July 7, 2010

By James Blackburn

James continues his scouting of the NBA summer league games in Orlando, where many rookies are getting their first chance to prove themselves in the NBA.

Game 4 – 7:00 game
Pacers (1-1) vs. Nets (1-1)
Nets win 80-69
Box Score

GAME NOTES
• Both teams are running in transition.

• A lot of high light real plays/dunks in this exciting game.
Image Source: AP

Scouting Reports
Nets

Terrence Williams (34 min, 8-18 FG, 1-2 3 pt, 7-9 FT, 7 reb, 7 ass, 9 TO, 24 tp)- Again Williams led the Nets in points, but this game he had some help. He is really good at creating contact and drawing fouls. When he goes left he looks to pass, or he picks dribble up- loves to go right. Nice looking jumper and turn around jumper- with good elevation. Had a tough time handling the ball today and looked flustered under pressure- with 9 TO.

Derrick Favors (28 min, 5-8 FG, 2-4 FT, 3 reb, 6 fls, 12 tp)- Was in foul trouble again, but was able to stay on the floor longer than yesterday. The Nets played him at PF most of the game with Zoubek at Center. This is a good move because although Favors can play center ( position played at GT in college)- he needs to learn how to play high post because the Nets have Lopez a great player at center already. He does not look comfortable this game- looks tired. Should have had more rebounds, did not pursue the ball as much as he should have- lack of energy/effort. He looked out of his element playing PF and high post. Has a nice hook shot- can shoot it with either hand with same consistency.

Damion James (35 min, 8-20 FG, 1- 4 3 pt, 4-13 FT,11 reb, 21 tp)- Is not afraid to shoot the ball, takes a lot of shots- but settles for tough shots- when he can/should go to rim. Is not a bad shooter, has good form, gets square to rim. Has a nice turn around jumper where he fades over his right shoulder- very KG like- impossible to block. Poor FT shooter, considering he is a good jump shooter.

Pacers

Paul George (31 min, 5-15 FG, 0-7 3pt, 8 reb, 3 ass, 7 st, 10 tp)- Good rebounder, great defender- long arms helps him play passing lanes well. Loves to get out in transition and run, where he is most effective- in open court. Is very athletic- highlight reel machine. Needs to improve jumper, settles for outside jumper way to much. Needs to get his dribble tighter and improve his range. He turns his body in the air when shooting-not square to rim. He is able to finish with contact- but needs to get stronger.

Lance Stephenson (25 min, 7-10 FG, 1-1 FT, 3 reb, 3 ass, 15 tp)- Good productive game offensively. Is a very crafty and good passer. Is very fast/stealth in open court- where he is creative with ball. Very effective ball fakes that can throw defender off balance. Is a good rebounder- uses body well- big/strong. Loves spin move on baseline. Jumps in the air a lot when he passes- sometimes he gets in trouble- needs to stay down. Good finisher at the rim with good crafty moves to put ball in basket with contact. Good defense on Williams- forced him left.

Thomas Heurtel (14 min, 2-6 FG, 1-3 3 pt, 2 reb, 2 ass, 5 tp)- Is a solid PG, you know what you are getting with Heurtel. Is a good passer- threw a nice overhead pass in transition. Has a quick release- good shooter. Has nice right to left crossover- very quick- has nice floater- good defense- stays glued to his man.

Magnum Rolle (30 min, 3-6 FG, 3-5 FT, 3 reb, 3 blks, 9 tp)- Very athletic player- put T. Williams on a poster with a huge 2 handed dunk- where he had both elbows over the rim. Has excellent timing with weak side blocks. Is active on the glass. Nice second round pick.

By James Blackburn

Game 1 – 1:00 game
Utah (1-1) vs. Orlando (0-2)
Jazz win 78-73
Box Score

GAME NOTES

• One of the Officials is like 6’10” – he’s also a good official.

• Utah is playing good P and R team defense- doing a great job rotating.

• Utah is running in transition to start the game.

• Orlando is turning the ball over a lot.

• Orlando is having a tough time even getting the ball in bounds.

• Jerry Sloan is sitting a few seats down from me on the front row.

