Every year, the NBA Summer League provides a platform for young players to make a name for themselves — from top picks to even undrafted prospects.
The Summer League provided the ultimate eye test for coaches and scouts as they got a chance to see whether players perform up to par or maybe find some diamonds in the rough.
Today, SBOBET takes a look on some notable players who turned in strong performances in the annual showcase.
RJ Barrett, New York Knicks
RJ Barrett initially struggled with his efficiency, especially in his first two games of the Summer League. Things like having poor shot selection and missing wide open teammates continued to haunt him, and it was the same criticism that he drew during his days in Duke.
However, he did get better every game, as he became the only player in Summer League history to average around 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists —highlighted by his 21-10-8 line against the Washington Wizards in his final game. At just 19 years old, Barrett is already strong enough to withstand the physicality of fellow NBA-calibre athletes. He and Mitchell Robinson look to be a threat in the pick-and-roll after developing some chemistry as well.
Barrett is barely scratching the surface in terms of potential, but his overall performance boosted his NBA 2019 odds on winning the Rookie of the Year. The Knicks will need it more than ever given that they struck out in this year’s free agency.
Tyler Herro, Miami Heat
Known as one of the best shooters in the draft, Tyler Herro lived up to his billing by doing just that in the Summer League. The 13th overall pick shot 8.5 three-point attempts per game, at a 33-percent clip. He also made 96-percent of his free throws and he has shown his scoring potential in a variety of ways.
Other than shooting via pull-up jumpers and spotting up, Herro was able to score in transition, finishing well over taller and longer defenders. Not only can he do those, he did show some glimpses of his playmaking ability by making plays off the bounce in halfcourt sets.
With all these in place, expect Herro-ball to be a complimentary piece for Jimmy Butler and the Heat for the upcoming season.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, New Orleans Pelicans
Head coach Alvin Gentry can’t help but gush upon the Pelicans’ young core and for good reason, as they have built a strong one for the foreseeable future after granting Anthony Davis’ request to get traded to the Lakers. One of their young cogs is Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who was drafted 17th overall in this year’s NBA Draft.
Alexander-Walker emerged as one of the most productive players in Las Vegas, posting gaudy averages of 24.5 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game. He’s standing at 6’5’’ and he looks to be a good complimentary piece for Zion Williamson on the floor.
The Canadian guard was an excellent shooter from beyond the arc, knocking down 41-percent on his attempts. Despite his lack of explosiveness, Alexander-Walker will definitely add some depth at the wing position for New Orleans.
Jaxson Hayes, New Orleans Pelicans
Another piece to the Pelicans’ core is Jaxson Hayes, who has made a name for himself after using the Summer League as his personal playground. The seven-footer emerged as one of the elite athletes in this year’s draft, especially with this poster dunk in their game against the Chicago Bulls adding to some of the best NBA 2019 highlights.
Hayes is at his best when he’s on the open floor— when he can use his supreme athleticism running up and down on both ends. Not only does he possess a high vertical leap, he has great hands and can finish strong in the interior.
Despite his obvious physical tools, it may take a while to see him make an impact at the NBA level. He may need to add strength on his lower body to keep up against most bigs in the NBA.
Brandon Clarke, Memphis Grizzlies
One of the main reasons why the Memphis Grizzlies won as Summer League champions is because of Brandon Clarke. The 21st overall pick developed into a quintessential big who can impact the game at both ends of the floor.
Being the team’s primary option, Clarke churned out norms of 14.6 points, 9.8 rebounds on 64-percent true shooting. He thrives as a roll man off of a pick-and-roll play where he can use his bounce and crafty moves to score inside the paint. The Gonzaga alum has shown the capability to shoot three-pointers when needed, which was considered the biggest hole of his game coming out of college.
Just imagine him along with the likes of star point guard Ja Morant and sophomore standout Jaren Jackson Jr., and the future suddenly looks bright for the Memphis Grizzlies.
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