Georgetown Team Review: The Sleeper Team of 2015

Georgetown, before the season started, was predicted to be a one-man show. D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera was supposed to take the reins and hopefully lead the team to the NCAA Tournament. But anyone who has watched the Hoyas play this year knows they have much, much more than Smith-Rivera.

While praise has been given to Kentucky's and Duke's freshman classes, the top two in the country, John Thompson III brought in arguably the third best class of the year. L.J. Peak (above), Isaac Copeland, and Paul White have given the Hoyas contribution they missed last year. Peak and White are in the top four on the team in scoring with Smith-Rivera and senior center Joshua Smith. Add wings Jabril Trawick and Aaron Bowen with forward Mikael Hopkins to the mix and a contending team.

This deep Hoyas team is poised for a deep run in March. They are 6-3 right now, but all three losses came at the hands of Wisconsin, Kansas, and Butler. Smith-Rivera has yet to hit his stride, and when that happens, Georgetown will have the best backcourt in the nation with him and Peak. Trawick, White, Copeland and Bowen will get slashing opportunities and hit shots at the rim. Hopkins and Smith will get inside looks and both come down with a few double-doubles, if Hopkins can stay out of foul trouble. Guards Tre Campbell and Reggie Cameron also get minutes off the bench, and will not disappoint. Both Campbell and Cameron are threats from behind the arc.

The Hoyas start Peak, Smith-Rivera, Trawick, Hopkins, and Smith. White, Bowen, Copeland, and Campbell will typically come off the bench in that order. Reggie Cameron is the tenth man, and he has not played in one game.

Team Stat Leaders (through 9 games):
Points: D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera: 13.3 points
Rebounds: Mikael Hopkins: 6.9 rebounds
Assists: Smith-Rivera: 3.8 assists
Blocks: Hopkins: 2.1 blocks
Steals: Smith-Rivera: 1.2 steals
FG% (min 40 attempts): Aaron Bowen: 67.5%
3PT% (min 10 attempts): Paul White: 50%
FT% (min 10 attempts): White: 92.3%

1-on-1 College Basketball Tournament

This is a 1-on-1 college basketball tournament simulation involving 36 of the nations best college basketball players as they square off to see who is the best player in the nation. This tournament follows the NCAA basketball tournaments rules, including play-in games and seeding. The rankings are my own and the winners will be evaluated by size, stats, and known ability.

Play-in games


Midwest Region: #8 Wayne Selden (Kansas G) vs #8 Tyler Haws (BYU G)
Selden and Haws both have exceptional offensive power, but Selden's athleticism allows him to beat Haws off the dribble and finish inside

Southeast Region: #8 Bobby Portis (Arkansas F) vs #8 Treveon Graham (VCU G/F)
Portis has the size, but Graham has the scoring ability. Graham's offensive firepower wins a close game against Portis.

Northeast Region: #8 Jerian Grant (Notre Dame G) vs #8 Branden Dawson (Michigan State F)
Dawson is able to lock down Grant and finish inside to earn a win.

West Region: #8 Chasson Randle (Stanford G) vs #8 Joseph Young (Oregon G)

Randle and Young are both tremendous offensive weapons, but Young's outside shot beats Randle's for the win

Midwest Region:
#1 Georges Niang (Iowa State F) vs #8 Wayne Selden (Kansas G)
Niang isn't the most athletic of players, but his ability to shoot and take the ball to the rack earns him the win over Selden.

#2 Fred VanVleet (Wichita State G) vs #7 Kelly Oubre (Kansas G/F)

Although VanVleet (above) is a very strong player, Oubre is basically a bigger version of VanVleet. Oubre's size is the determining factor as he upsets the #2 seed.

#3 Cliff Alexander (Kansas F) vs #6 Marcus Foster (Kansas State G)
Alexander's size and post-up ability makes sure that Foster gets no rebounds. Foster is a spectacular shooter, but if he misses, he is turning it over to Alexander, who will score. Alexander wins.

#4 Myles Turner (Texas F) vs #5 Terran Petteway (Nebraska F)
This is the most evenly matched game in the Midwest Region. It ultimately comes down to experience, and Petteway has more than the freshman Turner


Southeast Region:
#1 Jahlil Okafor (Duke F) vs #8 Treveon Graham (VCU G/F)
Okafor may be the best player in college basketball, and he proves it by blowing out Treveon Graham.

#2 Montrezl Harrell (Louisville F) vs #7 Justise Winslow (Duke G/F)

Harrell may be the best player in college basketball right now, and with his new jumper, he easily defeats the Duke freshman Winslow.

