NBA Summer League Preview: Orlando

The 2015 NBA Summer League tips off tomorrow in Orlando. This summer there are three different locations for Summer League action. Orlando (July 4-10), Utah (July 6-9), and Las Vegas (July 10-20). This is a preview of a few players to watch from the teams competing in the Orlando Summer League from July 4-10.

Brooklyn Nets
Cliff Alexander, Power Forward (6’8, 240), will wear #34

The undrafted rookie from Kansas possesses a ton of upside. He was a 2014 McDonald’s All-American who maybe could have benefited from another year in school (still just 19 years old). Averaged 7 points, 5 rebounds, & 1 block per game in 28 games for the Jayhawks last season.

Ryan Boatright won a National Championship at UConn in 2014

Ryan Boatright, Point Guard (6’0, 175), #31

Boatright also went undrafted in this past draft. His size has been questioned but his heart hasn’t as he was a vital part of the 2014 National Championship-winning Huskies. He reportedly signed a 2 year deal with the Nets today for $1.4 million. Let’s see if he can back that doe up and stick with the team for the long run.

Earl Clark, Forward (6’10, 234), #55

Clark, 27 now, appeared in just 10 games last year (all with Brooklyn). Could just be playing for foreign scouts at this point in his career as the Nets are his 6th team in a 6 year career.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Forward (6’7, 220), #24

Hollis-Jefferson was the 23rd pick of this past draft to the Trail Blazers but he was traded to Brooklyn for Mason Plumlee and the draft rights to the Nets 41st pick, Pat Connaughton. Could bring Richard Jefferson-esque swingman capabilities to the Nets. This could end up as a steal of the draft in a few years down the road.

Cory Jefferson, Forward (6’9, 218), #21

Was the last pick of the 2014 draft, out of Baylor University, to Portland. Was eventually traded to Brooklyn and would appear in 50 games for the Nets last season.

Juvonte Reddic, Power Forward (6’9, 240), #53

Powerful bruiser who went undrafted in the 2014 NBA draft and played overseas last season. Played college ball at VCU.

JayVaughn Pinkston, Forward (6’7, 240), #20

Undrafted rookie from Villanova who averaged 11 points and 5 boards over a great 4-year career there. Unfortunately tore his ACL in his first practice as a this year and will miss a large chunk of time. Is worth the write-up.

Also have an eye on: Darius Adams

Charlotte Hornets

Justin Burrell, Forward (6’9, 242), #24

2011 graduate from St. John’s (NY) where he contributed nicely under the boards.

Aaron Craft, Guard (6’2, 192), #34

Undrafted in 2014 and spent the 2014-2015 campaign with the Santa Cruz Warriors (D-League affiliate of GSW) where he won a D-League Championship and was also the league’s defensive player of the year. Could have a legitimate shot of making this team.

Frank Kaminsky was the '14-'15 Wooden Award Winner

Aaron Harrison, Guard/Forward (6’6, 209), #9

Twin-brother of Andrew Harrison; was the brother that didn’t get drafted. Is an awkward size but will get a real shot in Charlotte.

Frank Kaminsky, Power Forward/Center (7’0, 242), #4

Reigning Wooden Award winner, 9th overall pick, took his team to a title game; will be exciting to see what he does in his first action in a Hornet uniform.

LaQuinton Ross, Small Forward (6’8, 220), #10

Undrafted in 2014 and played in Italy. Can shoot the ball pretty well. Averaged 15 points and 6 rebounds during his final year at Ohio State.

Alan Williams, Power Forward/Center (6’8, 261), #16

Put up huge numbers at UC Santa Barbara. In 112 career games he averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 1 steal per game. Still went undrafted due to the fact he played at a smaller school. Most likely will start career in D-League.

Also have an eye on: Troy Daniels, P.J. Hairston, Jonathan Wallace

Detroit Pistons

Sundiata Gaines, Guard (6’1, 195), #17

Played in the NBA from ‘09-’12. Since then has played overseas and in the D-League for 6 different teams. 29 years old now, perhaps last shot at NBA comeback.

