Las Vegas Summer League 2017: Ranking the Top 50 Prospects
Las Vegas summer league has become a major event for NBA teams and prospects.ย
Front offices are evaluating and looking for training camp invitees. The players are trying to make a case for minutes and roster spots while adjusting to a faster pace and more athletic game.ย
Vegas will feature dozens of 2017 and 2016 first-rounders, including a handful of top-10 picks who general managers are banking on to be franchise cornerstones.
This is where it starts for prospects like Lonzo Ball, Josh Jackson and De'Aaron Fox. And for returning names like Brandon Ingram and Thon Maker, it's where they want to show coaches they've taken the next step.
No. 50-46
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50. Quinn Cook (New Orleans Pelicans, PG)
A 2016-17 G-League All-Star, Cook eventually got called up by the Pelicans and gave them encouraging minutes in April. He'll use summer league to prove he belongs in the NBA full-time for his ball-handling and shooting.
49. Denzel Valentine (Chicago Bulls, SG)
Valentine needs a bounce-back season, but could again struggle to find minutes with the additions of Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and Justin Holiday. He'll have to bank on his shooting because he struggles inside the arc without much bounce or burst.
48. Wade Baldwin IV (Memphis Grizzlies, PG)
Baldwin was beat out last year for minutes by Andrew Harrison, and though his potential remains intact, an ugly rookie year means he'll have pressure to make improvements to his floor game and scoring skills in 2018.
47. Kay Felder (Cleveland Cavaliers, PG)
Felder dominated G-League opponents by averaging 29.9 points and 6.0 assists through 11 games. He'll eventually get his chance behind Kyrie Irving in Cleveland.ย
46. Brice Johnson (Los Angeles Clippers, PF)
A back injury limited Johnson to three NBA games last year, but he went in the first round for his athleticism, two-point scoring and rebounding. He'll try to make a case for minutes by bringing energy and producing in the paint.ย
No. 45-41
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45. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (Brooklyn Nets, SF)
This could be make-of-break year for Hollis-Jefferson, whose athleticism and defensive versatility remain appealing but still struggles with creating and shooting.
44. Pascal Siakam (Toronto Raptors, PF/C)
Siakam was a surprise rookie contributor just by playing to his strengths. He doesn't offer much skill, but his athleticism and energy translate to easy baskets.
43. Ante Zizic (Boston Celtics, C)
Zizic isn't ready for NBA minutes, but he'll carve out time eventually for his pick-and-roll finishing and rebounding motor.
42. Jonah Bolden (Philadelphia 76ers, PF)
Bolden's game needs polish, but through two summer league games in Utah, he looked highly active defensively and competent from three. The Sixers could give him minutes for his ability to make plays off the ball at both ends.
41. Cheick Diallo (New Orleans Pelicans, PF/C)
Diallo followed a productive 26 games in the G-League with some encouraging stretches for the Pelicans in April. The athleticism, motor and defensive potential are already built in, but he'll earn more minutes by connecting in the mid-range.
No. 40-36
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40. DeAndre' Bembry (Atlanta Hawks, SF)
Bembry wasn't able to show much last year, but should have more minutes to work with as a sophomore. He is dangerous in transition with some point-forward playmaking ability, versatile at both ends and highly athletic.ย
39. Tyler Lydon (Denver Nuggets, PF)
The Nuggets traded down from No. 13 and wound up taking Lydon at No. 24. They'll call on him for shooting and athletic finishes and shot-blocking around the rim.ย
38. Frank Mason (Sacramento Kings, PG)
The Kings quickly gobbled up Mason in the second round. Skills, production and toughness make it easy to overlook his questionable size.
37. Malachi Richardson (Sacramento Kings, SG)
With George Hill, De'Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield and Bogdon Bogdanovic, Richardson will likely spend more time in the G-league, where he averaged 21.3 points on 46 percent shooting from three as a rookie.
