2014 Summer League Thread

[Mexi]

KCP is looking better now than he did at anytime last season. 19 pts in 21 minutes.

bruh

 

[RipCity32]

So Nerlens looked pretty solid today eh?

 

[jonathanlambert33]

It was funny because he was the opposite of how you expected him to look.

 

[RipCity32]

Yeah I figured he'd of been sluggish and rusty. 
Loved him coming into the draft last year though. 

 

[jonathanlambert33]

Yeah I figured he'd of been sluggish and rusty. 
Loved him coming into the draft last year though.

Well I more so meant that he was very good offensively but really struggled defensively.

 

[RipCity32]

Ohhh. Didn't watch that game, just caught his highlights, Didn't see em defensively. 

 

[Pugz]

Just about to say that. Looks much much more comfortable out there right now.

just hope he keeps it up afterwards.

 

[elcheato]

Russ Smith and Napier will both be career bench warmers. Argument resolved.
 
A poll asking who is better between the two is definitely SI-esque.

 

[jonathanlambert33]

Russ Smith and Napier will both be career bench warmers. Argument resolved.
 
A poll asking who is better between the two is definitely SI-esque.

Not true in eithers case.

 

[bosoxlover12]

Russ Smith will be a bench warmer. Bazz will be a Norris Cole-esque 1st PG off the bench type of guy

 

[jonathanlambert33]

I find it hard to believe that if you've seen Russ play that you would come to that conclusion.

 

[Mexi]

*googles russ smith*

 

[jonathanlambert33]

I'm not saying he'll be a starting PG, or a guy that comes off the bench and plays starters type minutes.

But anyone that has actually done their homework on Smith wouldn't come away saying he was a bench warmer. That's just a clear sign that the person is uninformed and unaware. He has qualities that will make him a rotation player in the NBA. Maybe not this year, but he will spend the majority of his career as that first PG off the bench. Those qualities or skills are:

His ability to put points on the board. He is fearless at getting to the rim and can finish or draws an exceptional amount of calls. 8.0 free throw attempts per 40 minutes this season and 9.1 free throw attempts per 40 last season. Can also space the floor with his spot up shooting.

Biggest thing though, and this is the thing that will get him on the floor early in his career and keep him there, his defense. Call him what you like, a dog on the perimeter, a pest on the perimeter, he's gonna be that. He's very prideful with his defense and is a great on ball and off ball defender. That will translate. There's video out there somewhere of a game he played against Michael Carter-Williams before MCW came to the league and he just hounded him all game. Picked him up full court and MCW shot 31% from the field and had 8 turnovers.

 

[The Young One]

Russ Smith and Napier will both be career bench warmers. Argument resolved.
 
A poll asking who is better between the two is definitely SI-esque.

 
Pretty much. Napier got buzz off the tournament run. At best Russ Smith is a 6th man and I don't see that high of a ceiling on Napier.

 

[Mexi]

I liked the pick when it happened
Didnt know he got up like that

https://twitter.com/mysportslegion/status/485522841165508608

Another morey steal?

 

[The Young One]

His nickname is bunnies. How did you not know? He was one of the best 2nd round picks imo/

 

[Mexi]

Had no idea
I just knew who he is from the tourney

 

[buzzy]

Noel looked good. Was surprised how agile he looked, especially on that break where he came in as the trailer and just barreled through for the and one.

 

[bosoxlover12]

I find it hard to believe that if you've seen Russ play that you would come to that conclusion.

hes an energy guy. He primarily played SG at Louisville, with Peyton Siva as the main handler. He's explosive at times, but he's too small and isn't strong enough. His jumper is weak too; he relies on his ability to attack the hoop too much. He isn't a PG, which is why he's an energy bench guy

 

[jonathanlambert33]

Completely fine with him being a rotational energy guy.