Las Vegas Summer League Recap

Summer League Recap: 2023 Vegas NBA Summer League was a blast. Had the opportunity to go in person this year and it was a great experience. If you're a basketball junkie like myself, then I recommend in you going it's definitely worth it. Watched and broke down a lot of games and had the pleasure in watching players such as Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith Jr, Brandon Miller, Jaden Ivy, Benedict Mathurin, Ausar Thompson, Shaedon Sharpe, Tari Eason, Andrew Nembhard, Anthony Black, Jarace Walker, Keynote George, Cam Whitmore, Leonard Miller, Jett Howard, Max Christie, Jalen Hood Schifino, Ousmane Dieng, Cason Wallace, Jalen Duren, James Wiseman, Dereck Lively, Oliver-Maxence Prosper, Ben Sheppard, Maxwell Lewis, Emoni Bates, Dalen Terry, and a lot of others players in Vegas. Below is my recap and analysis of all the games I watched in Vegas.

Vegas Summer League: Day 2 - 7/8

Game #1

Oklahoma City vs Dallas (OKC Won 91-80)

- My first Vegas summer league game in person and it was a fun one. Good crowd and energy during the game. It was the debut of Cason Wallace, Dereck Lively, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper. Cason Wallace certainly didn't disappoint. It was also Chet Holmgren first game in Vegas, in which he didn't disappoint as well.

⁃ Chet Holmgren defensive presence is a game changer and will be a difference maker for the Thunder for years to come. As a prospect, his rim protection and defensive instincts is one of the best I’ve seen coming into the NBA. Offensively, he’s continuing to get more comfortable and get his rhythm back as his versatility really shined to me this game. Love how he can impact the game in multiple ways. He’s one of my favorite prospects/players to watch and as long as he stays healthy, he will be a difference maker for the Thunder. Finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, and a steal.

⁃ What a summer league debut game for Cason Wallace. Literally couldn’t miss from 3. Was really impressed with his off-ball movement and how he was relocating. He very disruptive as a off-ball defender. He has very quick hands and is a terror in the passing lanes. Couldn’t asked for a better game from him if you’re the Thunder. Finished with 20 points (6-10 from 3), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.

⁃ The stats aren’t flashy from Olivier-Maxence Prosper but I really love the way he defends, his toughness, and the energy he provides for his team. Liked the fact that he took the challenge to defend Chet and did a solid job in the time he defended Chet. I believe he will be impactful for Dallas. Finished with 7 points. (3 for 4 from the field).

⁃ Quiet game from Dereck Lively. Although, I like how he battled against Chet when he was matched up with him. Offensively, it will be a process for Lively. As his main source of offensive input are put-backs, lob finishes, dump offs in the dunkers spot, and as a roller. Will be interesting how much playing time he will receive this year. Very intriguing long term prospect for Dallas. Finished with 4 points and 5 rebounds, in 16 minutes of action.

Day 3 - 7/9

Game #1

Lakers vs Charlotte (Lakers Won 93-75)

- This game was the definition of a summer league game. Very sloppy game. A lot of players are still getting their feet wet to an NBA style of game.

⁃ Liked the pace that Jalen Hood Schifino played with throughout the game. Was under control, created open shots for his teammates. His playmaking and vision stood out to me. Finished with 15 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds.

⁃ Colin Castle-ton was very impressive in this game. He was very active on both ends. Love his energy it was infectious. Finished with 21 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 assists.

⁃ Max Chrisitie continues to showcase his NBA experience throughout summer league. Had another solid game. Looked under control and let the game come to him. His presence and calmness really stood out to me during the game. Finished 11 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, and 4 blocks.

⁃ Maxwell Lewis continues to impress me. Shot looked good. Liked the way he fill in open spots. Should be playing more (imo). Still surprised that the Lakers Maxwell Lewis at pick 40. Finished with 12 points (5 for 9 from the field) in 20 minutes of action.

