Early 2013 NBA Draft Top 15

1. Nerlens Noel, C Kentucky Fr. (6-11, 215)

Though he'll likely be unfairly compared to Anthony Davis, Nerlens Noel might just be good enough live up to it anyways. Noel is much more of a traditional big man, and may even be a better shot blocker than Davis. Noel is big, long, and explosively athletic with terrific timing and instincts as a defender. He moves excellently for a big man and projects to be an outstanding pick-and-roll defender to go with obvious ability as a help defender. Offensively, he still has a ways to go, but he can hit a mid-range jumper and has some basic post moves; given the his overall athletic ability and great hands, I'd expect him to develop into a very good offensive player as well. Right now he's the favorite to be the top overall pick.

2. Shabazz Muhammad, G/F UCLA Fr. (6-6, 225)
Perhaps the most NBA ready player in the draft, Shabazz Muhammad has an NBA body and an NBA game. Ripped and super explosive athletically, Muhammad is a monster on the offensive end because of his first step, strength, and explosiveness attack the rim, especially in transition. Muhammad also has a fairly advanced post and mid-range game for his position. Really, the only weakness offensively is 3 point shooting, which isn't bad, just needs work. Muhammad is also an outstanding rebounder and defender. The thing to love the most about him though, is his motor and tenacity, he's always attacking on offense and defense. Muhammad and Noel will likely be battling all year for the number 1 overall pick.

3. Cody Zeller, C Indiana So. (6-11, 210)
Always viewed as a quality player but not elite High School player, Cody Zeller took the next step to star in his freshman year. Zeller's greatest attribute is his offense, where he can score in the paint or step out and hit a jumper, he's also very good running the floor. Physically, he has good size but needs to get stronger and isn't particularly long or explosive, however he moves really well and is very quick, which serves him well both offensively. If Zeller takes another step forward next season, he'll have a shot at the top overall pick and certainly go in the top 5, there just aren't many players his size with this much offensive ability.

4. Isaiah Austin, C Baylor Fr. (7-0, 215)

A long, athletically gifted big man who can handle the ball and shoot playing at Baylor, sound familiar? Much like Perry Jones and Quincy Miller before him, Isaiah Austin is a super skilled big man with advanced ball handling skills and 3-point shooting ability. Though Austin is most comfortable on the perimeter, he can also take the ball inside and score in the post while on defense he's a tremendous shotblocker thanks to explosive athleticism, a 7-3 wingspan, and a great timing as well as a excellent rebounder. Austin still needs to learn to take the ball into the post more and get stronger, but the combination of offensive skill and defensive ability he brings is enough to make him a top 5-10 pick easily.

5. James Michael McAdoo, PF North Carolina So. (6-9, 225)
The million dollar question with McAdoo is which part of his season was the reality, was it the first 30 games of the season, he was absolutely dreadful, or the last 8 when he was much better. I love McAdoo coming out of high school because of his polish and physical abilities, but he rarely showed either until the end of the season. McAdoo is skilled offensively and solid defensively to go with very smooth athleticism and explosiveness. McAdoo is the main guy at North Carolina next year and could crash and burn if those 8 games were just an aberrational and he might be a little overrated at this point, after all he's only scored in double figures 6 times in his career and never had more than 10 rebounds, but I believe in the High School player I saw.

6. Alex Poythress, SF Kentucky Fr.(6-9, 215)
Like Noel, Alex Poythress will likely suffer from unfair comparisons to his predecessor on the wing, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, but Poythress is a terrific player in his own right. A long, explosive athlete, Poythress has a great motor and is constantly in attack mode on offense, defense, and crashing the glassing. That isn't to say Poythress is unskilled, he's got a good handle and can get to the rim as well as hit open jumpers.

7. Steven Adams, C Pittsburgh Fr. (6-11, 240)

Adams came out of nowhere both as a College recruit and an NBA prospect because, playing in his native New Zealand, very few had actually seen him play. However, after playing stateside against top recruits Nerlens Noel and Kaleb Tarczewski and more than holding his own, Adams blew up and became a top 10 recruit and a potential top 10 pick and it's easy to see why. Long, athletic, and strong, Adams plays very hard and physically, especially on defense and on the boards, he has great hands and a developing skill set.

8. Rudy Gobert, PF/C France (7-1, 230)
Rudy Gobert came legitimately onto the NBA top prospect radar after dominating EuroCamp and measuring over 7-foot with a crazy 7-9 wingspan, which rivals the longest recorded in the last 10 so years (as a point of reference, the longest in the last draft was Andre Drummond's 7-6). Because of that length, Gobert is an outstanding rebounder, shotblocker, and finisher around the rim. Gobert still has to work on his overall skill level and get a lot stronger, but his potential is off the charts because of that size, as well as mobility and athleticism.

9. Tony Mitchell, SF North Texas So. (6-8, 220)
Finally able to play after academic and transfer issues, Tony Mitchell was completely dominant, averaging 14.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 3 blocks a game, shooting 57% from the field and 44% from 3. The scoring, rebounding, and shot blocking, while excellent, aren't unexpected given Mitchell's skills, but the 3 point shooting is, as Mitchell was inconsistent from that range in High School. If Mitchell can continue to dominate and shoot from 3 that well, there's a good chance he'll get drafted in the top 10, because there are few more talented players in College basketball.

10. Anthony Bennett, PF UNLV Fr. (6-8, 230)

Whether it's fair or not, Anthony Bennett's draft stock will most likely rise and fall with his 3 point percentage. Despite being long, very explosive and strong, Bennett will always be labeled as undersized at 6-8, unless he has another growth spurt in him. Bennett's physical tools allow him to score in High School and, after a little seasoning, should be able to in college as well but, really it will all come down to the shooting. Bennett is already a good shooter and should only improve with time, and if it does Bennett will certainly be a top 10 pick.