Justin Harper, Forward (6’10, 225), #33

Big man who can shoot. Drafted 32nd overall in 2011 by the Cavs but would end up playing with the Magic his rookie season. Only made 14 appearances before bouncing around to the D-League then overseas. Still just 25, will be interesting to see if there’s been much progression since rookie year in Orlando.

Stanley Johnson, Forward (6’7, 245), #3

8th overall pick in the ‘15 draft for Detroit. Pick was criticized but Johnson does have an NBA future. Not sure if Detroit wants him to shed some lbs.

Quincy Miller appeared in 4 games with Detroit last season

Quincy Miller, Forward (6’9, 234), #34

38th overall pick in 2012 to Denver. Played 2 years there then started the season with Sacramento last year and ended it with Detroit. Only appeared in 10 games with both those teams last year but at 22 years old there is still a ton of upside with Miller. One of my favorite players participating in Orlando.

Also have an eye on: Kelsey Barlow

Indiana Pacers

Arinze Onuaku, Power Forward/Center (6’9, 275), #50

134 career games at Syracuse. Went undrafted in 2010 and grinded in the D-League and overseas before getting a shot with the Pelicans in 2013. Played 6 games with Minnesota this past season. Turns 28 on the 13th and that weight will start to become more of a concern.

Matt Stainbrook, Center (6’10, 270), #40

Big kid who was a star at Xavier. Went undrafted in this past draft but could turn some heads in Orlando.

Myles Turner was an exciting player at Texas last season

Myles Turner, Power Forward/Center (6’11, 238), #33

19 year old rookie who was the Big 12 Freshman of the Year at Texas last season. Was drafted 11th overall. Has a complete set of tools and could contribute immediately for Indiana.

Joe Young, Guard (6’2, 180), #1

43rd pick of the draft by Indiana. Was an elite scorer at Oregon the past 2 seasons, and 2 seasons before that at the University of Houston. Really exciting player.

Also have an eye on: Jon Octeus

Los Angeles Clippers

Branden Dawson plays like he's 6'8, 240

Branden Dawson, Forward (6’6, 225), #22

56th pick of this past draft to New Orleans who traded him to LAC. I’m telling you now, this guy will be a contributor for the Clippers this season. Possesses a Draymond Green-like array of skills and will be coached very well by Doc and his staff.

Jordan Hamilton, Forward (6’7, 220), #1

Late addition to the Clippers last season who appeared in 14 games. This outing in Orlando may decided the 24 year-old’s fate.

Yanick Moreira, Power Forward/Center (6’11, 220), #12

Physical player with a high motor. Played collegiately for SMU. Notorious for his controversial goaltend against UCLA in the 2015 NCAA Tournament that cost SMU the game.

Patric Young, Power Forward/Center (6’9, 239), #14

2014 grad from the University of Florida where he was a stud but went undrafted in the ‘14 draft. Spent a brief period with New Orleans before playing overseas. The 23 year-old has unique athletic ability which should be on display in Orlando in front of the home crowd.

Also have an eye on: D.J. Newbill, C.J. Wilcox, Nate Wolters

Memphis Grizzlies

JaMychal Green, Power Forward (6’9, 227), #0

Undrafted in 2012 out of Alabama. Played in the D-League and France before getting signed by the Spurs last season. Only appeared in 2 games for San Antonio and would finish the season with Memphis.

Andrew Harrison, Guard/Forward (6’6, 213), #4

Was drafted 44th by the Suns but traded (for Jon Leuer) to Memphis. Will be interesting to see which Harrison has better the Summer League. Like his brother, is a very awkward size, positionally.

Alex Kirk, Center (7’0, 245), #53

2014 undrafted player from New Mexico who snagged the eye of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Appeared in 5 games with the Cavs last season.

Russ Smith, Point Guard (6’0, 165), #2

47th pick in the 2014 draft to Philadelphia and was traded the subsequent day to New Orleans. Was traded to Memphis in part of the Jeff Green deal and played in 6 games with Memphis to end out the season.

