NBA Rookie Performances of Top Four Draft Picks in Las Vegas Summer League
NBA Rookie Performances of Top Four Draft Picks in Las Vegas Summer League.
Day 1 of Summer League draft picks saw appearances by Victor Wembanyama, Brandon Miller, Scoot Henderson, and Amen Thompson. Under the bright lights of Las Vegas, Scoot Henderson and Victor Wembanyama squared off in two exhibition games for the first time since their initial meeting in October.
On the opening night of the 2023 NBA Summer League, Henderson faced off against No. 4 pick Amen Thompson of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Wembanyama made his Spurs debut against No. 2 pick Brandon Miller of the Charlotte Hornets. Every seat was taken, and many NBA stars were courtside, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a playoff game.
Who impressed the capacity crowd at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Arena? The top draft picks and other players that stood out on Day 1 of Summer League are analyzed by Yahoo Sports.
First choice Spurs of San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama
On Friday, everyone in the arena gathered to see Wembanyama play for the Spurs for the first time. Every time he touched the ball, the arena erupted, and there were audible gasps when he beat players off the dribble.
Miller constantly sought to slow down Wembanyama whenever he had the ball in the paint by guarding him. The 7-foot-4 French sensation had the most significant influence defensively, as seen by his five blocks, changes to perimeter shots, and protection of the switch in pick-and-roll situations.
Wembanyama disappointed NBA fans with his first game by shooting just 2-for-13 from the field and 1-for-6 from deep for a total of nine points, eight boards, and three assists.
Wembanyama admitted that “as a team, it wasn’t our best shooting game” after the match. “It was the plays and the calls that I had the most trouble following. The most important thing I can do to get better is to be quicker to respond to the plays that are being called.
Wearing that jersey for the first time was an honor, and I’m happy we came out on top. “I’m trying to learn for the next games and get ready for the season, but I wasn’t really sure what I was doing on the court tonight.”
Second best Charlotte Hornets’ Brandon Miller
Miller played in his first two NBA games earlier this week in the California Classic in Sacramento and, while he did appear a little rusty, he finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds, three steals, and one block in his first game in Las Vegas.
He only made three of ten 3-point attempts, although they were mostly off the backboard. He was effective on the defensive end, as he tipped a few passes away from the basket, switched sides to aid in the post, and used his long frame to block attempts from beyond the arc.
Miller’s shot selection and passing have both improved in the last two matches. He played above the rim in transition and flashed a little amount of skill, especially when Wembanyama was protecting him.
Choose Third Portland Trail Blazers’ Scoot Henderson
Henderson was hurt in the right shoulder area midway through the third quarter and did not return. In the Rockets’ exciting 100-99 victory, he had 15 points, five rebounds, and six assists, all in the first half.
Every time Henderson and Thompson were on the court together, it was a fairly level encounter. After two years of playing in the G League with NBA rules and spacing, Henderson appeared composed and assured on the court.
“I think I have an advantage coming into the league,” Henderson told Yahoo Sports. I’m used to the fast tempo of the G League already, and I’m prepared to take the league by storm. I have a lot to prove to this league, and it all begins with Summer League.
Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, last year’s No. 7 pick, have great chemistry together on the court. Henderson was finding the speedy wing in transition, and Sharpe was making good cuts off the ball. With a youthful core like this, the Trail Blazers have a bright future even if they decide to move on from Damian Lillard.
Selectee #4 Thank you, Houston Rockets’ Klay Thompson
Thompson, who is excellent as an on-ball defender, caused Henderson some problems on multiple occasions. He blocked three shots and was leaping screens to prevent opponents from gaining an advantage.
After two years with Overtime Elite, his offensive prowess took a hit as he adjusted to the NBA’s roughness. Thompson finished his first game in the NBA with 16 points, 5 assists, 4 boards, 4 blocks, 3 steals, and 2 turnovers.
His early playmaking ability on offense and his ability to effectively defend either of the backcourt positions are both strengths. Many doubted Thompson’s ability to shoot the 3-pointer when he first entered the league, but he made a clutch 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter.
After injuring his ankle late in the fourth quarter, Thompson was forced to leave the game and will likely miss the rest of Summer League.
Notable others
Wembanyama was the first overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft, and 2021 first-round center Kai Jones Jones greeted him by putting his likeness on a poster. Jones played 27 minutes for the Hornets and contributed 6 points, 10 boards, and 2 steals.
Jordan Hawkins
Hawkins, the fourteenth overall choice, is a promising shooter who will help his team right away. His strong shooting from beyond (40 percent on at least six attempts each game) was a major factor in UConn’s championship run.
He shot 3-10 from 3-point range and finished with 16 points, 5 dimes, and 2 steals in 29 minutes as the New Orleans Pelicans lost 102-88 against the Minnesota Timberwolves in his NBA debut.
Tyson Hunter
Denver has a history of making great second-round picks, and Tyson (with the 37th overall selection) could be the next hidden gem. Tyson attended Clemson for four years (plus an extra year due to COVID-19) and finished his career there averaging 15.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game.
He seemed at ease in a variety of offensive formations, coming up with novel scoring and finishing moves, and was as effective on defense, closing off passing lanes and making it tough for his man to get into the paint.
In the Nuggets’ 92-85 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks, Tyson played 27 minutes off the bench and ended with 21 points (including three 3-pointers) and five rebounds.
Gradey Dick
The No. 13 overall choice, Dick, impressed on defense in his NBA debut despite his reputation as a prolific 3-point shooter (41% in his lone season at Kansas).
In the Toronto Raptors’ 83-74 loss to the Chicago Bulls, Dick played 30 minutes and contributed 10 points (2-for-9 from 3-point range), 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 assists. In the second half, when his shot wasn’t going in, Dick made up for it by helping his teammates.
He was able to hold his own on the mismatch switch and prevent penetration from the perimeter.
