Las Vegas, NV – Here’s our look at the top twelve rookie performers from the recently completed Las Vegas NBA Summer League.
1. Doug McDermott, Chicago Bulls (Pick 11): McDermott scored at a high level in the summer league and was the only rookie named to the All-NBA Summer League First Team. He averaged 18.0 points per game while shooting 44.2 percent from the field and 12-of-27 (44.4%) from three-point range. The 6-foot-8 small forward is an exceptional shooter who was decent on the defensive end. He also averaged 4.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists per contest to show his all-around contributions. McDermott could very well become a starter as a rookie.
Greg McDermott
2. Jordan McRae, Philadelphia 76ers (Pick 58): McRae led all rookies in scoring, averaging 21.0 points per game in Vegas on 50 percent shooting. The ultra-lengthy 6-foot-6 shooting guard was 6-of-16 (37.5%) from three-point range and added 2.5 rebounds and 1.8 steals per contest. He’s a quality defender due to his wingspan while he can also get into the lane and score at will.
3. T.J. Warren, Phoenix Suns (Pick 14): Warren showcased his elite scoring ability in Vegas. The 6-foot-8 small forward averaged 17.8 points per game on 54.4 percent shooting. He didn’t knock down a three-pointer, but was able to hit mid-range jumpers or floaters at a high level. Warren understands who he is as a player and doesn’t let his lack of athleticism effect his game. He also averaged 4.8 rebounds per contest.
4. Russ Smith, New Orleans Pelicans (Pick 47): The ultra quick point guard led the Vegas Summer League in assists per game and also had no issues finding his own offense. Smith averaged 16.0 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per contest while shooting 43.4 percent from the floor and 5-of-14 (35.7%) from behind the arc. The 6-foot Smith faced questions regarding his size and ability to become a true floor general, but looked more than capable running the offense in Vegas. He will, however, need to limit his 4.2 turnovers he committed per game.
Russ Smith
5. Jordan Clarkson, Los Angeles Lakers (Pick 46): The 6-foot-5 combo guard averaged 15.8 points and 5.0 rebounds per game while shooting 42.4 percent from the floor and 8-of-19 (42.1%) from deep. He played mainly off the ball with Kendall Marshall on the roster but was able to score at a high level. Clarkson also had a game-winning tip-in against the Warriors. The question moving forward is if he can develop into a point guard or if will primarily play off the ball. Clarkson was still one of the top surprises from the event and should be on the roster at the start of the season.
6. Jabari Parker, Milwaukee Bucks (Pick 2): Parker averaged 15.6 points and 8.2 rebounds per game in Vegas. He showcased an array of scoring moves to create space and either knock down the mid-range jumper or attack the rim. Parker flashed some athleticism and was above average on the defensive end. He was surprisingly just 2-of-11 from three-point range while he also averaged 5.0 turnovers per game.
Jabari Parker
7. Andrew Wiggins, Cleveland Cavaliers (Pick 1): While Wiggins was considered a raw prospect coming out of the draft, the 6-foot-8 wing turned in a quality summer league. He averaged 15.5 points per game with 3.5 rebounds. Wiggins showed the ability to defend at a high level while he also had some flashes on the offensive end. He used a nice step back move to create space but will need to improve as a three-point shooter, as he was just 2-for-13 from behind the arc.
8. Gary Harris, Denver Nuggets (Pick 19): Harris opened the summer league with a 33-point showing, but was somewhat inefficient from that point on. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard was 32.1% from the floor and 12-of-37 (32.4%) from deep. He did impress as a defender and averaged an additional 4.2 rebounds, 2.6 steals, and 2.0 assists per game. Harris should be a nice two-way player in Denver.
Andrew Wiggins
9. Zach LaVine, Minnesota Timberwolves (Pick 13): Considered to be a prospect years away from becoming an NBA contributor, LaVine showed promise in Vegas. The 6-foot-5 combo guard ran the point on occasion and looked confident as the primary ball handler. He averaged 15.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game while shooting 39.7 percent from the floor and 5-of-19 (26.3%) from three. LaVine provided some highlights with his soaring dunks and played above expectations.
10. Rodney Hood, Utah Jazz (Pick 23): Hood had an up and down summer league with 29-point, 19-point, 9-point, 7-point, and 3-point performances. He did show the ability to shoot the ball with a 42.1 percent showing from the floor and 10-of-28 (35.7%) display from three. The 6-foot-8 wing also defended well and contributed 4.2 rebounds per game. Hood is a “3-and-D” type of prospect who should be ready to contribute in Utah.
11. P.J. Hairston, Charlotte Hornets (Pick 26): The 6-foot-6 shooter wasn’t shy offensively, as he took an event-high 120 shot attempts in Vegas. He did average 18.3 points per game while shooting 33.3 percent from the field and 21-of-61 (34.4%) from behind the arc. Hairston can develop into an offensive spark plug off the bench in Charlotte.
12. Adreian Payne, Atlanta Hawks (Pick 15): The 6-foot-10 stretch four averaged 12.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game in Vegas. Payne was 37.5 percent from the floor and 9-of-30 (30%) from deep. He’s an athletic, high energy mismatch who can shoot with range.
Cameron Schott is a Correspondent for NetScouts Basketball. You can subscribe to our RSS feed from the upper right corner of our home page, follow us on Facebook, or on twitter.
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