Best of the Summer Volume 1. Orlando

We are now down to the final day in the Orlando Summer League where we have had a chance to look at how the investments made on draft night should pay off. While summer league itself is a microcosm of what actual regular season play should look like, its often a good barometer. For Point Guards and Small Guards its about instincts, getting the team involved, playing through contact and decision making. For Shooting Guards its about feel for the game. Who can capitalize on the open looks, properly defend their opponent, get out in the open court and finish in transition. For the Small Forwards, can you create offense, rebound, guard multiple positions and shoot from the right shots. For Power Forwards, can you handle the physicality and rebound. For centers (easily the hardest position to play in summer) can you block shots without committing fouls, shoot the ball consistently from within 15-17 feet, operate out of the post and pass the ball when the shot doesn't exist.

While its early, during Summer League we gain a good idea of who at least wants to establish themselves. We learn who has something to prove and we learn who understands the importance of the moment. We also learn about those guys who have either found themselves struggling to get out of the D-League, or off the end of the bench and want to be in the rotation. This weeks Summer League was held in Orlando in a tournament style setting with incentive to compete harder. This is the more serious of the two Summer Leagues, with more scouts and general managers. The Las Vegas Summer League is all about making deals, the show and leaving a lasting impression.

I am going to go over the top talents this past week and some of the more disappointing performances. It's important to remember that Summer League isn't always a direct reflection of what will happen this fall, but more of a measuring stick. While some of your favorite players may have played at a sub par level, it could be the lack of preparation, nerves or just the setting itself.


THE A TEAM

1. Kelly Olynyk: The big Canadian has put forth a max effort all week. His shooting touch and rebounding skills have been on full display. So far the Gonzaga product has averaged 19.5 points and 8 rebounds. His ability to take the ball to the perimeter and hit the 20 footer will make him a ideal stretch 4.

2. Andre Drummond: The second year man from the Pistons has been on a war path. In 3 games (set out second game) he has averaged a monstrous 15 rebounds. He broke the rebound record twice in 4 days and was a match up nightmare. Scariest thing about Drummond, he is still a teen. He has also averaged 15.7 points and 2.7 blocks (6 in game one).

3. Jeremy Lamb: The sweet shooting 2 guard, may have made his case to fill the void left by Kevin Martin. Lamb has put on a clinic from the wing. His aggressiveness and swagger have grown substantially in his one year since being drafted. The former National Champion, has averaged 19 points (32 vs Philly) and 5 rebounds.

4. Victor Oladipo: Mr. Motor has been electric during his first week of professional basketball. Playing in all four games he has shown his well rounded game averaging 19 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals per game. His highlights include a step back game winner in the eye of fellow lottery pick Michael Carter Williams.


5. Terrance Jones: The second year man from Kentucky has performed at a high level for the undefeated Houston Rockets. His 15.8 points and 7 rebounds have only been half of the story. His leadership, energy and maturity have helped to erase some of the initial worries about Jones coming out of school.

THEY NEED SOME WORK

1. Trey Burke: The National Player of the Year has not had a good week. His shot has not been falling and often times he forced the issue. Most of the issues he had will be remedied with practice and coaching. Its important to remember that as poised as he was this past year at Michigan, he is still really young and this is a grown mans league. It wasn't all negative, he handled ball pressure well, got to the line and found the open man. He averaged 9 points (FG:21%,1-14 from 3), 4 rebounds and 3 assists.


2. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: The SEC player of the year shot the 3 horribly. Better than Burke, but not by much. He was able to keep his scoring average solid (12 points per game) with multiple trips to the free throw line, but his mid range and three point shot just were not falling. He isn't afraid to take contact and he was an active defender, but he will need to add muscle (KCP needs the Drummond diet).

3. Michael Carter Williams: Speaking of adding muscle, the wire thin MCW has been all over the place this past week. Some of which can be attributed to his lack of talented teammates. After a outstanding opening day performance (26 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists) he came back down to earth. Like the other rookies his shot selection was horrible and it will take time for his game to mature. His other large issue, was turnovers. MCW committed at least 4 turnovers per game and for a PG that's not going to cut it. As he gains strength, learns the pro game and works on his shot selection his game will grow.


DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH

1. Tony Mitchell: The Pistons second round pick is a physical freak of nature. He has "Big Play" potential written all over him. His game winning dunk against the Heat proved at any moment he can explode. His game is still raw, but working with Rasheed Wallace and Greg Monroe over the next year will help to polish his game.

2. Grant Jarrett: Mr. Jarrett can shoot the ball. That's essentially all that needs to be said. In the mold of Ryan Anderson, Steve Novak and Matt Bonner: he will step in and light it up. Size will allow him to rebound and be an additional body, but he is a specialist. Solid pick up by OKC.

3. James Ennis: The newest member of the world champs will be a welcomed addition to the bench. His length, athleticism and more importantly youth will prove valuable. He can score and defend on the wing. Playing behind LeBron James probably won't hurt his growth either.

4. Solomon Hill: The Pacers may have another hidden gem. In the past they have hit the jackpot with picks like Lance Stephenson and Paul George, so its safe to say they may have done so yet again. Hill can shoot the ball from deep, has great length and will be a capable defender.

The Draft Fanatic