NBA Summer League: Day 2By: Aran_Smith

Player of the Day:

Bobby Portis Chicago — Portis had an excellent start to his summer league playing for rookie head coach Fred Hoiberg. His 23 points came on an efficient 9-14 shooting (including 3-4 3PT), and he also contributed 7 boards. He matched up at times with #1 pick Karl Anthony Towns, scoring over him early. The sophomore standout from Arkansas surprised many, including the Bulls that he was available at the 22nd pick. Many felt he was a lottery level talent. So far he’s proving that teams undervalued him allowing him to slip so far in the draft.

Biggest Surprise:

Kelly Oubre Washington — Despite the loss, Oubre played excellent, registering a 20 and 10 for the Wizards. He struggled from outside making just 1-7 from deep, but his 10 boards, 4 of which coming offensively helped make up for it. He shot an efficient 8-20 from the floor, showing that he’s not bashful about getting involved in the offense. The Wizards are hoping that he makes them good for moving up to select him.

Biggest Disappointment:

Marcus Smart Boston — Smart was the lead scorer in the game with 19 and the Celtics won. He did get hot early from 3 with 12 first quarter points including a 3 at the buzzer. But his overall shooting was abysmal, making just 5 of 17 shots and committing just as many turnover as assists (3). he finished 4-11 from 3, but his overall efficiency was poor.

Top Performers:

Jordan Clarkson LA Lakers — Clarkson was terrific for the second night in a row. He had a highlight crossover, on a drive to the basket. He finished the Laker’s high scorer with 19 of their 68 points. While teammate DAngelo Russell struggled with turnovers and shooting, Russell once again picked up the slack, evening the Laker’s record to 1-1.

Draft Watch

Karl-Anthony Towns Minnesota — Towns was solid in the team’s loss to Chicago. He was active defensively with two shot blocks at the rim and also contributed 9 and 9, again showing nice form on his hook shot. He didn’t dominate as some may have hoped for from a #1 overall pick, but he’s young and obviously deserves time.

Jahlil Okafor Philadelphia — On the day it was announced that previous #3 pick Joel Embiid will miss the 2015-16 season with foot surgery, Okafor followed his standout Utah summer league with a bright start to his NBA Summer League. He was very good on the block, and also looked like he had improved confidence at the line, hitting 7-12. He hit just 6-14 from the floor, struggling on the right block with his backboard J. But overall looked like an offensive difference maker. His physicality and ability to get to the line were bright spots.

Kristaps Porzingis New York — "Zinger" was solid in his debut with 12 pts. He showed why many are so intrigued with his upside displaying excellent fluidity in the full court and a nice shooting stroke from the perimeter. GM Phil Jackson may ultimately regret not taking Hezonja, as he’s a bigtime talent who seems better equipped to handle the New York media market, but Porzingis upside is considerable.

D'Angelo Russell LA Lakers — DLo struggled for the second day in a row. He shows flashes of brilliance and is extremely slick with the basketball. But right now he appears in need to time and an adjustment to the speed of the NBA game. he made a few careless passes. He forced some shots and just was unable to find the same success he’s used to. He got a little out of control, kicking the ball off his foot when he attempted to push the ball at full speed as one point. Facing the player the Lakers passed over (Okafor), in order to select him, DLo may have put added pressure on himself. He hass tremendous size and creativity for the PG position, but likely needs a transition period due to the speed of the NBA game.

Veteran Standouts

Zach LaVine Minnesota — Our player of day one struggled in day two, hitting just 5-20 from the floor. He led the team in scoring, but didn’t do so in an efficient manner. On the positive side, he did get to the line 10 times, knocking down 9. His 9 boards also matched a team high, showing his activity.

Doug McDermott Chicago — The 2nd year lotto pick had a quality game, posting 20 points on 9-16 shooting. He didn’t get the 3 ball rolling like he’s capable, but showed other facets of his game.

Notes:

Jordan Mickey Boston — Was a real bright spot for the Celtics. Beyond the excellent numbers, he showed a surprising outside jumper along with a lightning quick spin move to get to the line. His 15 and 10 came on an efficient 6-10 shooting. His length also proved to be a factor as a rim protector. Mickey could ultimately end up one of the steals of the 2nd round.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson Brooklyn — Brooklyn let go a veteran PG Deron Williams and eeked out a one point win over the Cavs in SL. Hollis Jefferson was one of bright spots, showing better than advertised results on his jumper, as he did in Orlando. He finished with 15 pts (5-11 fg and 9 boards) to lead Brooklyn.

Bryce Cotton Utah — Finished with 28 points, scoring in a variety of ways. he was 8-15 from the floor and 10-11 from the Ft line.