Utah Jazz: Final Thoughts on the Las Vegas Summer League
Examining the performance of Utah Jazz players during the Las Vegas Summer League.
The Las Vegas Summer League has reached its conclusion for the Utah Jazz, who finished with a 3-3 record. The team came together pretty quickly and played much better basketball in Las Vegas. The Jazz were moving the basketball around, especially when Trey Lyles was not on the floor.
This was refreshing to see, especially for the players that needed to put on a show in summer league to get on teams’ radar.
So how did the players on Utah’s Vegas league roster do in boosting their stock? Here’s how I see it–
Trey Lyles
Lyles bettered some expectations in summer league, especially on offense. He led the summer league in scoring at 29 points per game. He also shot the ball better in Las Vegas, making 47 percent of his field goal attempts. True to his Mamba nickname, he was the Jazz offense whenever he played.
After having shown what he could do through two games, Lyles sat out the rest of the tournament.
Joel Bolomboy
Joel Bolomboy is explosive, to say the least. After an underwhelming Utah Jazz Summer League in Salt Lake City, he played much better in Las Vegas.
While he disappointed on the defensive end of the floor, he showed patience on offense and displayed a variety of solid post moves for a rookie. If he snags a spot on the Jazz roster, he could be the fourth best post player for on the team, after Derrick Favors, Boris Diaw and Joe Johnson.
He also showed his rebounding prowess by averaging nearly eight rebounds per game. He has to improve on defense. However, he has all the necessary tools to be effective on both ends of the floor.
Tibor Pleiss
Tibor Pleiss found his shot in the Las Vegas Summer League. He is undoubtedly a stretch five; a sought-after commodity in the NBA. When compared to last season, he is moving well up and down the floor. Moreover, he rebounded at a decent clip in addition to proving that he can hit the long ball.
While he played well, it’s fair to expect more from a 26-year-old player. His defensive positioning has improved, but there’s still work left to be done there and his timing is off. Regardless, he could be a much better contributor next season.
The Rest
Marcus Paige: Paige is a player who I really wish we had drafted last season. He is calm, never rattled and a clutch player. He played decently in Vegas. However, with the Jazz loaded at point guard, it’s hard to see him making the roster this season.
Tyrone Wallace: Wallace is a big point guard who can defend multiple positions. He didn’t find his shot during summer league, but played decent defense throughout. Shot-making was not his strength in college, but he could have used a good showing in the summer league. He could be part of Salt Lake City Stars next season.
Mike Tobey: Tobey had an impressive summer league. He averaged 10 PPG and almost seven boards per contest. Tobey’s role in NBA would be an energy guy off the bench. He has a good offensive game, including an evolved post-up game and good range on his jumper. He plays decent defense and is an active rebounder. He has a great chance of making an NBA roster this season.
Quincy Ford: I really like Quincy Ford as a player. He is a good defender, can handle the rock and plays within himself. While he didn’t hit his shots, he has a good release to keep the defense honest. Ford had signed a partially guaranteed three-year deal with the Jazz before summer league. Nonetheless, with the acquisition of Johnson, Ford might find it hard to make the roster.
Spencer Butterfield: Butterfield averaged 8.8 points and three rebounds per game. He also shot 54 percent from beyond the arc. Shooting is at a premium in this league and a smart player like Butterfield could be on an NBA team sometime this season.
Aaron Craft: A former defensive standout from Ohio State University, Craft had a decent summer league. He averaged six points and three assists per game. Apart from being a good defender, Craft has improved his shooting touch.
Dionte Christmas: It was more of the same from the longtime summer league star, who averaged nearly 10 PPG. While his shot selection could stand to improve, there’s a spot for him in the NBA as a deep bench scorer.
Shaquielle McKissic: McKissic is a tough player to evaluate. He has all the physical tools to become an NBA player. He is a scorer and a streaky shooter. McKissic is also a decent defender and can guard multiple positions. However, it’s hard to see him making a roster this season.
Next: Joel Bolomboy finds his groove
Summer league is a land of dreams, where undrafted and fringe NBA players showcase their skills to all the 30 NBA teams and international scouts. While it might be of little meaning for most casual fans, it is worthwhile to cheer for these players; guys who never stop chasing their dream.
Hopefully, some of them opened eyes with their performance in the Las Vegas Summer League.