2018 NBA Summer League Thread (LAKERS-TRAIL BLAZERS TONIGHT!!)

LAS VEGAS (JULY 6-17)

Atlanta Hawks:
Roster
All eyes will obviously be on No. 5 pick Trae Young. The Hawks passed on the chance to add Luka Doncic, moving down two spots with the Mavs to take the shooter with Steph Curry range. While fellow marksman Kevin Huerter is on the roster, he won't be playing after having hand surgery. John Collins put himself in the spotlight last summer with some high-flying dunks and blocks, and should do the same this year. LSU fans will get their first fix with Brandon Sampson.

Boston Celtics:
Roster
The Celtics were heavily rumored to move up in the draf to draft Mo Bamba, but had an athletic center fall into their lap at No. 27 in Robert Williams. When the switch is on, Williams is a top-10 pick like projections once had him, but an unmotivated, dysfunctional Texas A&M team last year caused that switch to come off at times. Semi Ojeleye played his role well last year in 73 games, but can use this summer to become more productive in that role with Gordon Hayward returning from injury. Guerschon Yabusele is a load down low at 6'8" 260 lbs., and will form a unique frontcourt duo with Williams this summer.

Brooklyn Nets:
Roster
Jarrett Allen had some highlight dunks last season in a disappointing season, but at 20, he still has a lot of time to grow as an athletic center. Unfortunately, the Nets missed out on a top 10 pick with their trade to Boston, so the cupboard is still bare. Caris LeVert averaged 12 ppg for the Nets last year, and will likely lead this squad. Rodions Kuric and Dzanan Muza bring a European flair to this squad before likely going overseas for another season. Theo Pinson was one of my favorite college players last season and can easily make this Nets roster.

Charlotte Hornets:
Roster
After missing the Summer League last year, Malik Monk will get his chance to showcase his skills as the Hornets will look to count on him further. Miles Bridges was projected to be a top five pick at one point, and wound up not even the first Bridges off the board when he was picked 12th. Still, Miles has a lot of talent. Dwayne Bacon showed his scoring potential with 26.5 ppg in four G League games, but will have to show he can do it at the next level. Brice Johnson, an athletic big that was a first rounder in 2016, has bounced around and is on his third NBA team.

Chicago Bulls
Roster Not Finalized As Of Write-Up
While there is no official roster yet, expect first rounders Wendell Carter Jr. and Chandler Hutchinson to headline the squad. Wendell, the No. 7 pick in the draft, has good size in the post and has an offensive game that goes beyond the three-point line. Hutchinson had a strong senior season at Boise State, averaging 20 ppg, to move into the first round. Jarnell Stokes, another big guy down low who is on his fourth NBA team since being drafted in 2014, will give the Bulls a solid frontcourt this summer.

Cleveland Cavaliers:
Roster Not Finalized As Of Write-Up

Cleveland used their pick from Boston via Brooklyn in the Kyrie Irving trade to select their PG of the future in Collin Sexton, who provides an interesting game but will need to become more a complete PG at the next level. Cedi Osman had a lot of hype attached to his name when selected back in 2015, but has done very little to live up to the billing. With LeBron likely gone again, this could be his biggest/last chance to show his worth. Billy Preston, once a five-star Kansas commit, never played for the Jayhawks due to an NCAA investigation, will get a chance to show his skillset. Bonzie Colson was a double-double machine at Notre Dame, and will need to show his short stature won't affect him at the next level.

Dallas Mavericks:
Roster
While both Dennis Smith Jr. and No. 3 pick Luka Doncic are on the roster, both are there just to work out and not expected to play. There's a slight chance they get small minutes together just to start the chemistry. Jalen Brunson, the Naismith Award winner last year, has a good chance at becoming the Mavs backup PG, passing J.J. Barea and Yogi Ferrell. Johnathan Motley averaged 22.2 ppg and 9.6 rpg in the G League last year and can find a secure spot on the Mavs bench. Kostas Antetokounmpo is of course a brother of the Greek Freak, as the Mavs hope the Dayton product can become at least half of the Bucks all-star.

