This is only summer league
This is only summer league
This is only summer league
I’m trying to remind myself of something that I know all too well. This is only summer league, and every summer league has a “breakout” player that never makes it in the league. But I can’t help but enjoy what I’m seeing out of Kris Joseph.
Joseph stood out again today. Despite early struggles in the Celtics’ first loss of the summer league season, Joseph finished strong in the second half, finishing with 17 points and 11 rebounds. He continues to shoot confidently, beat guys off the dribble and display flashes of defense that lead to easy opportunities. He is tenacious on the boards, grabbing four offensive rebounds today, many of them tipping his own missed shot back in.
It’s an impressive debut for Joseph, who has shown he’s at least on a par with all the other guys who have a chance to contribute to this team. And considering the Celtics lack depth at the wing, Joseph might have a chance, depending on who else might get signed, to crack the rotation.
Still, it’s only summer league, but he’s opened a lot of eyes in four games so far. I’m not writing my “Danny got a second round steal” piece yet… but I’m starting to think about it.
As for the other guys:
JaJuan Johnson played pretty well, especially in the first half. At this point, I think the book on Johnson is clear: He can shoot the mid-range jumper very well, but he needs to improve his agility and strength. He can get pushed around too easily and he’s not quick enough on some of his moves.
Jared Sullinger didn’t shoot particularly well today, but he made an impact in the second half by aggressively hitting the boards and getting to the free throw line. Sullinger has a nice mid-range touch as well, but right now I think he’s getting a little tired out there from playing these games every day. He also seems to think he’s a three point shooter, which he’s not. At least, he isn’t right now. If Sullinger tries to take a 3 during a C’s game, he might have some time on the bench to reflect on the quality of that shot.
E’Twaun Moore struggled. This was easily his worst performance of the summer. He only played 16:40, so the lack of time might have been an issue.
Fab Melo blocked a few shots, and seemed pretty comfortable when the Celtics switched to a zone for a little while. But man did he get torched on pick-and-rolls in the man-to-man. He’s got a lot of work to do.
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