Away From the Games: Ten Days in Las Vegas
Ten days in Las Vegas is a long time.
Basketball provides the purpose for the trip, but the experiences away from the arenas become an important part of surviving, and enjoying Summer League.
Fortunately, Las Vegas fits my night-owl lifestyle exceptionally well. After spending most of the day watching games, taking notes, studying box scores, and talking basketball, I am rarely ready to call it a night.
Few cities offer as many world-class food choices after hours. I like some of those places a little too much. I made multiple late night stops at Secret Pizza. (photo below)
This sidebar is about those moments: the restaurants, the hotel and casino that became part of our daily routine, during ten long but rewarding days in Las Vegas.
Zuma
Zuma at the Cosmopolitan remains one of my favorite restaurants in Las Vegas.
The staff consistently makes me feel welcome. Alyssia and Josselyn remember my name and treat me more like a friend than another customer passing through Las Vegas.
Most of my favorite dishes are small plates. Bartender Sean introduced me to the roasted potato several visits ago, and it has now become mandatory upon my arrival in town. It comes with a special shiso chili ponzu butter that turns a simple potato into an intensely savory treat.
The yakitori chicken skewer is delicious, and the tempura prawn roll is another favorite. I also appreciate that the servers explain the ingredients and preparation of each dish as it arrives. That attention to detail adds to the experience without making it feel overly formal.
Zuma can get expensive, but quality usually does.
The restaurant is dimly lit, modern, stylish, and exceptionally clean. It also appears to be very well staffed, allowing the bartenders, servers, and bussers enough time to communicate with guests and provide genuinely attentive service.
Shin Lim: Limitless
How do you describe the indescribable?
We saw Limitless, Shin Lim’s sleight-of-hand show at the Palazzo Theatre. This was our second time seeing Lim, and I am still not entirely sure how to explain what happened.
The show was elegant, theatrical, funny, and repeatedly impossible. Even when you know that every illusion must have an explanation, Lim performs with such precision that your eyes cannot locate it.
Lim’s specialty is highly choreographed close-up magic, particularly card manipulation. His routines often feel more like musical performances than conventional magic tricks. The movement, lighting, music, and sleight of hand work together to create moments that leave the audience completely baffled.
Mentalist Peter Antoniou serves as the host, and he was equally brilliant. Antoniou brought humor, energy, and audience interaction to the production while performing mind-reading routines that seemed every bit as impossible as Lim’s card magic. His personality gave the show a different rhythm between Lim’s quieter, more visually dramatic performances.
The combination worked beautifully. Antoniou made us laugh and kept the audience engaged, while Lim repeatedly reduced the room to stunned silence.
It was simply fun. We laughed, stared at one another in disbelief, and repeatedly asked the same question:
How did they do that?
Naughty Patty’s
This is a tasty burger.
Naughty Patty’s, located on the second floor of the Cosmopolitan, is much more casual than some of my other Las Vegas food stops. You order at the counter, wait for your name to be called, and pick up your food when it is ready.
I love the Naughty Patty burger with bacon. It is exactly what I want from a burger. The tater tots are another highlight, perfectly crispy on the outside and soft and delicious inside.
District: Donuts. Sliders. Brew.
District: Donuts. Sliders. Brew. is another favorite lunch stop. It is located inside Block 16 Urban Food Hall on the second floor of the Cosmopolitan’s Boulevard Tower. My order is the egg-and-cheese biscuit with turkey sausage added.
The biscuit is substantial, almost like two Bisquick shortcakes serving as the bun. The turkey sausage brings enough spice to add flavor without overpowering the sandwich.
It is warm, filling, and hearty enough to carry me through several hours of Summer League basketball.
Maggiano’s
My dad loves Maggiano’s, so we always make time for at least one dinner there during the trip.
After hours spent around the noise and constant motion of the Strip and the games, the restaurant’s relative quiet is especially welcome.
Frank Sinatra songs play softly in the background while warm, fresh bread and butter arrive at the table. The atmosphere feels relaxed and familiar, making it a nice place to slow down and enjoy a meal.
I ordered the chicken piccata, which was very good, even if it was a little heavy on the Parmesan. It came with a serving of spaghetti aglio e olio, making for a filling and satisfying dinner.
More than anything, Maggiano’s has become part of our Las Vegas routine because it is a place my dad enjoys. That alone makes the dinner worth prioritizing each year.