#3 Karl-Anthony Towns (Kentucky F) vs #6 Willie Cauley-Stein (Kentucky C)
In a battle of hyphenated Kentucky bigs, it comes down to a jump shot, and Towns has one. Cauley-Stein does not, and it ends up costing him the game.

#4 Marcus Paige (UNC G) vs #5 Tyus Jones (Duke G)
This may be one of the most exciting matchups in the tournament, with two star point guards going at it. This one ends up going into overtime, with Paige winning on a three-pointer.

Northeast Region:
#1 Sam Dekker (Wisconsin G/F) vs #8 Branden Dawson (Michigan State F)

With the only 8-over-1 upset, Dawson's sheer athleticism is what gives him the upper hand, and eventually, the victory.

#2 Frank Kaminsky (Wisconsin F) vs #7 R.J. Hunter (Georgia State F)
Kaminsky is a bigger R.J. Hunter, and like VanVleet-Oubre, the bigger man comes out with a win.

#3 Caris LeVert (Michigan G/F) vs #6 Malcolm Brogden (Virginia G/F)
Brogden is a defensive stud, but he can't handle the all-around ability of Caris LeVert, who gets an easy victory.

#4 Juwan Staten (West Virginia G) vs #5 Aaron Harrison (Kentucky G)
Size matters, and 6'6" Harrison takes down a smaller Juwan Staten one-on-one.


West Region:
#1 Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (Arizona F) vs #8 Joseph Young (Oregon G)

Hollis-Jefferson is just too athletic for Young to handle. Although Young will be taking a ton of threes, Rondae will beat him up inside for the win.

#2 Stanley Johnson (Arizona G/F) vs #7 Kevin Pangos (Gonzaga G)
Pangos stands no chance. Johnson just defeats him in every single aspect of the game for the most lopsided victory of the tournament.

#3 Ron Baker (Wichita State G) vs #6 Buddy Hield (Oklahoma G)
In a battle of scorers, the athlete comes out on top. Hield gets the win over Shocker Ron Baker.

#4 Perry Ellis (Kansas F) vs #5 Delon Wright (Utah G/F)
Ellis is the most underrate player in college basketball, and he shows he should be higher rated by taking down preseason hype machine Delon Wright.

Sweet 16

Midwest Region:
#1 Georges Niang vs #5 Terran Petteway
Niang could hang with Wayne Selden, but Petteway is a step up, and Petteway comes away with a win.

7 Kelly Oubre vs #3 Cliff Alexander
This battle of Kansas freshman is a good one, and the big man comes away with the win. Alexander will face Petteway in the Elite 8.

Southeast Region:
#1 Jahlil Okafor vs #4 Marcus Paige
Okafor is just too good. His post-up game and size lead him to a win over Tobacco Road rival Marcus Paige.

#2 Montrezl Harrell vs #3 Karl-Anthony Towns
Harrell and Towns are looking like the same player right now, but Harrell is so much more athletic that he is able to win over Towns.

Northeast Region:
#8 Branden Dawson vs #5 Aaron Harrison
In another shocker, Dawson brings out his athleticism again, and Harrison cannot handle. The victory goes to Dawson.

#2 Frank Kaminsky vs #3 Caris LeVert
Kaminsky is just too hard to guard, and LeVert learns it the hard way in a loss.

West Region:
#1 Rondae Hollis-Jefferson vs #4 Perry Ellis
Hollis-Jefferson is too much for Ellis, and his pure athleticism just overpowers Ellis for the victory.

#2 Stanley Johnson vs #6 Buddy Hield
We will have an Arizona matchup in the Elite 8, as Johnson proves to be too much again. This time, he took down Hield.

Elite 8

Midwest Region:
#5 Terran Petteway vs #3 Cliff Alexander
Both of these players deserve to be in the Final Four, but Alexander is just too big and too powerful for Petteway. Alexander advances on to the Final Four.

Southeast Region:
#1 Jahlil Okafor vs #2 Montrezl Harrell
In what could be a championship game, the nations two best players square off for a spot in the Final Four. Harrell's hops give him a slight advantage, and he uses to pull off the upset over Okafor.

Northeast Region:
#8 Branden Dawson vs #2 Frank Kaminsky
Two polar opposites square off, and Kaminsky's shot was the deciding factor. Kaminsky advances.

West Region:
#1 Rondae Hollis-Jefferson vs #2 Stanley Johnson
This is one of the hardest games for me to pick. The teammates go head to head, and Hollis-Jefferson exits with bragging rights.

