Gordon, Johnson star in Orlando and Utah summer leagues.
As the Las Vegas Summer League is set to begin, the shows in Orlando and Utah are set to close.
The two leagues have been an eye-opening experience for the top prospects on display, most of which lived up to early expectations. Which players made the biggest impression?
Aaron Gordon | SF/PF | Orlando Magic
No player has made a better summer league impression than the former Arizona Wildcat. Gordon has shown marked improvements with his ball handling and shooting to become more of an all-around threat, posting averages of 21.7 points and 11.7 rebounds. He came into the league as an energy guy and defender, branded as a complimentary player, but he looks set to take on much more. On a Magic team searching for more scoring, Gordon’s role could blossom in 2015-16.
Stanley Johnson | SF | Detroit Pistons
While Gordon has been the best second-year player, fellow Arizona-alum Stanley Johnson has been the best rookie. Initial criticism over his selection may be proven moot sooner than expected, as Johnson has averaged 17.8 points and 7.5 rebounds while shooting 64.3 percent from the field. Could Johnson be a dark horse to claim rookie of the year?
Myles Turner | C | Indiana Pacers
Turner looks ready to step in as the starter for Indiana, as incumbent Roy Hibbert was dealt to Los Angeles. Turner has been the top-scoring big man in Orlando, averaging 18.7 points to go with 8.3 rebounds and 4.3 blocks per game. His versatility has been on full display, and his running mechanics look improved since his season at Texas. Could Indiana have found a steal at 11?
Marcus Smart | PG | Boston Celtics
Undoubtedly, Smart has been the top performer at the Utah Summer League. While he only played in two games, he was able to control the tempo of the game and get Boston into every situation it needed to be in. With averages of 24 points and 7.5 assists, Smart is pushing for a starting role in Boston.
Other Notes:
– Dante Exum looked terrific in his only outing, putting together a 20-5-5 stat line while attempting 10 free throws. Already a starter in Utah due to his defense, Exum’s progression could help vault Utah back into the playoff picture.
– Joseph Young has been the top second-round pick in action from the 2015 NBA Draft. The former Oregon Duck has averaged 20.7 points while shooting 52.4 percent from the floor. Expect Young to see early minutes.
– In Utah, Jahlil Okafor has had a quietly successful first three games. Scoring 14.0 points per game with 8.3 rebounds, Okafor looks the part of the top prospect he was billed to be. He could be more assertive, especially in terms of getting to the line (where he has struggled), but there are little concerns thus far with the player that was No. 1 on our 2015 NBA Draft Big Board.
– Russ Smith and Troy Daniels have made great impressions for Memphis and Charlotte, respectively. Both players should make the rosters, and their scoring abilities could help them see early minutes.
– Branden Dawson has been a double-double machine for the Clippers. Not only do I expect him to make the roster, I see him as an option to take the minutes vacated by Matt Barnes and Hedo Turkoglu.
– It’s early, but the biggest disappointments have been Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and RJ Hunter. Both players have struggled to find their niche.
– Mario Hezonja’s performance has been up and down, but he can do this:
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