11. Myck Kabongo, PG Texas So. (6-2, 170)
Though he struggled in his freshman year, there's still a lot to love about Myck Kabongo. Kabongo is a super quick, pure point guard who thinks pass first and loves to set up teammates, especially on the break. He's got as solid jumper and can get by most. He's also a charismatic, quality kid and vocal leader. So why did Kabongo  struggle? First, he played on dysfunctional Texas team that lacked talent. Secondly, he's small and smaller players usually have an adjustment period when it comes to finishing and dealing with stronger players. Kabongo has had a season and an offseason to get stronger and adjust, while Texas is losing some problem players and gaining a top recruiting class, so he could be in line for a breakout.

12. Ricardo Ledo, SG Providence Fr. (6-6, 195)
Perhaps the best scorer in the 2012 recruiting class, Ricardo Ledo has one thing on his mind when he steps on the floor: get buckets. Ledo is long and athletic and can score in a multitude of ways, whether it's with a smooth jumper or getting to the rim, Ledo is a natural. He also has advanced ball handling skills and great body control. Ledo's greatest strength can also be his greatest weakness, when he sometimes is too aggressive looking for his own shot. It's not that he's selfish, he just needs to learn to make the easier play rather than try to do it all himself.

13. Grant Jerrett, PF Arizona Fr. (6-10, 220)

One of three 5-Star Arizona frontcourt recruits, Grant Jerrett is the best NBA prospect of the three because he's got legit power forward height, athleticism, length (7-1 wingspan), and the frame to add a lot more strength to go along with a great skill set, including three point range, a post game, and a high basketball IQ. Jerrett needs to get stronger and learn to play more aggressively to become a dominant force, however he at worst has a future as a stretch 4 in the NBA, if not more.

14. Kyle Anderson, SF UCLA Fr. (6-8, 230)
I'm conflicted on Kyle Anderson, I love his size, incredible point guard skills, mid-range game and history as a winner, but it's hard to watch him and not think he's just not an NBA level athlete. There's something to be said about playing the game at your own pace, but I have a hard time seeing Anderson beating anyone off the dribble in the NBA. Still, Anderson will play in the NBA and at least be a solid player, especially if he can improve his shooting, but I don't think he'll be the dominant player he was in High School and likely will be in College. I also doubt Anderson will be a one-and-done either.

15. Michael Carter-Williams, G Syracuse Fr. (6-5, 180)
Syracuse had a deep, veteran backcourt last season, so 5-star, McDonald's All-American Michael Carter-Williams only played 10.3 minutes a game, while appearing in 26 of 37 games. When he did play, however he displayed serious talent, shooting 39% from 3 and posting a 3.9 assist-to-turnover ratio. Now, with Scoop Jardine and Dion Waiters gone, Carter-Williams will a starter and able to display his full skillset as a tall, long combo guard who can score from anywhere on the floor and has the potential to play point guard full time.
Just missed: Dario Saric, Croatia; Patric Young, Florida; Archie Goodwin, Kentucky; Adonis Thomas, Memphis; C.J. Leslie, North Carolina State

Jack/Wright, Anderson/Ayon trades

Jarrett Jack to Golden State, Dorell Wright to Philadelphia

Golden State, Philadelphia, and New Orleans complicated 3 team deal involving several players, but the gist of the deal is that the Warriors end up with Jarrett Jack and the Sixers get Dorell Wright. For New Orleans, they're simply clearing up money to sign Eric Gordon as well as playing time in the backcourt for some of their younger players.
I love this move for Golden State, who really needed a dependable back up for Stephen Curry, who has struggled to stay healthy with recurring ankle injuries. Jack is solid both offensively and defensively; not spectacular, but solid. Jack is actually better defending shooting guards, so he can play there as well and can take the departed Brandon Rush's minutes while Curry is healthy. With Jack and second year combo guard Charles Jenkins, Golden State is much more secure in the backcourt. Perhaps equally as important, by trading Wright, Golden State has cleared playing time for Harrison Barnes at small forward, where he'll likely start with Richard Jefferson as the back up.
As for Philadelphia, I'm not really sure what they're doing. Dorell Wright is a good player, but I'm not sure when he'll play. Philadelphia now has Wright, Andre Igoudala, Nick Young, Evan Turner, and Moe Harkless  on the wing, as well as combo forward Thaddeus Young. Unless a trade is coming, and you have to think that one is, how are they going to find minutes for all these players? Add that to the fact that Philadelphia has no back up point guard and no proven commodity at power forward, you have to think they're trading either Igoudala or Turner. As far as the fit on the team, I like Wright in Philadelphia: Wright has shot 37% from 3 the last three seasons and they really need shooting now that Jodie Meeks and Lou Williams are gone. Wright is also a solid defender when motivated, and Doug Collins is the kind of coach who can get the most out of him on that end. What he doesn't do, however, is cure the Sixers lack of shots at the rim, because Wright struggles to create his own shot. Wright is also an expiring contract, which gives Philadelphia some flexibility next summer. Still, you have to think this is the precursor to a big trade.

Ryan Anderson to the Hornets

The Hornets continue to rebuild their roster, having acquired former Magic forward Ryan Anderson in a sign-and-trade with Orlando. Anderson is receiving a 4 year, $36 million deal while the Magic receive forward Gustavo Ayon. Anderson is a nice add for New Orleans, who need to add talent to their frontcourt, and while they may have overpaid a little, Anderson has value because he can shoot (38% career 3 point shooter) and rebound. Presumably, New Orleans believes that Anthony Davis can play center, the position he played in college, or else they wouldn't have paid a power forward starting money. On the floor, New Orleans will lack a low post presence until Davis develops more, so I wouldn't be surprised if they brought back Carl Landry to play that role. However, the Hornets will also really be able to shoot, with Anderson, Eric Gordon, Austin Rivers, Xavier Henry and Darius Miller all being average to above-average shooters. Anderson is also young enough (24) to fit into the Hornets rebuilding plan. For the Magic, they lose out on re-signing Anderson, who was probably out of their price range, and get a valuable big in Ayon who is big, athletic, and has a really good motor. Ayon, along with Glen Davis, Andrew Nicholson, and Kyle O'Quinn will form the core of the Magic frontcourt after Dwight Howard is either traded or leaves via free agency. Those four players are a good mix of abilities and should be a solid, and perhaps more importantly cheap, rotation.