Final Four

#3 Cliff Alexander vs #2 Montrezl Harrell
Harrell's all around game once again proves to be too much, as he bullied Cliff Alexander with an array of weapons.

#2 Frank Kaminsky vs #1 Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
Hollis-Jefferson is one very good player, but Kaminsky's size and shot are just too much. It will be a battle of #2 seeds in the title game.

Title Game

#2 Montrezl Harrell vs #2 Frank Kaminsky
This is one's for all of the marbles. Both have a reliable outside shot, and Kaminsky is a seven-footer. But Harrell has the best game in the country, and he puts it on display as he beats Kaminsky in the title game.

1-ON-1 COLLEGE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT CHAMPION: Montrezl Harrell, Louisville F

NBA Preview: Rankings and Predictions

Eastern Conference Predictions

Atlantic Division:

1. Toronto Raptors
2. Brooklyn Nets
3. New York Knicks
4. Boston Celtics
5. Philadelphia 76ers

Central Division:

1. Cleveland Cavaliers
2. Chicago Bulls
3. Indiana Pacers
4. Detroit Pistons
5. Milwaukee Bucks

Southeast Division:

1. Washington Wizards
2. Miami Heat
3. Atlanta Hawks
4. Charlotte Hornets
5. Orlando Magic

East Winners: Washington Wizards

Western Conference Predictions

Northwest Division:

1. Oklahoma City Thunder
2. Portland Trail Blazers
3. Utah Jazz
4. Denver Nuggets
5. Minnesota Timberwolves

Pacific Division:

1. Golden State Warriors
2. Los Angeles Clippers
3. Phoenix Suns
4. Sacramento Kings
5. Los Angeles Lakers

Southwest Division:

1. San Antonio Spurs
2. Houston Rockets
3. Dallas Mavericks
4. New Orleans Pelicans
5. Memphis Grizzlies

West Winners: Golden State Warriors

How Joel Embiid Can Become the Face of the NBA

Born Joel-Hans Embiid in Cameroon in 1994, Embiid has come a long way from being another tall kid. He turned into a 5-star recruit, who turned into a college star, who turned into the 3rd overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. Embiid is known mostly for his defense, but he has shown offensive flashed of potential as well. Here is a step-by-step guide to Embiid on how he can become one of the better players in the NBA

STEP 1: Continue with Twitter

With most athletes, advice is to stay off of Twitter. This is not the case for Joel. Embiid has possibly the funniest, and overall best Twitter of all athletes. His notable moments include the above, when he tried to court the already married Kim Kardashian. You can imagine Kanye wasn't pleased about that. He also tried to recruit LeBron James to Philly (which wouldn't be a bad idea), but it was to no avail. His failed attempts to quit Twitter are also hilarious too. If he wants to be adored, Twitter is a path to follow. 

STEP 2: Stay Healthy 

Injuries have given Embiid problems and derailed his career to this point. He is still in great shape, but he is struggling to stay healthy. Derrick Rose is a great example of what injuries can do to a superstar, and Embiid can't afford for that to happen to him.

STEP 3: Succeed Alongside Noel

Nerlens Noel, the Sixers top pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, is also a big man like Embiid. Due to injuries, Noel will debut this year, while Embiid's debut date is up in the air. For Embiid to be a star, he will need Noel to thrive with him as well, making them a Twin Towers combination. These two could turn the 76ers into a championship contender, making Embiid more popular and recognizable.

Taking A Look at Kentucky's Biggest Stars in 2014-15

Marcus Lee-Sophomore Forward

Marcus Lee did not make many headlines last year-until the Elite 8 game vs. Michigan. He had 10 points and 8 rebounds in a game that he was desperately needed. Lee will most likely not be starting for the Wildcats for the second straight year, but expect for him to play more minutes off the bench that last year. As evident in the Big Blue Bahamas Tour, Lee has a more polished offensive game, and he may be able to step out and hit a jumper from ten feet away. His athleticism and defense will still be his calling card, but he will be drastically improved come November.

Devin Booker-Freshman Guard

Booker may not be a top freshman, or maybe even the top freshman on the team, but he can make an immediate impact. He proved this with his 6-of-14 shooting from downtown in the Bahamas, and he was the only freshman that started for the Cats. The All-American played on the wing alongside the Harrison twins, and looked comfortable in the system. Although this may be the first team under John Calapari where no freshman are starting, Booker could make a run for SEC Freshman of the Year if he maintains his shooting.