Denver Nuggets
Roster
Denver might just have the worst roster of the summer. Monte Morris had 18 ppg and 6.7 apg in the G League, and could vie for the backup PG spot in Denver. Tyler Lydon, Denver's first rounder last year, will need to vastly improve if he wants to play significant minutes for the Nuggets. Michael Porter Jr., the No. 14 pick, has been ruled out of the Summer League and potentially this whole season.

Detroit Pistons:
Roster Not Finalized As Of Write-Up
No official roster as of yet, Henry Ellenson and Luke Kennard, Detroit's last two first rounders, will highlight the squad. Kennard averaged 7.6 ppg in 73 games for the Pistons last year, and the shooter will look to earn more playing time. 2018 second-round picks Khyri Thomas and Bruce Brown Jr. have that grit and toughness made for Detroit.

Golden State Warriors:
Roster
Jordan Bell showed that he is a perfect athletic center for the Warriors, and will look to show Kerr that he can handle more minutes. Jacob Evans, the No. 28 pick in the draft, could earn a spot on the money-depraved Warriors bench with his gritty play style at guard. J.P. Tokoto, another favorite of mine, is giving the NBA another shot after playing in Australia last season.

Houston Rockets:
Roster

A unique roster for sure. You have the overseas flair with Zhou Qi and Isaiah Hartenstein, both bigs that can stretch the court. You've got the rookies like De'Anthony Melton and Vincent Edwards, both wing players that are talented but may need a season in the G League. Then you have the NBA stragglers in Markel Brown, Quincy Miller and R.J. Hunter, who are looking for one more chance.

Indiana Pacers:
Roster
Aaron Holiday, the No. 23 pick and brother of Jrue Holiday, could become the Pacers starting PG barring an offseason move. T.J. Leaf, a top-20 pick last year, still needs some grooming. Bryce Alford will provide some big three-point shooting, while Alize Johnson was a double-double machine at Missouri State.

Los Angeles Clippers:
Roster
Shai Gilgeous Alexander and Jerome Robinson, both top-15 picks in the draft, will be counted on to provide the Clippers as the final part of Lob City is now gone. Gilgeous-Alexander carried the young Kentucky squad for most parts of last season, and at 6'6" can be tough to guard at PG. Robinson was one of the top scorers in the ACC last year. Jawun Evans and Sindarius Thornwell were second-rounders last year.

Los Angeles Lakers:
Roster
Depending on what happens with the Lakers in the first few days of the offseason, this could be an important squad that might have a different look. If the LeBron, Kawhi haul comes to fruition, the Lakers could be money-starved for their bench. Moritz Wagner, their first-round pick, may not be on the roster when all is said and done, but he would provide a stretch big off the bench. Malik Newman has sixth man potential with his scoring ability, but will need to become more consistent. Another Kansas alum, Svi Mykhailiuk could provide scoring off the bench. Finally, the GOAT and future MVP returns in Alex Caruso. Don't let that bald spot fool you, he's a stone cold killer.

Memphis Grizzlies:
Roster
Jaren Jackson Jr., the No. 4 pick, is the perfect frontcourt complement to Marc Gasol. His athletic 3-and-D play style will be on display. Deyonta Davis began to show glimpses with the Grizzlies last season of his potential. The MSU products will form a formidable front court. Wayne Selden averaged over 9 ppg for the Grizzlies last season, and barring an offseason signing, Selden could start at SG in the opener.

Miami Heat:
Roster
This squad could put together a few top 10 plays in the coming week. Bam Adebayo, the No. 14 pick in 2017, will look to show he can play more NBA minutes as
a backup behind the under-performing Hassan Whiteside. Ike Nwamu averaged nearly 15 ppg in the G League last year, and could throw down some highlight dunks. Derrick Jones Jr. was a dunk contest finalist, but will need to show he can do more than throw down if he wants significant playing time. Rashad Vaughn, the No. 17 pick in 2015, has been a bust as a shooter and is on his fourth NBA team.

Milwaukee Bucks
Roster
All hail the Michael Jordan of Delaware, as Donte DiVincenzo, not the Greek Freak, will bring Milwaukee to the promised land. Donte is a solid, complete player that used an NCAA Tournament run to shoot up the first round. D.J. Wilson, who used a similar tourney run in 2017, still has some room to grow on offense to complement his athleticism. Sterling Brown played in 57 games for the Bucks and just needs some time to refine his offense.