36. Caleb Swanigan (Portland Trail Blazers, PF/C)
Swanigan's transformation propelled him into the 2017 first round. Better conditioned and more accurate from three, he now offers more than just rebounding and low-post offense.
No. 35-31
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35. Josh Hart (Los Angeles Lakers, SG)
Hart is coming off four productive years at Villanova and will be competing for rookie minutes behind Jordan Clarkson. He doesn't excel in any one area but could stick for his jack-of-all-trades, two-way versatility.ย
34. Kyle Kuzma (Los Angeles Lakers, PF)
Kuzma created buzz at the combine with his shooting, ball-handling and passing for a power forward. He'll take the opportunity in Las Vegas to prove it wasn't a fluke performance.
33. Davis Bertans (San Antonio Spurs, PF)
Bertans already hit six threes through two Utah summer leagues games after shooting 39.9 percent from deep as a rookie in San Antonio. He's going to stick for his convincing stroke and ability to the stretch the floor and make outside shots.ย
32. Malik Beasley (Denver Nuggets, SG)
Beasley never had a chance last year in Denver and may not see one this year unless the Nuggets make a trade. He averaged 18.9 points in the G-League and still combines an appealing mix of athleticism, shooting and defensive quickness.ย ย
31. Caris LeVert (Brooklyn Nets, SG)
LeVert was finally healthy in 2016-17 and suddenly looks like a key piece in Brooklyn. He'll look to continue building his value with scoring and playmaking versatility from the wing.
No. 30-26
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30. Derrick White (San Antonio Spurs, SG)
White scored in double figures during both summer league games in Utah. He could earn minutes this season at the 2 for his shot-making and playmaking.
29.ย Jordan Bell (Golden State Warriors, PF/C)
Bell will bring defense and energy to the Warriors off the bench in a simple role that calls for him to finish, rebound, block shots and switch. It's not insane to think he could see garbage-time, regular-season minutes playing small-ball center in Golden State.
28. Ivica Zubac (Los Angeles Lakers, C)
Zubac finished with a solid 17.02 player efficiency rating by giving the Lakers efficient low-post offense and activity under the boards. He'll look to expand his shooting range, add to his back-to-the-basket game and improve his defense as Brook Lopez's backup.ย
27. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (Philadelphia 76ers, SG)
Luwawu-Cabarrot averaged 14 points through two games in Utah and looks more confident after starting the final 18 games of his rookie year. He's raw, but Luwawu-Cabarrot should still be good for shot-making and slashing off the bench.
26. Jakob Poeltl (Toronto Raptors, C)
Trading Jonas Valanciunas would help jumpstart Poeltl's career with the Raptors after he only played 11.6 minutes a game as a rookie. He did shoot 58.3 percent in that time and showed off his hands and coordination around the basket. Scoring won't be Poeltl's forte, but his ability to finish, rebound and defend the pick-and-roll could make him a valuable center.
No. 25-21
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25. Juancho Hernangomez (Denver Nuggets, SF/PF)
Hernangomez is an example of the Nuggets' stellar international scouting. His game screams versatility with 6'9" size, a 40.7 percent three-point stroke and the athleticism and motor to score off transition, cuts and drives. Even with Paul Millsap in Denver, Hernangomez should see minutes at both forward spots.
24. Taurean Prince (Atlanta Hawks, SF)
Prince was a key contributor for the Hawks against the Washington Wizards in the playoffs. He averaged 11.2 points on 55.8 percent during the series. Prince's minutes fluctuated throughout last season, but with Atlanta entering a rebuilding year, he could be a key three-and-D cog in this year's rotation.ย
23. Kris Dunn (Chicago Bulls, PG)
The Bulls clearly believe in Dunn, who's coming off a rough rookie year. The biggest concern is that he's already 23 years old and has a lot of ground to make up with his shooting and decision-making. Dunn's pressure defense and playmaking will always keep him afloat, but the Bulls will need Dunn to take a major step forward offensively to make their Jimmy Butler trade look good.