Gordon Hayward Summer League
Image Source: AP

Scouting Reports

Utah

Gordon Hayward ( 19 min., 3-5 FG, 1-2 3 pt, 7-8 FT, 2 reb., 2 ass, 1 blk, 14 tp)- Hayward came out looking a lot more comfortable than yesterday. He was also more assertive and looked to score a little bit more. He had a really nice athletic block on Ewing Jr. He continues to make the right play whether it be in half court or on the break. He is a great shooter, and he hit a big 3 at the end of the game, and also hit his FT’s. He is also a strong rebounder. Look for him to continue to improve every game.

Sundiata Gaines (20 min, 3-6 FG, 1-3 FT, 3 reb., 3 ass, 7 TO, 7 tp)- Gaines is most known for hitting a game winning 3 in his first NBA game after being called up last season. He struggled with TO’s today, but is a good and willing passer. He also did a good job changing speeds in P and R situations, and was able to attack the basket several times and finish.

Tyrese Rice (16 min., 2-5 FG, 2-2 FT, 1 reb, 4 ass, 5 TO, 6 tp)- Tyrese did not have as good of showing as yesterday, but still played a solid game. He struggled today when Sean Singletary was guarding him. He showed good anticipation on defense, getting a few steals. Is a good passer. Had a nice acrobatic tip in too. Is too out of control to make a roster and he gives up too much on the defensive end.

Jeremy Evans ( 15 min. , 3-6 FG, 5 reb, 2 ass, 2 blks, 6 tp)- Jeremy Evans, Utah’s second round pick, played a solid game. Evans is super athletic and can finish with contact. He is a good passer too. He is very long and runs the floor well. Good timing on blocking shots. He is an intriguing player with lots of upside.

Orlando

Trey Gilder ( 12 min., 1-2 FG, 2 blk., 3 tp)- His stats wont impress you, but this young man, who played in the D-League last year, can really play. He is very long, lanky, and this enables him to play great defense. He plays the passing lanes well. He has a high release on his jumper. Definitely a guy to keep an eye on.

Patrick Ewing Jr ( 27 min., 7-12FG, 2-4 3pt, 1-2 FT, 3 reb, 2 blk, 17 tp)- Another solid game from Ewing today. He continued to show he can shoot, both of the screen or off the dribble. He tends to fade on his jumper though. He also continued to show off his athleticism. Had a very nice block on Koufos.

Daniel Orton (17 min., 0-6 FG, 2-4 FT, 2 reb, 1`blk, 2 tp)- Daniel had another rough game today. We will start with what he did well. He did display some more patience today in the post, but was not able to capitalize. He altered/blocked several shots in the paint today. Now the bad- He looked really tired/out of shape today- several times he only ran to half court, and had his hands on his knees only several minutes into the game. He sets poor screens, and sometimes falls asleep on defense, losing sight of the ball. He recovers too late on defense and does a poor job rotating. He is not effective at all at he high post, and needs to do a better job finishing. He definitely would have benefited from at least 1 more year of school, may be 2.

Sean Singletary (13 min., 2-5 FG, 1 reb., 1 ass, 4 tp) – Sean had a pretty solid game today after registering a DNP yesterday. Sean is a very good defensive player, who has quick hands and moves his feet well. He also does a good job fighting over picks. He was a little shaky at the beginning, mis-communicating on several passes and committing a few unforced TO’s, but shook it off and settled in. Showed that he can still shoot, either off the dribble or a set shot. He has picture perfect form- a very calm, fluid looking stroke. Is a good passer too- should have had more assist-put his teammates in very good positions to score.

By James Blackburn

Game 2- 3:00 game
Orlando (0-1) vs. Indiana (1-0)
Pacers win 86-77
Box Score

GAME NOTES
• Was not a very pretty game- lots of fouls and TO’s (64 total fouls and 31 TO’s)

• Larry Bird was sitting one row behind me during the game and was complaining to the officials the entire time. It reminded me of Michael Jordan at Bobcats games, he does the same thing. Its humorous listening to him and Coach Jim O’Brien, who is sitting beside of Bird, go back and forth. You get the feeling sitting there that Larry Bird probably wishes he could get out there and play again, as he was getting frustrated several times with certain plays or players (especially Josh McRoberts)

Paul George
Image Source: AP
• Josh McRoberts and Daniel Orton both got ejected midway through the 3rd quarter after they got into a pushing match.