Tyler Ulis- Freshman Guard

In a day and age where tall point guards are the norm, Ulis stands out. The All-American point guard is only 5'9" and 155 lbs, but he has the potential to be one of the best point guards in the nation in the near future. Ulis is a strong shooter and great distrubuter, which needs to happen for him to play point in a power conference. Ulis will be overshadowed by the Harrison twins, but look him for him to have a few big games. In his sophomore and junior seasons, Ulis will be a name to know.

Aaron Harrison- Sophomore Guard

Aaron Harrison is, and always will be, known as one of the Harrison twins. But Aaron and his brother Andrew have different styles of play. Aaron made headlines last year for his shooting, which is considered the strong part of his game. Aaron plays more shooting guard, which leads to more scoring opportunities. His shooting is really the only part of his game that stands out. His defense is not on par with most pro prospects, and he has average athleticism. Aaron is good right now, but he could stand to get better.

Andrew Harrison- Sophomore Guard

Andrew Harrison starts at point guard, the opposite guard position from his brother Aaron. This may be because Andrew's only real strong part is his court vision, opposed to his brother's shooting. Andrew's shooting is suspect, which allows defenses to play off of him on the perimeter. He also isn't a great athlete or defensive player. Harrison is pretty much locked in as Kentucky's point guard for now, but Tyler Ulis could steal his spot. Harrison needs to watch his back or he can end up on the bench at the end of the year.

Karl-Anthony Towns- Freshman Forward

Towns, another All-American, may be the best freshman in this class. He received the Male High School Athlete of the Year Award at the ESPYs. His name has become synonymous with one thing: scoring. Towns is an athletic 6'11" power forward who has a sweet touch from beyond the arc. He isn't afraid to carve out space in the post, and he has all the tools he needs to become a deadly scoring option. He most likely will not start at the beginning of the year, but watch out for him come February and March when he has a chance to shine.

Willie Cauley-Stein- Junior Forward

Willie Cauley-Stein is a rare breed among players under John Calapari: he was a highly touted freshman and now he is a junior. As a freshman, he played behind Nerlens Noel until Noel was injured. He played well, but Kentucky ran into the ground and lost in the first round of the NIT. Cauley-Stein opted not to go to the draft, and in his sophomore season, he played well until he was injured in the tournament. Cauley-Stein has two more years left to go, and he should use his athletic ability to be a defensive anchor.

Alex Poythress- Junior Forward

Poythress has always failed to meet his sky-high expectations in previous years, but he won't this year. His amazing display of offense in the Bahamas shows he can do more now as a junior than he could as a freshman or sophomore. Poythress, always a great athlete, now has a reliable three-point stroke and a playmaking ability. If Kentucky is going to be a great team, they need Poythress to step up in a leadership role. Expect for him to deliver, and make a case for the All-America Team this year.

Trey Lyles- Freshman Forward

Trey Lyles is kind of a lower key Karl-Anthony Towns. Lyles has a good shooting game and is a decent athlete. He is looking at not having too much playing time in Kentucky's stacked frontcourt, but he will have an opportunity. If he capitalized, you are looking at a nice stretch-four who can put the ball on the floor and explode to the rim.

Dakari Johnson- Sophomore Center

Last but not least; center Dakari Johnson could be starting in what would be one of the biggest lineups in the nation. This potential lineup would be the Harrison twins (6'6"), Alex Poythress (6'8"), Willie Cauley-Stein (7'0"), and Johnson (7'0"). Johnson is a center who is utilized best as a rebounder and defensive stopper. His size and athleticism is most of his game, but he will still be able to contribute to the Wildcat squad.

Comparing NBA Stars to MLB Stars

The list is in no particular order, so I'm not saying that Tim Duncan is better than LeBron James or Miguel Cabrera is better than Mike Trout.

Tim Duncan-Derek Jeter

Both are all time greats. Both are first ballot hall-of-famers. Both also have five championship rings. Tim Duncan, age 38, has played for the San Antonio Spurs his whole career. Derek Jeter, age 40, has played for the New York Yankees his career. This similarities between these two are incredibly close, and actually really strange.

LeBron James-Miguel Cabrera

First things first, both entered the highest professional level in 2003. Cabrera succeeded more in his first year, winning a World Series with the then Florida Marlins. LeBron won Rookie of the Year, something Cabrera didn't accomplish. James has been an All-Star ten times, compared to Cabrera's nine. LeBron has received the MVP Crown four times, but Cabrera has only been an MVP twice. Last but not least, James wears No. 23, and Cabrera wears No. 24.

