Washington Wizards: Ranking 2019 NBA Summer League players
By Ben Yokoyama
8. Moritz Wagner
After getting traded from the Los Angeles Lakers, Moritz Wagner had two of the ugliest games this summer. He managed 13 points on 3-of-11 shooting with four turnovers against the LA Clippers and went 0-for-7 with two points from the free throw line against the Atlanta Hawks.
Any time he stepped outside of 16 feet, he struggled mightily.
Instead, the Michigan man showed his high effort play and his excellent transition offense. His combination of physicality and skill around the basket showed promise. He bounced back in the final game with a team-high 20 points along with eight rebounds.
It is always tough to have any kind of chemistry in the Summer League with a team of new faces, but Wagner seemed particularly puzzled by how to facilitate ball movement on offense. He could work his way into the team in a backup role, but his game could use some polish in the G League.
7. Tarik Phillip
This undrafted guard from 2017 found himself a contract the day after Washington’s season ended thanks to his play with the Memphis Hustle of the G League. This summer he did not get much time on the court despite playing in four games.
In his 50 minutes, Tarik Phillip scored 23 points, including three makes from deep, where he excels. The former West Virginia player showed great patience and also moved his feet well on defense, rarely getting beat and forcing four steals in his short time on court.
He should fill the 3-and-D guard role off the bench this season.
6. Admiral Schofield
Admiral Schofield played in every game, earning significant time in all but the final game. Overall it was a sub-par showing for the 42nd overall pick in this year’s draft. He did not seem to find his place on both ends of the floor.
Was he a shooter or a small ball big man? Who does he guard on defense?
Despite these questions that arose this summer, Schofield showed a lot of skills that will be useful should he start the season in the NBA. Against the LA Clippers he showed his aggressiveness and his shooting stroke.
He made one 3-ball and made all seven of his free throws, scoring 16 points and collecting five boards.
If he can remain aggressive on offense, make the NBA 3 at the same rate as he did at Tennessee and prove he can guard multiple positions, Schofield has a chance to make an impact next season off the bench.