Ryan Kelly, former Duke standout and new Los Angeles Laker, talks with us about his transition to the league, what he’s experienced so far and what he expects next.
NBA Summer League
Gerald Henderson Interview, Charlotte Bobcats 2010
Things did not work out as well during the first season as Gerald Henderson had hoped. Drafted in the first round by the Charlotte Bobcats, the former Duke Blue Devils star battled for playing time with established veterans, but by the end of the season found himself on the bench far more than he would have liked.
But, as they say, that was last year, and for Henderson, it was just ‘Year One’ of his pro career, and this summer, he set about working to find his way into the regular rotation. After a solid summer league showing, he seems ready for the challenge and aware of what he needs to do to succeed. In this interview, he talks about his work over the summer and his thoughts on his first year and where he wants to go next.
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Daniel Orton Interview, NBA Summer League
Daniel Orton was sort of an unknown commodity for Kentucky basketball fans this past season, with the massive influx of high profile talent that pushed out some of his playing time. Despite this, Orton decided to make the break for the NBA and the pro game.
Here’s some exclusive interview as Daniel talks about his approach to the game, and he shares some of the issues he has had to deal with being “overloaded” with too much coaching and information while trying to focus on his game.
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Basketball Questions Answered: Magnum Rolle
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Magnum Rolle had arguably one of the better basketball outings of any of the players in the 2010 NBA Summer League, which is why he made our Third Team All League for the event.
Magnum is a second round pick who looks like he has a shot to stick in the league. |
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James Blackburn had a quick conversation with Rolle during a break, where he talked about “the best dunk he ever had” which was over two seven footers in high school. Not only is that an impressive dunk, but playing against a high school team with two seven foot players on the roster is no joke, either.
As far as the adjustment to playing in the NBA from college, he says he is adjusting well, every day is another process and that he is in the summer league to learn. The coaching staff is really pleased with the rate he is working and moving into the pro game. Magnum says his goal is to “get better every day”. |
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Derrick Favors Interview, NBA Summer League 2010
Derrick Favors, the number one pick of the New Jersey Nets, joined the team in summer league action as he began his life as a professional basketball player. Here’s our exclusive footage of Derrick as he talks about what he noticed in his first NBA action.
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NBA Summer League: Magic vs. Nets
By James Blackburn
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Orlando (0-3) vs. Nets (2-1)
Nets win 94- 91 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. |
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Scouting Reports
New Jersey
Derrick Favors (25 min, 2-5 FG, 5 reb, 7 fls, 4 tp)- Good rebounder, showed some nice post moves- good hook shot, foul prone, solid effort today.
Terrence Williams (36 min, 8-26 FG, 0-3 3pt, 6-11 FT, 4 reb, 6 ass, 2 st, 22 tp)- Very good and willing passer, does a great job attacking the basket. Takes a lot of shots- b/c he is one of the only sources of offense for Nets. Big time dunk in traffic going to his right. Had a nice runner in lane. Needs to work on consistency on jumper.
Damion James (34 min, 9-18 FG, 3-5 3pt, 9-11 FT, 3 reb, 2 ass, 30 tp)- Highest scoring game this week for any player. Solid scorer who is a good shooter. High volume shooter with athleticism. Shoots well off screens and can create own shot. Has a nice post game. Best game this week for the rookie out of Texas.
Orlando
Jeff Adrian (22 min, 2-4 FG,4- 8 FT, 4 reb, 1 st, 8 tp)- Great hustle player, free throws are flat. Very strong is a beast on the boards- protects the ball well. Showed improved offensive game since college- nice hook shot and can shoot the 10-15’ jumper. Will find himself on a opening day roster.
Joe Crawford (28 min, 10-13 FG, 4-5 3 pt, 5-8 FT, 29 tp)- High volume and efficient scorer- but strictly a scorer, nothing else. Great shooter- probably the best in summer league. Has a nice floater- can score in a variety of ways. Holds his ground- strong on D.
Daniel Orton (17 min, 4-6 FT, 1 ass, 1 blk, 4 tp)- Best game yet as a pro- even though he did not put up numbers or fill up the stat sheet- he looked alive and actually looked like he wanted to play today. He looked energetic and more comfortable today. Played solid defense- was a presence in paint. Gets post position and had a couple of nice passes out of post. Definitely needs to improve offense. The Magic still do not have a legit scoring center.
