Golden State Warriors: McCaw and Bell standing out in 2017 NBA Summer League

Patrick McCaw and Jordan Bell are standing out for the Golden State Warriors in the 2017 NBA Summer League. McCaw is providing scoring and leadership while Bell is showing versatility.

The 2017 NBA Summer League team for the Golden State Warriors is not off to the same dominant start as its regular season counterpart. The Warriors’ summer squad managed to go winless (0-3) during pool play in the Las Vegas Summer League. They sandwiched a blowout loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers between two close losses, one of them being a sudden-death double overtime affair.

The Warriors notched their first victory of the Las Vegas Summer League by defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the tournament. They will face the Boston Celtics next with a spot in the quarterfinals at stake. The Celtics’ roster includes second-year player Jaylen Brown and rookie Jayson Tatum.

Despite a losing record, the Warriors already have reason to come away from Las Vegas feeling positive. Second-year player Patrick McCaw and their 2017 second round draft pick Jordan Bell have been bright spots for the team.

McCaw is displaying scoring ability and leadership, which are not usually required of him. Bell has displayed the athleticism and defensive intangibles that led the Warriors to pay for his draft rights.

As a rookie, Patrick McCaw played a limited role for the Warriors on their way to the NBA title. He possesses both length and quickness and his potential on the defensive end draws comparisons to teammate Andre Iguodala. For a player like McCaw, Summer League is an excellent place to gain valuable time on the court.

In four Summer League games, Patrick McCaw has averaged 20 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while playing just over 30 minutes a game. The extended playing time amounts to double the minutes he normally sees off the Warriors bench. McCaw did start 20 games for the Warriors last year, but his role has been exponentially larger during Summer League.

Patrick McCaw is one of the leaders on this Warriors summer team and he is delivering for them.  He can be heard directing, instructing and also encouraging his teammates out on the court.  McCaw has even assumed the reins of the offense in crunch time. It appears that the championship culture of the Warriors has rubbed off on McCaw.

Going into draft night, the Golden State Warriors did not have a selection in either round.  However, they managed to buy their way into the second round and select forward Jordan Bell out of the University of Oregon. Bell has the most blocks in Oregon history and his athleticism and effort are an excellent fit for the Warriors.

Bell’s defensive abilities have been as advertised for the Warriors Summer League team.  He is averaging 1.8 steals and 2.8 blocks per contest. In the Warriors’ third game in Las Vegas, Bell recorded a rare 5×5 stat line against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Most impressive about that performance, were the five steals and six blocks by Bell. Displaying his nose for the glass, Bell has grabbed 11 and 16 rebounds in the last two games.

There are still some areas Jordan Bell needs to improve based on his time in the Summer League.  His shooting touch needs work and Bell needs to limit his turnovers. However, the Warriors were aware of these shortcomings when they drafted him. If Bell is able to continue to improve and retain his energy level, he will see the court for Golden State this year.

Regardless of how they finish in the Las Vegas Summer League, Patrick McCaw and Jordan Bell have been bright spots for the Warriors. With McCaw entering his second year in the league, and Bell about to begin his rookie season, there is plenty of time for these two players to continue to develop.

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McCaw has taken major strides in his leadership ability and aggressiveness on the offensive end.  Bell has shown the defensive skill-set that earned him a draft night selection. The Golden State Warriors are hopeful that the experience and momentum for these two players will carry on through the 2017-18 season.