Summer League: Top Performers In The Orlando Summer League
The Orlando Summer League gives young players their first opportunity to secure a roster spot, playing time or even a starting role for the 2013-14 NBA season and while all of these players leave it all on the court, often the cream will rise to the top as the true NBA talent makes itself clear. The round-robin section of the Summer League has finished and with just the final games remaining to determine the standings, we take a look at five players who have separated themselves from the pack as the top performers in the 2013 Orlando Summer League.
Victor Oladipo, Orlando Magic
The second overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, Victor Oladipo has hit the ground running in his unofficial NBA debut with a string of impressive performances. Oladipo was highly touted for his shut-down defensive potential, but has also had no problems scoring the ball in his four summer league starts, averaging 19 points per game. Oladipo is leading his young Orlando team, doing a surprising amount of ball handling, as the Magic coaches experiment with just how much they can get out of their new guard. He has shown the versatility that saw him rise up draft boards, filling up the stat sheet with 4.3 rebounds, five assists and three steals per game. Oladipo was outstanding in Orlando’s victory over the Philadelphia 76ers with 24 points as well as hitting the game-winning shot with just 4.4 seconds left.
Kelly Olynyk has shined for the Celtics in Orlando. (Flickr.com photo by SD Dirk)
Kelly Olynyk, Boston Celtics
The most consistent scorer in the Orlando Summer League has been Celtics’ rookie big man Kelly Olynyk. Olynyk has averaged a league-leading 19.5 points per game while shooting .574 from the field. He has the full range of scoring options from up-and-under scoop shots in the post, taking big men off the dribble and has displayed surprising range, comfortably making shots from the NBA 3-point line. Olynyk has been the Celtics’ go-to player offensively, but is also making good decisions, averaging 2.3 assists when the defense closes in. He rounds out an impressive stat line over four games with eight rebounds and 2.3 steals. He recorded a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds against the Houston Rockets. His production per minute has been outstanding.
Jeremy Lamb, Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder lost free agent Kevin Martin to the Minnesota Timberwolves and it seems like the team has faith in second-year guard Jeremy Lamb to take up some of the scoring load for the team in 2013-14. Lamb has done everything he possibly could in summer league to show his coaches he is worthy of the additional role and playing time, leading the team with 19 points per game and taking a leadership role among the young Thunder squad. Lamb exploded for 32 points in a win over the 76ers, shooting 10-of-14 from the floor and 9-for-10 from the free-throw line. Lamb also stepped up in the final seconds of the teams win over the Magic with an impressive crossover move to free himself up before nailing the game-winning shot. Lamb has also added 4.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists to go with his impressive scoring output.
Terrence Jones, Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets fielded a strong roster for the Orlando Summer League and Terrence Jones has led from the front as the second-year forward makes an early claim for the starting power forward position in Houston. Jones has been strong on both ends of the court, averaging 15.8 points, seven rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.3 blocks per game. He was dominant in the team’s victory over the 76ers with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Despite shooting struggles against the Celtics, Jones was able to knock down two clutch free throws before coming up with a game-sealing blocked shot on the other end.
Andre Drummond has been dominant in summer league play. Photo Credit: mariselise Flickr.com
Andre Drummond, Detroit Pistons
The dominant force in the Orlando Summer League, Drummond has clearly separated himself from the rest of the big men and shows why hopes are high in Detroit for the young center’s future. Drummond has been outstanding, completely controlling the boards and taking over games for stretches. Physically outmatching his opponents, Drummond is the clear rebounding leader in summer league with 15 per game. He has been solid offensively with 15.7 points per game, but it’s clear that Drummond shows the potential to be one of the league’s most dominant defensive bigs. He is blocking 2.7 shots per game to go along with an impressive 2.7 steals. He was dominant in the team’s victory over Miami with 23 points and 18 rebounds.
Honorable Mention: Reggie Jackson, who ties the league leader in scoring with 19.5. Jackson is clearly a level above the summer league competition and has played just two games.