Handing out awards for the Orlando and Utah Summer League
If you’re like me and have been experiencing basketball withdrawals since the Finals ended in what feels like an eternity ago, you’ve gotten your fix by watching Summer League.
Summer League is a hoop junky’s heaven. There are players on teams that you’ve never heard of before, nor will probably ever hear of again as they embark on journeys overseas. Overreactions and hot takes are a plenty, too, as young players and veterans alike fight for roster spots and training camp invites.
Remember: Kevin Durant was destined to be an above average player and nothing more.
While we wait for the Las Vegas Summer League to kick off, here are my awards for the two smaller leagues in Orlando and Utah after the first week of action.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Aaron Gordon, F, Orlando Magic
Gordon was the fourth pick in the 2014 draft, a spot that many considered to be to high for the former Arizona forward. After suffering a foot fracture that sidelined him for most of the 2014-15 season, all the questions about Gordon’s game resurfaced. Can he shoot? What position does he play? How does he fit?
Gordon has shown plenty of improvement in Orlando during this year’s Summer League. Going into his rookie year, he was labeled an athlete with a lot of raw skills that hadn’t developed yet, but he looks like a changed man. The biggest improvement that’s been seen has been his shot mechanics. It used to be a prayer just to touch the rim when it left his hands from anywhere outside of two feet. His release looks more fluid now, while also raising the release point higher.
Of course, Gordon’s calling card has always been his elite athleticism. He gets up and down super fast, allowing him to start a second jump while most players are still on their way down from their first. It seems like he is toying with these poor Clipper players on this offensive rebound.
If Gordon can be even a league average shooter from 3, the ceiling for this Magic team sky rockets because having a player who can guard any position while also functioning as a floor spacer and rim protector is invaluable.
HONORABLE MENTION
Mario Hezonja, G, Orlando Magic
This dunk alone is almost worthy of winning MVP.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE LEAGUE
Myles Turner, C, Indiana Pacers
Turner had some red flags coming into the 2015 NBA Draft, the main reason he slid to the Pacers at No. 11. Teams were scared of some medical issues and his awkward running form, and he had an up and down season which saw him log inconsistent minutes from night-to-night.
Through all of that, however, it was easy to see Turner’s potential as a modern NBA big man; running the floor, blocking shots and hitting mid range jumpers. Turner reminded all of us during his short week in Orlando why he has the potential to be something special down the road.
Turner led the Orlando Summer League in blocks, while averaging close to a double-double. At the very least, it seems like Turner should be able to provide above average rim protection and defensive rebounding. Indiana drafted him as the heir to Roy Hibbert, to be the focal point of that defense. If he can consistently knock down jumpers in addition to being an anchor defensively, he’ll fit in nicely.
HONORABLE MENTION
Branden Dawson, F, Los Angeles Clippers
I might be completely wrong about Dawson. I wrote right after the draft in my trade grades that I didn’t like the Clippers trading into the draft to snag him because I didn’t believe he had any skills that could translate to this level. He has impressed on both ends with his athleticism and what looks like an improved handle, though, showing an ability to lead the break off a defensive rebound.
Dawson has also dominated the glass and guarded multiple positions superbly. For a team like the Clippers that’s in dire need of depth at just about every position, Dawson would be a pleasant surprise.
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER
Dante Exum, PG, Utah Jazz
Exum was a complete mystery going into the 2014 NBA Draft, seeing as the only public setting that the majority of scouts saw him was in the Nike Hoop Summit. He was drafted fifth overall as one of the youngest players in the draft. He split a lot of the point guard duties with Trey Burke in his first season, looking overwhelmed at times by the speed and size of the NBA game.
When watching the Jazz open their Summer League play in Utah, it immediately stuck out that Exum has gained some much needed weight. He’s no longer the scrawny 6-6, 196 pound Aussie he was heading into his rookie year. Instead of getting pushed around, he was able to hold his ground, as seen in this clip backing down Marcus Smart.
His body isn’t the only thing that has improved. Like Gordon, Exum showed improvement in the fluidity of his shot mechanics. Dante looked much more comfortable shooting the ball off the bounce, getting his feet squared and balanced coming off ball screens.
Exum’s development for the Jazz is crucial for their long term building plans. The Jazz are one of the best teams in the league when it comes to player development, and Exum is going to be their trickiest task. They’re an above average starting point guard away from being something special, and Exum is going to have to be that guy.
ROOKIE OF THE LEAGUE
Stanley Johnson, SF, Detroit Pistons
It was puzzling to a lot of people when they heard Stanley Johnson’s name called before Justise Winslow on draft night. It wasn’t a surprise to Johnson, though, who told everyone that he believed he was the best player in the draft.
While Summer League isn’t the place to determine that, Johnson still has been fun to watch.
Johnson’s ability to hit the NBA 3s was up for question before the draft because the majority of his college 3-point looks came from the corners. He has been lights out in Orlando, shooting higher than 60 percent from the field. His shot is smooth, and while the release point is low, it is quick enough to get it off before the defender closes out on him.
Johnson’s best attribute is his physical profile that allows him to play both forwards spots. Stanley’s always been great at using his body to either create separation, or just bully his way to where he wants to go.
Johnson gives the Pistons something they haven’t had in a while — a player with size on the wing who can guard multiple positions and provide some scoring punch. He will have to play that role from day one for Stan Van Gundy in Detroit if they have any hopes of being a playoff team this year.