Las Vegas Summer League preview

Las Vegas hosts the bigger of the two summer leagues, which features teams from all NBA teams except for those competing in Orlando (The Magic, Nets, Celtics, Thunder, Pistons, 76ers, Pacers, and Jazz) as well as a D-League Select team. Here's a quick look at who to watch for in Las Vegas.

Atlanta Hawks
John Jenkins, Guard
We all know Jenkins can shoot, he was one of, if not the best shooter in this last draft, the real question is what else can he do? Is he going to be relegated to a 3-point specialist? If Atlanta decides to bring newly-signed Lou Williams off the bench, Jenkins has a good chance to start now that Joe Johnson has been traded, however he'll need to show he can score in different ways and defend his position.

Derrick Caracter, Forward/Center
Add Keith Benson and Jordan Williams to this list too. It seems likely that one of these three big men will make the Atlanta Hawks roster, but unlikely that any more than that one will, setting up a three way battle for a roster spot. Both Caracter and Williams are wide-bodied, below the rim players who can score inside, with Williams being a better rebounder and Caracter being a better shooter. Benson on the other hand, is a tall, long, and athletic shotblocker with a good overall offensive game, however he's slight of build and considered soft by many.
Others to watch: Mike Scott, Forward; Jordan Taylor, Guard

Charlotte Bobcats
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Forward
Obviously, anytime the number 2 pick in the draft is playing, it will be appointment television. It will be interesting to see how much of an impact MKG can have with only a couple practices under his belt and all new teammates. How far has his offensive game come since the end of the season? How much of an effect will his motor and leadership have on this team?

Kemba Walker, Guard
The number 9 pick in last years draft, Kemba Walker really struggled last season, shooting a double-take inducing 37% from the field, worst among qualified players. WalkerJ is a notoriously hard-worker and as a 6-1, 184 scoring guard, he had a hard adjustment than most, especially in a lockout year. He'll play a ton of minutes and have the ball in his hands alot, so just how much his efficiency and playmaking abilities have improved will become clear quickly.
Others to watch: Bismack Biyombo, Center; Jeff Taylor, Guard/Forward

Chicago Bulls
Marquis Teague, Guard
Chicago let C.J. Watson go and signed Kirk Hinrich, so it seems they're hoping for Teague to be the backup point guard until Derrick Rose returns from injury. Teague has all the athletic gifts of a star point guard, but he needs some seasoning to learn how to use those gifts as well as run a team. Look to see if Teague is scoring efficiently and setting up teammates, while avoiding turnovers.

Jimmy Butler, Guard/Forward
Like Teague, the Bulls are showing a lot of faith in Jimmy Butler after letting go of Ronnie Brewer, Butler will most likely enter the rotation, taking Brewer's minutes. Butler is a hard-nosed defender and rebounder, but he needs to work on his offensive game, especially his shooting. Butler is one of few players on this roster who have played in an NBA game and have a future in the NBA, so he should emerge as one of the leading players.
Others to watch: Malcolm Thomas, Forward; Henry Sims, Center

Cleveland Cavaliers
Tristan Thompson, Forward/Center
The Cavaliers took Thompson higher than more expected him to go with the 4th overall pick in the 2011 draft, over Lithuanian star Jonas Valanciunas. Thompson had a good rookie season, he played hard, using his length and athleticism to crash the boards and defend, but he wasn't a very efficient on offense and struggled with his shooting, he needs to improve on that if the Cavaliers want to get good value for their pick.

Dion Waiters, Cavaliers
In a situation eerily similar to Thompson, Dion Waiters was also selected by the Cavaliers with the 4th overall pick (this time in 2012), earlier than many thought. If Waiters wants to live up to such a high pick, he needs to prove he's more than just a scorer off the bench and can be a well rounded, starting NBA 2 guard. We know Waiters can get to the rim, but what about the rest of his game? Also, watch how he compliments Kyrie Irving.
Others to watch: Kyrie Irving, Guard; Tyler Zeller, Center

Dallas Mavericks
Jared Cunningham, Guard
It's one thing to talk about Jared Cunningham transitioning to point guard, it's quite another for him to actually do it. Assuming that is the plan, this will be Cunningham's first shot at it. He's athletic and can get to the rim, but he'll need to improve his ability to run an offense and set up teammates. If the switch doesn't work out, Cunningham will still be a good slasher and defender, but he'll need to become a more consistent shooter to have a real big influence.

Dominique Jones, Guard
Entering his third year in the league, this may be the make or break year for Dominique Jones, who the Mavericks selected 25th overall in 2010. Jones is a power guard who can get to the rim and make plays, but he needs to become a more consistent shooter if he wants to crack the Dallas rotation.
Others to watch: Bernard James, Center; Jae Crowder, Forward

Denver Nuggets
Quincy Miller, Forward
Miller fell to the second round despite prodigious, unique talent because of a past knee injury and questions about his fit on teams. Miller is a 6-10, athletic forward who can handle the ball and shoot from the outside, but the real question will be how aggressive will he be and how much has he recovered from that knee injury. Miller was tentative and less aggressive than he was pre-injury, he looked better in workouts, so it will be interesting to see just how that translates to a real game.

