Day 2 NBA Summer League Standouts - 2023
Keyonte George (G - Utah Jazz)
Stats: 33 PTS (12-24 FG, 6-15 3P, 3-3 FT), 10 AST, 2 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK
Keyonte George had the most dominant performance of any rookie at Summer League so far, scoring 33 points and dropping 10 assists on 50/40/100 splits and only 2 turnovers. While the numbers themselves are eye-popping, what was even more impressive is that George never left the flow of the offense. He did most of his work off the ball with multiple catch and shoot three pointers, transition rim runs, and back cuts to score at the basket. He scored well on the ball with some smooth slashes to the rim and mid-range pull ups. But what was most important to this performance was his playmaking. George showed advanced passing technique, using hook passes, dump downs, and even some very good post entry passes to set his teammates up to score. George was a lottery-level talent that slipped in the draft due to some injury and productivity concerns at Baylor, but he looks healthy and promising for a rebuilding Utah Jazz team.
Cason Wallace (G - Oklahoma City Thunder)
Stats: 20 PTS (7-15 FG, 6-10 3P), 3 REB, 2 AST, 2 STL
Cason Wallace just couldn’t miss in his game against the Dallas Mavericks. The 10th overall pick made six three pointers and flashed his brilliant defensive skills yesterday for the Thunder. Wallace’s basketball IQ shined brightly in this game because he did an excellent job of reading the floor and relocating on passes to create favorable three point looks. He will be surrounded by a plethora of talented playmakers on the Thunder, so his ability to score off the ball will be key to his future success. Also, Wallace’s dogged on-ball defense from the guard spot combined with the rim protection of Chet Holmgren and the wing stopping of Luguentz Dort will make the Thunder a real problem once the season rolls around.
Jordan Walsh (F - Boston Celtics)
Stats: 18 PTS (6-11 FG, 4-6 3P), 5 REB, 2 STL, 1 BLK
Jordan Walsh was another player that had a hot shooting day in the Summer League. The Celtics second-round pick was blazing the net against the Miami Heat. Walsh only shot 28% from three at Arkansas, however in this game he was shooting with confidence and excellent mechanics. Walsh made a couple impressive moves off the dribble with a stepback three and mid-range pull-up jumper in addition to his stationary three-point shots. Walsh’s defense was excellent as well, which is no surprise given that he was projected as one of the best defenders in the draft class. His early success at Summer league bodes well for a Celtics team looking to place themselves in championship contention next year.
Toumani Camara (F - Phoenix Suns)
Stats: 20 PTS (8-13 FG), 8 REB, 1 STL
Toumani Camara had an excellent game against the Milwaukee Bucks, showing a very intriguing inside-outside game for the Suns. Camara was a low second round pick for the Suns, but his value was evident yesterday in his ability to work off the ball and also play defense. Camara scored primarily off of paint touches coming from post-ups and cuts, which is a valuable skill to have as a role player for a contending team. Camara’s athleticism also stood out, which was exemplified by a vicious poster dunk between two defenders in the fourth quarter.
Anthony Black (G - Orlando Magic)
Stats: 17 PTS (7-10 FG), 5 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL
Anthony Black had a solid debut for the Orlando Magic against the Detroit Pistons. Black showcased a very high IQ floor game with his 17 points, using an array of drives to the basket and a couple of jump shots (including a contest and-1 three pointer) to make his mark on the game. Back is lauded as one of the most advanced playmakers in this draft, and his passing and court vision flashed throughout this game. Unfortunately, Black had 7 turnovers, which can be attributed to the difference in speed and athleticism of NBA-caliber talent. Black, who went No. 6 overall in this year’s draft, will be expected to be an instant contributor that will feed Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner on the wings, so going through the process of adjusting his playmaking to the NBA level will be a major storyline for the Orlando Magic throughout the Summer League and the regular season.
Ricky Council IV (F - Philadelphia 76ers)
Stats: 14 PTS (5-11 FG), 8 REB, 1 AST, 1 BLK
Ricky Council IV put on a slashing clinic for the Sixers in his opening Summer league game. Council’s strength, athleticism, and handle allowed for him to get to the paint at will, and he showed a variety of good finishes in the paint, including a very nice bump fadeaway counter out of the post. Council’s shooting will be the biggest key to cracking that Sixers’ rotation as a two-way player, but he’s got the skill and athleticism to stick in the NBA.
Contribution by: Caleb Smith