 of the Orlando Pro Summer League:
Aaron Gordon, Let’s begin here: Gordon grabbed a shot out of the air in the fourth quarter. It was breathtaking in person, the type of play that wakes up everyone watching after nearly six hours of basketball. Then Gordon followed up his highlight-reel play by trying to take two defenders off the dribble down the court and wound up turning it over. The sequence is probably going to be a solid metaphor for Gordon’s first couple of seasons. He will simultaneously thrill and frustrate — cutting hard back door and rising for a massive slam at one moment, then taking a step-back 3-pointer that comes up well short another. But he is what was advertised: athletic, solid passer, great defender and good ball handler. He finished 3-for-11 from the floor with seven points and five rebounds.
Marcus Smart, Playing basketball against Smart does not look fun. The Celtics’ rookie plays brutal on-ball defense and uses his size and his athleticism to bully his offensive opponent. His off-ball defense is somehow tougher — he picked off two entry passes and seems to have an excellent understanding of passing lanes and where the ball is going. His jumper, which was supposed to have a hitch, looked smooth, though he didn’t shoot particularly well. Smart finished 2-for-8 from the field and 0-for-5 from behind the arc, but his shot selection improved as the game went on, and he appears to have a good understanding of how to get to his comfort zones out of the pick-and-roll.
Nerlens Noel, 76ers lastname Much will be made of the fact that in the first possession of Noel’s NBA career, he faked an opponent into the air, pivoted and slammed home a one-handed dunk. But Noel’s offensive game (6-for-11 from the floor, 7-for-7 from the free throw line) isn’t as exciting for the Sixers as his defense. Noel looks even longer and more athletic than advertised. His arms stretch for miles, break up passing lanes and stop rolling big men in pick-and-rolls. Meanwhile, his incredibly quick feet help him cut off ball-handlers, which makes him an ideal trapping big. Playing within a system takes time, but Noel appears to be an NBA-caliber defender already.
Victor Oladipo started pressing against Philadelphia in the second half, and it was extremely effective, in large part due to Oladipo’s individual defense against Philly’s ball handlers. Oladipo defended like a junkyard dog, aggressive and snarling, and put heavy pressure on whichever unfortunate point guard was trying to bring the ball up the court for the Sixers. Oladipo’s combination of length, size and lateral quickness made him a nearly impossible roadblock to circumvent. He also shot well: 6-for-11 for 18 points and 2-for-4 3-point shooting.
Shabazz Napier, Heat lastnameNapier’s Summer League career started horribly, as an 0-for-10, eight-turnover drought spanned three quarters. Phil Pressey’s pressuring on-ball defense and quickness bothered him off the dribble, and Napier didn’t appear prepared for Smart’s size initially. But in the second half, Napier appeared to find his rhythm and knocked down a pair of threes and a tough spinning layup in transition that almost brought the Heat back into the game. He showed flashes, but much like Michael Carter-Williams and Trey Burke this past season, Summer League might be a necessary-but-difficult transition period for Napier. He finished 3-for-15 from the floor and 2-for-9 from 3-point range.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Pistons lastname This version of KCP looked absolutely nothing like this past season’s tentative version. Caldwell-Pope scored a game-high 26 points on 8-for-19 shooting and was an impressive 8-for-9 from the free throw line. He was never hesitant looking for his shot and knocked down two jumpers from behind the arc, several from midrange and a variety of swooping layups around the basket that also got him to the line. He also made a difference on the defensive end and came away with six steals.
Elfrid Payton, The learning curve from Louisiana-Lafayette might be a little stiff for Payton, if first impressions are to be believed. Payton struggled in his debut; he turned the ball over four times in 17 minutes and scored just two points on 1-for-4 shooting. He showed plenty of athleticism, however, and dished out a game-high five assists. But he struggled at times to bring the ball up the floor against smaller guards such as Philadelphia’s 5-foot-10 Casper Ware, and Payton never looked particularly comfortable running a half-court offense. Like Napier, we might see an upswing in production from Payton as the week goes on and Orlando’s offense begins to gel.
Kelly Olynyk, dominated Summer League last year, so it’s not particularly surprising that he picked up where he left off against Miami. Olynyk scored 20 points on 8-for-17 shooting and grabbed eight rebounds. He never moves particularly fast, and that can get him in trouble. Defensively, Miami’s Jeff Hamilton found space on the floor frequently, and Olynyk struggled to recover and contest. But defense has never been Olynyk’s specialty, and he moves effectively on offense and utilizes a variety of spin moves and dribble drives to find space and score around the basket.
0 - Posted on: Sun, 07/06/2014 - 3:32am #932386
xJumpManxParticipantNoel scares me. He plays so fast and is so uncoordinated at times. You can see another injury occurring pretty quick for him.
0 - Posted on: Sun, 07/06/2014 - 3:32am #932256
xJumpManxParticipantNoel scares me. He plays so fast and is so uncoordinated at times. You can see another injury occurring pretty quick for him.
0- Posted on: Sun, 07/06/2014 - 6:42am #932457
but I did notice he does not bend his knees up on every jump like he did at Kentucky.