Evan Fournier, Guard/Forward
A veteran of European professional leagues, Fournier will have a lot more experience than most of the other players in the summer league, so don't be surprised if he has a big week. Fournier is a big shooting guard with a excellent mid-range game that can get to the rim and make plays for teammates. He needs to improve his 3 point shot and there are questions about his defense, but Fournier should be one of the more exciting players at summer league, especially since most haven't seen him play before.
Others to watch: Kenneth Faried, Forward; Jordan Hamilton, Forward; Julyan Stone, Guard

Golden State Warriors
Harrison Barnes, Forward
Barnes, the number 7 pick in the 2012 draft, will be joining a stacked summer league roster but all eyes will be on him as the potential star on the roster. Barnes is a big wing scorer with a smooth jump shot, however he plays on a team with two other perimeter players who's best asset is shooting (Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson) so there will be pressure on Barnes to makes plays off the bounce, something he has struggled with in the past.

Festus Ezeli, Center
Given Andrew Bogut and Andris Biedrins' history of injuries, center depth is a crucial position for Golden State. Festus Ezeli was drafted with the 30th pick in the more recent draft for this very reason. The Warriors aren't looking for a lot out of Ezeli, he just needs to be able to play defense, rebound, and finish close around the basket.
Others to watch: Klay Thompson, Guard; Charles Jenkins, Guard; Draymond Green, Forward

Houston Rockets
Royce White, Forward
Whenever Royce White is playing, it's always appointment television. White is a big (6-8, 260), athletic point forward who can do just about anything on the floor. It will be interesting to see if White will be allowed to handle the ball or initiate offense and just how well he will do with teammates he hasn't played with very much. White could be a big trade chip if he dominates the games in the unique way that he can.

Donatas Motiejunas, Forward
The Rockets have a loaded summer league team, but the player I'm most excited to watch is Donatas Motiejunas. Motiejunas was drafted 20th overall in 2011 and this will be his first action in the United States. Motiejunas is 7-0, athletic face up forward who likes to play on the perimeter and has a nice jumpshot. We know he can score, but will Motiejunas mix it up on the boards and play physical on the defensive end?
Others to watch: Terrence Jones, Forward; Jeremy Lamb, Guard; Scott Machado, Guard; Marcus Morris, Forward; Chandler Parsons, Forward.

Los Angeles Clippers
Eric Bledsoe, Guard
One of the most explosive, athletic point guards in the league, Eric Bledsoe has played well in small spurts, but unfortunately for him, small spurts are all he's ever likely to get because of Chris Paul's presence on the team. If Bledsoe continues to play well, there's a good chance that he is used as trade bait for the Clippers, who need depth all around on their team.

Mickey McConnell, Guard
McConnell was one of the best shooters in college basketball when he played a St. Mary's and that carried over to Italy, where he averaged 17.6 points a game in for the 2011-12 season. McConnell is a deadly shooter, as well as a good ball handler and passer, he only has a small chance at making an NBA team, but he's fun to watch play and an underdog to root for, in a Jeremy Lin type way.
Others to watch: Trey Thompkins, Forward; Travis Leslie, Guard

Los Angeles Lakers
Chinemelu Elonu, Forward/Center
Drafted all the way back in 2009, Chinemelu Elonu was a project coming out of Texas A&M. Elonu is big, long, and athletic but he had little skill level when he was drafted. After playing several years in Europe, including averaging 10 and 8 in France last season, Elonu is coming back to play for the Lakers summer league team and should be an interesting watch. If he's polished up his game at all, he could make a Lakers team that lacks depth and the funds to acquire it.


Darius Johnson-Odom, Marquette
There's no getting around the fact the Darius Johnson-Odom is undersized: at 6-3 DJO would be undersized for a shooting guard, but his natural position is small forward, so it's even worse. However, he has the shooting ability and quickness to transition to shooting guard, and there's no one who'll play harder or that's tougher. Again, Johnson-Odom has a good chance of making a Lakers roster in serious need of depth.
Others to watch: Devin Ebanks, Forward; Robert Sacre, Center

Memphis Grizzlies
Tony Wroten Jr, Guard
Wroten was one of the most talented players in the draft, but he fell because of some legitimate concerns, but not ones that can't be fixed given hard work. Wroten is a huge (6-6), athletic point guard with tremendous court vision and passing ability, however his jumper really needs work and he can be wild and turnover prone. If Wroten can just become a decent shooter and learn to reign himself in some, he could be a Tyreke Evans type player, but a better passer. This summer league is the first step for Wroten, who has the talent to dominate the league.

Josh Selby, Guard
There hasn't been more hype for a player who has accomplished so little in quite a bit of time, but there's a good reason for the hype: he is an incredibly talented, super athletic, undersized shooting guard who plays best with the ball in his hands but has yet to really figure out how to play a team game. Hopefully, after a year of grinding in practices with one of the tougher teams in the league, Selby will have taken a couple steps forward. There's a good chance he either blows up or blows out, either way this is a big summer for Selby.
Others to watch: Jeremy Pargo, Guard; Cam Tatum, Guard/Forward

Miami Heat
Norris Cole, Guard
Cole burst on the to scene with a couple of big games for the Heat last season, but after being predictably overrated by the media, he equally as predictably cooled off before pretty much falling out of the rotation. Cole is, however, a very talented player but because he is small (6-2, 175) he had a big adjustment period as a finisher because the in the NBA, everyone is bigger and stronger. However, given his quickness and well rounded game, he should be able to take a step forward in this summer league and beyond.

Jarvis Varnado, Forward/Center
The All-Time NCAA shotblocker leader, Jarvis Varnado was drafted in 2010 but never played an NBA game, instead playing in Europe. Obviously, Varnado is an incredible shotblocker and defensive player, but it's unlikely he makes the Heat's roster and I don't know his chances of making any team, however he's really fun to watch and should be a fan favorite at the summer league.
Others to watch: J'Covan Brown, Guard; Terrel Harris, Guard; Justin Hamilton, Center; Dexter Pittman, Center

Milwaukee Bucks
Tobias Harris, Forward
Tobias Harris, a 2011 draft pick, played very well for the Bucks in limited minutes last season and could be in for an increase of minutes, especially because of of his unique talent. Harris is a big, strong point forward who can handle, pass, and rebound. He needs to improve his shooting and his defense, if he can do those two things, he could earn some playing time for Milwaukee. Harris is a very hard worker, so don't be surprised to see some improvement in his game this summer.

