Talents to watch in Orlando Summer League
The Orlando Magic will host the Orlando Summer League today and there are a number of talents to keep an eye on besides those on Orlando’s roster.
The summer league is here and the Magic are fielding two teams, but there are a number of guys on the other squads that are worth giving a close eye to.
Just because a player is not on Orlando’s roster does not mean the Magic will not consider him to be a potential roster candidate. Besides the usual suspects of lottery picks, there are a number of other names to chart the progress of.
All the action can be watched on NBA TV.
BROOKLYN NETS:
Ryan Boatright, PG
Ryan Boatright of UConn is undersized but a good scorer and feisty. He has the potential to develop into a very good backup point guard should be make the roster.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, G/F
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson of Arizona is a talent who should be able to contribute immediately at least as a defender. He is athletic enough to block shots and shut down wing players. He could be a poor man’s Kawhi Leonard.
CHARLOTTE HORNETS:
Frank Kaminsky, C
Frank Kaminsky starred for the NCAA runner-up Wisconsin Badgers and his floor stretching made him a lottery pick. He is tougher than most assume and we will be paying close attention to how his defense is against NBA talents.
P.J. Hairston, SG
P.J. Hairston of North Carolina appeared in 45 games last year averaging 15.3 minutes per game while posting averages of 5.6 points and two rebounds per game. The 6-foot-5 guard is 22 and still has a lot of upside to cash in on.
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES:
Jordan Adams, F/C
Jordan Adams of UCLA emerged as a steal from the 2014 NBA draft. Per-36 last season he posted 13.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. He is also a superb defender (3.3 blocks/steals per-36) and could eventually develop into a fringe starter type of talent. He’s one of the better big men in this summer league.
Russ Smith, PG
Russ Smith had an outstanding career at Louisville but is still trying to stick in the NBA. He was taken No. 47 overall in the 2014 draft. Last season he was able to score a couple 10-day contracts with the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies. He played 36 minutes last year for the Grizz, and he posted four points and one assist per game in six minutes a night. His shooting skills and composure could make him an excellent backup in the NBA.
INDIANA PACERS:
Myles Turner, PF
Myles Turner of Texas is a guy a lot of Orlando Magic fans wanted to see the Magic acquire in the draft. His upside is sky high, but his thin frame and lack of focus cast shadows over his immense talent. He is better than most of the talents in this summer league, but being able to transfer that to on-court play is what the Pacers are eager to see.
MIAMI HEAT:
Zoran Dragic, G
Zoran Dragic is the younger brother of Goran Dragic, and both are expected to be on the Miami Heat final roster. Dragic should be getting a good look according to Miami’s summer league coaching staff, and the Heat are going to go small, so Dragic should have every chance to show the Dragic magic.
Willie Reed, F/C
Willie Reed has the size to be an NBA player and he is done well in 144 D-League games with averages of 15.3 points and 10 rebounds per game. As a backup power forward he could be a great option for some NBA team if he doesn’t stick in Miami next year.
Justise Winslow, G/F
Justise Winslow headlines the crop of Miami summer league players as the No. 10 pick in the draft and a guy many feel could be the steal of the draft. Winslow starred at Duke and developed into a high lottery pick but fell to Miami. Winslow is a very strong defender and was a popular choice from Magic fans as the guy Orlando could have opted for had it not selected Mario Hezonja.
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER:
Dakari Johnson, C
Dakari Johnson is a big body and has the second-highest measurables in length at the NBA combine. He’s not overly athletic but he’s going to have a career as a backup. His high upside might be Kendrick Perkins.