Jarnell Stokes, Power Forward/Center (6’9, 263), #1

Bulldozer of a player who also is extremely athletic, when at proper wright. Shot 57% in 19 games as a rookie with Memphis last season.

Also have an eye on: Okaro White

Miami Heat

Zoran Dragic, Guard (6’5, 200), #12

Brother of Heat point guard, Goran Dragic (who just got paid). Was acquired via trade from Phoenix (alongside brother, Goran). Appeared in 10 games with Miami. I don’t foresee a long NBA future.

James Ennis, Forward (6’7, 208), #32

50th overall pick in 2013 to Atlanta but pick was traded to Miami. Played in Australia and Puerto Rico before re-joining the Heat in 2014. Appeared in 62 games (including 3 starts) during his rookie campaign last year with Miami. He could potentially develop into a good swingman.

Kenny Gabriel, Forward (6’8, 210), #27

Undrafted player in 2012 from Auburn. Has played overseas his whole career. Slashing scorer at Auburn in the SEC.

Juwan Howard Jr., Guard/Forward (6’5, 228), #38

Father played 19 NBA seasons and was a ‘96 All-Star as well as 2x NBA champion. Junior Averaged 17.5 points and shot 41% from three as a senior with Detroit Mercy last season. Went undrafted.

Tyler Johnson, Guard (6’4, 190), #8

Went undrafted out of Fresno State in 2014 and spent his rookie year with the Heat D-League affiliate, Sioux Falls. Played in 32 games with Miami last season and showed some spark.

Rodney McGruder, Guard (6’4, 205), #26

Could score the basketball at Kansas State. Went undrafted in 2013 and has played in Turkey and the D-League.

Shabazz Napier, Point Guard (6’1, 175), #13

The Heat 24th pick in 2014. Played in 51 games (including 10 starts) as a rookie last season. Important year for him.

Joshua Smith, Center (6’10, 360), #51

Started his career at UCLA and ended it with Georgetown. At 6’10, 360 he is certainly a force but also a fatigue-liability. Even if he can shave of 30 pounds he is no Shaq.

Travis Trice, Guard (6’2, 177), #36

Shot the ball pretty well and averaged 15 points as a senior at Michigan State last year. Played 4 years under Izzo and could make noise in the D-League.

Seth Tuttle is an intriguing, versatile, prospect out of UNI

Seth Tuttle, Forward (6’9, 225), #29

Big man who can score and rebound. Overlooked because he played at a small school in Northern Iowa. Interesting prospect.

Hassan Whiteside, Center (7’0, 265), #21

Drafted 33rd to Sacramento in 2010 out of Marshall. Played 19 games in 2 years there. Bounced around to the D-League, Lebanon, China, back to Lebanon, then back to China, then back to the D-League then to Miami over the next 2 seasons. Got the call in 48 games last year (including 32 starts) and showed some promise averaging 12 points, 10 rebounds, and almost 3 blocks a game. Not even costing the Heat $1 million this upcoming season but will get PAID next summer if he can improve upon last year. 26 years old. Look for him to dominate in Orlando.

Justice Winslow, Small Forward (6’6, 225), #20

The steal of the draft for Pat Riley and the Heat. Fell to #10 when he was as high as #4 on a lot of boards. Could be the future in Miami.

Also have an eye on: Bradford Burgess

Oklahoma City Thunder

Quinn Cook, Guard (6’2, 185), #11

Averaged 15 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1 steal per game last year at Duke. Also won a National Championship, but apparently that wasn’t enough to impress NBA general managers as he went undrafted in the 2015 draft.

Dakari Johnson, Center (7’0, 255), #44

Was the 48th pick of the ‘15 draft for OKC. Could find a Kendrick Perkins-like role for Sam Presti.

Kevin Jones, Power Forward (6’8, 260), #16

Undrafted out of West Virginia in 2012. Appeared in 32 games with the Cavs during the ‘12-’13 season. Has played overseas since.