John Henson, Forward
Throw Larry Sanders in here too. The Bucks are loaded down with long armed, offensively inept players, including Sanders, Henson, Ekpe Udoh, and Samuel Dalembert, and while they're all on the roster with guaranteed contracts, it's unlikely they'll all get playing time. Dalembert is a lock to start at center, but Henson, Sander, and Udoh will be battling for playing time and this summer league is the beginning. Udoh isn't playing, but Henson and Sanders will be watched closely to see who will get first shot at the rotation.
Others to watch: Larry Sanders, Forward/Center; Doron Lamb, Guard

Minnesota Timberwolves
Derrick Williams, Forward
The number 2 pick in last years draft, Derrick Williams had an up and down season for the Timberwolves. He had highlight reel plays and put together some big games, but he also really struggled with consistency, particularly with his efficiency and shooting. Williams needs to figure out what he wants to be in the NBA, he was an outstanding shooter in college, but only shot 37% from 3 and 41% from the field in his rookie year. Williams needs to come out aggressive, attack the rim and post up instead of hanging out in the perimeter and taking jumpers.

Robbie Hummel, Forward
Once upon a time, Robbie Hummel was considered a decent NBA prospect, but two knee injuries later he was barely drafted at 58 overall. Hummel has a legitimate chance to make the Timberwolves because of his shooting ability and fit in Rick Adelman's offense. Hummel has a nice jumper and can shoot over most wing players, along with being a good passer. Hummel might not ever have a huge in-game impact other than a floor spacer, but his hardworking nature and high basketball IQ make him an asset in practices.
Other to watch: Jet Chang, Guard; William Buford, Guard

New Orleans Hornets
Anthony Davis, Forward/Center
This one is pretty obvious. Davis, the number 1 overall pick in last years draft, is obviously one of the biggest draws in Vegas. Davis is really fun to watch because off all the things he does, especially on defense where you'll see him help on a pick-and-roll at the three point line, then recover to the roll man and block his shot in the paint. It will also be interesting to see if Davis can provide some scoring away from the friendly confines of the Kentucky offense.

Austin Rivers, Guard
Here we go, Rivers was one of the most polarizing prospects in the draft and this will be our first taste him against pro competition as well as the first time in his career Rivers hasn't been the best player on his team. The Hornets are hoping Rivers can play point guard, and given the lack of a high level point on this summer league team, he'll be given a shot at it right off the bat.
Others to watch: Darius Miler, Guard/Forward; Xavier Henry, Guard/Forward; Matthew Bryan-Amaning, Forward

New York Knicks
Wesley Witherspoon, Forward
An undrafted free agent forward out of Memphis, Wesley Witherspoon has a slim chance of making the Knicks roster, however he'll be worth watching because of his propensity to make explosive, highlight reel players. The Knicks summer league roster is the worst in Vegas, with most if not all of the players unlikely to make it in the NBA.

Chris Smith, Guard
Smith, younger brother of Knicks guard J.R. Smith, is like his brother in more ways than just appearance. The younger Smith appears to have modeled his game after his brother, complete with incredible plays and terrible shot selection. Smith will likely have a game where he goes for 30+ and a game when he goes 0-for-6 from three. Still, if he can learn to rein it in a little, he could have a Von Wafer type NBA career.
Others to watch: Jeremiah Rivers, Guard; Artsiom Parakhouski, Center

Phoenix Suns
Kendall Marshall, Guard
One of the most valuable players in college basketball last season, Kendall Marshall was the key cog that turned North Carolina from collection of talent to offensive juggernaut. Marshall is a terrific passer, but it will be interesting to see how he does with a less than elite group of offensive players like he'll be playing with in the summer league. Can he provide the same value to an offense or will he struggle when not surrounded by elite players?

Markieff Morris, Forward
The good news for Markieff Morris is that he shot 35% from 3 in his rookie season, very good for a 6-10 power forward, the bad news is he didn't rebound very well and shot an abysmal 40% overall from the floor. If he wants to make it in the league, Morris will have to improve his rebounding and efficiency. He did both of those things very well at Kansas, so I'd be surprised if he didn't turn it around at least a respectable amount.
Others to watch: David Lighty, Guard; Jacob Pullen, Guard; Diante Garrett, Guard

Portland Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard, Guard
In 4 full seasons at Weber State, Damian Lillard never faced a top 25 team and the best team he faced, Cal, held him to 4-of-17 shooting. This isn't an attack on Lillard, but simply stating of a fact that leads you to believe this summer league will be a big jump in competition for Lillard. Lillard has the skills and demeanor to succeed, but the question is will the adjustment period be a couple of games or half a season plus.

Meyers Leonard, Center
Leonard's development is in a tie with Luke Babbitt, Nolan Smith, Will Barton and Elliot Williams for second most interesting Portland summer league story. Leonard is trying to prove he wasn't a reach in the lottery and Babbitt, Smith, Barton, and Williams are fighting for minutes in a mostly wide open Portland backcourt. Leonard doesn't need to dominate, but if he continues to disappear for stretches red flags will be raised. As for the other four, each brings something different to the table, Babbitt: size; Smith: ball handling;Williams: explosiveness; Barton: scoring.
Others to watch: Luke Babbitt, Forward; Elliot Williams, Guard; Will Barton, Guard; Nolan Smith, Guard

Sacramento Kings
Jimmer Fredette, Guard
Fredette had one of the biggest adjustments of any player in the 2011 draft, going from being the man on a WCC team to a role player in the NBA is a huge leap and change in role. He struggled for most of the season, but there were flashes. Like Kemba Walker, Fredette is a smart player and a hard worker, so I wouldn't be surprised if he makes himself into a decent NBA backup, though I think the days of thinking of him as Stephen Curry are long gone, with J.J. Redick being more of the probably outcome.

