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Charlotte Hornets: 5 takeaways from 2018 NBA Summer League

By Luke Askew

DENVER, CO - JULY 6: Malik Monk #1 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 6, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JULY 6: Malik Monk #1 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 6, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Devonte’ Graham looks like a solid reserve

2018 second round draft pick Devonte’ Graham looks like he’s ready for the NBA level. Maybe it was the four years at Kansas, maybe it’s just his skill and maturity, but either way, Devonte’ Graham looked good in the small sample size that Summer League provided.

Graham averaged 10.0 points, 6.0 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game in Las Vegas. While he struggled to shoot the ball at times, his playmaking looked elite. He’s proof that there’s still value in drafting players that played four years of college ball.

Graham may not see the floor as much as I originally thought when he was drafted. Acquiring veteran point guard Tony Parker will likely leave Graham with a more limited role (his knee injury will also play a factor in his minutes). However, if Parker gets injured or if his age starts to show more, then it appears Graham is ready for the big stage when he returns from injury.

The other thing Graham brings to the table is the ability to play off the ball. While he’s a natural point guard, playing next to Frank Mason III at Kansas showed his ability to play the 2.

The Hornets got a gem in Devonte’ Graham — he might end up being the best second round pick of the 2018 NBA Draft.

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