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.

2nd Annual BMaze Celebrity Basketball Game

The second annual BMaze Celebrity Basketball Game was held Saturday night at the Knoxville Convention Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. The BMaze stands for Bobby Maze (above), a former University of Tennessee basketball player who put on the game for the second straight year. The game featured professional athletes and former UT Vols. Some of the athletes were Miami Heat players Michael Beasley and Greg Oden, professional street baller Pat the Roc, and Washington Redskins lineman Trent Williams. The former Volunteers included All-SEC performers Scotty Hopson and Chris Lofton, Lady Vol Meighan Simmons, and football lineman Albert Haynesworth.

The player with the ball above is nicknamed White Chocolate, and he stole the show every second he was on the floor. He dribbled around with insane ball tricks that included swinging the ball around through his shirt. He also won the three-point contest and carried around the check for an hour during halftime. Streetballer Guy Dupuy won the dunk contest with a windmill over 8 kids. The pregame and halftime entertainment included lots of hip-hop music. The MC for the night, UT football's MC, was blaring music up to two hours before tip-off. During halftime, YouTube sensations Terio and IceJJFish made appearances at the game; Terio doing his dance and IceJJFish singing.

Celebrity basketball games are a great way to raise money for a community. They are filled with excitement, and if one comes to a city near you, be sure to go.