Hassan Whiteside, Forward/Center
Obviously, Thomas Robinson is a must watch this summer, but there's another intriguing Kings big man who'll be interesting to watch and that's Hassan Whiteside, the athletic, 7-7 wingspan former second round pick who can block shots at will but has trouble with much else. Whiteside has been playing mostly in the D-League, so it will be interesting to see just how much he's improved and if he can contribute in the NBA, mainly if he's gotten stronger and improved offensively.
Others to watch: Thomas Robinson, Forward; Tyler Honeycutt, Forward; Tony Mitchell, Alabama

San Antonio Spurs
Marcus Denmon, Guard
An athletic combo guard with a terrific jumper, Marcus Denmon was of my favorite players in the last draft because he can do some much to help a team. Denmon is obviously a terrific shooter, but he can score in other ways as well as defend point guards and even play point guard a little. I also love Denmon in the Spurs system, I wouldn't be surprised if he not only made the Spurs roster but earned some minutes in his rookie season.

Cory Joseph, Guard
San Antonio surprised many by taking Cory Joseph in the late first round back in 2011 and so far that incredulity has been justified. Joseph really struggled in his rookie season before being sent down to the D-League and struggling there as well. Joseph is on a guaranteed contract, so this isn't make or break, he'll get another chance, but this summer is a big for Joseph if he expects to make an impact for the big team this season, because if he struggles there's a good chance he'll spend most of the season in the D-League. Ditto for James Anderson as well.
Others to watch: Kawhi Leonard, Forward; James Anderson, Guard/Forward; JaMychal Green, Forward

Toronto Raptors
Terrence Ross, Guard/Forward
The Raptors raised some eyebrows when they took Ross at 8 overall, ahead of Austin Rivers and Jeremy Lamb, so look for Ross to come out aggressive and try to prove he was worth it. The question is, will it be a good aggressive, attacking and playing hard, or a reckless, gunning aggressive? Given Ross' demeanor, I'd expect the former, but you never know.

Ed Davis, Forward
Davis has been really effective when he's gotten the minutes, but Toronto seems loath to play him a lot but if Davis continues to improve, he'll force himself into a more prominent role and perhaps free Andrea Bargnani for a trade. As a third year player, Davis should perform very well in Vegas and will certainly be worth watching because of his explosiveness.
Others to watch: Quincy Acy, Forward; Tu Holloway, Guard; Daniel Orton, Center

Washington Wizards
Bradley Beal, Guard
The number 3 pick in the 2012 draft, Brad Beal will play a crucial role on the Wizards next season, the question is: just what will it be? Will he simply be a floor spacer or can he become the top perimeter scorer this team has lacked since pre-militant Gilbert Arenas? Beal has the skills and the potential to do it, but at, 19 is he ready?

Jan Vesley, Forward
Vesely struggled with injuries and adjusting to American basketball for the first part of last season, but he really started to show his value later on down the line. Vesley is a high energy, hustle player who'll get a lot of rebounds, steals, blocks, and dunks just because he's big, athletic, and plays hard, but the question is whether his skill will catch up with his motor? Vesley has been reportedly working a lot on his shooting, which along with ball handling and not fouling are the areas he needs to improve most on and getting reps against live competition will only help that.
Others to watch: Chris Singleton, Forward; Shelvin Mack, Guard; Tomas Satoransky, Guard/Forward

Orlando Summer League preview

The smaller of the two summer leagues, Orlando hosts the hometown Magic along with the Celtics, Jazz, Nets, Pacers, Pistons, Sixers, and Thunder. Despite have quite fewer teams, the Orlando Summer League is home to some very interesting players and should be quite entertaining. He's a breakdown of who to watch on each team.

Boston Celtics
Jared Sullinger, Forward
This will be our first chance to answer the two questions most asked about Sullinger: how much will his back effect him and can he deal with against NBA length and athleticism. Sullinger will face some several current and future NBA bigs this summer, so we'll see just how much of his effectiveness in college will translate to the pros.

Fab Melo, Center
Melo has been much maligned by Celtics fans, but he can still be an productive NBA player if he can boost his rebounding and learn to play man-to-man defense. If Melo continues his shotblocking and help defense, and can pull down a respectable number of boards, it'll go a long way to ease concerns about his ability to contribute.

Utah Jazz
Enes Kanter, Center
Kanter was buried in a deep Utah frontcourt, but when he did get playing time he showed he could be a excellent rebounder and score in the post, which was expected but he didn't shoot the ball as well as it was thought he could. If Kanter can regain that shooting stroke, to go with his rebounding and post game, Kanter could become a dominate force that allows Utah to trade Al Jefferson or Paul Millsap.

Alec Burks, Guard
Like Kanter, Alec Burks was very productive in limited minutes, next season he'll be given more minutes now that Raja Bell has moved on and it will be interesting to see how much he has improved, because he could be a crucial part of the Jazz next season. Look out to see how much his shooting and playmaking has improved.

Brooklyn Nets
MarShon Brooks, Guard
Brooks had a solid rookie season and should be penciled in as Joe Johnson's primary backup for the Nets. Brooks will be asked to provide scoring off the bench, the question will be whether he can do it efficiently or not. How he does in a setting like the Summer league will go a long way to answer that question.

Tyshawn Taylor, Guard
A second round pick, Tyshawn Taylor has all the talent in the world, he just needs to learn to harness it. Taylor will be Deron Williams backup this season and most likely be asked to do two things: take care of the ball and play defense. He's pretty good at the latter, but needs work on the former.

