Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank. Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com. All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: [email protected]
2010 NBA Summer League Recap – July 7
Second year players continue to dominate the league. Charlotte’s Gerald Henderson and Philly’s Jrue Holiday both put together solid outings, while Jodie Meeks of the 76ers continued to show he can score the basketball in numerous ways. James Harden and Eric Maynor combined for 37 points in the Thunder’s game, but the most impressive player might be the Nets’ Terrence Williams. “T-Will,” as Jay Bilas calls him, showed off his versatility with 24 points, seven boards and seven assists although he did turn the ball over 9 times.
How do you spell project? D-a-n-i-e-l O-r-t-o-n. The Magic rookie posted two points (0-of-6 FG) and two boards in 17-plus minutes. Hey, at least he didn’t get ejected like he did in his Summer League debut on Monday…
Facing a critical offseason, Alexis Ajinca is starting to show some progress for the Bobcats. The 7-footer has only appeared in 37 games in his two seasons in Charlotte and missed most of last season due to a thumb injury. But Ajinca followed up his 8-point, 4-rebound, 3-blocked shot performance Monday with 14 points and six rebounds yesterday. That’s the good news. The bad: he has committed 14 fouls in two games (again, players cannot foul out in Summer League.)
Patrick Ewing Jr. has scored 32 points in the Magic’s two games. Patrick Ewing Sr. is coaching the team and after their game, told NBA TV’s Dennis Scott that there’s “no way in hell he shouldn’t be in the league.” Well, of course he is going to say that. If Junior keeps playing like he has, there should be an invite for him somewhere to an NBA training camp. Orlando is likely losing Matt Barnes and has a void at small forward so maybe dad will get to coach him.
One of Lance Stephenson’s biggest knocks coming out of Cincy was his shot selection. Through two games in Orlando, the Pacers’ second round pick is 15-of-20 from the field and has not attempted a three-point shot which is smart since he is a pretty awful long-range shooter. I’m telling you, he’s going to be a special player someday. Still not sure how he fell to No. 40.
