The NBA Summer League is one of the most interesting times of the offseason as we get our first look at the next generation of basketball stars. While it’s important not to put too much stock in to what we see early on, a strong first impression can help build the confidence of a young player and provide them with some momentum heading in to their rookie seasons. Here is a look at the most impressive players in the NBA Summer League so far.
PF: Kyle Kuzma, Los Angeles Lakers
It shouldn’t be a surprise that Lonzo Ball has dominated the headlines for the Lakers. The second-overall pick entered the NBA as one of the most talked-about prospects in years thanks in large part to his father and the work they did to promote the Big Baller Brand. However, while Ball has generated the most buzz it is Kuzma that has been the most impressive player in the NBA Summer League so far. The 27th-overall pick has talked about playing with a chip on his shoulder and trying to “prove something every night”. It has worked so far as Kuzma has averaged 20.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists in six games. The rookie power forward is worth keeping a close eye on heading in to his first season in the NBA.
SF: Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Tatum has looked as ready as any rookie in the NBA Summer League so far as he has averaged 18.2 points and 8.8 rebounds while hitting 44.6-percent of his shots from the field. Tatum’s skills and polish have stood out and his scoring ability stands out among his peers. Tatum will have a tough time earning starting minutes for Boston in his rookie season. However, a strong Summer league performance indicates he is ready for the big league. Without question, Tatum looks like the real deal. The Celtics – at least early on – look smart for taking him over Josh Jackson.
PG: Lonzo Ball, Los Angeles Lakers
For all of the criticism Ball generated with a disappointing Summer League debut, he has actually been excellent ever since. Ball followed up a 2-of-15 shooting performance by recording 36 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds and five steals in his second game. Ball has averaged 16.3 points and 9.3 assists in six games including his brutal debut. The rookie point guard looks more comfortable with every game and should be primed for an exciting first year in the NBA.
Ball did end up injuring his calf and had to pull out of the rest of Summer League action, but it seems like it’s nothing major. The franchise is just looking to be extra careful. Ball has already flashed some incredible potential – especially passing the ball – and that’s got the Lakers franchise excited about the 2017-18 season.
PG: Dennis Smith Jr., Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks have to be thrilled with what they have seen from Smith so far in the NBA Summer League. The up-tempo play has suited him perfectly and he has delivered by averaging 17.3 points, 4.2 assists and 2.2 steals while shooting 45.7-percent from the field. His explosiveness and ability to finish at the rim is extremely impressive and he has done a good job scoring from the perimeter as well. Smith is expected to start at point guard right away for Dallas this season. There is a good chance he emerges as a dark-horse Rookie of the Year pick in 2017-18.
SG: Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jaz
The final spot on this list goes to Utah’s rookie shooting guard. Mitchell has averaged 20.4 points, 4.4 steals and 2.6 assists while shooting just below 40-percent from the field in Summer League play. His 37-point outburst against the Memphis Grizzlies opened a lot of eyes and his strong defensive play has really made him stand out early on. Mitchell won’t average 4.4 steals per game in the NBA this season but the fact that he has managed to do it in Summer League play is a testament to his two-way ability and the strong impression he has made on the Jazz early on as a player to watch this season.
The 2017 NBA futures are out. It’s been a wild offseason already, but keep an eye on the betting lines as they move around at Diamond Sportsbook! Get the latest NBA betting lines right here.
