Orlando, FL – The Orlando NBA Summer League is complete. Here’s our list of the top overall players. We’ll post our article covering all the rookies later today.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Detroit Pistons: The second year shooting guard led the Orlando Summer League in scoring, averaging 24 points per game. He looked confident as a scorer and was able to hit shots from all three levels. Caldwell-Pope also contributed 7.4 rebounds per game and showed potential as an above average NBA defender. It may only be summer league, but Caldwell-Pope looked ready to contribute in Detroit’s rotation next season.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Casper Ware, Philadelphia 76ers: Ware likely played his way onto an NBA roster after he led Philadelphia to a summer league championship. The 5-foot-10 point guard averaged 19 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game and was fearless when attacking the basket. He isn’t a great athlete, but he has a strong frame and respectable jumper. Ware has a high basketball IQ, but will need to limit his turnovers. He can also be beat off the dribble defensively. While lacking elite athletic tools, Ware should be a bench player in the NBA next season.
Donald Sloan, Indiana Pacers: Sloan is entering his fourth NBA season and showed that he’s still worthy of a roster spot. He is a good shooter and defender with a nice handle for the ball. The 6-foot-3 point guard averaged 18.5 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game in Orlando.
Kelly Olynyk, Boston Celtics: In back-to-back years, Olynyk was a standout in Orlando. He’s a finesse power forward who can stretch the floor with his jump shot. Olynyk averaged 17.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Olynyk is one of the key rebuilding pieces for Brad Stevens in Boston.
James Ennis, Miami Heat: Ennis showed his scoring instincts in Orlando, averaging 17 points per game while shooting 52 percent from the floor. He can knock down the three and uses a step-back jumper to create space. As a lengthy 6-foot-7 wing, he can defend the perimeter as well. Ennis should be in the NBA rotation next season.
Nerlens Noel
Nerlens Noel, Philadelphia 76ers: After sitting out last season with an ACL tear, Noel had a much anticipated summer league debut – and he didn’t disappoint. The 6-foot-11 center played in three games and showed no signs of a recent knee surgery. Noel was a fluid athlete who blocked shots and ran the floor with ease. He added some low post moves and a nice shooting stroke. He was 15-of-19 from the free throw line, which gives some potential as a mid-range shooter, but at the moment he’s an athletic shot blocker with upside. He averaged 13.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game.
Nick Johnson, Houston Rockets: Johnson was the most impressive rookie in Orlando. He led all rookies in scoring, at 15.8 points per game, while he also contributed 6.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game. Johnson was also the only player to record a triple-double in Orlando this year. At 6-foot-3, there were questions about his future position, but Johnson has shown the ability to play and defend either guard spot effectively. He’s a sensational athlete with a good feel for the game.
Mitch McGary, Oklahoma City Thunder: Despite missing most of last season, McGary was one of the top rookies in Orlando. He showed the ability to face the basket and attack off the dribble or knock down the mid-range jumper with consistency. McGary has the size at 6-foot-10 along with the strength to compete at the NBA level.
Elfrid Payton, Orlando Magic: Payton was a triple-double threat every time he stepped on the floor. He averaged 9.2 points, 7.0 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game while shooting 59 percent from the floor. Payton isn’t a jump shooter, but understands his strengths and uses his quickness to attack the basket. The 6-foot-3 point guard can finish above the rim or find the open shooter in pick-and-roll situations.
Jarnell Stokes, Memphis Grizzlies: An old-school power forward, Stokes is a tough rebounder on the interior. He averaged 12.2 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. Stokes used his length to compensate for his 6-foot-8 size.
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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