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5 players who have been way too good for NBA Summer League

By Peter O'Keefe

October 30, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey (3) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody (4) during the first half at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
October 30, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey (3) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody (4) during the first half at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Summer League
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 09: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic reacts during a game against the Sacramento Kings during the 2022 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 09, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada, 5 players who have been way too good for NBA Summer League. 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. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

5 players who have been way too good for NBA Summer League: Paolo Banchero

Banchero was a somewhat surprising first overall pick, with most expecting the Orlando Magic to take Jabari Smith Jr. But after just two Summer League games, their selection appears more than justified.

At 6’10”, the 19-year-old boasts a repertoire of three-level scoring and competent playmaking that gets his teammates involved. Banchero is averaging 20 points, five rebounds, and six assists to go with 2.5 steals and one block.

The question has now been raised – how much more do the Magic actually want to see of their prized draft pick against this level of competition? The prospect of Banchero in the frontcourt with Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. is already a salivating thought for Magic fans longing for success.

5 players who have been way too good for NBA Summer League: Moses Moody

Heading into his second season, Moody dominated his one game in Las Vegas and was promptly rested for the Golden State Warriors’ second game on Sunday.

In an otherwise disappointing team performance against the New York Knicks on Friday, the 20-year-old carried the Warriors with an efficient 34-point performance on just 13 shots.

Should we really be surprised though? This is a player who played competent, although limited minutes, in the Western Conference Finals. Moody’s maturity belies his age, he’s someone that plays hard and just makes the right play on a constant basis.

In a Summer League setting, that maturity and experience shines through against many who haven’t even seen NBA minutes, let alone playoff minutes. Although he missed Sunday’s game, Moody is expected to play again in order to get reps alongside fellow recent lottery picks James Wiseman and Jonathan Kuminga.