Day 8 NBA Summer League Standouts - 2023

Kobe Brown (F - LAC)

Stats: 35 PTS (13-19 FG), 8 REB, 3 AST, 4 BLK, 2 STL

The No. 30 pick in the draft had one of the best individual performances in the Summer League against the Sixers. Brown shot 7-10 (70%) from three and had multiple thunderous dunks in transition during his dominant offensive showing. Brown also was a lockdown defender on the opposite end of the court, doing an excellent job of reading passing lanes, hounding ball handlers, and even rotating over to protect the rim. Brown’s size and skill at 6’7”, 230 will be a welcome addition for a Clippers team still vying for playoff and championship contention on a perennial basis.

Hunter Tyson (F - DEN)

Stats: 31 PTS (11-13), 4 REB, 2 AST

Tyson had his best game of the Summer League against the Heat, only missing two shots en route to scoring 31 points. Tyson was scorching hot from three-point range, making 7-9 of his attempts from deep. He was also an aggressive slasher, exemplified by an early dunk where he pump-faked and drove the baseline for a thunderous slam. Tyson’s efficiency and dominance in the Summer League bode well for the defending champion Denver Nuggets.

Julian Strawther (G/F - DEN)

Stats: 23 PTS (7-13 FG), 6 REB, 4 AST, 1 STL

Julian Strawther also had an excellent game against the Heat. He made four of seven three-pointers, unique floaters, and step-through finishes around the basket to help the Nuggets blow out the Heat. Strawther’s size and skill will fit in a Nuggets system that loves physical guards and wing players with size.

Bilal Coulibaly (G/F - WAS)

Stats: 19 PTS (5-10 FG), 4 REB, 3 AST, 4 BLK

Bilal Coulibaly showed his talent as a two-way wing against the OKC Thunder. He dominated defensively, having four blocks and excellent on-ball defense, his calling card as a player for Metropolitans 92 of the LNB Pro A League in France. Coulibaly was also efficient in offense, making two three-pointers and using off-ball movement and offensive rebounding to score. Coulibaly’s potential made him a high riser before the draft, and the No. 7 pick will have an opportunity to get more playing time and reps on a rebuilding Wizards team.

Olivier-Maxence Prosper (F -DAL)

Stats: 18 PTS (7-12 FG), 5 REB

The No. 24 pick of the Draft had an excellent slashing showcase against the Pacers. Olivier-Maxence Prosper showcased his plus athleticism and ball-handling creativity as he slashed to the rim consistently. Prosper was also very active on the boards, snatching five rebounds and showing how his experience at the college level will translate into a Dallas Maverick team that is looking to bounce back from missing the Play-In last year.

Ausar Thompson (G/F - DET)

Stats: 18 PTS (6-12 FG), 14 REB, 2 AST, 1 STL

Ausar Thompson showed improved offensive consistency and hustle with his double-double against the Spurs. Thompson made two early three-pointers but then spent most of the second half initiating offense and slashing to the rim to score. Defensively, he was as good as ever, being an excellent position defender and beating offensive players to their spots. Thompson has become increasingly comfortable as Summer League has moved forward.

Ben Sheppard (G/F - IND)

Stats: 19 PTS (7-13 FG), 2 REB, 2 AST, 1 STL

Sheppard showcased his excellent shooting touch against the Mavericks, making five of ten three-pointers. While Sheppard doesn’t have the explosiveness of other wing prospects, his skill level and IQ stand out on a Pacers team with off-the-dribble playmakers like Tyrese Haliburton, Bruce Brown, and Jarace Walker.

Honorable Mentions:

Jalen Pickett (G-DEN): 11 PTS (5-9 FG), 3 REB, 4 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK

Tarik Biberovic (F- MEM): 12 PTS (4-6 FG) , 3 REB, 1 AST, 1 STIL

Colin Castleton (C-LAL): 11 PTS (5-10 FG), 8 REB

Mike Miles Jr. (G-DAL):13 PTS (6-13 FG), 4 REB, 2 AST, 1 STL

Contribution by: Caleb Smith