Day 9 NBA Summer League Standouts - 2023
Amari Bailey (G - CHA)
Stats: 17 PTS (7-14 FG), 4 REB, 8 AST
The second-round (No. 41) pick for the Hornets had an impressive showcase against the Timberwolves. Bailey scored efficiently from all three levels by creating driving angles or space to shoot off the dribble. Additionally, Bailey ran the offense well for Charlotte and accumulated eight assists on varied pass types. Bailey’s balanced offensive game should allow him to work through the G-League and possibly get minutes for the Hornets during the regular season.
Trayce Jackson-Davis (F/C - GSW)
Stats: 18 PTS (8-12 FG), 10 REB, 2 AST, 2 STL, 2 BLK
The second-round (No. 57 overall) pick had an excellent all-around game against the Toronto Raptors. Jackson-Davis showcased his inside presence and playmaking offensively, scoring off of lobs, post-ups, and putbacks while also playmaking from the post for the Warriors. Defensively, Jackson-Davis protected the rim well, which will be a role that he will have to master if he wants to stay with the Warriors organization long-term.
Gradey Dick (G/F - TOR)
Stats: 21 PTS (8-16 FG), 5 REB, 2 STL, 1 BLK
Gradey Dick had a standout game against the Warriors, where he seemed to be a step ahead of his defenders for the entire game. His 0.5-second decision-making off the catch and triple-threat footwork were picture-perfect, allowing him to destroy closeouts and blow by defenders with limited dribbles. Dick was also excellent as a help-side defender, doing an excellent job of closing driving lanes and forcing turnovers.
Markquis Nowell (G - TOR)
Stats: 17 PTS (6-11 FG), 3 REB, 12 AST, 1 BLK
Nowell had another excellent game against the Warriors, showcasing his elite passing and scoring acumen in a comeback win for the Raptors. Nowell was an efficient scorer, using his quickness to drive to the basket and make some deep three-pointers off the ball. Nowell’s key contribution to his team was dissecting the Warriors' defense with pinpoint passing. Nowell had a variety of hook, skip, and drop-off passes that allowed his teammates to score. He capped off his playmaking exhibition with a highlight reel behind-the-back ball fake in transition to a drop-off pass for a game-sealing layup-and-one to win the game for the Raptors.
Chris Livingston (F - MIL)
Stats: 22 PTS (9-14 FG), 5 REB, 2 AST, 2 STL
The second-round (No. 58) pick had his best game of the Summer League against the Kings. Livingston used his size and athleticism well and scored on and off the ball by slashing and cutting. Livingston will need to work on his perimeter shooting, but he will have a chance to develop his skill with the Bucks.
Jalen Slawson (F - SAC)
Stats: 17 PTS (4-6 FG), 7 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK
The second-round (No. 54) pick had a consistent all-around game against the Bucks. Slawson’s quickness and IQ allowed him to play off his teammates. Slawson’s aggressiveness got him to the free-throw line, where he converted eight free throws. Slawson will be a two-way player for the Kings, and his size and length on the wing will be a welcome addition to the roster.
Julian Strawther (G/F - DEN)
Stats: 25 PTS (11-16 FG), 9 REB, 2 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK
Strawther had an excellent encore to his previous game against the Heat by scoring 25 against the Knicks. Strawther shot efficiently from three (5-11) and attacked closeouts well to drive to the basket. Strawther has shown himself to be NBA-ready and will contribute immediately as a first-round pick.
Toumani Camara (F - PHX)
Stats: 20 PTS (4-11 FG, 11-12 FG), 10 REB, 2 BLK
Toumani Camara had another slashing clinic against the Memphis Grizzlies. Camara scored well in the paint and shot 91% from the free-throw line on twelve attempts. He also dominated the glass with ten rebounds and two blocks, putting his stamp on the game on the defensive end. Camara’s style of play will fit within the scheme of new Suns coach Frank Vogel, but he will have to continue developing to get minutes on a potential championship team in the Phoenix Suns.
Contribution by: Caleb Smith