NBA Summer League Preview: Utah

The 2015 NBA Summer League tipped off this weekend in Orlando. The action has been exciting thus far and expect that to continue in Utah where four more teams will participate in the action. This is a preview of a few players to watch for from those teams participating in the Utah Summer League from July 6-9.

Boston Celtics

C.J. Fair, Forward (6’8, 215), will wear #49

Very productive 4-year career at Syracuse. Went undrafted in 2014 and spent his first professional season in the D-League as an affiliate player.

Jonathan Holmes, Power Forward (6’8, 240), #68

Undrafted rookie from the University of Texas. Has a wide range of capabilities but only shot 39% his senior year (down from 51% as a junior).

R.J. Hunter, Small Forward (6’6, 190), #28

Boston’s 28th pick of the ‘15 draft. Averaged 20 points per contest this past season at Georgia State where he played for his father, Ron. Was a vital part of the memorable 2015 NCAA Tournament run with the Panthers which climax was R.J. hitting a game-winning 3-pointer as his dead watched (and fell) in awe.

Colton Iverson, Center (7’0, 255), #63

The real “White Iverson”. 53rd overall pick from 2013 to Indiana who was traded to Boston on draft night. Was invited to the Celtics summer league roster the previous 2 summers but has yet to sign into the NBA. Played collegiately at Colorado State.

Jordan Mickey, Power Forward (6’8, 235), #55

33rd overall pick of this past draft. Averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds, 3.5 blocks, and 1 steal per game last season at LSU. Could prove to be valuable pick down the road.

Terry Rozier, Point Guard (6’1, 190), #12

Terry was the Celtics first pick (16th overall) of this past draft. The pick was questioned with two point guards already on the roster but you can imagine Rozier will be out trying to prove his worth.

James Young, Guard/Forward (6’6, 215), #13

Split time last year (his rookie season) between Boston and their D-League affiliate, Maine. 19 years old; still has a lot he can improve upon.

Philadelphia 76ers

Jerami Grant, Forward (6’8, 210), #39

Another Syracuse guy who was the 39th pick in the 2014 draft. Appeared in 65 games as a rookie; can do a bit of everything. Father, Harvey, played in the NBA and brother, Jerian, was the 19th pick of the 2015 draft to Washington.

T.J. McConnell, Guard (6’3, 200), #17

Undrafted rookie from the University of Arizona. In 139 career NCAA games he shot the ball at 49%.

Jahlil Okafor, Center (6’11, 270), #8

3rd overall pick in this past draft. Still not sure if he fits in Philly but he’s one heck of a basketball player nonetheless. I expect him to be a beast this summer.

Some people (like myself) had Okafor as the #1 prospect entering the 2015 draft

J.P. Tokoto, Guard/Forward (6’6, 200), #11

Rookie who was selected 58th in the draft. Played 3 years of college ball at UNC under Roy Willams. Most likely a D-League player this coming season.

Also have an eye on: Sam Thompson

San Antonio Spurs

Wayne Blackshear, Small Forward (6’5, 215), #25

Undrafted rookie from Louisville. Won a National Championship there in 2013. Might be able to find a role as a swingman.

Roscoe Smith, Forward (6’8, 205), #41

Won a National Championship as a freshman at UConn and contributed greatly. Transferred to UNLV when Jim Calhoun retired and kind of fell off the radar. In one season there he averaged 11 and 11 decided to enter the draft but went undrafted. Spent last year in the D-League after an invite to Laker camp and was named to the D-League All-Star game. I’m not sure the Spurs are the best fit for Roscoe but he can definitely play in the NBA and he will for sure have the eyes of scouts on him.

Roscoe (#14), was invited to Lakers training camp/preseason last season

Also have an eye on: Treveon Graham, Shannon Scott, Casper Ware

Utah Jazz

Jack Cooley, Power Forward (6’9, 246), #45

Bruiser from Notre Dame who went undrafted in 2013 and played in Turkey and the D-League before catching the eye of Utah last season. Appeared in 16 games averaging just 5 minutes per contest as a rookie.

Bryce Cotton, Guard (6’1, 165), #8

Providence grad who could score the basketball. Averaged over 21 points per game as a senior. Spent his rookie year (‘13-’14) in the D-League and broke into the NBA with the Jazz last season making 15 appearances with the club.

Dante Exum, Guard (6’6, 190), #11

Exum was the Jazz’ 5th pick last year and you wouldn’t know it by his numbers. Did play in all 82 games (41 starts) but averaged sub-5 points and didn’t shoot the ball at a high rate. The bright side is the Aussie is just 19 years old so don't give up on him just yet.

Olivier Hanlan, Guard (6’4, 186), #21

Rangy guard who was selected 42nd in the draft (Boston College). Will provide some energy off the bench but I’m not sure he's in the long-term plans.

Rodney Hood, Small Forward (6’8, 215), #5

23rd overall pick to the Jazz last year who quietly had a nice rookie season averaging 9 points per game. If he can work diligently on the defensive side to his game he could be in this league for a bit.

Trey Lyles, Power Forward (6’10, 241), #41

12th overall pick to the Jazz after a one-and-done year at Kentucky. Give him a few years before you go judging this kid right out of the gate.

Nick Wiggins, Guard (6’6, 192), #63

Brother of Andrew Wiggins, the #1 pick of 2014. Unlike his brother, Nick was undrafted in 2014 (Wichita State) and has played professionally in Germany and in the D-League.

Also have an eye on: JaJuan Johnson