Lance Stephenson has been a known basketball phenom for many years, despite having his detractors. Drafted in the second round by the Indiana Pacers in this year’s NBA draft, he’s working to make the Pacers roster and had a solid summer league playing in front of Larry Bird in Orlando. Here’s some exclusive video of the Lance’s thoughts about playing in front of a legend, and the difference between playing in college and playing in the NBA:
James scouted the 2010 NBA Summer League games in Orlando, FL, and has compiled his list of the best players from all of the games played. This list represents just the play from the summer league games.
James’ Note: These teams and selections are based off of what I saw in the first 3 days of the League. There were 2 days, I was not there- Thursday and Friday- so I missed 2 games. I was able to see each player play in 3 games live. These, are in my mind the top players based on their performances. The stats beside each player are his accumulated statistics through the first 3 games.
Each team is composed of 2 guards, 2 forwards, and a center.
Players To Watch (Note-could not be selected to 1/2/3 teams to be eligible)
Best Undrafted Player
Jaycee Carroll (Celtics- PG undrafted out of Utah State)-82 min, 17-38 FG, 2-10 3pt, 4-7 FT, 3.7 rpg, 3 apg, 1 spg, 13.3 ppg
Here’s some exclusive video of Doug Collins, the new head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, as he discusses his impressions of his new team during their play at the NBA summer league. He also goes on to discuss the ongoing development of former Kentucky start Jodie Meeks, and why lottery picks almost always play badly in their first summer league games.
James continues his scouting of the 2010 NBA summer league games in Orlando, where many rookies are getting their first chance to prove themselves in the NBA.
Day 2, Game 3- 5:00 game
Boston (0-2) vs. Philly (2-0)
Philly win 86-69 Box Score
GAME NOTES
• Lawrence Frank, Doc Rivers, and Danny Ainge are sitting 3 seats down from me.
• Boston lost because of rough PG play and TO’s.
• Boston played zone in the 2nd quarter.
• Philly played good D and did well on the boards.
Luke Harangody (31 min, 4-14 FG, 0-2 3 pt, 6-6 FT, 12 reb, 1 blk, 14 tp)- Had a rough shooting day, but again showed off his rebounding skills, grabbing 12 boards. He is very agile and strong. He played great post defense today, and was able to hold his man off. He has a quick release on his jumper, but has a low release. His form looks good on FT and set shots. Again he showed the ability to put the ball on the floor and score with an awkward flip shot for an And 1. Also showed a nice step back jumper. Can be the next Dejuan Blair with a better offensive game.
Toney Gaffney (24 min, 4-7 FG, 2-2 FT, 5 reb, 1 blk, 10 tp)- I remember asking myself last season why the Celtics picked up Gaffney late in the season. I now know why, Gaffney plays hard and is very lanky, long, and athletic, with lots of upside and potential. He runs the floor well and is active on both ends on the boards. He has a nice jumper too, and showed the ability to grab a board and bring it up himself, although he needs to get his dribble tighter and lower.
Jaycee Carroll (29 min, 6-10 FG, 1-3 3pt, 1-3 FT, 6 reb, 2 ass, 14 tp)- Has a great runner/floater that is money. Has a great shooting stroke and displayed good body control in the air. Not athletic/quick enough for the league.
Oliver Lafayette ( 21 min, 3-9 FG, 1-1 FT, 5 ass, 5 TO, 7 tp)- Is a good ball handler with a killer crossover. Has the ability to create his own shot. He tries to do to much sometimes and over dribbles. He gets good lift on his jumper, and is a good scorer. Is a good defender, but is too TO prone.
Philadelphia
Cedric Simmons (16 min, 4-5 FG, 2-4 FT, 7 reb, 10 tp)- Very solid and productive game for Ced today. He was all over the boards and it seemed to me that he had more than 7 rebounds. He is very active- you must box him out. He is very strong and is a great finisher around the basket. Does everything with 2 hands. Almost took the goal down on a couple of hard dunks. Very active on defense- blocked/influenced shots. Also showed off a nice hook. Good chance he lands with an NBA team this year and stays on all year.
Jrue Holiday (31 min, 3-10 FG, 4-5 FT, 5 ass, 10 tp)- Very athletic and has ability to finish over bigger players. Very good dribbler who can get to basket and finish in creative ways. Throws great soft lob passes. Good defender too, with quick active hands. Needs to improve his 3 pointer.
Evan Turner (30 min, 5-12 FG, 1-2 3 pt, 2-2 FT, 3 reb, 4 ass, 2 st, 13 tp)- Evan again showed that he can fill up the stat sheet and impact a game even on a off shooting night. He is a good set shooter, but settles for tough shots, which impacts his percentages. He is forcing the issue a lot this game. Is a great rebounder, who actively pursues the ball. Is also a good passer , with a nice crossover that gets him to the rim.
Marreese Speights (29 min, 5-12 FG, 2-2 FT, 11 reb, 12 tp)- Great rebounder, is inconsistent on offense, surprised me with his athleticism. Is a strong finisher and showed a nice spin move.
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.
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.