Minnesota Timberwolves:
No Final Roster As of Write-Up
Injuries hampered the rookie season of 2017 first-rounder Justin Patton, who will look to get his progression back on track. Expect 2018 selections Josh Okogie and Keita Bates-Diop to be playing as well.

New Orleans Pelicans:
Roster
Sorry New Orleans, but it isn't pretty. Cheick Diallo, once a top recruit, had a very disappointing year at Kansas before leaving early, and hasn't done too much since. He will need to show New Orleans he can play more than 11 mpg, which he put up decent numbers in that time. Frank Jackson has had a similar, albeit shorter, trajectory like Diallo, but has time to grow into the PG they are hoping for.

New York Knicks:
Roster
Frank Ntilikina, the No. 8 pick in 2017, looked to get better as the season progressed, receiving more opportunity once Porzingis went down. It remains to be seen if he'll stay as a PG or would be better off as a shooting guard. Knicks fans were clamoring for Michael Porter Jr., but the team used the No. 9 pick on Kevin Knox, who has a lot of talent but didn't have much chance to shine on the Kentucky roster. A lot of eyes will be on Mitchell Robinson, who is an extremely athletic center but is very raw after sitting out last year following his high school run.

Oklahoma City Thunder:
No Official Roster as of this Write-Up
Terrance Ferguson will have a Top 10 dunk this summer, it's almost a guarantee. Ferguson will have to work on filling out his offensive game to find more playing time. A college favorite of mine, Deonte Burton comes off a Korean League MVP and is a load to handle at guard with his 6'4" 240 lb. frame.

Orlando Magic:
Roster
One of my favorite teams this summer for two reasons: Jonathan Isaac and Mohamed Bamba. Ankle injuries marred Isaac's rookie career, but his game, which has received Durant comparisons, can grow. Bamba is an athletic freak of a center and was my No. 2 option for the Mavs after Doncic. A record wingspan and a growing offensive game, Bamba can become a force. Melvin Frazier Jr. is an athletic 3-and-D wing that still has room to grow. Isaiah Briscoe will look to show he is NBA ready, dominated his league in Estonia.

Philadelphia 76ers:
Roster
Two of my favorite prospects of 2018 found their way to Philly in Zhaire Smith and Landry Shamet. Smith was the biggest riser of any prospect, showing an elite level of athleticism and strong defense. He shot 45-percent from three but only attempted 40, so he could further that. Shamet proved he was a true combo guard last year, averaged 5.1 apg and was a 44-percent three-point shooter, making 84 of them, to go along with solid athleticism. Furkan Korkmanz, a first-round pick in 2016, looks to further acclimate to the NBA game as a solid shooter. LSU fans can get to see Aaron Epps.

Phoenix Suns:
Roster
While there has been no roster yet, Phoenix could be primed for a Summer League title run. Deandre Ayton, the No. 1 pick, is going to form a solid foundation with Devin Booker. With most centers become the athletic variety, Ayton is more of a throwback, which could cause issues for opposing teams. Mikal Bridges, the No. 10 pick, was a huge riser up the boards, and is an athletic 3-and-D wing with an improving offensive game. Elie Okobo was given a big contract for a second-round pick, showing the Suns have big plans for the French point guard, who could vie for the backup PG. Josh Jackson averaged over 13 ppg for the Suns last season, and can use this time to further his offensive game since he is a beast on defense. Surprised that Dragan Bender is on the roster, but with him on the roster looking to improve his shooting, the Suns easily have the best starting five in Vegas.

In.

Archie Goodwin GOAT

I had Sexton in there, just forgot to bold him.

Oh yea, we are playing today

Caruso is gonna SHOW out. He wants to run with lebron

Need to get my Caruso jersey now that I've been welcomed

Trae youngs first two 3 point attempts were all air.

Jaren Jackson Jr. went off. 29 points, eight threes

LINK

Also, Trae Young with a Summer League debut to forget: 4-20 from the field, 1-11 from three