NBA Rookies with a Lot to Prove at 2016 Las Vegas Summer League
Las Vegas Summer League is the first chance for lottery picks to validate their worth and for late-round prospects to silence their critics.
D'Angelo Russell had something to prove last July after the Los Angeles Lakers took him over Jahlil Okafor and Kristaps Porzingis. Bobby Portis quickly disproved general managers who'd felt he wasn't a top-20 player in the 2015 draft.
Certainly, any second-rounder or undrafted player actually has a lot on the line (i.e., just landing a job). But these are the sure-to-be-rostered prospects who'll want to answer either big expectations or nonbelievers.
For some, first impressions should be important, whether they're from fans, coaches or management. The results could set the early-season tone or even help improve chances of getting minutes in November.
Ben Simmons (Philadelphia 76ers, PF)
Ben Simmons will have some pressure on him: The 76ers, a franchise he's expected to lift, just drafted him No. 1 overall. Despite putting up wild stats and flashy highlights as a freshman, questions over his shooting and leadership won't fade until he answers them.
The former LSU Tiger must show he can score without a jumper or prove he's capable of improving his shot.
From a fan-approval perspective, it's important that Simmons—who made one three-pointer all season, consistently passed up open jumpers and failed to reach the NCAA tournament—makes a strong first impression.
It may not mean anything in the long run, but it wouldn't be a good look if Simmons is clearly outplayed by Brandon Ingram, who went No. 2 to the Lakers and made an intriguing case for No. 1 overall.
Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics, SF)
Buddy Hield, a shooter, would have filled a glaring hole in Boston. Kris Dunn was the safest bet as a high-upside point guard with terrific defensive potential.
The Celtics opted for Jaylen Brown, a wing who shot 29.4 percent from three, totaled more turnovers (105) than assists (68) and scored four points during California's first-round loss to Hawaii in the NCAA tournament.
It's not Brown's fault he was taken No. 3, but that won't matter. He should be focused on proving he has more to offer than just long-term potential. This is a Celtics team looking to win now, and with Jae Crowder already locked in up front, Brown has work to do if he wants regular minutes.
Most importantly, he'll want to show his jumper is better than advertised, given the team's need for shooting and the likelihood there won't be isolation plays drawn for him.
Dragan Bender (Phoenix Suns, PF)
Dragan Bender was taken over more proven and productive college players (Buddy Hield, Jamal Murray, Kris Dunn) after averaging 12.9 minutes and 4.5 points overseas.
Of course, Bender didn't draft himself top-five, and the expectations that call for him to produce No. 4-overall value are unfair. But between previous FIBA tournaments, the Jordan Brand Classic, Eurocamp and recent exhibitions in the United States, the hype surrounding Bender has been building for a few years.
Compared to American prospects, he hasn't played nearly as many games and has thus been protected by a bulletproof vest created by long-term potential.
A layer of that vest peels off if he struggles against mostly NBA Development League talent in Vegas.
Taurean Prince (Atlanta Hawks, SF/PF)
Expectations for Taurean Prince will be high, and playing well in summer league will inspire confidence for both the rookie and Atlanta's fanbase.
To get him, the Hawks had to give up former All-Star Jeff Teague via a three-way trade.
Having shown little improvement from his junior year to his senior year, Prince was a surprise lottery selection. His true shooting percentage fell to a disappointing 53.7 percent, per Sports-Reference.com, and though he projects as a three-and-D wing, he's never been consistent enough to finish above the 40 percent mark from downtown.
Prince should be out to prove the Hawks' gamble was a good one and that he's poised to become a future starter and franchise building block. With minutes to go around in Atlanta, a productive July would guarantee he gets some early on.
Deyonta Davis (Memphis Grizzlies, PF/C)
You know Deyonta Davis will have something to prove after getting a green-room invite and then slipping into the second round of last month's draft.
Having been passed on for bigs such as Georgios Papagiannis, Guerschon Yabusele, Ante Zizic, Pascal Siakam, Skal Labissiere and Damian Jones—before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies—the chip on Davis' shoulder will be prominent following a long night in Brooklyn on June 23.
However, based on where he was taken and the fact he averaged just 7.5 points in one college season, expectations for the Grizzlies rookie will be limited.
Known for defense, given the 3.9 blocks per 40 minutes he averaged, plus his ability to switch out onto forwards and wings, Davis will want to demonstrate the post footwork and shooting touch the Michigan State offense prevented him from showcasing.
Skal Labissiere (Sacramento Kings, PF/C)
Referred to as a "mock draft myth" by a scout in December, per SNY.tv's Adam Zagoria (via Sporting News), Skal Labissiere has a ton of doubters, including fans, media and the 19 general managers who passed on him.
He'd gone from atop the recruiting ranks to Kentucky's bench, where he sat for 24.2 minutes a game as a freshman. Prone to fouls and vulnerable against stronger bigs, Labissiere was exposed early and never found a way out of the hole.
He'd still go in the first round, despite finishing his only college season with more fouls than field goals and a sad 11.1 total rebound percentage, per Sports-Reference.com.
There is hope for Labissiere, whose size (6'11", 225 lbs), bounce, shooting touch and shot-blocking fuel potential. If he wants to prove all the skeptics wrong, summer league is the place to start.
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