NBA Las Vegas Summer League: Vol. 7
With only two games to go on their summer journey, several players stepped it up in the 2009 Las Vegas summer league, displaying their talents, showing they deserve a spot in some team's training camp.
Read on to see who stood out in the seventh batch of games:
Rodrigue Beaubois, G, Dallas Mavericks
Beaubois delivered a knock-out game in his second game, and then came down to earth a bit with just average offensive production.
However his defense and ball control has improved over the past three games, and his second offensive display of the league helped the Mavericks to their first victory.
Final line: 23 Pts, 5 Ast, 3 Reb
James Johnson, F, Chicago Bulls
Johnson continues to chip-in solid effort after solid effort, as he scored at least 16 points for the fourth time in five games.
His shot hasn't been falling like it can, but Johnson's athleticism and aggressive play has led to many trips to the line, as well as some solid production on the glass.
Final line: 20 Pts, 6 Reb, 3 Ast, 2 BS
Player of the Day: Jonny Flynn, PG, Minnesota Timberwolves
Flynn put on another dynamite performance, as he led another explosive offense, while going 7-10 from the field, and converting on all six of his free throws.
He's still up-and-down as a leader and manager at the point, but that is clearly where he belongs, as he plays a fast, up-tempo game, and consistently blows by defenders with the ball in his hands.
Final line: 24 Pts, 4 Reb, 4 Ast
Blake Griffin, PF, Los Angeles Clippers
While his bulk and athleticism are already ahead of the curve, Griffin's free throw shooting and overall jump shot is not.
It's quite clear what Griffin's weaknesses are, and if he can improve his percentages and stay out of foul trouble, he could be a heck of a rookie impact player.
Final line: 19 Pts, 10 Reb, 4 Stl
Ty Lawson, PG, Denver Nuggets
Lawson hasn't been dishing out assists left and right, but he's shown a good knowledge of the game, and has also displayed soft shooting and an ability to get to the basket.
The turnovers and poor shot selection will get better with time. For now, Lawson is a solid point guard of the future behind Chauncey Billups.
Final line: 21 Pts, 5 Reb, 3 Ast, 3 Stl
Jerryd Bayless, G, Portland Trail Blazers
Bayless continues his play for a spot at point guard, but has been underwhelming.
As stated several times before, Bayless can light it up on the scoreboard, but just is not a sensational passer or game manager.
He has too many areas to improve in to be a starter at the point in the NBA.
Considering he hasn't eclipsed five assists since registering seven in his debut, his summer league try-out for the starting point guard spot has been a huge disappointment.
Final line: 18 Pts, 5 Ast
DeJuan Blair, PF, San Antonio Spurs
Blair keeps proving his doubters wrong, and proving the Spurs front office right.
True, it's only summer league, but judging by his intense and gritty play, Blair's talent and work ethic should easily translate to the NBA level.
He has a long ways to go as a shooter, but his muscle inside will prevent him from being a bust until his touch comes around.
Final line: 16 Pts, 11 Reb





.jpg)




