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
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