Central Division Summer League Notes

Keith Smith
Keith Smith, Resident NBA ExpertJuly 24, 2024
Share
#nba #nba summer league
© USA TODAY Sports

NBA Summer League season has now come and gone. Leagues in California, Salt Lake City and the big one in Las Vegas have wrapped up. That means it’s time to look back at how things went.

In this exclusive series for Spotrac, we’ll be looking at how each rostered player performed in Summer League this year.

A “rostered player” is someone who is either:

  • Signed to a standard contract
  • Signed to a two-way contract
  • Signed to a training camp deal (or rumored to be signing one)
  • Has their draft rights retained by the team

On occasion, another player may sneak in here if they did something that stood out. We’ll be going division by division, so that the articles don’t get too unwieldy. The hope is that series will give you a sense of how players looked, while giving you something to consume while we wait for NBA training camps to begin in a couple of months.

Chicago Bulls

Matas Buzelis

Contract Status: Four-years, $23.9M, 2024 First-Round Rookie Scale

Stats: 16.4 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.0 SPG, 2.0 BPG, 33.7% FG%, 21.4% 3P%, 74.1% FT%

Analysis: Buzelis came in with a chip on his shoulder and then played angry. That’s a good thing. He’s clearly not upset with being on his hometown Bulls, but Buzelis isn’t happy about slipping in the draft. He looked fine athletically. The shot, which was questionable in the G League, continues to be the real question.

Marcus Domask

Contract status: One-year, non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 training camp deal

Stats: 2.3 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 11.3 MPG

Analysis: Domask barely played in Las Vegas. He’s coming off a very solid all-around college career. Domask has good size for a wing. But he didn’t shoot well in college. If he can’t knock down shots, he’ll be a G League guy.

Henri Drell

Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent

Stats: 7.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 37.1% FG%, 26.7% 3P%, 62.5% FT%

Analysis: Drell suffered from the same fate as a lot of the Summer Bulls as far as shooting goes. He’s already proven that he’s at least a solid player on a two-way contract. Right now, Chicago doesn’t have a two-way spot open, so Drell may be looking elsewhere for his next roster spot.

Andrew Funk

Contract Status: One-year, Two-Way contract

Stats: 2.4 points, 16.7% FG%, 17.6% 3P%

Analysis: The Bulls used Funk like a shooting specialist in Las Vegas. The issue was that Funk didn’t hit many shots. He’s on a two-way deal, but as a second-year two-way guy, consider that spot a little tenuous.

Julian Phillips

Contract status: Three-years, $6.5M, 2023 Second Round Pick Exception

Stats: 13.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.3 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 40.5% FG%, 36.8% 3P%, 70% FT%

Analysis: Phillips was one of the Bulls best players in Las Vegas. He was confident and pulled several shots off the dribble. That’s a good development, after a rookie year where he was mostly a stationary shooter. Phillips may have to fight for minutes this season, but don’t bet against him.

Adama Sanogo

Contract status: One-year, Two-Way Contract

Stats: 15.0 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 62.2% FG%, 87.5% FT%

Analysis: Sanogo solidified his status as a solid developmental big. He’s a good finisher, a tough rebounder and he’s got just enough lift to block and challenge shots. The Bulls don’t have a ton of depth at the center spot, so Sanogo could eventually work himself into a conversion to a standard deal.

D.J. Steward

Contract status: One-year, Two-Way Contract

Stats: 17.4 PPG, 6.4 APG, 3.0 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 47% FG%, 40% 3P%, 86.7% FT%

Analysis: Steward balled out for the Summer Bulls. So much so that he landed a two-way contract from Chicago. Steward was aggressive as both a driver and a pullup shooter. He did a better job as a playmaker than he’s shown to date in the G League. That’s encouraging, because to stick in the NBA Steward will have to be more than just a scorer.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Emoni Bates

Contract status: Restricted Free Agent

Stats: 16.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, 36.2% FG%, 28.6% 3P%, 100% FT%

Analysis: Bates built on a strong rookie season by looking physically overpowering for a lot of summer defenders. We’re not going to worry too much about the missed shots. Bates was being tasked with creating a lot of his own looks. He was largely able to do so, for the most part. One really encouraging sign: Bates made some passes that he wouldn’t have attempted last year. That’s good stuff.

