Tell me
Is it necessary to provide a grade for summer league play? Evidently ESPN thinks so whether we agree or not. The question what might cause a player to less than a stellar performance in summer ball? I can think of at least four there are probably others these are my initial thoughts on the subject.
a. New teammates, adjusting to cuts, screens plus defensive rotation
b. Familiarity with a new coaching system
c. College players (the layoff between play in April and July)
d. International players having to adapt play to the NBA game
For those who manage to excel perhaps their talent exceeds that of the opposition or even teammates. Just my thought doesn’t make it so, what do you think?
Europe or Asia
Terrance Ferguson is headed to Australia rather than his original destination. He’d committed to Arizona but has changed his mind and decided in favor of the NBA. Ferguson didn’t indicate he’s headed for the NBA but that’s the belief based on past history. Brandon Jennings, Emmanuel Mudiay played on foreign shores choosing to skip college after making a college commitment a year later they would become NBA draft choices. A little background on Ferguson he’s a 6-7 guard and the number 14 prospect in the Rivals Class of 2016.
What sounds terrible for many of us might not be as bad at first thought. If you play in the NBA you must be age 19 and one year from your high school graduation. Ferguson intends to play in the NBA so why take up classroom space with no intention to graduate or remain there. I’m a believer in higher education but also a basketball fan, you state there are others with similar intentions. No doubt it’s likely there are several top-notch high school prospects likely with the same mindset of Ferguson. Our only hope is they receive sound advice from family, coaches or someone with their best intentions.
Chinese presence
By now you are aware two players from China were selected in the 2016 NBA Draft. If you are a follower of mock drafts 7-1 center Zhou Qi was known to you earlier he’d participated in the NBA Draft Combine. The Rockets made Qi the number 43 pick in the second round; he’s got potential but is a rail-thin 218 pounds similar to Thon Maker. The selection of 7 foot Wang Zhelin by the Grizzlies at the 57th position was a little surprising.
His name was known to NBA scouts however Zhelin’s skill set might be a little behind his fellow countryman. Zhelin weighs in at 243 pounds considerably larger than Qi. Both players remain in China for now preparing for the Rio Olympics but it appears in late September or early October both will be in their respective teams training camp. It should be noted the two are the first Chinese players to be drafted in 10-years.
Skinny
I checked out a recent Laker press conference involving Brandon Ingram and Ivica Zubac. As for Ingram the stats on my television screen read age 18 height 6-9 and weight 195 pounds. Much has been written this spring about Ben Simmons being unable to shoot and Ingram being skinny. This certainly is no precursor of stardom however consider these names. Sam Perkins, Marcus Camby and Robert Horry are just a few players who arrived in the NBA slight of build.
At this point in time I have no method to determine their rookie weight however Camby stands out for me. I remember thinking; “They (NBA players) will break this guy in half.” Despite my projected tale of gloom Camby managed a 17-year career in the NBA playing for a number of teams. Ingram looks extremely quick while playing for Duke, at 18 he’s going to gain weight as he ages. To place a weight requirement in front of him at this point I believe would be extremely stupid.
On the other hand
Hindsight is always 20-20 they say, looking back often it’s easier to say “I shouda made a left turn instead of a right.” Cavs management will never make that statement however fans of the team might reach that conclusion someday. With the number one pick in the 2014 NBA Draft the Cavs chose Andrew Wiggins from the University of Kansas, I’m unsure if Wiggins ever set foot in Cleveland.
He was part of a trade package to the Wolves in exchange for Kevin Love. Wiggins went on to be named 2015 NBA Rookie of the year; his second year witnessed his scoring average rise from 16.9 to 20.7. Love isn’t exactly chop-liver as he’s proven a valuable resource for the Cavs. What about a 21-year old Wiggins to continue building your team around---no wonder Tom Thibodeau leaped at the opportunity to coach the young Wolves pups?