22. Skal Labissiere (Sacramento Kings, PF/C)
Sacramento will be rewarded for buying low on Skal Labissiere in 2016. Per 36 minutes, he averaged 17.0 points and 9.5 rebounds on 53.7 percent shooting and looked spry and more skilled than he did at Kentucky. He'll split time with newly-acquired Zach Randolph and look to build on last year's flashes by expanding his offense and defending without fouling.
21. Harry Giles (Sacramento Kings, PF/C)
With Randolph headed to Sacramento, there won't be many minutes for Giles, who the Kings grabbed at No. 20 after trading No. 10. Having averaged just 11.5 minutes and 3.9 points at Duke, he could use reps, though, even if they're in the G-League. Knee injuries have continuously set Giles back, but there is no teaching his size, length and motor.ย
20. John Collins (Atlanta Hawks, PF)
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John Collins could be looking at a huge role in Atlanta after the Hawks traded Dwight Howard and let Paul Millsap leave in free agency.ย
Physically he's ready, with a strong, explosive NBA body and a live motor behind it. Collins, who led the nation last year in player efficiency rating, brings athleticism and activity to the paint as a scorer and rebounder.
At this point, he's a capable mid-range shooter, but if the Hawks work on extending his range and improving his accuracy, Collins has the chance to become a dangerous offensive player.ย
19. Patrick McCaw (Golden State Warriors, SG)
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The Golden Warriors found a steal with Patrick McCaw in last year's second round.
He was able to earn minutes in all four playoff series.ย A defensive-minded role player, McCaw has quick hands and finds ways to score by cutting or spotting up.
He obviously landed in a spot that lets him play to his strengths, but the Warriors also happen to need and value those particular strengths from their supporting cast.
It's going to be tough for him to see significant playing time with Andre Iguodala back and Nick Young now in the picture. But the Warriors clearly have an asset in McCaw, who they traded for at No. 38 overall in 2016.
18. Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat, C)
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Bam Adebayo exploded for 29 points during his Orlando league debut, though he came back to earth with a 1-of-10 game against the New York Knicks.
Still, this early, the negatives are outweighed by the positives, which include Adebayo looking comfortable scoring out of the post and in face-up situations.
His identity will still revolve around his explosiveness around the basket. He's a high-percentage finishing target for dump downs and lobs, and he'll put back misses. But his value will spike dramatically if he adds a jumper and defends the perimeter.
17. Buddy Hield (Sacramento Kings, SG)
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The trade to Sacramento jumpstarted Buddy Hield's rookie season. In 25 games with the Kings, he averaged 15.1 points on 48.0 percent, compared to 8.6 points on 39.3 percent as a New Orleans Pelican.
With plenty of range, a flick-of-the-wrist release and the ability to shoot off the dribble, Hield's perimeter game is legitimate. But he attempted just 76 free throws in 82 games as a rookie.ย
Hield lacks the explosiveness to blow by defenses, though with George Hill and rookie De'Aaron Fox, he may be better suited for the Kings' sixth-man position.
16. Dejounte Murray (San Antonio Spurs, PG/SG)
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Falling to No. 29 in the 2016 draft was the best thing to happen to Dejounte Murray, who's already experienced playoff minutes.
He's still wild, but Murray has obvious untapped playmaking potential, given his size, quickness, athleticism and ability to shake free off the dribble.
The small 9-of-23 three-point sample size was another promising sign. He's still rough around the edges, but the idea that Murray could be a Spurs' long-term starter sounds like a real possibility.ย
15. Lauri Markkanen (Chicago Bulls, PF)
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The Chicago Bulls apparently thought highly of Lauri Markkanen, their key acquisition in the trade that sent Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves.ย
One of the draft's top shooters, Markkanen, who canned 69 threes at a 42.3 percent clip at Arizona, brings a unique mix of size and perimeter scoring ability. He'll immediately give the Bulls shot-making off the bench.ย
The question is how much his defensive limitations affect his value. He'll look to erase concerns over his lack of toughness and physicality with more production in the paint during summer league.
