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1. John Wall 23.5 ppg. 4 rpg, 7.8 apg, 38 fg%,  12.5 3p%, 87 ft%, 5.2 to

Wall has speed and athleticism that was unmatched by anyone in the SL and it showed with the way he could get to the rim virtually at will against any defender. Outside and mid range shot (38% fg) could use some work but he didn’t disappoint – except when he didn’t play the last game. Wall still has holes to his game to fill, (5.2 turnovers per game and 12.5 % from 3) but he shows the leadership capabilities and willingness to learn and be coached that should allow him to to ascend into the games elite at the position. MVP of summer league and leading scorer at 23.5 ppg.

2. Dominique Jones 5 g, 16.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.4 apg, 42.4% fg 75.0% ft%, 2.4 to

Ended up 12th overall in scoring at 16.6 ppg and second among rookies (to Wall). One of the most polished players, much less rookies in the entire event. Jones showed he can defend as well as score in a variety of ways. Attacked the rim aggressively getting to the line nearly 9 times per game and converting 75% of the time. had an excellent assist to turnover ratio going beforer slipping up in the final game 0-5, but still finished with a respectable 3.4 to 2.4. Surprisingly was 0-8 on 3 pointers.

3. Greg Monroe 5 14.6 8 1.2 52.1% 0.0% 60.5% 1.8 0.4 3.8

The talented big man started out slow but showed a nice progression as the week went on and he gained confidence. Finished off the week with a 27 point game, raising his average to 14.6 ppg. His 8 rebounds were also solid. he didn’t get a great chance to show off his passing skills (1.2 apg) but he is a rare bigman that makes those around him better with his great vision and passing ability. While he’s not a physical specimen that overpowers players, his skill level makes him a valuable asset to a team.

4. Gani Lawal 5g, 15.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 49.2 fg%

One of the hardest workers all week, Lawal is a no nonsense low post stud who is not afraid to play physical. Appears to be a 2nd round steal for Phoneix and a guy that should be able to immediately contribute with Amare now out of the picture. His offensive game remains very limited but he’s a guy that will do the dirty work and score garbage baskets for the team.

5. Larry Sanders 5 g, 14 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 44.6 fg%, 33.3 3p%, 58.8 ft%

Sanders showed off a variety of skills. Put up 14.8 ppg 8.4 rpg and also registered 3.2 blocks per game. He’s still raw but shows flashes offensively. He also showed the ability to knock down 3 pointers as he did towards the end of an exciting game against Memphis.

6. DeMarcus Cousins 6g, 14.5 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 1.8 apg, 33.3 fg%, 73.5 ft%, 4.8 to

Led the Summer League in rebounding at 9.8 per game. Also played all 6 games, unlike a number of the headliners that skipped out early. Unfortunately he shot a miserable 33% from the floor, turned it over 4.8 times per game, and completely hit the wall after the third game after knocking down the game winner. 6 games in 7 days isn’t easy for anyone, especially when dealing with the heat of  Las Vegas. Strong start, disappointing finish. Seemed to struggle when he went up against physical opponents such as Joey Dorsey. Displayed all of his capabilities, both good and bad. Was awarded the NBA’s rookie of the month. An award that was likely decided upon halfway through his Summer League play.

7. Ed Davis 5g, 12.6 ppg, 6 rpg, 63.2 fg%, 62.5 ft% 1.8 blk

Was a presence on both ends of the floor. Showed his explosive ability to get up and block shots. Shot appears to not be fluid yet as he is still on the comeback trail. Will only get better as he rounds into better physical shape after missing a number of months with the broken wrist.

8. Landry Fields 5g, 15.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.2 apg, 52.7 fg%, 73.9 ft%, 1.8 to

Fields hushed a lot of his critics this week displaying a polished all around game. He’s more athletic than he appears and showed that he has no problem playing at a high level against SL competition. His teammate Andy Rautins didn’t fare quite as well.

9. Devin Ebanks 5g, 15 ppg, 3.6 pg, 1.4 apg, 42.4 fg%, 45.5 3p%, 73.7% ft%

Picked up his rebounding after a slow start. Ebanks was very impressive considering he left school early and fell from a projected first rounder to the 43rd pick. Ebanks played like a first rounder and one that is ready to contribute right away, despite being an "upside pick".

10. Derrick Caracter 5g 15.4 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 1.8 apg, 59.3fg%, 65.0 ft%, 5.4 to

The rich get richer as the Lakers appear to have found two second round steals with Ebanks and Caracter. The big man had a strong summer league, showing the ability to be a dominant low post presence. He’s skilled in the post and shows a strong ability to use his physical strength to his advantage. On the negative side, will need to limit turnovers and learn to keep out of foul trouble.

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8 Comments

  1. Where is My Boy Harangody?
    I don’t have a problem with any of the guys listed in the top ten above. But why do I feel as if my favorite college player, Luke Harangody, continues to be overlooked as an NBA prospect?

    Harangody averaged 16.6 points and 6.8 rebounds in five games @ Orlando. Surely that must have been enough to squeeze into the top ten list.

    But you know what really matters, he will become a solid role player for the Celtics this season. I know this isn’t difficult, but Harangody will make a number of NBA GMs and scouts look stupid for passing on him. Does the name D. Blair sound familiar?

  2. That kid on Phoenix
    The 2 guard from Phoenix, Matt Janning. Never heard of him before, but he looked very comfortable in that up-tempo system. Has a pretty stroke, good size (6-5), good athleticism and even plays some D. He avg. 12 pts, 6 rbs, and 1.5 apg. Like him as a D League call up and should have been a top 10/ top15 summer league performer.

  3. Rodney_Halprin Responds
    Hi Rodney:

    Thanks for the feedback. It would have helped if your headline said, the NBA Summer League in Vegas: Top Rookies

    Anyway, I think you did an excellent job. As I mentioned above, I don’t think anyone could argue with any of the ten names you listed.

  4. hmmm
    i still think name and team results had alot to do with this because as bad as 5.4 to per game on a winless team is, a 6’9 power forward putting up 15 ppg, 8.6 rpg with 59.3fg% should be ranked alot higher

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