re: Game Thread: Pelicans Vs Bulls Summer League MURPHY FOR ROY 94-77 FINAL PELICANS WIN!

Solid analysis.

I will also add, Naji was even better than his stats. He got hacked multiple times on misses. I really liked the varied way in which he could score. He’s just a really sound player and I think he deserves legitimate rotation minutes. Naji is a complete player. He might not be able to hit a step back three, but he can create baskets for himself and others. And he’s very sound defensively.

Kira was smart, but I need to see more from him. Imagine if Kira was a 2nd rd pick or undrafted like Naji, would we have the same optimism bias towards him? Would we be upset if he didn’t make the team or get minutes? I’m not 100% sure. Kira is super passive and you forget he is on the floor sometimes. I think he actually plays it too safe. Summer league is a time to test your boundaries. I hope he gives himself the green light in one of these games and plays more selfishly/aggressively (similar to Bama Kira).

Didi is a really solid overall basketball player. I was impressed by his defense, but also his passing and overall feel for the game. He really does need to figure his shot out though. It’s rough at the moment to the point where I don’t think he is going to play much this year.

Herb is a bit raw which is troubling for a 23 year old. He’s good enough and long enough defensively that he could play a role though. He also has decent passing chops and he did knock down a three as well as 3/4 fts so maybe there is hope for him in a PJ Tucker/Jae Crowder type role if he can tighten up his 3 ball a bit.

I liked Alvarado. Guy just knows how to play basketball and brings infectious energy, competitiveness, and basketball intelligence. I’d really like to get him and Wright on the G League team if possible.

Naji looks like someone who should get regular minutes. Only thing I didn’t like about today from naji was he looked like he could give two shits about defensive rebounding.

I’m hoping that was because they told him to focus on offense. He’s normally been a hustle player.

Agreed, SL is for you to evaluate guys on the team you know will make it while finding gems to stash.

You want Kira to run an offense, initiate, and take shots every now and then when he has the chance.

You want Naji to defend and show off an offensive repetoire

You want murphy to be 3&D; catch and shoot, take shots off the dribble, and cut.

You want Jones to anchor a defense and be a jack of all trades.