Kevin Durant-Mike Trout

Here comes the young guns. Durant and Trout have both succeeded in their sports since they were rookies. Durant has more experience than Trout, as Durant has played in the NBA for seven years, and Trout is in the middle of his third. Trout has almost caught Durant on All-Star appearances already, as he has three compared to Durant's five. Durant also just won his first MVP, and Trout may be on his way to his first this year.

Chris Paul-Clayton Kershaw

Our only point guard/pitcher combination makes its appearance here. Paul and Kershaw both may be the best in their sports at the defensive side of the game. Paul has made six NBA-All Defense teams and led the league in steals six times. Kershaw has only been in the league six years, but he is the best pitcher in all of baseball. Kershaw is a 4-time All-Star, a 2-time Cy Young Award winner, and he has a Gold Glove to his credit as well. Both do the things to help their teams win on the defensive aspect.

Stephen Curry-Giancarlo Stanton

In our last comparison, the bombers come into play. Stephen Curry and Giancarlo Stanton are both annually at the top of their respective sports in three-point shooting and home runs. Curry has one All-Star apperance while Stanton has two.

Second-Round Draft Picks Ready to Surprise in the NBA

K.J. McDaniels, G/F Philadelphia 76ers (No. 32)

As said by Jalen Rose and Bill Simmons during the draft, this year's draft had first round talent in the second round and last year's had second round talent in the first round. K.J. could have been a top 20 pick last year, but this year, he came as the second pick of the second round. McDaniels, like all second round picks, isn't guaranteed a contract. His athleticism and defensive ability, along with his developing shooting touch, are going to make McDaniels a very strong role player in the NBA for years. The former Clemson star has a strong opportunity to succeed on a Philly team that has a weak roster.

Cleanthony Early, G/F New York Knicks (No. 34)

Early fits this draft's profile as an athlete. He slipped due to concerns about shooting and size, but he still will be able to make an impact off the bench for the Knicks. The Knicks struggled on the defensive end, and Early can bother opponents on and off the ball. He also will provide the fans in the Garden with big dunks and frequent shows of his athleticism.

Nick Johnson, G Houston Rockets (No. 43)

Johnson looked like one of the best players in both the Orlando and Las Vegas Summer Leagues. The Arizona product is, pound-for-pound, one of the best athletes in the NBA at the moment, and he hasn't even played a game yet. The All-American showed off his incredible shooting range as well as his hops as he made other teams look like fools trying to guard him. Now with Jeremy Lin gone, Johnson will have a better shot to break the Houston rotation and see minutes in a Rockets uniform.

Jordan Clarkson, G Los Angeles Lakers (No. 46)

Jordan Clarkson is the real deal. He slipped in the draft because of an erratic shooting percentage in college, but he proved he can play with the big boys in the Summer League. The 6'5" point guard showed he was comfortable with and without the ball in Las Vegas, due to Kendall Marshall taking the point guard duties. The former Missouri guard shot well from the perimeter while also doing what he does best by driving to the lane. Clarkson will play both guard positions for the Lakers, and has the potential to start.

Jordan McRae, G Philadelphia 76ers (No. 58)

Jordan McRae, the four-year Tennessee star who only showed up for the last one and a half years of his career, happens to make this list because of his exceptional shooting touch. He displayed it in the Vegas Summer League and in college, but his percentage wasn't great. Like K.J. McDaniels, he has a great shot to produce in Philly, where he could very well start at shooting guard late in the season. McRae's athleticism is elite, and he fits the profile of a productive NBA guard. If he can put on weight and be more consistent, he could be a matchup nightmare for years to come.

2013-14 College Basketball 5 for 5: Top Five Moments, Freshman, Jerseys, Dunks, and Shockers

TOP FIVE MOMENTS

5. Askia Booker

Booker makes a beautiful euro step to get free, and then drains the shot to give the Buffs a win.

4. Jonathon Holmes

The Big-12 is full of surprises, including this buzzer-beater by an unknown stud.

3. Shabazz Napier

He beat Florida in the Final Four rematch too.

2. Tyler Ennis

Bang.

1. Adreian Payne- Lacey Holsworth

In one of the most heartwarming stories in sports, Michigan State star Adreian Payne and 8-year old cancer patient Lacey Holsworth developed a near family relationship. She was there at his senior day, and he visited her nearly everyday in the hospital. Unfortunately, Lacey died soon after she appeared at Adreian's appearance at the NCAA Dunk Contest. Our hearts go out to Adreian and the Holsworth family.