Pete Nance

Contract status: Unrestricted Free Agent

Stats: 11.6 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 46.8% FG%, 34.8% 3P%

Analysis: Nance was basically the same guy he was in the G League last year. He’s a solid big who can space the floor a bit. The Cavs would do well to bring Nance back on another two-way deal for frontcourt depth.

Craig Porter Jr.

Contract status: Three-years, $6.5M

Stats: 13.0 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.0 APG, 2.3 SPG, 39.4% FG%, 21.4% 3P%, 71.4% FT%

Analysis: Porter made sort of a cameo appearance in Las Vegas. He’s already an established NBA guy, so the Cavs didn’t need to see much out of him. It would have been nice to see Porter hit more shots, but he was kind of playing a bombs-away style without anyone to set him up.

Luke Travers

Contract status: Draft Rights Retained

Stats: 8.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.3 SPG, 48.1% FG%

Analysis: Travers is a Summer League veteran at this point. He did his all-around thing in Vegas, but with less usage, as the Cavs focused on some younger players. Ideally, Travers would shoot it better, but he might be able to break through as an NBA rotation guy anyway. If he doesn’t come over this season, it’s probably worth wondering if Travers will ever come to the NBA.

Jaylon Tyson

Contract status: Four-years, $16.1M, 2024 First-Round Rookie Scale

Stats: 15.4 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.4 SPG, 58.8% FG%, 40% 3P%, 91.7% FT%

Analysis: Tyson wasn’t just the Cavs best player at Summer League, he was one of the best players in Las Vegas period. He looked calm, confident and composed. Tyson used his physical gifts to overpower lesser defenders to get into the paint over and over. He did a solid job as a finisher once at the rim. When that was shut off, he showed some surprising passing skills. The Cavs wing depth in a little shaky, especially beyond this upcoming season. Look for Tyson to claim a regular rotation spot before long.

Detroit Pistons

Ron Holland

Contract status: Four-years, $37.5M, 2024 First-Round Rookie Scale

Stats: 18.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 40.8% FG%, 23.5% 3P%, 65% FT%

Analysis: Starting with the good, Holland is NBA-ready as an athlete. He can more than hang in that aspect. He also has pretty good basketball IQ. Holland took a few risks in Vegas, but they were ones worth taking. He also showed up as a competitive rebounder, which is always a plus for a wing. On the downside, Holland couldn’t get shots to fall. He missed open looks, contested looks and everything in between. For him to become what the Pistons need him to, Holland has to shoot it better.

Daniss Jenkins

Contract status: One-year, Two-Way contract

Stats: 9.6 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 34.9% FG%, 33.3% 3P%, 91.7% FT%

Analysis: Jenkins is super competitive for his size. He’s got good athleticism, which allows him to compete for rebounds and to take a shoulder, but stay in the play in on-ball defense. Jenkins needs to pick his scoring spots better, but he’s a good passer. Detroit has an interesting player to work with in the G League.

Bobi Klintman

Contract status: Four-years, $7.9M, Second Round Pick Exception

Stats: 11.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 42% FG%, 41.9% 3P%

Analysis: Everything from Klintman was encouraging at Summer League, minus his finishing inside. He’s got enough size that he may eventually become a solid stretch-four option. That’s big for a Pistons team that is lacking somewhat in frontcourt depth. Apprenticing under Tobias Harris, who has a similar physical makeup and came in with a similar skillset, will be great for Klintman.

Wendell Moore Jr.

Contract status: Two-years, $7.1M, 2022 First Round Rookie Scale

Stats: 5.5 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 25% FG%, 16.7% 3P%

Analysis: Moore made a cameo appearance for the Pistons in Las Vegas. His spot on the team is mostly related to financial/cap matters, as opposed to Moore’s talent. We’ll see if that changes, but he has a lot of competition for minutes at either wing position.