Momofuku
Momofuku at The Cosmo offers an excellent Social Hour deal, with discounts on selected small plates daily from 3 to 5 p.m.
It is a good way to sample several dishes without committing to a full dinner. The fried chicken bun was excellent. I also enjoyed the pork croquettes, served with béchamel, bonito, and chive.
Both dishes delivered plenty of flavor and made Momofuku an easy afternoon stop before heading back to the games.
The Henry
The Henry is sometimes the only practical in-hotel option beyond room service. It is the Cosmopolitan’s do-it-all late-night restaurant, which makes it especially valuable after a long day at Summer League.
On one visit, I ordered the French dip with a side salad. The sandwich was every bit as good as I remembered and remains one of the safest late-night choices on the menu.
On another occasion, I finally tried the short-rib Benedict. It was tasty, but perhaps a slight disappointment considering how heavily it has been praised over the years. That may have been more about the expectations than the dish itself.
Still, The Henry fills an important role. When it is late, you are tired, and you want a legitimate meal without leaving the hotel, it is often exactly what you need.
Jaleo
Jaleo (Cosmopolitan third floor) is another excellent option when you want a quick snack rather than a full meal. The pan de cristal con tomate is especially good. Thin, crispy slices of bread imported from Barcelona are toasted and brushed with fresh tomato. I added Manchego cheese, which elevated the dish even further.
I also strongly recommend the croquetas de pollo, traditional chicken fritters with a crisp exterior and creamy center. At seven dollars, they are an easy addition and one of the most satisfying small bites on the menu. You are going to need more than one order though.
Garrett Popcorn
Garrett Popcorn is always a treat, but it also carries some family history for me.
For many years, my dad would place an order around Christmas, and the arrival of Garrett Popcorn became part of the holiday season.
A few Las Vegas trips ago, my eyes lit up when I discovered a Garrett Popcorn stand inside the Miracle Mile Shops, directly across from the Cosmopolitan. It felt like finding a familiar holiday favorite in the middle of the Strip.
The famous Garrett Chicago Mix, caramel corn combined with cheddar cheese popcorn, is heavenly.
The sweet-and-salty combination works perfectly, and it is nearly impossible to stop eating once the bag is open.
An Unexpected Fireworks Show
One night, I was back in the hotel room working on the nightly report from that day’s games when I suddenly heard a couple of loud booms outside.
They were loud enough to startle me.
It turned out to be a fireworks show on Saturday night, July 11. I still have no idea why there was a fireworks display on July 11, but the show was being launched directly across the street from the top of Planet Hollywood.
From the Cosmopolitan balcony, I had a perfect view.
What began as an interruption quickly became one of the more memorable moments of the trip. The fireworks lit up the Strip, and after the grand finale, you could hear the crowd below erupt.
It was a reminder that in Las Vegas, even a quiet night spent working in the room can suddenly turn into a show.
World Cup Energy
Another fun part of the trip was being in Las Vegas during the World Cup.
Soccer fans bring a level of emotion and national pride that is impossible to miss. Around the sportsbook, people were not casually checking scores.
They were fully invested, wearing their team colors, reacting to every opportunity, and living with every shift in momentum.
Even for those of us in town primarily for basketball, the passion surrounding the World Cup added energy to the hotel and made the sportsbook feel like its own arena.
Las Vegas already has a unique ability to bring sports fans together. Having the World Cup taking place during Summer League made that atmosphere even more noticeable.
2026 BIG Summer League Wrap-Up
July 24, 2026. By Bobby Gerould. ...Another NBA Las Vegas Summer League is in the books, which means it is time for the annual Hoop Obsession BIG Summer League Wrap-Up.
After eleven days of games, evaluation, and box-score digging, this report names the Hoop Obsession Most Valuable Player, three All-Summer League teams, and the statistical leaders in several key categories. Summer League results should always be kept in perspective, but the event remains an excellent opportunity to identify players who produced, improved their standing, and made the most of their minutes in Las Vegas.
We return to Las Vegas every summer with the same goal: identify who actually performed, not simply who arrived with the most attention. After watching games live, we review every box score, and highlight the players whose production deserves recognition.
That process, repeated across eleven days and reinforced by the year-round evaluation work at Hoop Obsession, helps separate a memorable performance from a meaningful trend. Summer League will always produce surprises. Some players strengthen their standing with scouts and decision-makers, while others confirm the concerns that followed them into the event.
AJ Dybantsa and Darius Acuff Jr. were two of the main attractions in Las Vegas.