TOP FIVE FRESHMAN

5. Isaiah Taylor, Texas G

Taylor can do about everything on the court, except shoot. He is an incredible player that is similar to Rajon Rondo and Elfrid Payton.

4. Marcus Foster, Kansas State G

The new K-State guard looks a lot like a former K-State guard, Rodney McGruder. He shoots like him too.

3. Julius Randle, Kentucky F

Randle is a bull. Although he only played one year of college basketball, he led the nation in double-doubles and also was a top 10 draft pick.

2. Andrew Wiggins, Kansas F

How many freshman had rap songs about them? Two actually, James Young from Kentucky and the wonderful "A-Wiggins". Wiggins is one of the best leapers in the world right now, and his game will continue to expand.

1. Jabari Parker, Duke F

Parker is the next Melo.

TOP FIVE JERSEYS

5. Miami Hurricanes

Miami added these fresh new orange jerseys this season, but they didn't help at all.

4. Nevada Wolfpack

Nevada's sky blue didn't really do anything, but they sure looked good.

3. Tennessee Volunteers

Only worn once, these jerseys made the Volunteers look great, and helped lead them to the Sweet 16.

2. St. John's Red Storm

New York skyline? Check.

1. UCF Golden Knights

PINSTRIPES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TOP FIVE DUNKS

5. Wagner?

Dwaun Anderson swoops on to posterize his own teammate #embarrassing.

4. Air Nevada

That's on your family.

3. Air-Zona

All-American Nick Johnson flies in for the oop.

2. Jimmy Buckets

James Young a.k.a Jimmy Buckets slams it home in the title game.

1. And the DOTY is....

Javonte Douglas!

TOP FIVE SHOCKERS

5. These Shockers

31-0, but lost in third round of NCAA Tournament to Kentucky in a heck of a game.

4. Stanford Cardinal

The Cardinal made it to the Sweet 16 as a 10 seed, knocking of Kansas on the way.
3. T.J. Warren

In his first year as a primary scoring option, Warren exploded, becoming the third leading scorer in the nation.

2. Mercer Bears

The lowest seed to win this year; the 14 seeded Bears knocked off Jabari Parker in the second round of the tournament.

1. Dayton Flyers

The 11-seeded Flyers advanced to the Elite 8, beating Syracuse and Ohio State on the way.

Orlando Summer League Preview: Rosters and Trios to Watch

The 2014 NBA Orlando Summer League will start on Saturday, June 5th. The Summer League is a place for rookies and sophomores to compete with players who are trying to earn a roster spot with an NBA team. The defending champs, the Oklahoma City Thunder will be present, among with the following teams.

Boston Celtics
Brooklyn Nets
Detroit Pistons
Houston Rockets
Indiana Pacers
Memphis Grizzlies
Miami Heat
Orlando Magic
Philadelphia 76ers

Rosters:

Boston Celtics
Anosike, O.D. F/C
Babb, Chris G/F
Bertans, Dairis G
Coursey, Daniel F/C
Iverson, Colton C
Jackson, Edwin G
Johnson, Chris G/F
Moser, Mike F
Oliver, Devin F 
Olynyk, Kelly F
Pressey, Phil G
Smart, Marcus G
Young, James G

 

Brooklyn Nets

Brown, Markel G

Casey, Kyle F

Clark, Dan C 

Greene, Donte F 

Gutierrez, Jorge G

Jefferson, Cory F

Jenkins, Michael G

Kromah, Lasan F

Minnerath, Nick F

Omic, Alen C

Plumlee, Mason F/C

Roberson, John G

Southwell, Shane G

Summers, DaJuan F 

Teague, Marquis G

Thames, Xavier G 

Thomas, Adonis G

 

Detroit Pistons

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope  G

Brian Cook F/C  

Spencer Dinwiddie G (injured, will not participate)

Justin Harper F 

Jordan Heath F 

Damion James F 

DeAndre Liggins G

David Lighty G

Ian Miller G

Tony Mitchell F

Tim Ohlbrecht C

Peyton Siva G

Tristan Spurlock F

Markel Starks G

Chris Watford F

 

Houston Rockets

Bilan, Miro C

Black, Tarik F/C

Brown, Jabari G

Canaan, Isaiah G

Carson, Jahii G

Covington, Robert F

Crawford, Chris G

Johnson, Nick G

Kramer, Chris G

Leunen, Maarty F

Marshall, Jermaine G

Mitchell, Akil F

Solomon, Richard F

Udofia, Chris F

 