Scouting Reports

Pacers

Lance Stephenson ( 30 min., 8-10 FG, 5-8 FT, 4 reb, 3 ass., 21 tp)- Lance proved a lot of critics wrong in his first professional game, leading his team to the victory while running the PG the majority of the game. Lance looked very comfortable and in his element through out the game. He is deadly in the open court, where you can see his NYC street ball side come out. Lance is very strong and takes it to the rim with out any fear, with the ability to finish. Several outlets questioned Lance’s athleticism, and while he is not the most athletic player on the floor, he did exhibit good speed and quickness at the PG, and one nice one handed dunk in traffic after splitting the double team from the P and R. He is great in P and R situations, as he changes speeds incredibly well, and has the ability to see and hit the open roll man. He covers a lot of ground and few dribbles and is quick in the open court. Has a good feel for the ball, although sometimes he got himself into trouble by over dribbling. He was smart and was able to establish good post position against the smaller Jerome Randle and get easy scores in the paint. He had one incredible no look pass in the 4th quarter which led to a lay up. He did not shoot often from the perimeter, but when he did he showed a quick release and his jumper was falling today. Sometimes he carries the ball, and picks his dribble up to early in certain situations. Overall, a great showing for the second round pick, showing that his style is more suited for the pro game.

Josh McRoberts (16 min., 3-7 FG, 2-4 3 pt, 2 reb., 10 tp) – Before getting himself ejected for fighting, Josh had a decent game, although it was up and down. One minute he would be showing off his much improved 3 ball and the next minute he would commit a stupid foul. We will see in the coming games if he can put it all together and keep his cool.

Paul George (25 min, 2-7 FG, 1-5 3pt, 7-7 FT, 4 reb, 12 tp)- Paul George is going to be a project. You can see why the Pacers picked him. He is extremely athletic with a pretty decent looking jumper. He can run the floor like a deer and is active on the boards. He sometimes over dribbles and forced some bad shots. Larry Bird better hope he doesnt become the next Julian Wright.

Thomas Heurtel (16 min., 2-6 FG, 1-5 3 pt, 4 reb, 4 ass, 6 tp)- Heurtel’s numbers don’t exactly stand out, but the young PG from France played a solid game. Thomas is very savvy and smart with the basketball. He makes the right play and doesn’t force shots. He is a good passer and makes the right decision on P and R plays. He plays under control and knows his limitations and limits. He is also a good shooter and has a nice pull-up, even though the stats don’t indicate it.

Magic

Stanley Robinson (20 min., 1-4 FG, 7 reb., 2 ass., 4 tp)- Stanley showed me what I already knew before coming into this game. I knew he was athletic and a good rebounder. He has great body control in the air and is active on both ends on the boards. He grabs rebounds with 2 hands and secures them. He also showed me some good defense on George. He must continue to work on his jumper and his handle.

Patrick Ewing Jr (30 min., 7-17,3 reb., 15 tp)- It was interesting to see Patrick Ewing coach his son on the court. Jr is not afraid to shoot the ball. He has good form on his jumper with good rotation. Sometimes he tends to fade when he shoots though. He is also very athletic and acrobatic.

Jeff Adrian (20 min., 2-4 FG, 9-15 FT, 10 reb., 13 tp)- Adrian is a beast to put it mildly. His arms are the size of my legs. Adrian did well in his time on the court. He is a very strong, physical rebounder, who grabs the ball with 2 hands. He can finish at the rim, one time almost bringing the goal down with a 2 handed dunk. Needs to work on his offensive game, as he looks lost on that end. Could be the next Brandon Bass.

Daniel Orton (13 min. 1-8 FG, 3 reb., 5 FL, 3 tp)- Very poor showing from the first round pick out of Kentucky. Not only did he get ejected for fighting, but when he was on the floor he did nothing. He did display a good box out and ability to establish good post position, while giving a target hand. But when he gets the ball he is in too much of a hurry and puts up a poor shot. He does have the ability to draw fouls, with a wide body. He should have attended another year of school to get more reps.

