Minnesota Sports Forum

Maybe we can keep the other summer league thread confined to Wolves related comments, and use this one for discussion of other players. As always, the "yes, I know it's only summer league" disclaimer is in force.

I was not a big fan of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope during last year's draft, and was relieved that Detroit took him before Flip had a chance to. And KCP had a terrible rookie year for the Pistons. But he seems to be the player to watch after the first two games in Orlando. He is shooting very well, and has scored 26 and 30 in his first two games. It's not uncommon for NBA players to show up with much more confidence and a higher comfort level as they enter their second year, and the improvement in KCP makes me more eager to see how Shabazz and Gorgui look in LV.

With Ainge still trying to cobble together an attractive enough group of assets to win the Love sweepstakes, Boston is also worth watching with Olynyk and Smart both being pieces that might have to be included in any deal. Smart shot very poorly in his first game, and this will probably be a recurring issue for him. But he also had 6 steals and only 1 turnover, so he showed some of the reasons he is so intriguing. Olynyk was productive too, but also had six turnovers.

Olynyk also looks bigger in terms of his body. Good for him.

I'd say Nerlens Noel is another guy to watch. Looked good the other day.

Ive liked what Ive seen from KCP, Noel and Nick Johnson. I could definitely see Johnson sticking as a 3rd point guard in Houston. KCP has really shined in a featured role and maybe that is what Flip saw in him.

Camden wrote:Olynyk also looks bigger in terms of his body. Good for him.

I'd say Nerlens Noel is another guy to watch. Looked good the other day.

Both good observations, cam. Noel surprised me in two ways...his ability to score (19 points) and his lack of production on the boards (2 rebounds).

I just saw a brief clip of Noel. He was driving to the basket like Tony Parker. Isn't he like 6'11"?

KCP continuing to light it up for the Pistons with 26 tonight...third straight game over 25.

On the negative side, Aaron Gordon is really struggling adjusting to Summer League...4 points and no rebounds in 25 minutes today, and hasn't gotten to double figures yet in three games.

Hard to buy into summer league stats. Remember the year Anthony Randolph put up insane numbers. That didn't get him far lol.

Hard to buy into summer league stats. Remember the year Anthony Randolph put up insane numbers. That didn't get him far lol.

KiwiMatt wrote:Hard to buy into summer league stats. Remember the year Anthony Randolph put up insane numbers. That didn't get him far lol.

Every year AR played in SL he lit it up. Lol Dude has a boat load of talent but can't put anything together. Its nice when guys play well instead of sucking though. Lol

Yeah, I put more stock in someone that doesn't perform in SL than someone that does (the AR effect).

Marcus Smart has some game, but he clearly is going to struggle with his shooting in the NBA. 4-13 so far tonight, which leaves him shooting only 26% for his first three games...and only 17.6% (3 for 17) on threes.

He uses his size well on defense, but KCP is so hot he's still scoring on him. KCP is over 25 points again, and has gone over 25 points for the 4th straight game. Really shows the difference between a rookie and a 2nd year player. Go Shabazz!