Looking to take a step forward in year two, which sophomores excelled during the NBA Summer League?
After missing the playoffs in their rookie seasons, playing in a variety of roles, many of the members of the sophomore class fought with vengeance in the NBA Summer League, both in Orlando and Las Vegas. Touted as one of the worst draft classes in the past decade, the 2013 rookie class largely disappointed its teams during the regular season. It was described as a draft without a franchise player, but filled with role players – a description that largely held to form during the 2013-14 season. The top candidates for Rookie of the Year played for awful teams, with no rookies in the class playing major minutes for a contender. Entering year two, many members of the 2013 draft class showed improved abilities that should directly translate to the regular season starting in October.
The NBA Summer League offers a chance for rookies and second-year players to show off individual ability in a leading role, often far greater than during the previous regular season. Each of the players on this list should see an increased role compared to the previous season. Which players dazzled enough to warrant such a claim?
Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks
The situation in Milwaukee can only improve, as the team hit rock bottom last season. The Greek Freak was a major bright spot playing next to Jabari Parker for the Bucks summer league team, despite losing every contest. After reportedly growing to 6-11 over the summer, Antetokounmpo can theoretically play every position, which should give Jason Kidd plenty of unique ideas featuring his versatility. Antetokounmpo averaged 17.0 points and 5.8 rebounds to go with nearly two assists, one block and one steal per game in Las Vegas. He shot the ball well from the outside, and showed the ability to get to the rim against NBA-level talent. After starting only 23 games as a rookie, Antetokounmpo showed in Las Vegas that he is ready to take on a greater role. Look for the Greek to start in the frontcourt next to Parker.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | Detroit Pistons
The Stan Van Gundy era has commenced in Detroit, and many changes to the rotation could be seen. After starting 41 games last season, Caldwell-Pope should win the battle to start at shooting guard in 2014. The leading scorer in Orlando, the Georgia alum averaged 24.0 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, while picking up 1.8 steals, as well. His shot selection in Orlando was questionable at times, though he should settle down playing with a more talented cast. It would be surprising to see Caldwell-Pope come off the bench as a sophomore, especially if he shoots a high percentage from 3-point range. His summer league play proved he can handle more responsibility.
Gorgui Dieng | Minnesota Timberwolves
The situation in Minnesota is very fluid at the moment, with Kevin Love set to be traded before the season begins. Unfortunately for Dieng, incumbent starting center Nikola Pekovic is unlikely to be moved. After impressing personnel around the league with a series of double-doubles as a starter late in the season, Dieng continued his streak of good play in Las Vegas. The former Louisville center posted double-double averages of 11.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game and blocked 1.7 shots per game. He was, perhaps, the most dominant center on the glass in the whole tournament and should be tenacious on the glass for Minnesota during the season, as well. Whether or not Dieng beats out Pekovic for the starting spot – and that would be very surprising – he should be in line to receive more minutes. Flip Saunders cannot afford not to play the talented big man.
Rudy Gobert | Utah Jazz
Gobert stood out in the 2013 draft as the foreign center with a 7-foot-8.5 wingspan. After posting modest stats for Cholet (France) in 2012, the Jazz selected Gobert late in the first round. Once very raw as a rookie, Gobert has come a long way. Rudy put together averages of 11.8 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, while also posting 2.5 blocks per game, which ranked fourth in Las Vegas. Gobert was excellent in using his length to add extra possessions by attacking the offensive glass and closely defending his opponent. While his offense is still a work in progress, Gobert’s summer league play showed he is ready to take on a regular role as Utah’s backup center.
Anthony Bennett | Cleveland Cavaliers
After the Cavs shocked everyone in 2013 by taking Bennett with the top pick, the forward had one of the worst rookie seasons on record by a top overall pick. Plagued by injuries and conditioning issues, Bennett never got into the flow of the NBA season. Entering year two, Bennett looked mobile and athletic in Las Vegas, though still a step behind when defending NBA-caliber wings. His strength in the post was useful, indicating he should remain as a power forward at the NBA level. Bennett averaged 13.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game for the Cavs and was effective scoring from the interior and perimeter. Bennett may not live up to the hype of being a No. 1 pick, though he looks ready to handle an everyday role as a sophomore, and perhaps more.
Ray McCallum| Sacramento Kings
The Kings were the 2014 Las Vegas Summer League champions, and McCallum played a crucial role as the team’s lead guard. McCallum scored 12.0 points per game for the Kings and collected 5.0 rebounds per game from the point guard position. He also distributed more than four assists per game and shot the ball well from the outside. McCallum’s poise running the offense helped his teammates’ efficiency. If his shooting and decision-making remain constant in the regular season, McCallum could prove to be a second-round steal from the 2013 draft. McCallum looks like the favorite to start the season as Darren Collison’s backup in Sacramento, though he could eventually become the starter if Collison fails to impress. His status should be carefully monitored over the course of the season.
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