Be careful about reading too much into success at NBA Summer League — the old adage is Summer League doesn’t tell you who can play in the NBA, only who cannot. Look at it this way, last year’s Las Vegas Summer League co-MVPs were Damian Lillard and Josh Selby. A future Rookie of the Year and a guy who couldn’t find the court.
That said, guys are making names for themselves and getting noticed already. This week the Summer League fun kicked off in Orlando, with the circus moving to Las Vegas on Friday (PBT will have extensive coverage from Vegas). We’ve been watching the games from Orlando (on NBA TV).
Here are five guys who have stood out so far.
Kelly Olynyk, Boston Celtics. We’ve already told you about him in some detail — he has had three big games in three days for the Celtics. The question about him coming out of Gonzaga was how he would hang with the higher level of athleticism of the NBA. In Summer League he has been decisive with his moves when he gets the ball and has shown he can score inside. He’s been impressive and done it for all three games..
Darius Johnson-Odom, Boston Celtics. DJO has played like a guy that deserves a contract somewhere. He had 22 points and was in full attack mode in the Celtics Day 2 win over the Detroit. He showed the athleticism that got the Lakers to draft him in the first place. He also showed some impressive playmaking skills. He has played his way into a make-good contract (meaning not guaranteed but he could make the roster) somewhere at least.
Miles and Mason Plumlee, Indiana Pacers and Brooklyn Nets. Sure, we can combine the two brothers into one. Miles has brought the kind of energy to the Pacers that makes you think he could get a few of Tyler Hansbrough’s minutes next season. Miles had a huge 16-point, 15-rebound, four-block game in Orlando. Mason has been attacking the rim for Brooklyn, putting on a dunking exhibition, and showing why he should make the Nets roster. He’s not going to get a lot of run behind Brook Lopez and Andray Blatche, but he shows promise.
Andrew Nicholson, Orlando Magic. If you watched him at all last season you knew this guy was good. In Summer League what he has shown is a lot of polish and a plethora of moves. Near the basket he has shown a drop step and a nice jump hook, the athleticism to get the rim, plus he has a solid jump shot as well. He’s still a work in progress but there is a lot to like.
Khalif Wyatt, Philadelphia 76ers. He hung 25 points on the Pacers with an impressive variety of shots — floaters, jumpers, getting to the rim for layups. The guy can flat out score and that got him noticed. However, his overall point guard play and his defense (particularly on the pick-and-roll) have to get a better for the Temple guard to make an NBA roster.