Patrick Ewing Jr. ( 31 min, 4-10 FG, 0-2 3 pt, 3-4 FT, 7 reb, 11 tp) – Not a great showing from the coaches son, who continues to lead the team in minutes played, but did show some good things. Plays good defense with active hands. Has a nice bank shot from wing area. Decent passer too.
NBA Summer League: Bobcats vs. Thunder
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. |
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Game 2- 3:00 game
OKC (1-1) vs. Charlotte (2-0)
Bobcats win 86-85
Box Score
GAME NOTES
• Bobcats offense looks out of sync in first half, none of the PG’s for Bobcats look comfortable.
• Bobcats played great team defense- forcing the Thunder to the end of the shot clock several times.
• S. Ibaka did not play because of yesterdays injury.
• Jeremy Pargo won the game for the Bobcats with a turn around jumper in the lane as time expired.
• Funny exchange between D. Brown and A. Ajinca after a Ajinca foul late in the game. Brown said, why did you foul him Lexy, you already have 8 fouls. Lexy responded, “I didn’t mean too – I’m not trying to foul!”.
Scouting Reports
Bobcats
Derrick Brown ( 30 min, 6-12 FG, 2-3 FT, 8 reb, 14 tp)- Another great game from Brown, who continued to attack the basket ferociously. He has a quick first step and can go to his right or left ( he is left handed). Has strong moves around basket, also displayed a nice 1 dribble jumper. Had a crazy athletic put back dunk attempt that missed, but continues to wow people with his athleticism.
Alexis Ajinca ( 27 min., 5-8 FG, 4-6 FT, 6 reb, 8 fls, 14 tp)- Up and down game from Alexis. Did some good things on offense today, but 8 fouls with out 1 block on defense is not a good line. He struggles in the post with double teams, obviously not used to them. He needs to become a better passer. Displayed good touch on his outside jumper.
Gerald Henderson (34 min., 5-11, 1-1 3 pt, 10-11 FT, 8 reb, 4 ass, 21 tp)- Another great game from Henderson, who is trying to earn himself some PT next year. He lead the team in points in assist and also showed he can hit the 3. Is an excellent rebounder because of his athleticism. Had another big dunk in traffic, because of a lighting quick first step. Played excellent defense on James Harden today. Good lucking jumper displayed, and he is good at curling screens and making the right play, whether it be shoot, or dump it to the low post for assist. Is also good at drawing fouls, where he takes advantage at the line.
PJ Tucker (21 min, 4-5 FG, 2-3 FT, 3 reb, 1 st, 10 tp)- Very productive game from Tucker, who recorded a DNP yesterday. Tucker recorded the highest +/- on the team with a +13. He is very strong and physical which makes up for his lack on height. He played solid D on Harden and has quick hands for a forward. Very active in the post- sticks with it, very hard worker.
Thunder
Eric Maynor (35 min, 5-9 FG, 1-2 3 pt, 7-10 FT, 4 reb, 5 ass, 2 st, 18 tp)- Maynor continued his solid play, and keeps himself in the running as best PG in league. Displayed a nice little floater in the lane. He is a good decision maker and an excellent dribbler. Good shooter and a good passer. He can throw the lob, and had a real nice no look drop pass for a dunk. Makes good reads with ball and anticipates well on D. Also showed ability to split double team on P and R.
Byron Mullens (28 min, 2-10 FG, 8-12 FT, 3 reb, 2 st, 2 blks, 12 tp)- Rough shooting day for BJ, but he made up for by going to the FT line 12 times. Had an athletic block on Ajinca, blocking his high hook shot. Does a great job running the floor for a big man. Is very strong and physical.
James Harden (34 min, 4-11 FG, 1-5 3 pt, 10-10 FT, 5 reb, 2 ass, 5 TO, 19 tp)- Harden showed some weaknesses today. He did lead the team in scoring and again showed he can get to the rim and finish through contact, but was sloppy with the ball today. He tries to force the issue a lot and takes bad shots or tries to dribble through people. The Bobcats did a great job defending him today by making him shoot more jumpers, an area where he must improve. He did still manage to get to the stripe 10 times where he is an excellent FT shooter. He needs to improve his dribbling, especially his R hand, he loves to go left, where he is very explosive.
NBA Summer League: Jazz vs. Magic
By James Blackburn
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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. |
 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.
NBA Summer League: Magic vs. Pacers
By James Blackburn
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Game 2- 3:00 game Orlando (0-1) vs. Indiana (1-0) Pacers win 86-77 Box Score GAME NOTES • 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) |
 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.
NBA Summer League Report: Nets vs. 76ers
By James Blackburn
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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. |
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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.