Hoop Obsession Most Valuable Player: Cedric Coward
Yaxel Lendeborg was officially named the Most Valuable Player of the NBA Las Vegas Summer League, and the honor was well deserved. Lendeborg was excellent throughout the event and helped lead Golden State to the championship.
Hoop Obsession went in a different direction, selecting Memphis Grizzlies wing Cedric Coward as our Summer League MVP. Coward averaged 19.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in six games. He shot 43.4% from the field, 41.7% from 3-point range, and 83.3% from the free-throw line. The Fresno, California, native helped Memphis reach the championship game.
Selected with the 11th pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, Coward reinforced his standing as the most productive player in Las Vegas through his combination of shooting, rebounding, defensive versatility, and secondary playmaking.
Hoop Obsession First Team All-Summer League
Zyon Pullin — Minnesota Timberwolves
Cedric Coward — Memphis Grizzlies
Yaxel Lendeborg — Golden State Warriors
Cameron Boozer — Memphis Grizzlies
Khaman Maluach — Phoenix SunsZyon Pullin
Pullin averaged 21.0 points, 7.8 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.0 steal in five games. He shot 42.6% from the field, 35.7% from 3-point range, and 82.9% from the free-throw line. Pullin opened the event with 24 points, 12 assists, and eight rebounds, earning Hoop Obsession Player of the Day honors. He later made two additional appearances on our daily All-Summer League Team. Pullin’s 39 assists against 15 turnovers produced a strong 2.6-to-1 ratio. He consistently created offense for himself and others while giving Minnesota steady guard play.
Cameron Boozer
Boozer (photo below) averaged 18.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.8 steals in six games. He shot 45.2% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range, and 77.3% from the free-throw line. His best performance came in Memphis’ 96-64 victory over Atlanta, when he scored 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting. Boozer’s production, rebounding, passing, and defensive activity helped Memphis advance to the championship game.
Yaxel Lendeborg
Lendeborg averaged 14.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.5 steals in six games. He shot 45.9% from the field, 35.7% from 3-point range, and 80.0% from the free-throw line. He opened Summer League with 21 points, ten rebounds, and six assists and was selected to the daily Hoop Obsession All-Summer League Team three times. Lendeborg contributed across the board, consistently made winning plays, and helped Golden State capture the 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League championship.
Khaman Maluach
Maluach averaged 19.5 points, 12.8 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 2.0 blocked shots in four games. He shot 53.2% from the field, 40.0% from 3-point range, and 68.4% from the free-throw line. Maluach gave Phoenix consistent production around the basket while also showing encouraging range from beyond the arc.
Hoop Obsession Second Team All-Summer League
Javon Small — Memphis Grizzlies
Meleek Thomas — Cleveland Cavaliers
Adou Thiero — Los Angeles Lakers
Jalen Slawson — Indiana Pacers
Hannes Steinbach — Charlotte HornetsJavon Small
Small averaged 13.3 points, 5.8 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in six games. He shot 41.4% from the field, 36.4% from 3-point range, and 92.3% from the free-throw line. His control, decision-making, and ability to balance scoring with playmaking gave Memphis another dependable guard throughout its run to the championship game.
Meleek Thomas
Thomas (photo below) averaged 27.3 points, 3.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.0 steals in four games. He shot 50.0% from the field, 43.8% from 3-point range, and made all seven of his free-throw attempts. Thomas was one of the most explosive scorers at the event and led all qualifying players with .940 points per minute.
Adou Thiero
Thiero averaged 15.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 steals in five games while shooting 55.3% from the field. His strength, activity, and ability to contribute in multiple areas consistently stood out. He defended, rebounded, finished efficiently, and found ways to affect games without needing the offense to revolve around him.
Jalen Slawson
Slawson averaged 20.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 3.2 blocked shots in five games. He shot 45.1% from the field, 29.0% from 3-point range, and 79.2% from the free-throw line. His scoring and exceptional rim protection made him one of the most productive two-way players in Las Vegas. Slawson was rewarded with a new two-way contract with the Pacers following Summer League.
Hannes Steinbach
Steinbach averaged 15.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in five games. He shot an efficient 60.4% from the field and 73.3% from the free-throw line. His strength, decisiveness, rebounding technique, and interior scoring translated immediately.
