While everyone is understandably talking about NBA free agency, a lot of excitement is brewing in 2015 NBA summer leagues. Three leagues – in Orlando, Utah and Las Vegas – are showcasing some of the top young prospects and some just might be displaying the beginnings of a special career.
A lot of players come in and perform well at summer league, but one thing we have our eye on is the very special talents that not only look good here, but could be ready for a huge leap in the Association. Let’s take a look at some guys that have crushed it thus far in the summer games and what their roles could look like for the 2015-16 NBA season:
Marcus Smart, PG, Boston Celtics
Smart was a hyped rookie with the Celtics a year ago, but didn’t really take the league by storm. While a defensive force and a solid spot-up shooter, Smart’s raw scoring ability didn’t quickly translate to the highest level and his point guard smarts were touch and go. It’s only summer league, but it does look like he’s made major progress after averaging over 24 points and 7.5 assists per game in his first two outings. It’s a small sample size, but it could be a sign Smart is ready to take over Boston’s offense, both as a play-maker and a scorer. That’s good news for a Boston team that to this point really lacked a go-to scoring presence.
Mario Hezonja, G/F, Orlando Magic
New Magic head coach Scott Skiles doesn’t normally like to give rookies a ton of minutes. He opted against it with Joe Alexander and Tobias Harris in Milwaukee and he could do the same as he tries to figure out how to use his new Magic squad. That’s potentially awful news for the versatile and athletic Hezonja, but it’s also possible Hezonja is just too good for Skiles to fade in year one. The rookie has displayed elite athleticism and clutch shooting early in summer league, while averaging a solid 13 points per game. The rest of his game is a work in progress, but Hezonja has the ability to help out offensively right now. If Skiles thinks he needs a jolt in offense, Hezonja could be a name to watch.
Justise Winslow, G/F, Miami Heat
Winslow hasn’t exactly dominated in summer league, but he’s shown his versatility and NBA-ready skill-set by averaging 11.5 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal per game. He’s potentially a stat-stuffer at the next level, but more importantly he’s a willing and capable defender that could be an electric spark off the bench for the Heat. Winslow is looking at a bench role as a rookie but with Dwyane Wade always banged up, we could see a lot of him in his first NBA season.
Aaron Gordon, PF, Orlando Magic
Gordon may be the best performer at summer league this year, as he dominated the competition to the tune of 21 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. He left the action early after proving he was a man amongst boys and could have played himself into a prominent role with the Magic as he gears up for his second NBA season. The aging Channing Frye is currently listed as Orlando’s starting power forward, but he’s been regressing and doesn’t offer the defensive toughness or overall upside the young, athletic Gordon does. Gordon’s improved offensive game helps him a ton, too, as it’s possible he could give the Magic the offensive spark Frye can, while also helping out on the defensive end. If that’s the case, coach Skiles won’t have any choice but to let the budding star continue to grow as a member of the Magic’s starting five.
Frank Kaminsky, F/C, Charlotte Hornets
Frank “The Tank” was made a top-10 pick by Michael Jordan and co. this year because they viewed him as a franchise cornerstone. If the early going in summer league is any indication, they might be right. Kaminsky’s lack of strength and power had him struggling down low a bit and he needs to work on his defense, but he ended up putting up solid overall averages of 14 points, 8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. He has some work to do, but it looks like Kaminsky’s college skill-set could translate quickly to the NBA level.
Myles Turner, F/C, Indiana Pacers
The Pacers won’t be completely relying on the rookie Turner down low this year, as they brought in Jordan Hill to either start over him or right alongside him. For now Turner looks like a likely starter to get his NBA career rolling and summer league definitely supports that idea. Turner was a beast in three games, where he put up averages of 18 points, 8 rebounds and a whopping four blocks per game. With Roy Hibbert gone, the Pacers are changing their offensive scheme and with Turner they might still have a solid rim protector that is also a more than competent low post scoring presence.
Jahlil Okafor, C, Philadelphia 76ers
Few have the upside of Okafor coming out of this summer league, who hasn’t exactly dominated in his three appearances but looked plenty good enough to think he could have a fantastic rookie run. Okafor showed his scoring prowess right away, as he’s put up over 14 points per game, combined with 8 boards and 1.3 steals per contest. Okafor needs some work on the defensive side, but his footwork and touch around the basket are good enough right now to make him a force in year one with the Sixers. Considering Philly really has no one else to shoulder the scoring load, he could be in for a huge first season.
Think another player in summer league was better and will kill it during the 2015-16 NBA season? Tell us who in the comments below!
