Sixers Summer League Wrap-Up

By Sean Kennedy (@PhillyFastBreak)

1) Jordan McRae – While the Sixers’ Vegas squad didn’t enjoy the same success as the group down in Orlando, the 58th overall pick was able to separate himself from the pack, showing off a versatile and effective offensive game that earned him second-team all-NBA Summer League honors. In four contests, McRae led the team with 21 ppg while having the sparkling shooting line of 50%(FG)/38%(3PT)/86%(FT). Consistent outside shooting alone could be enough to help the former Tennessee Volunteer make the final roster when training camp begins in a couple months. Adding in the fact that McRae attempted nearly 10 free throws per game by persistently attacking the basket, a skill absent from the majority of the current Sixers roster, he’ll have a strong case to earn a spot. Their games are somewhat different but McRae could be this year’s Hollis Thompson.

2) Nerlens Noel – It took over a year of waiting but fans were finally treated to the sight of Noel in a Sixers jersey. With he and Dario Saric representing the return for the trade of all-star point guard Jrue Holiday, people were understandably anxious to see what the big man could do. Defensively, Noel showed off his vast potential to be a difference maker on that end of the court, blocking a host of shots while affecting countless others with his outstanding length and quickness. His quick hands and ability to defend smaller players on the perimeter were also encouraging attributes, especially if he’s going to eventually play the 4 spot alongside Joel Embiid. Noel earned the top spot on NBA.com’s Rookie Ladder, and hopefully he’ll only continue to improve as he works himself back into game shape.

3) Casper Ware – An achilles injury to Pierre Jackson afforded Casper Ware a larger role with the Orlando Summer League team, and the 5’10” point guard ran with the opportunity. In 6 games in Orlando, Ware averaged 18.5 points and 5.0 assists, displaying the steadying presence on the court you would hope to see from someone a few years removed from the college ranks. He put a lot of work into developing his mid-range floater in the lane, which would need to be a part of his arsenal as an undersized guard. I’m not entirely convinced Ware has the needed speed or shooting to be a contributor at the highest level, but for now, he’s placed himself as the frontrunner for the back-up point guard position behind Michael Carter-Williams.

4) Ronald Roberts, Jr. – As an undrafted free agent, the Sixers do not actually own the rights to Roberts, Jr., but that could very well change in the next few months. Of all the guys undrafted from this past class who took the court for the Sixers, the former St. Joes forward did the most to write his ticket to the next level. Roberts, Jr. was a consistent energy guy for the Sixers in Orlando, even playing center in a lot of line-ups despite standing at just 6’8″. For the most part, he outplayed second-round draft pick Jerami Grant, who has a similar game in a lot of ways and the Sixers would seemingly have more of a stake in seeing develop. While Grant had more highlight-worthy dunks, Roberts, Jr. affected the game positively in more ways. He’ll likely have training camp offers from more than one team but I’d be excited to see what the ex-Hawk could do with the Sixers.

5) Joel Embiid – Finally, Sixers first round pick Joel Embiid obviously didn’t take the court following last month’s foot surgery, but he still found a way to endear himself with Philadelphia fans through social media. Fans didn’t know much about Embiid other than that he wasn’t Andrew Wiggins (the player most people were hoping the Sixers ended up with throughout the year), and he was the third straight injured big man acquired by the team. However, his honest and outgoing personality on twitter has quickly made the former Kansas center a fan favorite. First, he scoffed at all the LeBron free agency drama while showing confidence in his new team:

It really doesnt matter…… Spurs is winning then Sixers the following year

— Joel-Hans Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) July 11, 2014

//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThen, Embiid tried to flex his game off the court:

Hey I want you to come slide in my DMs @KimKardashian

— Joel-Hans Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) July 16, 2014

While also showing his ability to be contrite:

Oh I didn’t know you were married sorry @KimKardashian just saw it from the fan’s tweet… have a nice day

— Joel-Hans Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) July 16, 2014

You have to love his 2-year championship aspirations and I personally enjoy his seeming obliviousness to tabloid pop culture. Stay ignorant of US Weekly and keep working on that Dream Shake Joel; you’ll do just fine here.