NBA Report: Orlando Summer League Day 1

By James Blackburn

Game 1- 1:00 game
Charlotte (1-0) vs. Utah (0-1)
Bobcats win 85-83
Box Score

GAME NOTES
• Officials are calling game extremely tight- lots of off the ball fouls and moving screens

• The Bobcats are passing the ball really well in the first half

• The Bobcats are letting Utah get back into the game because they are not getting back on defense

• The Jazz are making a living off the FT line – making 31

• The Jazz are having a tough time with the Bobcats length and size on the boards- the Bobcats scored most of there points in the paint in the first half.

• Sightings in the crowd for first game: Vince Carter, Stan Van Gundy, Rod Higgens, Jerry Sloan, Danny Ainge, Larry Bird, and Patrick Ewing.

Gordon Hayward
Image Source: AP

Scouting Reports

Bobcats

Alexis Ajinca ( 24 min., 4-7 FG, 4 reb., 3 blks, 8 tp.)- Showing off athleticism with some nice windmills in warm-ups. Has developed a nice little 12-15 ft. jumper with a very high release. Has a nice hook shot going to his right- very long and athletic player who still needs to gain some weight and get a little stronger. Ajinca’s problem is not on the offensive end, its on the defensive end. Has slow feet and doesn’t defend the Screen and Roll very well. Defense is the reason he can’t get into the game. Other than his defensive shortcomings- very solid showing for Ajinca.

Sherron Collins ( 14 min., 3-4FG, 1-1 3pt, 2 ass., 1 st, 7 tp)- If Sherron plays well during this summer league, he has a good opportunity to earn a roster spot with the uncertainty of Raymond Felton returning, which would leave the Bobcats with only 1 PG in D.J. Augustine. Sherron did a good job controlling the tempo and running the offense this game and scoring when he needed too. He keeps his eyes up and is a willing passer. Knows when to pass and when to shoot (he had 0 TO’s, which Coach Brown would like). He is a smart player with a high Basketball IQ, which is a product of being in Kansas system for so long. He is very strong and physical. Has a nice smooth stroke. He had a really nice coast to coast lay- up at the end of the half.

Gerald Henderson ( 34 min., 7-13 FG, 1-3 3pt, 5-5 FT, 4 ass, 20 tp)- Very solid game for Henderson, who was in a comfort zone the entire game. He was aggressive for the opening tip and was looking to score early and often. Loves to go to his right and is very explosive when he does so. He is a very athletic player, who had several nice over the rim dunks today. Has a very quick first step and rips through well. Can get to the basket and finish with authority and can also finish with acrobatic finesse. Good things happened when he touched the ball. Looked comfortable and composed playing, after being through practices and games in the NBA for a year. Has a good mid range- can create his own shot- Charlotte ran a lot of plays to get him isolations in the first half. Great overall performance.

Derrick Brown (36 min., 6-10 FG, 1-1 3 pt, 7-7 FT, 5 reb., 3 st, 20 tp)- Brown also played an impressive game. He is extremely athletic and tries to dunk the ball every time he attacks the basket which is often. He is a good vocal leader on the floor and is very smart basketball IQ wise. He knew the other teams plays and would shout it out on D.

Shawne Williams (17 min., 3-5 FG, 3 reb., 8 tp)- Shawne quietly had a good game. He was very poised on the court and you could tell he was a vet, having already played in the NBA for 2 different teams in the past. He has a nice offensive game with a great jump shot. He has good step back too.

Jazz

Gordon Hayward (25 min., 2-2 FG, 4-4 FT, 5 reb, 2 ass, 2 st, 8 tp)- A lot of eyes were on Gordon to see what he would do in his first pro game and first game since the finals vs. Duke. Gordon came out very passive and nervous. He looked out of his league in the first half, but settled down and got things going in the second. He does not force shots, and is a very smart player. He won’t have a problem in the league as some think he is not quick enough, big enough, or athletic enough. He is stronger than he looks and is surprisingly somewhat athletic. He is very patient. He plays solid defense, always having a hand in the shooters face. He is a good shooter with good footwork coming off of screens. He is also a good passer and can bring it up the court and finish. Expect to see him progress and get better game by game.

Tyrese Rice (13 min., 3-5 FG,1-2 3 pt, 5-6 FT, 12 tp)- Tyrese is an interesting player. Coming out of Boston College and not getting drafted in 2009 was a surprise to me. He spent last year in the Greek league and put up 12 ppg. Tyrese is a straight scorer, but little else. He is generously listed at 6’1”, but is probably 5’11”. He is a good shooter, but has an extremely low release. Showed off an array of offensive moves in a high scoring 3rd quarter. Has good ball control. I think Rice will spend most of his career overseas, as he is too small to get his shot off ( especially with low release) and the fact that he can do little else besides score. He is a decent passer, but is a defensive liability.

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