By James Blackburn

Game 4- 7:00 game
New Jersey (0-1) vs. Philadelphia (1-0)
76ers win 84-74
Box Score

GAME NOTES

• The 76ers push the ball every possession.

• Terrance Williams is the only source of Nets offense.

• Doug Collins was sitting a couple seats down from me. He was coaching the game the entire time from his seat, calling out plays, motioning to the assistant on the bench who to take out and who to play. He was even calling players over and talking to them. It was very interesting.

• Last game of the day, gym would normally be clearing, but this is the weeks most interesting matchup- Favors vs. Turner.

Terrence Williams

Scouting Reports

Nets

Derrick Favors (24 min., 2-8 FG, 4-7 FT, 9 reb., 7 Fls, 2 blks, 8 tp)- Favors opening debut was less than spectacular, but you can see why NJ drafted him. When he develops an offensive game, the Nets will have one of the youngest, most talented front courts in the League with Lopez. Favors is a presence in the paint. He either blocks or alters shots near him. He runs the floor well and can finish at the rim. One thing that is going to hinder Favors is that he is very foul prone. Instead of staying straight up on defense, he extends his arms and reaches across the body, causing the officials to blow the whistle a lot. He needs to be more patient on the offensive end on the block. He is active on both ends on the boards. Has ability to face the basket and create or he can give wrap around pass from high post.

Terrance Williams (32 min., 8-12 FG, 1-1 3pt,6-9 FT, 7 ass, 23 tp)- Great game from Williams, who lead the Nets in points and assist. Williams had the ball in his hands 75% of the time and ran a lot of P and R for him. He is incredibly explosive going to his right, where he finished very LeBron like above the rim several times. Has a nice jumper and can put the ball on the floor and pull up. He has NO LEFT HAND, which the 76ers were aware of and still couldn’t stop him. Also played solid D on Turner. It will be interesting to see if he plays point forward some this season, with showings like this.

76ers

Evan Turner (27 min., 2-5 FG, 8-8 FT, 8 reb, 4 ass, 2 st, 12 tp)- Turner showed that he can fill up the stat sheet and could be a triple double threat down the road. He has great ball control and showed several nice dribble moves that freed himself for jumpers. Has a smooth stroke on his jumper. Has ability to get to the rim and finish. Good dribble pull up. Has very quick hands and plays solid D. He is smart and draws fouls well. Can take the ball coast to coast and finish. He is a good passer and is tall enough to see over the defense. Good solid game where he didn’t force any action and let the game come to him.

Cedric Simmons (16 min, 3-3 FG, 2-5 FT, 4 reb, 8 tp) – Simmons runs the floor very well. He is a big and strong PF, who needs to continue to work on his offensive game. He needs to extend his shooting range. He is a very quick leaper and can finish strong at the rim.

Marreese Speights (30 min. 1-11 FG, 4-5 FT, 7 reb, 6 Fls, 3 st, 6 tp)- Very frustrating game for the second year man out of Florida. He has a pretty jumper but it just wasn’t falling. He did settle for a lot of tough shots, like Kevin Garnett fade aways. He loves to turn over his right shoulder and do a fade away jumper.

Jodie Meeks (28 min., 5-12 FG, 2-5 3 pt, 6-9 FT, 5 reb, 18 tp)- Jodie is a great shooter, who does a good job of moving without the ball and running off the screens set for him. He has good footwork, where he gets his feet set, squares his shoulders and shoots. He showed good anticipation on defense. He also boxes out well and is athletic. He showed off his creativity in the air several times with pretty finishes.

Jrue Holiday (31 minutes, 8-13 FG, 1-4 3pt, 6-11 FT, 4 reb, 8 ass, 1 st, 23 tp)- Great game from Holiday, who had an up and down rookie season last year in Philly. Displayed great PG skills from his ball handling to decision making to his passing. Coach Collins seemed to really like him. We could be seeing Holiday and Turner as the starting back court in Philly this season. Has a good pull up and set shot. Is a great ball handler, but sometimes over dribbles. He gives good soft deliveries on alley-oop lobs. Very active on defense end, with quick hands. Is a solid scorer and defender who is a good passer. Did a good job of following Coach Collins instructions and ran the offense to perfection.