Marcus Sasser

Contract status: Three-years, $10.8M, 2023 First-Round Rookie Scale

Stats: 12.2 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 5.2 APG, 2.0 SPG, 33.3% FG%, 25% 3P%, 79.3% FT%

Analysis: Sasser’s Summer League was like his rookie season: Flashes of brilliance around moments of inconsistency. Sasser was too quick, strong and smart for most point guard in Las Vegas. He got to the free throw line repeatedly. He also did a nice job defensively and made some plays as a passer. Unfortunately, Sasser was unable to build on a semi-encouraging shooting season as a rookie. The Pistons have more depth in the backcourt now. Sasser will have to fight to get consistent minutes this season.

Indiana Pacers

Kendall Brown

Contract status: Two-years, $4.4M

Stats: 9.6 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.2 SPG, 41.5% FG%, 20% 3P%, 70.6% FT%

Analysis: As a third-year Summer Leaguer, Brown should have dominated. Alas, he didn’t. At moments, Brown looked really good. He was able to get by opposing forwards off the dribble and into the paint. At other times, he couldn’t get past anyone and settled for contested jumpers. Brown’s spot on the Pacers roster is probably contingent upon a two-way guy beating him out or the team needing a veteran upgrade.

Enrique Freeman

Contract status: Draft Rights Retained

Stats: 8.2 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.0 BPG, 60.7% FG%, 45.5% FT%

Analysis: Freeman plays bigger than his 6-foot-7 size. That’s good, because he’s not ready to play on the perimeter in the NBA right now. Freeman’s shot is very much a work in progress. But when you compete as hard as he does, and you know how to play, betting on a guy like Freeman is always a solid move.

Johnny Furphy

Contract status: Four-years, $7.9M, Second Round Pick Exception

Stats: 14.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.8 BPG, 37% FG%, 28.6% 3P%

Analysis: Furphy was every bit the athlete he was advertised to be. He did a nice job running the floor. Furphy was competitive defensively and did a nice job getting on the glass on both ends. The shot will look better eventually too. The Pacers have a nice player to develop through the G League this season.

Quenton Jackson

Contract status: Restricted Free Agent

Stats: 11.0 PPG, 4.2 APG, 2.4 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 62.5% FG%, 45.5% 3P%, 66.7% FT%

Analysis: Jackson looked good in his third run through Summer League. He was confident at getting into his shots and he drilled them at a high rate. It’s easy to see why the Pacers have held his restricted free agent rights. He could be back on a two-way contract, but maybe something more opens up for him.

Tristen Newton

Contract status: Draft Rights Retained

Stats: 9.0 PPG, 4.6 APG, 3.8 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 20% FG%, 18.2% 3P%, 89.3% FT%

Analysis: This space is a huge fan of Newton and wanted to see him look better. On the plus side, he showed he can really run a team. That stood out even on a Summer Pacers team with some NBA vets. Newton also got to the free throw line regularly and knocked them down at a good clip. Unfortunately, Newton shot like crap from everywhere else. He couldn’t finish in the paint and couldn’t get his jumpers to fall. A season in the G League will do him wonders.

Ben Sheppard

Contract status: Three-years, $10.5M, 2023 First-Round Rookie Scale

Stats: 7.0 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 25% FG%, 25% 3P%

Analysis: After he played in each of the Pacers playoff games, it was a surprise to see Sheppard make even a cameo appearance at Summer League. Sheppard shot it terribly, but this was apparently just getting a little extra run in. He’ll be battling for wing minutes in Indiana’s rotation this season.

Oscar Tshiebwe

Contract status: Restricted Free Agent

Stats: 11.6 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 61% FG%, 44.4% FT%

Analysis: Tshiebwe is who he is at this point. He’s an outstanding rebounder. He can finish around the rim at a decent clip. He’s ok defensively, but his lack of footspeed leaves him vulnerable on switches. Expect him back on a two-way deal this season. He’s good enough to provide emergency minutes in the frontcourt if necessary.

Jarace Walker

Contract status: Three-years, $21.5M, 2023 First-Round Rookie Scale

Stats: 18.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 42.6% FG%, 45.8% 3P%, 78.9% FT%

Analysis: Walker is ready for real minutes in the NBA. This summer, the Pacers clearly wanted to see him shoot threes and get to the free throw line. Mission accomplished. Walker also got on the glass and did a nice job as a playmaker. If he can shoot it consistently, he might crack Indiana’s wing rotation this season. Otherwise, it’s time for a trade to a team that can let him be a playmaking four.