Mitch McGary showed promise as a rookie,
despite injuries

Mitch McGary, Power Forward/Center (6’10, 255), #33

21st pick of the draft last year for OKC. Made good contributions off the bench in 32 games as a rookie last season. Tip your hat to the job Sam Presti is doing.

James Southerland, Power Forward (6’8, 225), #40

Played 4 years at Syracuse under Jim Boeheim. Went undrafted in 2013 but played in 4 games with the Bobcats and Pelicans. Since played in France. Not sure if he’s anything more than a D-League player.

Marquis Teague, Guard (6’2, 225), #25

1st round pick (29th overall) to the Bulls in 2012. Played 1.5 years there before being traded mid ‘13-’14 season to Brooklyn. Played in the D-League last year. Has put on a little (a lot) of weight.

Talib Zanna, Power Forward/Center (6’9, 230), #42

Undrafted in 2014 out of Pitt. Spent last year in the D-League. Was a dominant force in college but at 25 may be past his prime for the NBA.

Also have an eye on: Tekele Cotton

Orlando Magic (White)

Keith Appling, Point Guard (6’1, 185), #6

Undrafted in 2014 out of Michigan State. Bounced around in the D-League last season. Has defensive capabilities and the smarts to play in the NBA, maybe.

Jordan Bachynski, Center (7’2, 250), #43

Undrafted in 2014 out of ASU. Played in Turkey and the D-League. His height is attractive to NBA scouts.

Melvin Ejim played in the Summer League
last summer

Melvin Ejim, Forward (6’6, 220), #19

Played a brilliant 4 years of college ball at Iowa State and went undrafted in 2014. Played in the Summer League last year but didn’t the eyes of any NBA gm's. I do think he can be a bench guy in the NBA, whatever that means.

Youssou Ndoye, Center (6’11, 235), #53

General manager, Rob Hennigan, loves these big, physical, types. Averaged 12 points, 10 rebounds, and nearly 3 blocks as a senior at St. Bonaventure last season.

Chris Singleton, Power Forward (6’9, 228), #33

18th overall pick to Washington in 2011. Played 3 seasons with the Wizards before playing in China, and then last year in the D-League. 25 years old, Hennigan will have his eye on Chris.

Scott Wilbekin, Point Guard (6’2, 176), #15

Pitbull-type player who emerged his senior year at Florida. Went undrafted in 2014 and played overseas. Off-the-court issues will prevent him from an NBA future.

Orlando Magic (Blue)
Brandon Davies, Power Forward (6’10, 240), #20

Great player collegiately at BYU. Went undrafted in 2013 but found a home with Philadelphia for the ‘13-’14 season with the 76ers where he played in 51 games. Played in 27 games last year with Philadelphia and then Brooklyn.

Aaron Gordon, Forward (6’9, 220), #00

4th pick to the Magic last season and underwhelmed as a rookie. Needs to start ‘15-’16 season with strong Summer League.

Tyler Harvey, Guard (6’4, 185), #1

51st pick of the ‘15 draft. Stupid scorer in college at Eastern Washington.

Mario Hezonja, Guard/Forward (6’8, 218), #23

5th overall pick from Spain in this past draft. I don’t think anybody knows what to really expect from him in the Summer League.

Jordan Morgan, Forward/Center (6’8, 250), #52

Undrafted in 2014 after an outstanding career at Michigan. Played in Italy last year. Could definitely play in the NBA this season.

Elfrid Payton was one of the great stories for the Magic last year

Elfrid Payton, Point Guard (6’4, 185), #4

Was the 10th pick in the 2014 draft for the Magic. Not many people loved the pick but he excelled in his rookie season making 63 starts in 82 games. Was NBA All-Rookie First Team. I think he can be a very good, complete, point guard in the years to come.

Peyton Siva, Point Guard (6’0, 185), #17

His game is very similar to Payton’s. He played in 24 games with Detroit in the ‘13-’14 season and spent last year in the D-League.

Also have an eye on: Jabril Trawick