2009 NBA Las Vegas Summer League Wrap-Up

kevin roberts by Senior Writer Written on July 21, 2009
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 15:  Actor Billy Crudup (L) and NBA player Blake Griffin attend the 2009 ESPY Awards after party held at Club Nokia on July 15, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. The 17th annual ESPYs will air on Sunday, July 19 at 9PM ET on ESPN.  (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images for ESPY) (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images for ESPY)

(Above: Blake Griffin may be the biggest star in Las Vegas, but he didn't own the spotlight)

It was as exciting as summer league can get, with several bright performances, and some surprisingly intense match-ups.

It's difficult to get "up" for summer league basketball, but when you get to see young players trying to make a name for themselves, veterans working for a training camp invite, or rookies testing out different positions, it's definitely worth-while.

Here's a look at the final slate of the top performers, followed by an awards wrap-up:

 

JaVale McGee, F/C, Washington Wizards

McGee was solid throughout the summer league action, but truly delivered a stellar effort in a win over the Knicks, going 11-16 from the field, and 9-10 from the charity stripe.

He was tough inside, and also hit the boards well, while registering at least four blocks for the third straight game.

Final line: 31 Pts, 8 Reb, 4 BS

Jordan Hill, PF, New York Knicks

Hill delivered his first truly well-rounded and explosive game of the summer, as he was efficient on offense, and took care of things on the glass.

He still has a ways to go defensively, but Hill seems to fit what the Knicks are trying to accomplish.

Final line: 21 Pts, 7 Reb

Player of the Day: Sonny Weems, G/F, Denver Nuggets

Weems is extremely athletic and physical, using his speed and quickness to get off easy shots, while finishing at the rim strongly.

His shot still has a ways to go, but Weems could make an NBA squad simply by defense and athleticism alone.

Final line: 28 Pts, 9 Reb, 2 Ast

Ty Lawson, PG, Denver Nuggets

Lawson poured in his third-straight 21+ point effort, while doing a fine job of leading his offense, and keeping the offense running smoothly and fluidly.

The assists will come. For now, it's clear that Lawson can score and get to the rim at this level.

Final line: 24 Pts, 6 Reb, 4 Ast

Julian Wright, F, New Orleans Hornets

Wright chipped in 19 points in the game prior to Sunday's action, but put together a more well-rounded game in his final effort of summer league action.

Wright is a long, athletic forward with good versatility and a decent handle. If his shot can become more consistent, he could vie for more minutes in New Orleans.

Final line: 24 Pts, 7 Reb, 3 Ast, 2 Stl

Blake Griffin, PF, Los Angeles Clippers

Griffin turned in his fifth-straight solid outing in five appearances, and calmed the masses in L.A.

He clearly has the power and athleticism at this level that he did in college, and should be able to make a smooth transition.

Improved shooting percentages all-around is his main concern.

Final line: 16 Pts, 8 Reb, 4 Ast

Goran Dragic, G, Phoenix Suns

The possible future for the Suns at point guard, Dragic delivered his third-straight solid performance, as he scored at least 17 points in three straight games, and recorded seven or more assists in two out of his last three.

He's not Steve Nash yet, but he's extremely quick with a soft shooting touch and the knack for finding the open man.

Final line: 21 Pts, 5 Reb, 7 Ast

 

Top Five Overall Performers

1. Anthony Randolph, F, Golden State Warriors

Randolph may be skinny and raw, but he has tons of talent and potential on both sides of the floor. Don Nelson's going to find it difficult to not get this kid on the floor as much as possible.

Final line: 26.8 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.3 APG, 2.2 SPG, 3.0 BPG

2. Anthony Morrow, G/F, Golden State Warriors

He clearly benefited from his 47-point explosion, but Morrow still was solid in his other two outings, and put together a nice line in three quality games for Golden State.

Final line: 24.7 PPG, 4.7 RPG

3. Jonny Flynn, PG, Minnesota Timberwolves

Flynn showed flashes of brilliance, and clearly has the athleticism, smarts, and potential to be a great point guard in the NBA.

Final line: 15 PPG, 7.4 APG, 2.4 RPG

4. Brandon Jennings, PG, Milwaukee Bucks

Jennings was very unselfish and showed some maturity as he led his teammates. He displayed true point guard skills, and spread the ball around, rather than throwing up shots and trying to do too much by himself.

Jennings is the front-runner for the starting job in Milwaukee after some solid performances.

Final line: 14.6 PPG, 8.2 APG, 3.6 SPG, 2.6 RPG

5. Adam Morrison, G/F, Los Angeles Lakers

Morrison missed the final two games with an illness, but did plenty in his first four contests to assure him a roster spot with the Lakers.

If Morrison can show this effort and dominant streak in training camp and the pre-season, he could carve out a small role in the rotation.

Final line: 20.8 PPG, 5 RPG, 2 APG

 

 

Vote Now! - Author Poll

What impressed you the most in Las Vegas?

  • Anthony Morrow's 47-point outburst
  • Brandon Jennings unselfish play an 8 Asst per game
  • Blake Griffin's solid play
  • Anthony Randolph and the rest of the Warriors
  • Adam Morrison's 20 PPG
vote to see results
Results - Author Poll

What impressed you the most in Las Vegas?

  • Anthony Morrow's 47-point outburst

    15.6%
  • Brandon Jennings unselfish play an 8 Asst per game

    18.8%
  • Blake Griffin's solid play

    9.4%
  • Anthony Randolph and the rest of the Warriors

    31.3%
  • Adam Morrison's 20 PPG

    25.0%
  • Total votes: 32
(0)
...
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written on July 21, 2009 Game Recap


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