He used to go at least 90 degree bend(shin parallel with ground) sometimes looking like his heel would kick his rear end.
Now it looks like a normal jump with less than 45 degree bend
0 - Posted on: Sun, 07/06/2014 - 6:42am #932326
but I did notice he does not bend his knees up on every jump like he did at Kentucky.
He used to go at least 90 degree bend(shin parallel with ground) sometimes looking like his heel would kick his rear end.
Now it looks like a normal jump with less than 45 degree bend
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- Posted on: Sun, 07/06/2014 - 4:36am #932400
NeggedNoelSaricnoel impacts the game on the defense end of length alone you hear that all the time but not only Is he long he plays long there are a lot of 6’11 basketball players. How many impact the game like the rubber guy from fantastic four hes so long.
He needs to gain strength I thought I saw him benching 300 but it was a 2-15s on bar and some more weights.
but he gets pushed around also he plays scared but by the time sixers are revelant again that should be out of his system he passed on a few block attempts o l knew he could have had.0 - Posted on: Sun, 07/06/2014 - 4:36am #932270
NeggedNoelSaricnoel impacts the game on the defense end of length alone you hear that all the time but not only Is he long he plays long there are a lot of 6’11 basketball players. How many impact the game like the rubber guy from fantastic four hes so long.
He needs to gain strength I thought I saw him benching 300 but it was a 2-15s on bar and some more weights.
but he gets pushed around also he plays scared but by the time sixers are revelant again that should be out of his system he passed on a few block attempts o l knew he could have had.0 - Posted on: Sun, 07/06/2014 - 4:58am #932408
JoeWolf1I seriously think Marcus Smart could lead the league in steals as a rookie.
0 - Posted on: Sun, 07/06/2014 - 4:58am #932278
JoeWolf1I seriously think Marcus Smart could lead the league in steals as a rookie.
0- Posted on: Sun, 07/06/2014 - 5:50am #932436
celtics1982ParticipantI’m thinking that if Rondo is traded and Smart starts and gets 30 to 35 minutes a night he could lead the league in steals and make first team all defense. I also think he’s a major dark horse for rookie of the year, if Rondo is gone.
0 - Posted on: Sun, 07/06/2014 - 5:50am #932306
celtics1982ParticipantI’m thinking that if Rondo is traded and Smart starts and gets 30 to 35 minutes a night he could lead the league in steals and make first team all defense. I also think he’s a major dark horse for rookie of the year, if Rondo is gone.
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- Posted on: Sun, 07/06/2014 - 5:12am #932416
RUDEBOY_ParticipantThere were alot of Impressive Rookies Day 1 in Summer League..
Aaron Gordon-Plays like a smaller version of Joakim Noah,a player that does whatever it takes to win…He can guard multiple positions and make jaw-dropping plays that excites the crowd…I live in Orlando,only went to watch the Magic play when a team came to town i wanted to watch..But with Oladipo,Gordon and Payton,im buying season tickets…
Marcus Smart-He’s an aggressive competitor,with a non-stop motor…Yesterday Smart did a great job in the halfcourt and played exceptional defense..He’s going to be among the leading candidates for rookie of the year..
Nick Johnson-I enjoyed watching his Hall of Fame uncle Dennis Johnson play back in the day..Nick isnt as good as a player as DJ..But he’s a much better athlete and shooter ..He displays some of the same traits that made his uncle successful,he’s smart,savvy,can play both guard positions,a good passer and teammates love them….People online are still talking about that 3rd quarter dunk……Looks like the Rockets found another 2nd round steal…
Mitch McGary-My favorite college player a year ago..Next season OKC might have the most feared frontline in the nba…McGary displayed the same things that made him a star during the 2013 NCAA Tourney..The ability to grab rebounds and lead the break,hustle,playing physical and using his size to bully opponents …If McGary continues to perform well like he did on day 1,OKC will soon be cutting ties with Perkins….
Jordan Adams-Alot of people considered Adams a 2nd round pick,becuz of his old school style..But he could be 1 of this year’s top rookies..He reminds me of Purvis Short and could be that scorer Memphis has been seeking..Adams played well on both ends of the floor..Had 4 stls/22pts and prove he can make 3 point shots..
0 - Posted on: Sun, 07/06/2014 - 5:12am #932286
RUDEBOY_ParticipantThere were alot of Impressive Rookies Day 1 in Summer League..
Aaron Gordon-Plays like a smaller version of Joakim Noah,a player that does whatever it takes to win…He can guard multiple positions and make jaw-dropping plays that excites the crowd…I live in Orlando,only went to watch the Magic play when a team came to town i wanted to watch..But with Oladipo,Gordon and Payton,im buying season tickets…
Marcus Smart-He’s an aggressive competitor,with a non-stop motor…Yesterday Smart did a great job in the halfcourt and played exceptional defense..He’s going to be among the leading candidates for rookie of the year..