⁃ Honestly, there’s not a lot to say about Charlotte. Easily my least favorite team I’ve seen in summer league. Not a lot of ball movement. Nor team basketball were being played. Very disappointing in what I saw from Charlotte. Charlotte young guards has a lot to work on but this is what summer league is for!

⁃ Quiet game from Brandon Miller. Really struggled with his shot this game. Nothing to be concerned about! He got to his spots and played under control. Shots just didn’t fall. Charlotte guard play isn’t doing him any favors in summer league. Finished with 10 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and a steal.

Game #2

Houston vs Detroit (Houston won 113-101)

⁃ Really fun one! High level. Fast paced game. Both teams got after it. This game actually felt like a regular season NBA game.

⁃ Really good game from Jabari Smith Jr. Best player on the court today. Was physical on both ends. Scored from all three levels. Got to the line quite a bit (9 for 10) which was very encouraging. Love how competitive he is. Finished with 38 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and a block & steal.

⁃ Really liked what I saw from Cam Whitmore. Showcased his physicality and shot making ability. Still very surprised that he fell to pick 20. Major steal in my opinion. Finished with 21 points, 2 assists, and a steal. Will be interesting to see how he is integrated on this Rockets team.

⁃ Really liked how Tari Eason approaches the game. Defends the opposing team best player. High energy player. Was impactful on both ends today. The Houston Rockets have a very talented young core. Finished with 26 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals.

⁃ Jaden Ivey is so electric in transition. So quick and explosive in the open court. Was in attack mode. Created open shots for his teammates. Finished with 22 points (9 for 15 from the field), 10 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block. Can’t wait to watch him & Cade in the backcourt!

⁃ It was fun watching James Wiseman & Jalen Duren battle inside. As both players were very physical. Wiseman showed flashes of his offensive potential as he finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Duren athleticism stood out to me as he finished with 23 points & 10 rebounds. He’s a real force in the interior.

⁃ Really like Ausar Thompson all-around game. Had his imprint on both ends. He filled the stat sheet (12 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 3steals, and 2 blocks).

Game #3

San Antonio vs Portland (Portland won 85-80)

⁃ I know Victor Wembanyama is the main attraction out here in Las Vegas but it’s unfortunate that Scoot Henderson was out with a shoulder injury. Huge crowd as expected and the atmosphere were electric. Overall, the game was slow-paced until the 4th, in which, it got really interesting late.

⁃ Wemby had a much better game than his debut game (which I had no concerns and people were overreacting to it in my opinion). He did started off slow but really picked it up in the 2nd quarter. His ability to cover so much ground and the way he blocks shots due to his 8’ wingspan is really fasticating to watch. Looked a lot more controlled and confident. Let the game come to him instead of rushing/forcing things. Finished with a team-high 27 points, 12 rebounds, 3 blocks, and a steal.

⁃ Michael Devoe had a really good game for Portland. Was Portland best player. Was in attack mode all game. Got to the lane at will. Scored in multiple ways. Finished with a game-high 29 points and dished out 5 assists!

⁃ Shaedon Sharpe didn’t have it scoring wise. However; I was encouraged in what he did in the other areas. Was impressed with his playmaking as the amount of assists he tonight doesn’t indicate how good his playmaking was this game. Was activate defensively as well. Finished with 9 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals.

⁃ Really liked what I saw from Jabari Walker. He’s a forgotten young piece to Portlands young core. Didn’t overdo it and let the game come to him. Was also a force on the boards. His communication on the defensive end stood out to me. Overall, had a very solid game as he finished with 13 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.

Day 4 - 7/9

Game #1

Orlando vs Indiana (Indiana won 108-85)

⁃ A lot of fouls and turnovers early in this game. This game was the epitome of summer league basketball. Indiana dominated this game from early on. You can tell the difference in NBA-level players in this game.