Hoop Obsession Third Team All-Summer League
Bruce Thornton — Houston Rockets
Brayden Burries — Milwaukee Bucks
Nick Martinelli — Los Angeles Clippers
Arthur Kaluma — Los Angeles Lakers
Norchad Omier — Los Angeles ClippersBruce Thornton
Thornton averaged 18.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 2.6 steals in five games while shooting 40.6% from 3-point range. He also posted a strong 2.75-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio.
Brayden Burries
Burries averaged 23.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.0 blocked shot in four games. He shot 50.0% from the field and 36.4% from 3-point range. He also posted an excellent 5.67-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio, finishing with 17 assists against only three turnovers.
Nick Martinelli
Martinelli averaged 14.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in five games. He shot 60.4% from the field and 50.0% from 3-point range. His efficiency and ability to finish possessions without wasting opportunities separated him from many of the players in his role.
Arthur Kaluma
Kaluma averaged 18.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in five games. He shot 60.9% from the field, 50.0% from 3-point range, and 82.4% from the free-throw line. His strong showing eventually earned him a two-way contract with the Lakers.
Norchad Omier
Omier averaged 10.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.2 steals in five games. He shot 58.3% from the field and made four of his six attempts from 3-point range. He led all qualifying players with .482 rebounds per minute, reinforcing his standing as one of the most relentless rebounders in Las Vegas.
How Did the Lottery Picks Perform?
Hoop Obsession has never been interested in simply repeating highlight packages or treating every made jumper and emphatic dunk as proof that a young player had a great summer. The mass-media version of Summer League often presents every lottery pick as if things are going perfectly. We take a different approach. We examine the full body of work, the shooting, decision-making, defense, efficiency, turnovers, and game-to-game consistency, and identify which players truly impressed, which were uneven, and which did not perform as well as the highlights might suggest.
A.J. Dybantsa
Dybantsa appeared in only two games for Washington, but he still showed why he entered the event with so much attention. He averaged 25.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.5 blocked shots while shooting 39.4% from the field and 85.7% from the free-throw line. Dybantsa demonstrated that he could score with relative ease despite struggling from beyond the arc, where he made only one of 11 attempts. His length also caused problems defensively, particularly when opponents tried to create clean perimeter looks.
Darryn Peterson
Peterson (photo below) was repeatedly shown on ESPN finishing explosive dunks in traffic, but those highlights did not tell the full story of his time in Las Vegas. After playing well in the Utah Summer League, he struggled through three games for the Jazz in Vegas, averaging 20.7 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.0 rebounds while shooting 30.8% from the field and 23.1% from 3-point range. He also committed 14 turnovers against 12 assists.
The athletic flashes were real, but his overall performance left plenty to be desired. Are we worried? No. However, you will not catch Hoop Obsession resorting to hyperbole about Peterson until he proves he can play at a high level with consistency. We would advise the NBA talking heads to slow down with the hype. At his best, Peterson is special, but it may take time before he reaches that level regularly. For what it is worth, his performance did nothing to convince us that he can successfully play point guard in the NBA.
Cameron Boozer
Boozer was every bit as professional and productive as expected. He consistently made the right plays, competed on the glass, and affected the game without forcing the action. He looked comfortable, prepared, and capable of contributing in several ways. Nothing about his performance felt surprising, and that is a compliment. Boozer arrived in Las Vegas with a polished, dependable game and delivered accordingly.
Caleb Wilson
Wilson produced plenty of highlights, but the box scores do not fully capture how much his energy helped Chicago. While many lottery picks arrived with obvious offensive talent, Wilson’s defense separated him. He consistently played with activity, covered ground, challenged shots, and brought a level of effort that affected the game beyond his scoring. Wilson averaged 23.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.5 blocked shots, and 1.3 steals in four games while shooting 50.0% from the field and 41.9% from 3-point range. His free-throw shooting was a significant weakness, but his defense and overall energy were impossible to miss.
Keaton Wagler
Wagler was solid, if unspectacular, during his four games in Las Vegas. He averaged 18.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 38.6% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range, and 80.0% from the free-throw line. There were enough offensive flashes to understand the appeal, even though his shooting was inconsistent. We still have questions about Wagler defensively. He occasionally had difficulty containing quicker players without reaching or fouling, finishing with 17 fouls in 112.8 minutes.
Still, he is only 19 years old. It would be unfair to treat his current limitations as permanent. Give him time to gain strength, improve his technique, and adjust to NBA speed, and he may develop into a legitimate offensive threat. Las Vegas did not answer all our questions, but it was only an early step in his development.