Indiana Pacers

Allen, Lavoy C

Atkins, Eric G

Bost, Dee G

Carmichael, Jackie F

Gaines, Frank G

Hill, Solomon F

Jones, DeQuan F

Jones, Kevin F

Leslie, C.J. F

Mason Jr., Roger G

Nunnally, James F

Odum, Jake G

Onuaku, Arinze C

Rojas, Sadiel G

Sloan, Donald G

Stone, Tyler F

 

Memphis Grizzlies

Adams, Jordan G

Cobbs, Justin G

Cooley, Jack F/C

Famous, Jarrid C

Franklin, Jamaal G

Giffey, Niels G/F

Jackson, Joe G

Lucas, Kalin G

Stokes, Jarnell F/C

Thompson, Deon F

Timma, Janis F/G

Ubiles, Edwin G/F

White, Okaro F

White, Terrico G

Wilbekin, Scottie G

 

Miami Heat

Aska, Ivan F

Barthel, Danilo F

Benimon, Jerrelle F

Boungou-Colo, Nobel F

Dawkins, Andre G

Drew, Larry G

Ennis, James F

Hall, Langston G

Hamilton, Justin C

Holman, Eli F/C

Honeycutt, Tyler F

Johnson, Tyler G

McKinney-Jones, Trey G

Napier, Shabazz G

 

Oklahoma City Thunder

Adams, Steven C

Christon, Semaj G

Edwin, Fuquan G/F

Huestis, Josh F

Jerrett, Grant F

Jones, Perry F

Lamb, Jeremy G

Lewis, Marcus F

Little, Mario G

McGary, Mitch F

Roberson, Andre F

Smith, Nolan G

Stockton, Michael G

Sutton, Maurice C

 

Orlando Magic

Batts, Kadeem F

Bouldin, Matt G

Curry, Seth G

Dedmon, Dewayne C

Dixon-Tatum, Ashaun C

English, Kim G

Gordon, Aaron F

Hancock, Luke F

Jones, Cameron G

Magette, Josh G

Marble, Devyn G/F

Oladipo, Victor G

Osby, Romero F

Payton, Elfrid G

Perry, Kendrick G

Rubit, Augustine F/C

Suggs, Scott G

Macklin, Vernon F

Williams, Darrius G

 

Philadelphia 76ers

Bader, Travis G

Craft, Aaron G

Daniel, Ed F

Ejim, Melvin F

Grant, Jerami F

Hagins, Jamelle F

Jackson, Pierre G

Noel, Nerlens C

Roberts Jr., Ronald F

Sampson, JaKarr G

Sykes, Isaiah G

Thompson, Hollis F

Ware, Casper G

Zanna, Talib F

Trios to Watch:

Boston Celtics: Marcus Smart (G), James Young (G), and Chris Babb (G/F)

Smart (36) and Young (13) were top twenty draft picks in this year's NBA Draft. Babb was an undrafted free agent in the 2013 draft. But the Celtics' perimeter will be close to unstoppable. Smart is a defensive hound and excellent at getting to the paint. Young is a great athlete and a nice shooter. Babb isn't much but a shooter, but he is a great one. These three will most likely lead a Celtic squad with Kelly Olynyk and Colton Iverson in the frontcourt, along with Phil Pressey and Mike Moser off of the bench.

Brooklyn Nets: Markel Brown (G), Mason Plumlee (F/C), and Cory Jefferson (F)

This trio is two second-round picks from this year and first round pick from last year, but they all have something in common: A 36"+ vertical jump. Markel Brown was one of the best dunkers in college basketball history at Oklahoma State. Plumlee (above) is pretty much just used for dunking, but he can surprise people sometimes. Cory Jefferson once injured his elbow when he caught an alley-oop at Baylor. These players are top-flight athletes and will provide Brooklyn with excitement, and hopefully wins.

Detroit Pistons: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (G), Peyton Siva (G), and Tony Mitchell (F)

This trio was the 2013 Detroit Pistons draft class. They are the best three players on the Summer League roster for the Pistons this year. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) is a 3-and-D shooting guard who played well in the NBA last year, despite limited playing time. Siva (34) struggled some early in the year, but played well to close out the year. Siva is a defensive stud, but his offensive game could use work. Mitchell (9) is a great athlete, but he wasn't able to make the Pistons rotation last year. They will be able to play well for the Pistons in Orlando.

