Wolves Summer League

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

I have a couple of comments before Summer League kicks off for the Timberwolves:

- While I don't understand how Matteo Spagnolo is legally allowed to play basketball in a professional setting outside of his contract with Real Madrid, I fully expect him to have several really fun moments during the handful of games we get to see him. There's some flare and fearlessness in his game.

- I remain a fan of Brian Bowen II and I think there's an NBA player there if you squint a little. He needs further refinement, but the physical tools and skill level are intriguing. He's also been decent at the G-League level. I wouldn't be surprised if he looks above average in Summer League.

- I was unaware that Kahlil Whitney was on Minnesota's roster. This is a former McDonald's All-American and five-star recruit ranking among the top-15 in his class by multiple outlets. He reportedly has maturity issues, and he's incredibly raw, but there's talent there for sure. He has a fluid shooting motion combined with above average size for position and great athleticism. He'll be another guy to keep an eye on.

[FNG]

Kahlil Whitney is a bizarre story to say the least. Here's a writeup on his fall from high school star to Kentucky and G League failure.

https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/rusd4i/has_any_basketball_player_had_a_further_fall_from/

All that said, I like the Wolves at least taking a look at him, and I'm looking forward to our board correspondents' up-close reports on him and others.

[WildWolf2813]

Underwhelmed by this year's collection of players. Even Wendell Moore is one of those guys who won't shine in a setting like this.

Jacob Gilyard is someone who I'd love to see succeed in the NBA, but he's 5'9'' 160. I just don't see it happening for him at that size.

Kahlil Whitney was Naz Reid's teammate at Roselle Catholic in New Jersey. If anyone has a blueprint on how to make the roster under these circumstances, it's Reid.

[Monster]

I'm really looking forward to getting some reports on the Summer league from our board corespondents. I know part of the reason why Lip hasn't posted yet is he is diligently getting all the overhead reach measurements for players he doesn't already have in his database. I gotta respect his hustle in that area. :)

I've watched a few games worth of extended highlights. Kenny Lofton Jr is just fun to watch.

[Monster]

Updated roster and they have a little guy!

https://www.nba.com/summer-league/2022/vegas/team/1610612750/timberwolves

[Q-is-here]

Like a bespoke tailor, Lip has a tape measure draped around his neck as he personally measures each player himself. In addition, those aren't handshakes Lip is giving those guys, they're actually grip-strength tests.

[60WinTim]

I was really looking forward to seeing Walker Kessler play for the Jazz tonight... But I see now he is out due to a "minor" toe injury suffered in his pre-draft workouts. Hope Lip was not making a special effort to go see him!

[Monster]

I was really looking forward to seeing Walker Kessler play for the Jazz tonight... But I see now he is out due to a "minor" toe injury suffered in his pre-draft workouts. Hope Lip was not making a special effort to go see him!

This toe bad he is hurt. I was looking forward to seeing him as well and I'm sure Jazz fans are even more disappointed.

[Lipoli390]

I wasn't planning on watching Kessler, but I was bummed when Jaden Ivey exited early with a sprained ankle. In the short time he went down, he was tremendous. I had him 2nd on draft board behind Banchero. In the short time Ivey played today he was on another level. He's going to be a star and so will Banchero. They are, by far, the two standouts in Summer League so far. Here are my top 10 Summer League performers drafted this summer who I've watched so far through today:

1. Banchero
2. Ivey (very small sample, but his talent filled the arena)
3. Jaden Hardy
4. Blake Wesley
5. Benedict Mathurin
6. Josh Minott
7. Andrew Nembhard
8. Jalen Williams
9. Tari Eason
10. Malaki Branham

Of these 10, several looked like they're on another level than everyone else: Banchero, Ivey and Hardy. Just behind those three, I'd put Wesley, Mathurin, Minott and Jalen Williams. I think these seven players will be really good in a couple years if not right away. I see Banchero being a force right away and winning rookie of the year honors. Ivey will likely finish second in the voting. Both have looked like they'll eventually be NBA stars.

[Porckchop]

Clearly the big omission from your list is Chet. Could you give us your concerns on what you've seen from him?