Nick Johnson-I enjoyed watching his Hall of Fame uncle Dennis Johnson play back in the day..Nick isnt as good as a player as DJ..But he’s a much better athlete and shooter ..He displays some of the same traits that made his uncle successful,he’s smart,savvy,can play both guard positions,a good passer and teammates love them….People online are still talking about that 3rd quarter dunk……Looks like the Rockets found another 2nd round steal…
Mitch McGary-My favorite college player a year ago..Next season OKC might have the most feared frontline in the nba…McGary displayed the same things that made him a star during the 2013 NCAA Tourney..The ability to grab rebounds and lead the break,hustle,playing physical and using his size to bully opponents …If McGary continues to perform well like he did on day 1,OKC will soon be cutting ties with Perkins….
Jordan Adams-Alot of people considered Adams a 2nd round pick,becuz of his old school style..But he could be 1 of this year’s top rookies..He reminds me of Purvis Short and could be that scorer Memphis has been seeking..Adams played well on both ends of the floor..Had 4 stls/22pts and prove he can make 3 point shots..
0 - Posted on: Sun, 07/06/2014 - 5:46am #932432
providencefriars1ParticipantI thought Semaj Christon, Jake Odum, Akil Mitchell, Ron Roberts, Kadeem Batts, Jorge Guitterez, James Ennis and Deandre Liggins looked good too
0 - Posted on: Sun, 07/06/2014 - 5:46am #932302
providencefriars1ParticipantI thought Semaj Christon, Jake Odum, Akil Mitchell, Ron Roberts, Kadeem Batts, Jorge Guitterez, James Ennis and Deandre Liggins looked good too
0 - Posted on: Sun, 07/06/2014 - 6:28am #932449
Meditated StatesParticipantI dont see Smart blowing past guys. His jumper needs to be focused on midrange. His form is horrible. Brings the ball down too low and body position on the finish is all wrong. Looks like a pest on D. I need to see him play more but his O does not look too special. Not blowing past anyone. Great defensive player though. That was obvious, but Napier played like trash because of Pressey and Smart. PJ3 looks like he needs to go to a team that will allow him to get shots and score. He looked good. He is waisting away on that bench, trade that kid.
0 - Posted on: Sun, 07/06/2014 - 6:28am #932318
Meditated StatesParticipantI dont see Smart blowing past guys. His jumper needs to be focused on midrange. His form is horrible. Brings the ball down too low and body position on the finish is all wrong. Looks like a pest on D. I need to see him play more but his O does not look too special. Not blowing past anyone. Great defensive player though. That was obvious, but Napier played like trash because of Pressey and Smart. PJ3 looks like he needs to go to a team that will allow him to get shots and score. He looked good. He is waisting away on that bench, trade that kid.
0- Posted on: Sun, 07/06/2014 - 7:56am #932476
Shaquille OatmealParticipantI don’t get this idea that he brings the ball down too low. I’ve seen this mentioned elsewhere. Everyone who’s a decent shooter (with the exception of Manu Ginobili) dips the ball at least to their waste. Otheres dip it to thigh level (Ray Allen and Jeremy Lin come to mind). It’s just a matter of getting rhythm, so I wouldn’t dare touch that part of his shot if I were a shooting coach. Messing with a player’s rhythym can only further complicate things. What he needs to work on is not slingshotting it behind his head–which looked much better in yesterday’s action. Otherwise, his form is perfectly fine.
0 - Posted on: Sun, 07/06/2014 - 7:56am #932345
Shaquille OatmealParticipantI don’t get this idea that he brings the ball down too low. I’ve seen this mentioned elsewhere. Everyone who’s a decent shooter (with the exception of Manu Ginobili) dips the ball at least to their waste. Otheres dip it to thigh level (Ray Allen and Jeremy Lin come to mind). It’s just a matter of getting rhythm, so I wouldn’t dare touch that part of his shot if I were a shooting coach. Messing with a player’s rhythym can only further complicate things. What he needs to work on is not slingshotting it behind his head–which looked much better in yesterday’s action. Otherwise, his form is perfectly fine.
0- Posted on: Sun, 07/06/2014 - 8:14am #932357
Shaquille OatmealParticipantEdit: He also needs to narrow his base on the catch and try to land consistently narrow after his feet sweep forward. I really think the form issues have been massively overblown though. It looks like he’s already fixed the biggest problem–bringing the ball too far behind his head. He could benefit even more if he dropped his release point slightly lower still, but nothing needs an overhaul.
0 - Posted on: Sun, 07/06/2014 - 8:14am #932488
Shaquille OatmealParticipantEdit: He also needs to narrow his base on the catch and try to land consistently narrow after his feet sweep forward. I really think the form issues have been massively overblown though. It looks like he’s already fixed the biggest problem–bringing the ball too far behind his head. He could benefit even more if he dropped his release point slightly lower still, but nothing needs an overhaul.
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- Posted on: Sun, 07/06/2014 - 9:27am #932385
King CaluchaParticipantI still don’t like Smart’s jumpshot. It seems he leans back too much and that creates balancing issues, but I’m not an expert.
0 - Posted on: Sun, 07/06/2014 - 9:27am #932515
King CaluchaParticipantI still don’t like Smart’s jumpshot. It seems he leans back too much and that creates balancing issues, but I’m not an expert.
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