Milwaukee Bucks

MarJon Beauchamp

Contract status: Two-years, $7.5M, 2022 First-Round Rookie Scale

Stats: 12.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.8 SPG, 32.7% FG%, 30.4% 3P%, 84.6% FT%

Analysis: Beauchamp should have been better as a third-time Summer Leaguer. The physical tools are good, but not good enough to make up for a shaky shot. We’re on the verge of the Bucks possibly declining their fourth-year rookie scale team option for Beauchamp to create some apron wiggle room for 2025-26.

Hugo Besson

Contract status: Draft Rights Retained

Stats: 7.8 PPG, 3.3 APG, 2.3 RPG, 33.3% FG%, 18.2% 3P%, 72.2% FT%

Analysis: Besson looked better physically in his second Summer League. He was creating contact vs simply absorbing it. He’s an ok playmaker, but struggled a bit at breaking down defenses off the bounce. And the shot was really, really shaky. He’ll be playing overseas again next season.

Jaylin Galloway

Contract status: One-year, Two-Way contract

Stats: 2.4 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 41.7% FG%, 28.6% 3P%

Analysis: Galloway’s summer was weird. He barely played, despite heading into Year 2 as a two-way player for the Bucks. There’s not much to analyze here.

Andre Jackson Jr.

Contract status: Three-years, $6.5M, 2023 Second Round Pick Exception

Stats: 4.3 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 2.0 APG, 50% FG%, 14.3% 3P%

Analysis: Jackson is never going to look good in this setting. He’s not an individual standout. Jackson shows up in the system/scheme. That said, it would have been nice to see him shoot it a bit better or even to be more aggressive hunting his shot. But that’s just not who he is.

A.J. Johnson

Contract status: Four-years, $14.6M, 2024 First-Round Rookie Scale

Stats: 11.2 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.8 APG, 32.3% FG%, 32.3% 3P%

Analysis: Johnson looks the part physically. He also understands pro-level spacing, which is a product of playing in Australia’s NBL last season. The big thing for Johnson will be figuring out NBA defense and refining his jumper. That’ll come in the G League, as the Bucks wing rotation is packed with veteran options.

Chris Livingston

Contract status: Three-years, $6.5M, 2023 Second Round Pick Exception

Stats: 14.8 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 2.0 APG, 53.7% FG%, 42.9% 3P%, 62.5% FT%

Analysis: Livingston was a nice surprise this summer. After a non-descript rookie season, he looked more NBA-ready this summer. Livingston was too much for a lot of his opponents to handle inside. He finished well, and flashed an improved jump shot too. He also got on the glass more too. The Bucks could use another frontcourt body. Livingston might be it.

Ryan Rollins

Contract status: One-year, Two-Way contract

Stats: 12.8 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.4 SPG, 47.8% FG%, 33.3% 3P%, 76.5% FT%

Analysis: Rollins looked pretty good in Las Vegas. He was able to create space for his shot. He did a nice job getting to the rim to shoot or to find passes. Rollins also knocked in a few pullup jumpers too. Defensively, he was fairly physical and flashed some quick hands. Solid summer for the Bucks two-way guard.

Tyler Smith

Contract status: Four-years, $7.9M, 2024 Second Round Pick Exception

Stats: 9.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 1.0 BPG, 40.4% FG%, 28% 3P%

Analysis: Smith has the stretch-big skills that everyone wants…in theory. He didn’t shoot it well in Las Vegas, but got the attempts up with ease. That’s a positive. He also did a really nice job on the boards and contesting shots around the rim. The skills are there and he’ll develop further in the G League this season.

TyTy Washington Jr.

Contract status: Unrestricted Free Agent

Stats: 11.3 PPG, 2.3 APG, 43.6% FG%, 36.4% 3P%, 87.5% FT%

Analysis: It seems that the Bucks wanted Washington to work more as a scorer this summer. That’s a change in role for him, but he did ok with it. Washington’s size works against him in a scoring role, but he did a good job hunting shots anyway. As a third-year Summer Leaguer, ideally things would have been a bit easier for Washington. Another G League season or a trip overseas is likely coming.

 


#nba #nba summer league
Top