Orlando Magic
Andrew Nicholson, Forward
With Ryan Anderson being traded to Hornets, Nicholson looks to have a chance to earn some minutes as a rookie. If Nicholson can continue to shoot the ball as well as he has and play defense, he could have a nice impact. It will be interesting to see how he does in this setting and whether he can up his rebounding totals.

Justin Harper, Forward
Harper was downright terrible as a rookie, shooting 29% from the field, 15% from 3, and missed the only free throw he attempted. This may be Harper's last chance at a career in the NBA, he needs to impress here or it could be the end.

Indiana Pacers
Miles Plumblee, Center
One of the more criticized picks of the first round, Miles Plumblee produced very little in four years at Duke despite having great size and athleticism. This isn't a make or break deal for Plumblee, especially since he's on a guaranteed contract, but it will help to show whether this was a wasted pick or not.


Lance Stephenson, Guard
Stephenson has become more famous for what he's said than for his production on the court. Stephenson has a chance to earn some minutes in a jumbled Indiana backcourt, but he won't unless he can improve his shooting and decision making.

Detroit Pistons
Andre Drummond, Center
Perhaps the player that will be the most interesting to watch, Andre Drummond will be the center of a lot of attention. The top physical talent in the draft, Drummond fell to the Pistons at 9 because of questions about his motor. It will be interesting to see how he performs now that he's away from the dysfunctional Connecticut team. We know he'll be an excellent defender and rebounder, but can he bring anything to the offensive end?

Brandon Knight, Guard
Knight had a solid rookie season, but needs to improve in several areas if he and the Pistons going to take the next step. Knight shot the ball well from deep, but struggled inside the arc, he also needs to learn to run the team better and draw more fouls. Knight is more talented than pretty much all of the other point guards in Orlando, so he should be able to dominate.

Philadelphia 76ers
Maurice Harkless, Forward
I'm not sure how Harkless fits on the Sixers, but he's definitely talented and should help Philadelphia get more shots close to the rim, something they struggle with, provided he can find minutes on a deep Sixers frontcourt. If Harkless shines, it may embolden Philadelphia to trade Andre Igoudala or Evan Turner.


Nikola Vucevic, Center
Vucevic had a solid rookie season, but he was pretty foul prone and had trouble staying on the floor. With Philadelphia amnestying Elton Brand, Vucevic will be called on to play more minutes, so he'll have to cut down on the fouls and improve his overall game.

Oklahoma City Thunder
Perry Jones III, Forward
Despite being a top 5 talent, Jones fell all the way to 28 because of a knee injury and inconsistency. Jones, along with Drummond, will draw the most attention in Orlando and it will be interesting to see how he plays and how much of a chip he has on his shoulder.

Cole Aldrich, Center
For an 11th overall pick, Cole Aldrich has been pretty disappointing. Aldrich will now do battle with another disappointing top pick, Hasheem Thabeet for Oklahoma City's backup center position. If Aldrich can't beat of Thabeet, it may spell the end of his career in OKC and maybe the league, so this summer league will be big.

2012 Team USA roster breakdown

This year's USA Olympic team has a different look from the Gold Medal 2008 team, no Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade, no Dwight Howard, and Derrick Rose will also be unable to participate, all due to injury. Still, they've got the most talented team at the Olympics and should have a good chance of repeating as Gold Medalists. This team is much deeper 1 through 12 than a 2008 team had Carlos Boozer, Michael Redd, and Tayshaun Prince at the back end of the roster. The loss of Howard probably hurts the most, but Howard didn't play a huge role for the 2008 team and by using a couple different players, they should be able to adequately replace what he provided. Remember: you don't need a true center all the time in International basketball.

Carmelo Anthony, Forward (New York Knicks)
In the 2008 Olympics, Carmelo Anthony was one of the starting forwards and the fourth leading scorer on the team. This season he'll likely be the first forward off the bench, coming in for either LeBron James or Kevin Durant. Melo is hard to stop as a scorer because he can overpower wings and blow by power forwards, he is also a very good rebounder and should play a big role for team USA, though perhaps not as big as in 2008.

Kobe Bryant, Guard (Los Angeles Lakers)
The elder statesman and veteran leader of the team, Kobe Bryant will start at shooting guard and play a similar role as in 2008, picking his spots for the bulk of the game, then taking over in crunch time. Kobe may have lost a step, but he's still a devastating scorer and can still be a lockdown defensive player. It will be interesting to see if Kobe plays more of a playmaker role with all the other scoring talent on this team.

Tyson Chandler, Center (New York Knicks)
With Dwight Howard unable to participate after back surgery, Tyson Chandler will be called upon as the starting center and defensive anchor. Chandler will be asked to do what he does best: captain the defense and protect the rim, with any scoring he does simply being a bonus. Chandler was crucial to the 2012 World Championship team and really excels under International rules that allow teams to play zones.

Kevin Durant, Forward (Oklahoma City Thunder)
The star of the 2010 World Championship winning team, Kevin Durant will be playing in his first Olympic games and should be a starting forward and most likely the leading scorer on this team. Durant can score from anywhere on the floor and can't be stopped by the best the NBA has to offer, so it seems unlikely that any international team will be able to stop him. Durant's rebounding and length will also be a great aide to the team, but make not mistake, Durant is here to score.

Blake Griffin, Forward/Center (Los Angeles Clippers)
If there's one player who is poised to take the most advantage of all the other talent on Team USA, it's Blake Griffin. Griffin's ability to finish lobs means that any misstep by a defense will find him diving to the rim. Griffin is also a very good rebounder and a will also be able to take advantage of the International rule that allows players to touch the ball on the rim, where he can make a living on putbacks. Griffin's weakness of creating his own shot won't be an issue on a team full or scorers this talented.

James Harden, Guard/Forward (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Harden earned one of the final spots on the Team USA roster for a number of reasons. He can stretch the floor, a must in International basketball, handle the ball, pass, and play both guard spot and small forward in a pinch. Also, Harden is used to coming off the bench. Given the depth of talent on Team USA, Harden will most likely play little and may only see minutes as a three point specialist, but if the need arises, Harden is able to answer the call.

