2017 NBA Summer League: 5 biggest disappointments

1 of 6

LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 11: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls blocks the shot against the Washington Wizards during the 2017 Summer League on July 11, 2017 at Cox Pavillion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

While NBA Summer League was a big hit in 2017 much in thanks to a strong rookie class, several players and teams were tough to watch.

NBA Summer League this year was an event highlighted by rookies and sophomores. Like every Summer League before it, that wasn’t much of a surprise. With a much stronger looking rookie class than 2016, the quality of basketball at times was higher than last year’s events. Rookies are expected to struggle, while the sophomores who play need to dominate. If they don’t, their future NBA prospects don’t look so hot.

This year, however, saw more shining performances from rookies than second-year players. You can find a ranking of the top performing rookies here. In fact, many prominent sophomores were extremely disappointing against very weak opposition.

Again, there’s no need to jump the gun on their NBA careers, they’re still just one year removed from having zero professional experience. As it’s been written a lot this summer, Summer League is an interesting case study. How much of what happens in Summer League is significant and to what degree?

On the topic of disappointments, what should our takeaways be? Do we brand them as insignificant because it’s Summer League and it’s a small sample size? Or do we note these struggles as having real potential for long-term issues?

The answer is likely somewhere in the middle. Therefore, it’s still important to note when and how players disappoint. Let’s take a look at who fit that particular bill.