NBA Summer League wrap-up notes on the 2022 rookie class.
- Paolo Banchero definitely looked worthy of the #1 selection by the Orlando Magic at Summer League. His strength, scoring, and playmaking have the potential to lead the Magic in PPG & APG as a rookie (which is a heavy burden). So I think that stamina and consistency will be two big areas for him throughout the grind of an 82 game season.
- The #2 pick/recently injured Chet Holmgren had a great summer league in Salt Lake City & Las Vegas. He pretty much has it all. I could go on and on about his attributes: the ball handling, the size, the shooting, the shot blocking, the basketball IQ, etc. Chet will probably be one of the league leaders in BPG every year once he gets healthy, but I think contesting without fouling/getting overpowered will be issues for him. So I hope that he continues to work on his strength while he’s sidelined.
- Jabari Smith’s versatile defense was on full display back in July. The #3 pick made up for his low shooting numbers by guarding every team’s best player. Not to mention, #17 pick Tari Eason brings the same fire as Jabari on D. So I see the defense of Smith, Eason, and Alperen Sengun becoming pretty special in a few years for Houston.
- Once the Sacramento Kings selected Keegan Murray over Jaden Ivey (5th pick by Detroit) with the #4 selection, the chatter started about if Murray was actually worthy of being the 4th pick. However, Keegan shut up everyone fast, winning MVP of the 2k23 Summer League in Las Vegas. Ivey looked great as well, but now that we can kinda trust that Murray will be fine (I know it’s just summer league), the debate of Murray vs. Ivey is one that should take a lot longer than just a few seasons to figure out who’s better.
- #6 pick Bennedict Mathurin balled out in Vegas, scoring the ball at ease with his shooting and athleticism. Indiana’s roster lacks a legit scorer. So I wouldn’t be surprised if Mathurin actually leads the Pacers in PPG as a rookie (just like Banchero’s situation with the Magic’s roster).
- Unfortunately, #7 pick Shaedon Sharpe (Portland), #8 pick Dyson Daniels (New Orleans), #9 pick Jeremy Sochan (San Antonio), #16 pick AJ Griffin (Atlanta), #22 pick Walker Kessler (Utah), #28 pick Patrick Baldwin (Golden State), #36 pick Gabriele Procida (Detroit), #39 pick Khalifa Diop (Cleveland), #41 pick EJ Liddell (New Orleans), #44 pick Ryan Rollins (Golden State), #52 pick Karlo Matkovic (New…
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