Day 5 NBA Summer League Standouts - 2023
Nick Smith Jr. (G - Charlotte Hornets)
33 PTS (13-20 PTS), 4 REB, 3 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK
Nick Smith Jr., the No. 27 pick in the Draft, had his best game in the Summer League against the Portland Trailblazers. Smith Jr. had his impressive scoring skills on display. He made multiple three-pointers on and off the ball, self-created mid-range jumpers, and creative drives to the basket. Smith Jr. was also active as a playmaker, doing an excellent job of feeding his teammates. He has had an up-and-down Summer League, but Smith’s potential shined in this game.
Brandon Miller (G/F - Charlotte Hornets)
Stats: 26 PTS (8-15 FG), 6 REB, 2 AST, 2 BLK
Brandon Miller also had an excellent game for the Charlotte Hornets, showing the scoring prowess from the wing that allowed him to be the second overall pick in this year’s draft. Miller shot 3 for 6 from the three-point line and had two highlight-reel dunks. Miller was also active on the defensive end and had multiple blocks as well. Miller has also had an inconsistent Summer League, but he will definitely look to get in full gear as he progresses toward the regular season.
Jalen Wilson (G/F - Brooklyn Nets)
Stats: 14 PTS (4-6 FG), 8 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL, 1 BLK
Jalen Wilson showcased his excellent two-way game again against the Milwaukee Bucks. Wilson shot three for six from the three-point line, showing his maturity and IQ with his off-ball movement. On defense, Wilson had active hands and great anticipation to force turnovers and contain dribble penetration. Wilson will definitely have a great chance to crack the Nets rotation with his playstyle and ability to fit as a complimentary piece.
Kris Murray (F - Portland Trail Blazers)
Stats: 19 PTS (7-12 FG), 7 REB
Kris Murray put on an off-ball scoring clinic against the Houston Rockets. Murray shot 4-7 from three and scored all of his points on spot-ups and off-ball movement. Murray’s shooting ability is already NBA-level, and he will likely be a consistent contributor for a Trail Blazers team that seems to be ready to rebuild.
KJ Williams ( F- Oklahoma City Thunder)
Stats: 19 PTS (8-13 FG), 13 REB
KJ Williams, who is an Exhibit 10 signee with the Oklahoma City Thunder was dominant in the paint for the Thunder in their game against the Houston Rockets. The former LSU power forward dominated the paint on the offensive, alternating between a combination of post hooks and floaters to score the majority of his points. On defense, Williams was excellent as a weakside helper and a defensive rebounder. On a young and talented Oklahoma City Roster, Williams’ scrappy play could be an extra wrinkle that gives the Thunder some toughness that is necessary to be a winning team.
Matthew Mayer (F - Houston Rockets)
Stats: 19 PTS (6-11 FG), 10 REB, 1 AST, 2 BLK
Matthew Mayer, who is a Summer League signee of the Rockets, lit up the scoreboard with a double-double for the Houston Rockets against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Mayer showed deadly accuracy from three and some slashing ability off the dribble in his extended minutes off the bench for the Rockets. While his NBA future is murky, Mayer has the skill t be a productive G-league or overseas player.
Cam Whitmore (G/F - Houston Rockets)
16 PTS (6-14 FG), 8 REB, 3 AST, 3 STL
Cam Whitmore kept his great two-way play in the Summer League going with a great performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Whitmore struggled from 3 (only shooting 1-8) but still managed to use his explosive athleticism to slash to the rim and finish with power. Whitmore also had three steals and showed very good defensive playmaking instincts, which speaks to his potential in the NBA as a two-way power slasher with some shotmaking skills that can be molded over time.
Contribution by: Caleb Smith