Mikel Brown Jr.
We saw flashes of brilliance from the 20-year-old Brown (photo below), along with the aggressive playmaking instincts that can sometimes get him into trouble. Brown averaged 16.7 points, 4.0 assists, and 1.7 steals in three games while shooting 39.5% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range, and a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. He was not bad in Las Vegas, but his eight turnovers against 12 assists reinforced our belief that he is more of a combo guard than a true point guard at this stage.
Darius Acuff Jr.
Acuff struggled overall. He averaged 19.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 1.0 steal in three games, but shot only 36.5% from the field, 26.3% from 3-point range, and 64.3% from the free-throw line. He also committed 14 turnovers against 16 assists. The quick bursts when he got a shoulder past his defender were too few and far between. Acuff showed real instincts as an improvisational passer, but there were stretches when he appeared to need an energy jolt.
Even some of the smaller defensive habits, getting into a proper stance, widening his arms, and remaining consistently engaged, are not fully established.
Are we concerned? Not really.
One night, as I was leaving dinner at the Cosmopolitan, I saw Acuff with his parents. It was a simple reminder that this is still a 19-year-old young man at the beginning of his professional development. The defensive habits should improve through NBA repetitions, tape study, and coaching. The most jarring part of Acuff’s performance was how poorly he shot. He looked nothing like the 44% 3-point shooter he was in college, making only five of his 19 attempts from beyond the arc.
He also deferred too often. Whether that was by design or simply the way the games unfolded, Acuff was not consistently intentional about bringing the ball up and initiating the offense. For a young guard who needs on-ball repetitions to grow, we would have preferred to see Acuff take greater ownership of the offense.
Kingston Flemings
Flemings appeared in only two games and logged 49 minutes, making this one of the smallest samples among the lottery picks. He averaged 7.0 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.0 rebounds. His scoring did not stand out, but his leadership, communication, and ability to organize the offense were noticeable. There simply was not enough playing time to draw a stronger conclusion.
Morez Johnson Jr.
Johnson (photo below) appeared in only two games, so the evaluation comes with a small-sample warning. Still, his physical style was immediately obvious. He averaged 18.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 steals, and 3.0 blocked shots while shooting 64.0% from the field. That physicality was productive, but his 14 fouls in just over 60 minutes also raised questions about how frequently he may find himself in foul trouble.
Johnson looked more like a center than a stretch four. He attempted five 3-pointers and made only one, with most of his impact coming around the basket and on defense. His 7-foot-3½-inch wingspan should allow him to play the five in the NBA, even if he is undersized by traditional center standards.
Brayden Burries
If there is one player we already wish we had ranked higher on our final 2026 NBA Draft Board, it is Burries. We had him eighth, and he was selected tenth, so Hoop Obsession was still ahead of the curve. However, based on what we saw in Las Vegas, Burries would be no lower than fifth if we could redo the board today.
He looked outstanding in nearly every area. Burries played with poise, made good decisions, created offense without becoming reckless, and consistently affected the game on both ends.
Yaxel Lendeborg
Lendeborg (see above First Team All-Summer League) looked ready to help an NBA team. His versatility, maturity, decision-making, and willingness to contribute without dominating the ball should translate quickly. We expect him to help the Warriors during his rookie season.
Aday Mara
Mara (photo below) did not stand out, although there were occasional glimpses of his offensive skill around the basket. He averaged 8.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.0 blocked shot in three games while shooting 66.7% from the field.
We did love seeing Mara execute the old “okie-doke” fake pass that freezes defenders before he powers into a drop step. Those moments offered a reminder that he possesses more feel and creativity than the typical player his size, even if he did not consistently impose himself on the games.
Nate Ament
Ament is another 19-year-old with undeniable promise. At 6-foot-10 with a 6-foot-11½-inch wingspan, his ability to shoot over defenders gives him a skill that should translate as he develops. Ament averaged 11.2 points and 4.8 rebounds in five games while shooting 50.0% from the field and 38.9% from 3-point range.
The next step is developing a better overall feel for the game. He finished with seven assists against 14 turnovers and occasionally appeared to process the action a beat late. That is hardly alarming for a player his age. As Ament gains experience, improves his decision-making, and becomes more comfortable reading NBA defenses, his combination of size and shooting could make him a valuable offensive player.
