Day 4 NBA Summer League Standouts - 2023
Keyonte George (G - Utah Jazz)
Stats: 26 PTS (9-15 FG), 3 REB, 7 AST, 2 STL
Keyonte George followed up his scintillating 33-point-10 assist performance with an equally dazzling display of scoring in his second game of the Summer League. Just like the first game, George scored on and off the ball from all three levels. He made five of ten three-point attempts and ran the Jazz’s offense smoothly with 7 AST. George is having a fantastic Summer league campaign that should put him up for an award if he keeps up this production.
Emoni Bates (G/F - Cleveland Cavaliers)
21 PTS (7-11 FG), 4 REB, 1 AST, 2 STL, 2 BLK
Emoni Bates has been steadily improving in every game of Summer League, but he finally had a breakout performance against the Memphis Grizzlies. Bates’ had an ultra-efficient shooting performance, making five of eight three-pointers with excellent mechanics and confidence. Additionally, bates had two steals and two blocks and was engaged on the defensive end, which was a welcome surprise from Bates. The second-round pick of the Cavs will have to work hard to carve his niche in the NBA, but his scoring ability is undeniable.
Leonard Miller (F - Minnesota Timberwolves)
Stats: 20 PTS (7-15 FG), 5 REB, 2 AST, 3 STL
Leonard Miller’s do-it-all skillset has translated very well to Summer League. The Timberwolves’ second-round draft pick followed up his opening game double-double with a 20-point game that showcased his offensive talent. Miller slashed to the basket with ease, made two creative off-the-dribble mid-range pull-ups, and also shot 2-4 from the three-point line. Defensively, he played well in a weakside help role and got three steals. Miller’s confidence and motor will serve him well as he continues to make waves in Vegas.
Colby Jones (G/F - Sacramento Kings)
Stats: 19 PTS (8-13 FG), 9 REB, 2 AST, 2 BLK, 2 STL
Colby Jones, the No. 34 pick of the 2023 Draft, had a great bounce-back game for the Sacramento Kings. Jones got his three-point shot going, making three of seven shots from deep, and played with an advanced basketball IQ on offense and defense. His anticipation opened up scoring opportunities off of cuts on offense and allowed him to make plays on defense. Jones is coming to a talented and young Kings team, and he should be a high-level rookie contributor as the season starts.
Ben Sheppard (G/F - Indiana Pacers)
Stats: 16 PTS (6-11 FG), 9 REB, 1 AST
Ben Shappard, the 26th pick of the 2023 Draft, showed his motor and skill in the Pacers' win over the Orlando Magic. Offensively, Sheppard made four of seven three-pointers with relative ease. However, Sheppard stood out with his nine rebounds from the guard position, which he got by boxing out well and winning 50-50 opportunities on the glass. Sheppard will fit perfectly on a rebuilding Pacers team, and his combination of size and skill will be a welcome sight in Indiana.
Drew Peterson (G/F- Miami Heat)
Stats: 13 PTS (4-7 FG), 4 REB, 1 STL
Drew Peterson, an Exhibit-10 signee for the Miami Heat, had an excellent showing against the Phoenix Suns. The sharpshooting 6’9 wing from USC made 3-5 three-point attempts, providing a much-needed scoring punch for his team. Peterson will be a name to watch as he works through the G-League this season, but his college experience and skill will make him a viable candidate to make the Heat’s regular season roster very soon.
Honorable Mentions
Jarace Walker (F- Indiana Pacers): 16 PTS (7-17 FG), 4 REB, 4 AST, 1 BLK, 1 STL
Terquavion Smith (G- Philadelphia 76ers): 18 PTS (7-17 FG), 6 REB, 6 AST, 1 STL
Contribution by: Caleb Smith