Houston Rockets: Jabari Brown (G), Jahii Carson (G), and Nick Johnson (G)

This is a three-guard trio of players with chips on their shoulders. Jabari Brown and Jahii Carson (1) were undrafted free agents that deserved to be drafted. They will be playing for roster spots in the Summer League. Nick Johnson (13) was drafted by the Rockets, but he is not guaranteed a spot. Brown is a sweet shooter who led the SEC in scoring last year at Missouri. Jahii Carson is a 5'11" athlete who is somewhat undisciplined shooter. Nick Johnson is a spectacular athlete who developed an offensive game over three years at Arizona. These three will make a huge impact on the Rockets team.

Memphis Grizzlies: Jordan Adams (G), Jamaal Franklin (G/F), and Jarnell Stokes (F)

This team features Memphis' recent draft acquisitions over the past two years. Adams (1) and Stokes (2) were acquired this year, and Franklin was acquired last year. Adams, a former UCLA standout, is an exceptional shooter that the Grizzlies have desperately needed. Stokes is a bully inside, but neither Stokes nor Adams are great athletes. That's were Jamaal Franklin comes in. The sophomore shooting guard slipped in last years draft because of shooting concerns, but his athleticism is the reason he got picked. These three compliment each other well, and they should make noise in Orlando.

Miami Heat: Shabazz Napier (G), James Ennis (G/F), and Justin Hamilton (C)

In the words of Bill Simmons, I think teams need to stop helping out the Heat. The Hornets basically handed Shabazz Napier (13) to the Miami Heat. Napier is a two-time NCAA champion point guard who will lead this team in the Summer League. He luckily has some help in Ennis and Hamilton. Ennis is a sizable athlete who can shoot, but he spent last season overseas. Hamilton has been in the Heat system for a few years, but never really got a shot in the league. These three will shine in the Summer League this week.

Indiana Pacers: Dee Bost (G), Solomon Hill (G/F), and DeQuan Jones (G/F)

These three players are under-the-radar studs. Bost, Hill (9), and Jones were all excellent college players, and they have shone glimpses at the pro level. Bost, a former Mississippi State star, played well in the D-League last season and can find himself on an NBA roster soon. Hill has a contract with the Pacers, and he showed he is not only a defensive stud, but a good athlete and shooter. DeQuan Jones is one of the best athletes in the Orlando Summer League, and he will show it soon. The Pacers will not rely on any of these guys to make an impact in the winter, but they will now.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Steven Adams (F), Jeremy Lamb (G), and Perry Jones (F)

These three players have a solid 5 years of NBA experience under their belt. Adams, Lamb, and Jones (3) all have potential through the roof. Adams is one of the most persistent players in the NBA, and although he may not have the skill level, he definitely will get his points and rebounds. Lamb is an excellent shooter and athlete. Jones has not reached his potential, but if he does, watch out. All three of these players are rotation NBA players, and they will light up Orlando.

Orlando Magic: Victor Oladipo (G), Elfrid Payton (G), and Aaron Gordon (F)

Ladies and gentlemen, here are your Orlando Summer League favorites. This trio is three top-10 picks, in the 2nd-pick Oladipo, the 4th-pick Gordon (00), and 10th-pick Payton (4). Oladipo finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting last year, and for good reason. He improved his shooting touch while using his athleticism and defensive persistence to annoy opponents. Gordon is a star athlete, but a dreadful shooter. He can help defensively and on the boards. A common trend here is defense, and that is were Payton continues the trend. He isn't a great shooter either, but he is young and has room for improvement. The Magic are the favorite to win in Orlando, and these three are why.

Philadelphia 76ers: Nerlens Noel (C), Pierre Jackson (G), and Melvin Ejim (F)

None of the players in this trio have played in NBA game, and one is a first-round pick, one is a second-round pick, and one is an undrafted free agent. Nerlens Noel is the first-round pick. He was the first pick last year, but didn't play in a single game last year because of injuries. He is a jumping jack and shot blocker who fills up the paint. Second-round pick Pierre Jackson spent last year in the D-League/overseas, but there was no reason he shouldn't have played. He lit up the D-League but never earned a call-up from the Pelicans, who traded him to Philly on draft night. Melvin Ejim is an undrafted free agent from Iowa State, where he once dropped 48 points in a game. Ejim is a good shooter and a jumping jack, but the concern is size. He is small for a power forward at 6'6". He may be able to overcome it, but that is unpredictable. The 76ers have a great future with them, and they will show it in Orlando.