It might still be early in the NBA Summer League period but after all of the anticipation leading in to our first look at this year’s rookie class, it was exciting to see a small group of them put on a show in their first couple of appearances. Here is a quick look at five rookie players that already look like steals.
Stanley Johnson, Detroit Pistons
The 19-year-old Johnson has never lacked confidence and, while it’s still early, the eighth-overall pick is reminding everyone about his comments that he was the top talent available in this year’s NBA Draft. Johnson has looked dominant for the Pistons in Summer League play as he averaged 17.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 2.0 assists through four Summer League appearances. Nobody was really surprised when Johnson fell to No. 8 and some even felt Detroit would have been better off taking Justise Winslow in that spot, but after a strong start to the NBA Summer League it looks like Johnson was the right choice for Detroit.
Joseph Young, Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird talked about Young the night of the NBA Draft and revealed that his staff liked him a lot, so they were surprised when he fell to them in the second round. The Pacers took Young with the No. 43 pick. Although he was dealing with a stomach issue in his first Summer League showcase, he still managed to put up 25 points against the Detroit Pistons in which he put on display the skillset that made Indiana so high on him in the first place.
Young loves to push the pace to use his athleticism and speed, which is exactly what Indiana hopes to do this season. He is a smart floor general while he still has to work on his shot and decision-making, a couple of strong Summer League performances show it’s clear Indiana could have a solid contributor on their hands.
Branden Dawson, Los Angeles Clippers
The Michigan State product looked like an absolute stud early on in NBA Summer League play as he averaged over 12.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game for the Clippers over the course of his first four games. Dawson went undrafted because of concerns about his offensive arsenal and potential lack of size at 6’7’’ but the Clippers didn’t hesitate to sign him. He has thrived with the opportunity to prove that he belongs. It will take some time for him to earn a place on the Los Angeles roster but after an impressive start to his pro career, it looks like the Clippers potentially found a gem with Dawson.
Cody Lalanne, San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs found another diamond in the rough? What else is new? That’s what it looks like with Lalanne, who the Spurs landed with the 55th pick. He has looked good in Summer League play so far, including in a tough matchup with the third-overall pick Jahlil Okafor. Lalanne has impressive size and strength and he isn’t afraid to shoot the ball. He will have to work on his shooting and positioning at the NBA level – among other things – but as a late second-round pick, it feels like the Spurs found yet another player who will be contributing to their success at some point down the road.
Dakari Johnson, Oklahoma City Thunder
Enes Kanter was an absolute revelation when he landed in Oklahoma City last season and the club didn’t hesitate to match a massive four-year deal for him as a restricted free agent after seeing what he was able to accomplish. Now it looks like Oklahoma City landed another steal when they took Johnson with the 48th overall pick in this year’s draft as he has dominated early on in Summer League play.
The 6’11’’ center slipped out of the first round but he has averaged 9.0 rebounds per game in Summer League action and he will have ample time to develop his offensive game over the next couple of years. Johnson is buried behind Kanter, Steven Adams and Mitch McGary on the Thunder depth chart, so he won’t be rushed. But that is the perfect situation for a young player with the potential to develop in to a special player as a second-round steal.
