Miami has become a 3 headed hydra with Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade, and LeBron James. What are the Celtics to do? Keep what they are doing. They have resigned Doc Rivers, Ray Allen and Pual Pierce. So, the big three (Garnett) and Rojan Rondo are all intact. Kendrick Perkins is hurt and may miss a good part of next season. And, Rasheed Wallace is contemplating retirement.
Summer League
9 July 2010
6 July 2010
New comer Cole Aldrich did not play in OKC's first summer league game of the year. in fact, the Thunder did not start a single rookie.
James Harden did not make a single 3pt shot, but attempted 18 free throws and had 19 points for the Thunder. 2nd year player Eric Maynor had 5 assists and 15 poinsts. DJ White continues to show he can score with 13pts on 29 minutes and 6 rebounds. He may be needed this year if Serge Ibaka's injury is significant. He went down with a knee injury but walked off the floor. There is no word yet on what his condition is.
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23 July 2009
Second round pick Chase Budinger lit it up!!! He led the team in scoring with 17.8 ppg in the Las Vegas summer league. He shot 68% from the floor and 94% from the line. And, was 8 of 11 from 3 point range. This is great news for a team that may not have McGrady until the halfway point and may not get Yao Ming back at all. If they do get those 2 stars back, things will be different. Until then, the youngsters are going to have to play. They found one that can shoot.
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21 July 2009
Rebuilding has begun in Phoenix and it's youngsters are going to have to step up. Keeping Steve Nash and Armarie Stoudamire tells everyone that they want to stay competetive and get back to the top soon. And that means some young guys are going to have to develope quickly. This summer in Las Vegas was a step in that process.
Continue reading "Suns hoping to gain experience in summer league."
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The Golden State Warriors can score, and hey found some youngsters that will fit right in. Summer in Vegas was hot.
Anthony Randolph had a nice year for the Warriors last year. He exploded this summer averaging 27 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks. He dominated. There will be a lot more playing time for him his year.
Continue reading "Warriors find firepower in summer league."
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Times are a changin in Detroit. Gone are Chauncey Billups and Rasheed Wallace. Enter in Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva. They draft three youngsters to go along with the newly acquired in hopes of quickly getting back to the conference finals.
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20 July 2009
Next summer is getting all the billing for the Knicks due to the LeBron James sweepstakes. The Knicks currently have $71million in their payroll. As of right now, only $27 mil will be on the books this time next year. That means this summer the youngsters have to impress to stay on the team with their cheap salaries.
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With Chauncey Billups and JR Smith in the backcourt, things are looking fine in Denver. However, last year they did display some weakness coming off the bench. They may have found some solutions. Ty Lawson was very good during the Las Vegas summer league. He lead the team in scoring with 17 points 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. What was even more pleasing was that he only had 2 turnovers a game. He may signal the end of Arron Afflalo. The team has an option on him next year. And, if Lawson plays out like I think, Afflalo will be the odd man out.
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Here is my take on the Hornets' summer league in Las Vegas.
Marcus Thornton was the team's leading scorer with 20ppg but only played in 3 games. He doesn't have a guaranteed contract. He did make a strong case to make the team. Or at least, be activated when players get injured.
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The Thunder learned a few things in Las Vegas this summer. One was the James Harden was a good pick. Not only does he fit with the team image and chemistry they have established, but he can score, shoot, rebound, and handle the ball. He averaged 14 points 3 rebounds 3 assist and 1 steal and 3 turn overs. He also shot the ball well. He will be starting by year's end if not sooner. I don't think they will be able to keep him off the floor.
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Minnesota has a long way to go, but they made progress this summer in Vegas.
Johnny Flynn is the real deal and should be the starting point guard from day one. He averaged 15 points and 7 assists. And, shot lights out! Over 50% from 3-point and 91% from the line. He had over 5 turnovers, but that is to be expected. Scoring and dishing at that level in summer league shows that he is going to be a good player.
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The Chicago Bulls had a nice summer in Vegas:
James Johnson was the leading scorer with 16 points a game, 7 rebounds and 3.6 assists. His number one downfall was the 40% fg shooting.
Rookie Taj Gibson only played in 2 games. He grabbed 20 rebounds and 26 points in those 2 games.
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12 July 2009
Summer league is a time for development. The Lakers are still deciding on what to do with Lamar Odom. But, in the meantime, Adam Morrison is making the most of summer time. He had 24 points 5 rebounds, 3 assist, and 1 turnover in his summer league debut. Then, he had 22 points and hit 4 three pointers in his second game. Great numbers and improvement. If Morrison can contribute off the bench, it will provide much needed insurance for if/when Ron Artest melts down.
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