⁃ Love the activity from Anthony Black on both ends early on in this game. Was quiet for the remainder of the game. However; he plays with good pace and is always under control. At 6’7, it’s a huge benefit for his position. His hands are always active. The shot obviously needs work but he showcased his two-way potential. Finished with 8 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.

⁃ Good game from Caleb Houston. Was aggressive all game. Shot looked good. Looked comfortable out there. Was Orlando best player today. Finished with 18 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal.

⁃ Solid game from Jett Howard. Better playmaker than I thought. Made some really good reads throughout the game. Will say this again he’s more than just a shooter. Obviously, it will take time for him to get adjusted to the NBA. However; he will be an interesting player for the Magic. Finished with 10 points, 5 assists, and 2 rebounds.

⁃ Already know that Benedict Mathurin is a bucket getter. Was more interested in seeing his playmaking and how engaged he was defensively. The playmaking aspect looked really good today. He made the right reads and created open shots for his teammates. Like how he was communicating defensively with his teammates. Finished with 17 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, and a steal & a block.

⁃ Was really impressed with Jarace Walker today. Always engaged. Love the aggression and energy he played with (was very infectious), as he got to his spot and got his shots up. His perimeter defense was better than I anticipated. Love how versatile he is both offensively and defensively. Had his fingerprints all over this game. Finished with 16 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, a steal and a block.

⁃ I love watching Andrew Nembhard play. He’s a throwback point guard. Always under control, has his teammates in the right spots. Fun player to play with and I believe he will have a long NBA career. Overall, he was in complete control of this game. Great scoring/playmaking balance in this game. Best player on the court. Finished with 21 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals.

⁃ Ben Sheppard can absolutely shoot it. Every time he shot it, it felt like it was going in. Knocked down multiple 3s. Loved how he relocated and found open spots on the court. Finished with 16 points and 9 rebounds.

Game #2

Minnesota vs Utah (Utah Won 108-96)

⁃ Fast paced. High scoring game. A lot of offense in this game. One of the best shot making games I’ve watched in Vegas. Was impressed with the shot making from both teams. If you love offense, this was the game to watch.

- Keyonte George three-level scoring ability has been on full display out in Vegas. I know it’s only summer league. However; I believe Keyonte George was being underrated throughout the draft process. Keyonte George has slimmed down quite a bit and looks more explosive. Showcased his scoring ability this game as he was scoring from all over the court. Got to the rim and finished at a good rate, knock down midrange pull-ups, knocked down threes (5 for 10 from three) in a variety of ways. His playmaking this game was very good this game as he made the right reads including some advanced reads. Displayed a good balance between scoring and playmaking. Best player on the court this game. Finished with a game-high 26 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals.

- Leonard Miller was really good in this game as well. Still can’t believe that he fell to the second round. What a steal for Minnesota. There’s question marks about his ability to score it outside of the paint. This game he showcased the ability to score it in multiple ways. Finished well in the paint, utilized the floater, and knocked down a couple threes. If he can knock down the three ball at a solid rate, it will do his game wonders. Liked the defensive activity he displayed this game. Moved his feet well laterally out on the perimeter. Has the ability to guard multiple positions and I believe he will be able to guard multiple positions in the NBA. He had multiple steals in the passing lanes. He was without a doubt, the best player for Minnesota. Finished with a team-high 20 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 assists.

Day 6 - 7/12

Game #1

Oklahoma City vs Indiana (OKC Won 98-87)

⁃ Good pace to this game. Especially from the Thunder. The Thunder ball movement was exceptional along with their defensive intensity as they made Indiana really work for their points. Indiana were without Andrew Nembhard, Benedict Mathurin, AND Isaiah Jackson. Overall, good flow to this game as both teams were well structured on both ends.

