The NBA Summer League has already commenced. The top players, including some of the sophomore players who have been getting some serious hype have bene mixing it up in anticipation of the regular season.
But let’s begin with the highlight matchup of the Vegas Summer League between No.1 overall pick Cade Cunningham and No.2 overall pick Jalen Green.
Neither disappointed in their initial matchup. Both baby bloomers showed the amazing skills that made them the top two picks in the draft.
Green was one of the players expected to do well after his stint with the G-League Ignite last season.
The No. 2 overall pick has shown out in his first two games going for a combined 48 points, on 18-of-28 shooting from the floor.
He also has been great from deep hitting eight threes in the two games thus far.
He has given the Rockets fans a lot to look forward to, especially after the terrible season they endured last season on and off the court.
Green doesn’t lack confidence. He said he was the best prospect in the draft and he’s out to prove just that.
Houston has some young talent outside of Green in Josh Christopher, Alperen Sengun, and KJ Martin, but he will quickly assert himself as the franchise.
As for No.1 overall pick, Cunningham, he has shown his two-way ability in both games.
He’s also shown an innate ability to do a multitude of things on the floor.
After garnering mixed reviews following his debut on Sunday, he has a much stronger showing on Tuesday and looked more relaxed.
Cunningham did have a highlight moment with his crossover and 3 over Green.
That move sent social media into a frenzy, as it did the nearly sold out Thomas and Mack Center on the campus of UNLV.
Kings rookie Davion Mitchell has shined in the Summer League with his blazing quick first step and ability to attack off the bounce. But it’s his on-ball defense that’s always gonna draw rave reviews.
The Kings should be elated to have Mitchell, DeAaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton as their backcourt trio.
As for the second year players, Knicks forward Obi Toppin and guard Immanuel Quickley have shown some real flashes after helping the Knicks make the playoffs for the first time in 8 years.
The Knicks are pushing the pace more in the Sunmer League and that’s very beneficial to both Toppin and Quickley. Maybe Thibodeau should decide to push the pace more next season with added additions like Evan Fournier and Kemba Walker.
There are some other guys showing well also like rookies Jalen Johnson and Sharife Cooper for the Hawks.
You also have sophomores Aaron Nesmith and Payton Pritchard — two rotation players from an underachieving Celtics team looking to rebound under new head coach Ime Udoka.
Nuggets big man Bol Bol has been nothing short of sensational since returuning from various setbacks. But Michael Malone has to figure out a way to get him on the court during the season. The kid has a very unique skillset at his size and if the Nuggets aren’t gonna use him there are plenty teams around the league who’d love to have him.
While NBA Summer League is important, it doesn’t exactly translate to success.
We will help you keep an eye on all the NBA rookies with our annual Rookie Meter coming when the season jumps off.
