NBA Summer League 2012: Players Who Are Impressing Early

Jared Sullinger was impressive in his first appearance for the Boston Celtics in the 2012 NBA Summer League, but he's not the only youngster who is making waves early on.

Some players, like Sullinger, are trying to prove they are better prospects than people gave them credit for in the drafting process. Other players involved are trying to stand out and increase their roles on an NBA roster. 

So, with that in mind, let's take a look at the players who have put together strong performances so far this summer.

Jared Sullinger, Boston Celtics

The biggest knock on Sullinger's game coming out of Ohio State was that he doesn't have elite athleticism and size. He isn't the kind of above-the-rim player that has become so popular these days, and many wondered how he would fare against bigger guys in the NBA.

It's only been one game, but Sullinger didn't have any trouble scoring against the Oklahoma City Thunder in his debut, tallying 20 points and six rebounds. 

According to the Boston Herald, Sullinger relishes the role of being a banger. It certainly showed in the second half, as many of his points came down low in a dominating offensive effort. 

Alec Burks, Utah Jazz

Burks is a second-year man who didn't see much action as a rookie, playing just under 16 minutes per game and scoring seven points per game.

He is undoubtedly looking to increase his minutes this year, and with a performance like the one we saw from him against the Philadelphia 76ers on July 10, he may just get his wish.

Burks put up 31 points in 29 minutes in the team's second summer league game, chipping in with three rebounds from the 2-guard spot. If he can keep up this kind of production, he will force his way into more of a contributing role with the Jazz for the 2012-13 season.

Andrew Nicholson, Orlando Magic

Magic first-round draft pick Andrew Nicholson out of St. Bonaventure is trying to make Orlando forget about a guy named Dwight Howard by playing his tail off this summer.

So far, so good, as Nicholson put together an impressive double-double in his first outing in Las Vegas against the Brooklyn Nets, putting up 24 points and 12 rebounds in 32 minutes of work. 

Mark Price, the Magic's summer league coach, was impressed with Nicholson's effort, according to the Orlando Sentinel, saying:

"

When he extends up for those little jump hooks it's tough for people to get to it. For a kid his age, he's got extremely good footwork — up-and-unders, pivoting underneath — and he also has the ability to step out. If you leave him open, he can knock down 15- to 18-foot jump shots. He's got a lot of upside, and he hasn't even figured everything out yet.

"

If Howard does end up leaving the club for greener pastures, Nicholson could be thrust into a starting role. If Nicholson keeps playing like he did against the Nets, the transition may not be as difficult as some have predicted.

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