- Dominate game from Chet. His defensive awareness & IQ as a rim protector continues to impress me. Was an absolute menace as a rim protector. Ended with 5 blocks as the way he block shots were game changing. Will be a difference maker right away on that end of the floor for the Thunder. Was also impress with how Chet knew when to roll/ fill in spots. His off-ball IQ is better than I anticipated. As Chet continues to get back into basketball shape, I expect his timing, his rhythm on handle, and his shot to improve. Chet finished with 25 points, 9 rebounds, 5 blocks, 2 assists, and a steal.

⁃ Best game I’ve seen Ousmane Dieng play in his young career. The confidence and aggressiveness was on full display this game. He got to his spots so effortlessly. Created rim pressure throughout the entire game. Made multiple tough step-back/off-the-dribble threes. Moves well laterally out on the perimeter for his size. Finished with 22 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and a steal.

⁃ I love Jarace Walker activity on the floor. As he continues to showcase his versatility on both ends. Another solid outing for Jarace Walker. Played at a good pace and was aggressive on the defensive end. Finished with 20 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal.

Day 7 - 7/13

Game #1

Chicago vs Cleveland (Cleveland Won 87-83)

⁃ Only game I didn't covered/watch live in Las Vegas. Overall, it was a sluggish game. Cleveland was in control of majority of this game. However; the Bulls did make it interesting towards the end of this game.

- Came into this game not knowing a lot about Craig Porter. He made himself known this game. Best player in the game for both teams. Was aggressive and efficient in getting to his spots and it showed as he shot (9 for 15 from the field). The stats doesn't truly show how active and good he was defensively (YES he had 3 steals & a block) but he was an absolute menace on-ball and in the passing lanes during this game. Finished with a game-high 22 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and a block.

- Came into this game wondering if Emoni Bates could be an impact outside of scoring. Emoji Bates calling card is his ability to score on all three-levels. Unfortunately, Emoni Bates didn't make any impact outside of scoring. Struggled with efficiency this game as he shot (5 for 15 from the field). Finished with 15 points & 6 rebounds. Emoni Bates to me, is a low-risk, high-reward player for Cleveland. Want to see Emoni Bates make an impact outside of scoring if he wants to become a key contributor in the NBA.

- Isaiah Mobley is an underrated player. Should get some more opportunity this upcoming season. Isaiah Mobley was very active on the boards this game. Had a game-high 12 rebounds (4 offensive). Was aggressive in the paint this game. Wasn't efficient from the floor (5 for 15). He didn't let it affect him, as he got to the free-throw-line 11 times (7 for 11 from the free-throw-line). Finished with 18 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assits, and 2 blocks.

- Javon Freeman-Liberty was the best player for the Bulls this game. Was in attack mode all game. Provided the Bulls a source of offense when the Bulls needed it. He did what he could, to keep them in the game. Got in the paint at will. Finished with a team-high 18 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and a block.

- Dalen Terry struggled on the offensive end this game, especially with his shot. His offensive struggles didn't affect his defensive impact as he was very engaged on this end. Looked very good laterally, read the passing lanes well, his anticipation was on point this game. Finished with 12 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists, and a block. The development of Dalen Terry will be an interesting storyline for the Chicago Bulls.

- Julian Phillips struggled on the offensive end as well, particularly from three. Didn't really make an impact in any areas during this game. Not a lot to say about Julian Phillips. Overall, he had a quiet game. Finished with 12 points 2 rebounds, a steal & block.

My Vegas All-Summer League Team (Based off of all the games I've seen & covered)!

1st Team

⁃ Andrew Nembhard

⁃ Keyonte George

⁃ Tari Eason

⁃ Jabari Smith Jr.

⁃ Chet Holmgren

2nd Team

⁃ Jaden Ivy

- Max Christie

- Ousmane Dieng

⁃ Leonard Miller

⁃ Victor Wembanyama

Best Performance: Jabari Smith Jr. (38 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 block & 1 steal).

Without a doubt Jabari Smith Jr had the best outing in Vegas. Looked and played very confidently. Dominated the game as he demonstrated his tough shot making from all over the court. He quickly graduated to (Too Good for Summer League).