Hannes Steinbach
Steinbach looked polished. His use of two hands on the glass is elite, and he was decisive and deceptively quick around the basket. There are still areas that need improvement. He can become tunnel-visioned, and he did not provide much rim protection, totaling only three blocked shots. Both will need to improve for him to fully unlock his game as a winning NBA player.
Still, the bottom line is that Steinbach impressed us. He fits more naturally into the power-forward pool based on his size, but he did not look alarmingly out of place when used at center.
Confirmations
After Summer League concludes, we go back through our notes and identify the players we already liked who reaffirmed those evaluations with their play in Las Vegas.
These are not necessarily surprise performers or players whose stock changed dramatically. Instead, they are prospects who displayed the same strengths that originally caught our attention and gave us more confidence in what we believed before the event began.
Bryce Hopkins
Hopkins reaffirmed what we already believed about his strength, scoring ability, and determination. His commitment to returning from a significant ACL injury and continuing to reshape his body for the NBA has been impressive. At 6-foot-6 and 219 pounds with a 6-foot-10½-inch wingspan, Hopkins has legitimate positional size at small forward.
He also demonstrated at the NBA Draft Combine that his athleticism had returned, posting a strong lane-agility time and a 37½-inch maximum vertical. Hopkins has always been a powerful one-on-one scorer with a knack for drawing fouls and punishing defenders who cannot match his strength.
In four games for Denver, he averaged 18.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals while shooting 52.9% from the field and 35.7% from 3-point range. His performance confirmed that the physicality, scoring touch, and perseverance that made us like him in the first place remain very much present.
Allen Graves
Aside from some foul trouble, Graves picked up where he left off at Santa Clara by playing an efficient, productive brand of basketball. In four games for Toronto, he averaged 16.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.0 blocked shot. He shot 51.0% from the field, 50.0% from 3-point range, and made all three of his free-throw attempts.
Graves consistently found ways to contribute without requiring the offense to revolve around him. The one concern was his foul rate. A poor foul rate is generally around .12 personal fouls per minute or higher, a pace that can put a player in danger of fouling out after only 16 to 20 minutes. Graves was at .16 fouls per minute, committing 18 fouls in just under 110 minutes.
His shooting, activity, rebounding, and defensive production reaffirmed why we liked him coming out of Santa Clara, but he will need to defend with greater discipline.
Liam McNeeley
McNeeley looked noticeably leaner, which only added to our confidence in a player we already liked. His ability to score and shoot accurately from deep range remained the foundation of his game. In three appearances for Charlotte, McNeeley averaged 21.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while shooting 45.2% from the field and an excellent 52.6% from 3-point range.
The turnovers were high, but his shooting, movement, and improved physical condition stood out. McNeeley looked capable of earning real rotation minutes for the Hornets.
Jase Richardson
Richardson looked comfortable this summer. In three games for Orlando, the second-year guard, averaged 18.3 points, 4.7 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.7 steals while shooting 54.1% from the field, 50.0% from 3-point range, and a perfect 5-for-5 from the free-throw line.
Richardson played with greater poise and confidence, making quicker decisions without appearing rushed. His 14 assists against seven turnovers were another encouraging sign that he is becoming more comfortable creating for others while remaining an efficient scorer.
Kobe Bufkin
Bufkin is knocking on the door of earning another opportunity to stick in the NBA. In three games for New Orleans, he averaged 21.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.0 blocked shot while shooting 45.2% from the field.
Bufkin still looks more like a two-guard than a point guard offensively, finishing with nine assists against 11 turnovers. However, we continue to like his ability to put pressure on the defense and get to the free-throw line. He attempted 16 free throws in just over 90 minutes and converted 81.3%. Bufkin also competed defensively and willingly stepped in to take a charge.
Graham Ike
Ike was a key cog in Golden State’s summer championship run.
The reigning WCC Player of the Year, who also finished second in the conference in box score plus/minus, brought the same strength, toughness, and interior skill that made us like him in college. At 6-foot-10 and 251 pounds with a 7-foot-5¼-inch wingspan, Ike has excellent length and strength for an NBA center.
He averaged 10.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 0.8 blocked shots in six games while shooting 46.7% from the field. The overall field-goal percentage was modest for a center, but Ike showed real touch around the basket and made 84.6% of his free throws. He is one of the relatively few young big men who can be trusted at the line, strengthening his chances of staying on the floor late in games.
His productive role reaffirmed our belief that Ike has the physical tools and offensive skill to compete for an NBA opportunity.
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