Takeaways from 2016 NBA Summer League Semifinals and Championship Preview
Ricky Rubio is still on the Minnesota Timberwolves, and team owner Glen Taylor doesn't think that will change anytime soon, per Sid Hartman of the Star Tribune. Kris Dunn, 2016's No. 5 pick, should earn enough minutes to become a fringe contender for Rookie of the Year.
If summer league is any indication, no one should count out Tyus Jones in the battle for Minnesota point guard minutes either.
After leading the Wolves to a 93-83 comeback victory over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday at Las Vegas Summer League, he'll have one more chance to demonstrate his abilities in Sin City. He'll guide the Timberwolves into battle against the Chicago Bulls during the championship game as the newly named Summer League MVP, per the Timberwolves' Twitter feed.
Jones clearly got the better of Tyler Ulis in the head-to-head matchup on Sunday, exploding for 29 points, three rebounds, six assists and a steal while shooting 9-of-17 from the field and 11-of-13 from the charity stripe. He consistently worked his way into the teeth of the defense, minimizing the ill effects of his shaky jumper with a steady stream of layups and mid-range splashes.
Not even an injury to his left wrist just before halftime could hold him back. He emerged from the tunnel with some white tape enveloping that wrist and continued playing effective basketball.
During his rookie season, Jones struggled to justify the first-round pick Minnesota spent on him in 2015. Every metric suggested a below-average player: He shot just 35.9 percent from the field, registered a 11.2 efficiency rating and posted a minus-3.7 box plus/minus.
This summer, however, he's looked different, dribbling the ball with confidence and appearing to be in complete command of each offensive set. He's doing what you want from a second-year vet:
| 7/8 vs DEN | 12 (4-of-11) | 10 | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| 7/10 vs TOR | 18 (6-of-14) | 3 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| 7/11 vs CLE | 15 (4-of-10) | 2 | 3 | 0 | 5 |
| 7/13 vs SAS | 15 (5-of-13) | 3 | 9 | 2 | 1 |
| 7/14 vs MEM | 26 (9-of-15) | 4 | 10 | 1 | 2 |
| 7/16 vs TOR | 21 (5-of-12) | 3 | 8 | 3 | 7 |
| 7/17 vs PHX | 29 (9-of-17) | 3 | 6 | 1 | 2 |
| Average | 19.4 | 4.0 | 6.3 | 1.3 | 2.9 |
During summer league, the pickup style often leads to depressed field-goal percentages and plenty of turnovers. Players are forcing the issue while trying to prove themselves, and the lack of established chemistry often leads to communication breakdowns.
Despite living on the floor in Vegas, the sophomore point guard has dodged that bullet, having recorded fewer than three cough-ups per game while shooting 45.7 percent from the field.
Once the regular season begins, Jones won't receive such hefty playing time. He'll still be the third fiddle. But having a third point guard you can rely upon makes everything easier. It would give new Minnesota head coach Tom Thibodeau confidence when both Rubio and Dunn need breathers. It mitigates drop-offs when injuries inevitably occur. It opens the door for more small-ball lineups.
And if Jones does keep playing well, he'll force his way into smaller units when the buckets actually count.
Valentine Outlasts Cavs' Hotshots
Kay Felder stood out for the Cleveland Cavaliers in Sunday's other semifinal matchup, flashing his incredible scoring ability with a dizzying array of runners, floaters and tough finishes around the basket, leading to a game-high 22 points. Bigger guards took advantage of his diminutive frame on a few occasions with timely post-ups, but he made up for that literal shortcoming with impressive passing (five assists), keeping his squad in the game until the end.
But Felder alone wasn't enough to avoid a loss, especially when Jordan McRae went cold down the stretch.
Instead, the Bulls will be advancing to summer league's biggest stage after beating Cleveland, 85-79. No true standout emerged for Chicago across the full length of the contest, but Denzel Valentine's second half sparked the comeback win.
After missing each of his five shots during the first half, the rookie out of Michigan State found his stroke post-halftime. He finished with 13 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals while shooting 5-of-14 from the field and 3-of-8 from downtown.
No shot was bigger than this transition triple that had to remind every viewer of Ali Farokhmanesh for the sheer audacity it took to fire away:
Valentine has struggled with his shot throughout summer league—he had connected from the field at a 35.9 percent clip before this contest—but moments like that should help remind the Bulls just how diverse his talents are.
The previous video also showcases his ability to make an impact in other facets of the game. Notice his persistent on-ball defense and the ensuing second contest against Diamon Simpson.
Even if his relative lack of size and athleticism won't allow him to put up the gaudy stats he produced for the Spartans, Valentine can be a two-way stud. On Sunday night, the rookie made a few big shots down the stretch, but it was his aggressive defense, willing passing (like the above feed to Bobby Portis) and rebounding acumen that helped Chicago grind out a victory.
Expect all of that to continue during his first professional season, especially as his shot progresses and buys him a longer leash.
Monday's Championship: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Chicago Bulls
When: 9:00 p.m. ET
Where: Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
How to Watch: ESPN2
The Bulls have yet to lose in Las Vegas and will put their undefeated record on the line as they seek to move to 7-0 Monday night.
Though Valentine will justifiably earn much of the hype, a quartet of experienced players will lead Chicago—Bobby Portis, Jerian Grant, Spencer Dinwiddie and Felicio. Expect to see the Bulls lean upon their established frontcourt players, so long as a slimmed-down Portis can rediscover his shot after struggling throughout Sunday's contest.
Minnesota has experienced a much different path to the title game, losing each of its first three outings before reeling off four consecutive victories. The Wolves don't have as much experience scattered throughout the roster, but if Jones continues rolling and Dunn finishes going through the league-mandated concussion protocol, they have plenty of backcourt firepower at their disposal.
Unless otherwise indicated, all stats are from Basketball-Reference.com or NBA Math.