14. Zach Collins (Portland Trail Blazers, C)
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The Portland Trail Blazers clearly bought into Zach Collins, who they traded No. 15 and No. 20 to draft.
He'll start by backing up Jusuf Nurkic, and it will be interesting to see how the Blazers handle both bigs, particularly with Nurkic entering the final year of his deal.
Collins has flashed defensive upside with his 4.1 blocks per 40 minutes at Gonzaga. He isn't as sharp offensively, but he has enough post footwork, shooting touch and rebounding instincts to suggest he has NBA starter potential.
13. Justin Jackson (Sacramento Kings, SF)
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The Sacramento Kings clearly didn't see much of a difference between Justin Jackson and the five players who went before him in the draft. They traded down from No. 10 to grab North Carolina's three-point record holder, as well Harry Giles at No. 20.
With Rudy Gay and Tyreke Evans unlikely to return, Jackson could find himself starting on opening night.
The Kings will ultimately value his ability to score and shoot off the ball by curling around screens and sinking jumpers and floaters. He'll benefit from having De'Aaron Fox, who'll draw attention and create open looks.
12. Dragan Bender (Phoenix Suns, PF/C)
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Injuries and age prevented Dragan Bender from making any noise as a rookie. But now he's healthy, turning 20 years old in November and more prepared heading into his second summer league.ย
Though he doesn't jump off the screen as a star in the making, it's too early to write off Bender, a uniquely-skilled 7-footer with three-point range, passing skills and potentially valuable defensive versatility.ย
He should be looking at more playmaking touches and shots in Las Vegas to boost his confidence entering season No. 2 with the Phoenix Suns.
11. Marquese Chriss (Phoenix Suns, PF/C)
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Flashes of elite athleticism, shooting and rim protection came in waves for Marquese Chriss as a rookie.
They occurred more frequently over the final two months, though, when Chriss averaged 13.1 points and 1.4 blocks on 38.1 percent from three in March and 11.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.7 blocks on 49.1 percent from the floor in April.
He's an explosive weapon around the basket at both ends. And he's shown some budding skills with his shot-creating and jumper.
Chriss just turned 20 years old on July 2 and should be considered the Suns' second-most-valuable asset behind Devin Booker.
10. Donovan Mitchell (Utah Jazz, SG)
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Donovan Mitchell has already made the Utah Jazz look good for trading up to No. 13. He was one of the stars of the Utah league with 23 points against the San Antonio Spurs and 15 against Markelle Fultz and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Mitchell also combined for nine assists and showed playmaking ability that wasn't always apparent at Louisville.ย
The athletic plays, scoring off the dribble, shooting and defense he flashed all looked familiar. Mitchell gives the Jazz an immediate two-way spark and a potential long-term upgrade over Rodney Hood.
9. Dennis Smith Jr. (Dallas Mavericks, PG)
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The Dallas Mavericks potentially got their new franchise point guard nine picks deep into the draft.ย
Smith's stock fell in March when North Carolina State failed to reach the NCAA tournament while Kentucky's De'Aaron Fox took it over.
Explosive and skilled, he projects as a scoring lead guard in the mold of Eric Bledsoe or Damian Lillard. Smith is going to make a handful of teams look silly for passing if he matures as a decision-maker and leader.
8. Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics, SF)
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Jaylen Brown opened the Utah summer league with 29 points and destroyed the Philadelphia 76ers in transition while also connecting from outside with three triples.
His footwork and ball skills are improving, which could be scary, given his athleticism. Brown is at his best attacking the basket, but the flashes of pull-up, step-back and fallaway shot-making suggest there is a lot more scoring potential for Celtics coaches to unlock.