Andre Igoudala, Guard/Forward (Philadelphia 76ers)
One of the most important players on the 2010 team was Andre Igoudala, who's suffocating defense, energy and athleticism were a big boost for the team. Igoudala is one of the top 5 wing defenders in the NBA, while also carrying an offensive playmaking load for his team, so imagine how good of a defender he'll be when he can focus all his energy on shutting down the player in front of him?

LeBron James, Forward (Miami Heat)
Fresh off a regular season and Finals MVP, LeBron James is ready to carry on that success in an attempt to wing his second straight Gold Medal. Durant is likely to be the teams leading scorer, but LeBron will be the main guy on this team, frequently initiating the offense, locking down on defense, and just dominating in every facet of the game like he has for a couple of years now.

Kevin Love, Forward/Center (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Love, another veteran of the 2010 Championship team, will likely be called upon to be the backup center on this team. Love isn't a traditional rim protector, but he won't have to be on this team due to the high level of perimeter defenders on this team, it's unlikely for teams to be able to even get to the second line of defense. Instead, Love will need to rebound missed jumpers, something he's one of the best at in the NBA. In addition to that, Love's ability to score inside as well as stretch the floor will be very useful off the bench.

Chris Paul, Guard (Los Angeles Clippers)
Chris Paul, as he has down his whole career, will be the stabilizing influence on this team, dictating tempo and running the offense as the starting point guard. It will be interesting to see if Paul, who notoriously slows tempo early in the game to preserve energy for later in the game, will play a little faster due to the athleticism around him and backups as good as Deron Williams and Russell Westbrook.

Russell Westbrook, Guard (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Westbrook's role on the 2010 team was to play pressure defense, create turnovers and finish in transition, all things he did very well. Westbrook will likely play a similar role this year, though perhaps in less minutes. Westbrook is unmatched as an athlete and will be a matchup problem when he's on the floor on offense and should be equally as much of a trouble maker on defense, where he can guard both the one and two.

Deron Williams, Guard (Brooklyn Nets)
Deron Williams will likely be the main backup point guard and get some minutes at shooting guard because of his shooting ability. Williams is often overlooked when discussing best point guards in the league, but there are isn't a better combo of scoring and passing in the NBA.

A quick look at some NBA moves

Joe Johnson to Brooklyn

You could call this a panic move on Brooklyn's part, who must have been terrified they'd start the season with Gerald Wallace as their best player, but it actually make a ton of sense and caused Deron Williams to re-sign, which will give Brooklyn on of the better backcourts in the NBA. This hurts their chances of trading for or signing Dwight Howard, but that door isn't completely closed. Even without Howard, if the Nets can resign Brook Lopez and Kris Humphries, Brooklyn will have a very good starting lineup and can threaten to be a top 4-5 seed next season. But perhaps more importantly for a team moving into a new city and arena, this will ensure that the fans come out consistently. For Atlanta, this marks the end of an era and also removes Johnson's massive contract from Atlanta's salary. Combine that with Atlanta's trade of Marvin Williams for Devin Harris and Atlanta all of a sudden has a ton of cap space as well as the assets to make a run at Dwight Howard, then sign Chris Paul in the summer of 2013. Of the players Atlanta acquired, only Anthony Morrow is likely to be much of a contributor, though Jordan Williams might be slotted as a backup center. The rest of the players will either be bought out, traded, or just sit out the rest of their expiring deals on the Atlanta bench. 


Kevin Garnett, Jason Terry to Boston

Garnett resigning was expected, especially after he showed last year he can still play at a high level but what will really help Garnett is that Boston now has Jared Sullinger, Fab Melo, Brandon Bass, and a healthy Jeff Green to provided depth, meaning Garnett can play less minutes during the regular season and even get nights off, much like San Antonio does with Tim Duncan. The Jason Terry signing is a crucial one for Boston because of his ability to create his own shot, something Ray Allen didn't do and few Celtics can consistently do. Terry's ability to score should add a boost and new dimension to a Boston offense that can really struggle to score. The one concern I have with this signing is that Boston's top backcourt players of Terry, Rajon Rondo, and Avery Bradley stand 6-2, 6-1, and 6-2 respectively, giving them a very small backcourt. Expect them to sign a bigger wing player, such as Mickael Pietrus, Carlos Delfino, or C.J. Miles.



Steve Nash to the Lakers
In perhaps the most unexpected move of the offseason so far, the Los Angeles Lakers have traded for Steve Nash in a sign-and-trade  from Phoenix, who will receive first round picks in 2013 and 2015 and second rounders in 2012 and 2014. For the Lakers, Steve Nash becomes their best point guard since Magic Johnson and it isn't really even close. Nash will be a big boost the Lakers offense both with his scoring and passing, however that's provided L.A. allows him to play with the ball in his hand and run the pick and roll, which is a big switch from past Lakers point guards, who usually just spot up. And if Nash is allowed to play with the ball in his hands, how will Kobe Bryant coexist with that? The answers to these questions will determine whether the Lakers are contenders again, or continue their slide. Also, Nash doesn't help with the glaring mismatch of athleticism the Lakers face against their top Western Conference competition, the Thunder or the struggles they have with quick, athletic point guards. Obviously, Nash will be an upgrade, but just how much of an upgrade will be determined more by factors other than Nash's ability. For Phoenix, this gives them some picks to aide their rebuilding process and the certainty that they need to move on from Nash, which they've done by agreeing to terms with Goron Dragic, who played from them in the past as Nash's backup. Phoenix also signed Eric Gordon to a max offer sheet (which New Orleans is sure to match) and signed Michael Beasley, who will be slotted as the starting small forward, though whether that's a good thing remains to be seen. Phoenix still needs to find at least two more guards, as they currently have nothing at the shooting guard position.