His role with Boston this year could come down to whether it keeps Jae Crowder, who, along with Gordon Hayward, would take up most minutes at the 3 and 4.
7. De'Aaron Fox (Sacramento Kings, PG)
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Sacramento's addition of George Hill should take some pressure off DeโAaron Fox, whoโll run the show for the Kings in Las Vegas.
The up-and-down setting should ultimately suit Foxโs speed and athleticism. Quick and explosive, heโll put pressure on both summer league and NBA defenses by attacking off transition and screens.
Shooting is still the key for Fox, who struggled with his three-point stroke as a freshman. Adding a consistent pull-up jumper would take his scoring ability to another level.
6. Thon Maker (Milwaukee Bucks, PF/C)
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The Milwaukee Bucks eventually came out as big winners of the 2016 NBA draft when the payoff of their gamble on Thon Maker became more apparent.
Viewed as a long-term project before his selection, Maker finished his rookie year by drawing starts in the playoffs.
Heโs one of the gameโs most unique young talents, based on his tools, skill set and motor. Maker ultimately has the chance to be a special pick-and-roll defender with three-point range, bounce at the rim and budding ball skills in between.
Las Vegas will be his big chance to warn the league of the impending breakout.
5. Josh Jackson (Phoenix Suns, SF)
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Josh Jackson adds more explosiveness to a lineup that already has Eric Bledsoe and Marquese Chriss.ย
He'll fit seamlessly between Devin Booker and Chriss with his defensive intensity and offensive versatility.ย
Jackson's ball skills and shooting need work and may result in rookie inconsistency, but even on off days, his athleticism, passing and motor should still show.ย
On good ones, he looks like a complete two-way player capable of scoring and playmaking at both ends of the floor.
4. Brandon Ingram (Los Angeles Lakers, SF/PF)
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The bar has been raised for Brandon Ingram, though he still won't turn 20 years old until September.ย He found a rhythm last year in March and April and seems poised to pick right back up in Las Vegas.ย
He possesses unusual size and length for a wing โenough to net minutes at the 2, 3 or small-ball 4.
We should see his 29.4 percent three-point mark spike in year No. 2, when his confidence and skill level will be higher. It will be a good sign to see Ingram stand out as a pro among minor-league talent by taking over in summer league.
3. Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics, SF/PF)
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Through two summer league games in Utah, Jayson Tatum hasn't looked like a rookie or even the same player we saw at Duke.
Step-backs, fallaways, drives, tip-dunksโhe's demonstrated both advanced scoring skills and even some extra bounce.
Tatum went for 21 points against the Philadelphia 76ers and 23 against the San Antonio Spurs and stood out as an obvious pro and the best player on the floor throughout stretches of both games.ย
He's going to make it difficult for coach Brad Stevens to keep him on the bench as a rookie.
2. Lonzo Ball (Los Angeles Lakers, PG)
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The Los Angeles Lakers are banking on Lonzo Ball coming in to change the identity and direction of the franchise.ย
He'll certainly make their summer league team one of the tougher outs in Las Vegas, especially given the weapons he'll have in Ingram, Ivica Zubac, Josh Hart, Kyle Kuzma, Thomas Bryant and Vander Blue.
Just as he did at UCLA, Ball will create buzz with his passing and quick decisions that lead to open shots and contagious ball movement.ย
1. Markelle Fultz (Philadelphia 76ers, PG/SG)
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Markelle Fultz checks in as the top prospect from both the 2017 and 2016 draft classes.ย
He already gave fans a taste of his smooth, advanced scoring ability in Utah, where he went for 23 points against the San Antonio Spurs and flashed an array of next-level step-backs, floaters and deep jumpers.
Fultz's shot-creating andย shot-making skills already mirror many of today's stars'โonly he just turned 19 years old in May. He's the new breed of NBA point guard and makes the Sixers one of the must-watch teams of 2017-18.
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