No Flop Zone's 2014 NBA Mock Draft: Final Edition

1.       Cleveland Cavaliers: Jabari Parker, F Duke

2.       Milwaukee Bucks: Andrew Wiggins, F Kansas

3.       Philadelphia 76ers: Noah Vonleh, F Indiana

4.       Orlando Magic: Dante Exum, G Australia

5.       Utah Jazz: Joel Embiid, C Kansas

6.       Boston Celtics: Aaron Gordon, F Arizona

7.       Los Angeles Lakers: Marcus Smart, G Oklahoma State

8.       Sacramento Kings: Elfrid Payton, G Louisiana-Lafayette

9.       Charlotte Hornets: Doug McDermott, F Creighton

10.   Philadelphia 76ers: Julius Randle, F Kentucky

11.   Denver Nuggets: Dario Saric, F Croatia

12.   Orlando Magic: Nik Stauskas, G Michigan

13.   Minnesota Timberwolves: Adreian Payne, F Michigan State

14.   Phoenix Suns: James Young, G Kentucky

15.   Atlanta Hawks: Rodney Hood, G/F Duke

16.   Chicago Bulls: Zach LaVine, SG UCLA

17.   Boston Celtics: Gary Harris, G Michigan State

18.   Phoenix Suns: Jusuf Nurkic, C Bosnia and Herzegovina

19.   Chicago Bulls: K.J. McDaniels, F Clemson

20.   Toronto Raptors: Tyler Ennis, G Syracuse

21.   Oklahoma City Thunder: T.J. Warren, F N.C. State

22.   Memphis Grizzlies: Kyle Anderson, F UCLA

23.   Utah Jazz: Jordan Adams, G UCLA

24.   Charlotte Hornets: Shabazz Napier, G Connecticut

25.   Houston Rockets: P.J. Hairston, G Texas Legends (D-League)

26.   Miami Heat: Jarnell Stokes, F Tennessee

27.   Phoenix Suns: Walter Tavares, C Germany

28.   Los Angeles Clippers: Clint Capela, F Switzerland

29.   Oklahoma City Thunder: Jordan Clarkson, G Missouri

30.   San Antonio Spurs: Mitch McGary, F Michigan

31.   Milwaukee Bucks: Jerami Grant, F Syracuse

32.   Philadelphia 76ers: Damien Inglis, F France

33.   Cleveland Cavaliers: Glenn Robinson III, F Michigan

34.   Dallas Mavericks: Cleanthony Early, F Wichita State

35.   Utah Jazz: Spencer Dinwiddie, G Colorado

36.   Milwaukee Bucks: C.J. Wilcox, G Washington

37.   Toronto Raptors: Artem Klimenko, C Russia

38.   Detroit Pistons: Jabari Brown, G Missouri

39.   Philadelphia 76ers: Bogdan Bogdanovic, G Serbia

40.   Minnesota Timberwolves: Joe Harris, G/F Virginia

41.   Denver Nuggets: Vasilije Micic, G Serbia

42.   Houston Rockets: Russ Smith, G Louisville

43.   Atlanta Hawks: Patric Young, C Florida

44.   Minnesota Timberwolves: Johnny O’Bryant, F LSU

45.   Charlotte Hornets: Nikola Jokic, C Serbia

46.   Washington Wizards: Thanasis Antetokounmpo, F Deleware 87ers (D-League)

47.   Philadelphia 76ers: Khem Birch, F UNLV

48.   Milwaukee Bucks: Deonte Burton, F Nevada

49.   Chicago Bulls: Deandre Daniels, F UConn

50.   Phoenix Suns: Dwight Powell, F Stanford

51.   Dallas Mavericks: Josh Huestis, F Stanford

52.   Philadelphia 76ers: Markel Brown, G Oklahoma State

53.   Minnesota Timberwolves: Devyn Marble, G Iowa

54.   Philadelphia 76ers: Nick Johnson, G Arizona

55.   Miami Heat: Jahii Carson, G Arizona State

56.   Denver Nuggets: Sean Kilpatrick, G Cincinnati

57.   Indiana Pacers: Jordan McRae, G Tennessee

58.   San Antonio Spurs: Alec Brown, C Green Bay

59.   Toronto Raptors: Jordan Bachynski, C Arizona State

60.   San Antonio Spurs: Xavier Thames, G San Diego State

Building a Team out of the Potential Best NBA 2014 Undrafted Free Agents

These players will most likely go undrafted in the upcoming 2014 NBA Draft. I assembled a team that would be the greatest college basketball team of all time, but the worst NBA team.

Starters

Justin Cobbs, PG (California)

Ahh, the most underrated and overlooked player in the draft. Justin Cobbs is no ordinary 6'4" point guard. He is a star in the making. He was one of the best offensive players in the Pac-12, despite shooting only 33% from deep. His 15.6 points and 5.8 assists per game made everyone on California better. He is most known for his game-winning jumper against the then-number one Arizona squad, but his best game was his 20 points and 11 assists to defeat Oregon in the early Pac-12 season. Cobbs' consistency and style of play will land him on a roster, but not on June 26th.

Fuquan Edwin, SG (Seton Hall)

Edwin has serious game. If he played for a better team, he would most likely be drafted. But he was playing for Seton Hall, and he lit it up for the Pirates. He sunk threes and midrange jumpers, but that wasn't all of Edwin's game. Edwin was one of the best defenders in the nation. He finished fifth in the nation in steals, above ball hawks such as Aaron Craft of Ohio State and Louisiana-Lafayette's Elfrid Payton. Edwin will not get drafted, but his defensive mentality and expanding offensive game give him a shot to star in the Summer League and land on an NBA roster come October.

Cameron Clark, SF (Oklahoma)

Cameron Clark was a flat-out shooter for the Sooners last year. He averaged 15.6 points per game on 43.5% shooting from beyond the arc. He helped the Sooners who were supposed to be rebuilding grab a four seed in the NCAA Tournament, but they were knocked out in the first round. He is nightmare for anyone to guard, because he is fast, a great shooter, and a finisher inside. Clark always played his best against the best; he scored 32 against both Michigan State and Kansas. The only knock on Clark is his size: he stands only 6'6", which is a little short for a small forward. If he can learn to play the shooting guard, he can become a solid NBA player for sure.

Talib Zanna, PF (Pittsburgh)

Few know who Talib Zanna is. But if you do know, you know how productive he can be in short amounts of time. Zanna wasn't, and will never be, a go-to offensive weapon. He averaged 12.9 points per game for the Panthers, but most of those were off of post moves, dunks, and free throws. The Nigerian forward came into Pitt raw, and he is leaving a lot better, but there is still much room for improvement. One thing that you know about Zanna is that he will give his all every time he steps on the floor. Zanna can become a proficient glue guy in the NBA.

Jordan Bachynski, C (Arizona State)

Bachynski is by far the lesser known of the two Arizona State prospects (see Jahii Carson), but he has one reason for being the conversation. He stand 7'2", which makes him one of the taller prospects in the draft. He is a good finisher inside and a nice rebounder, but there are obviously turnover concerns. Another eye-popping stat is his 4 blocks per game, which ranks first in the nation, over shot swatters Khem Birch and K.J. McDaniels and 7'5" giants Sim Bhullar and Mamadou Ndaiye. Bachynski maybe has the best future of anyone on this team, and he can be a solid starter if he improves his game.

Backup Guards

Bryce Cotton, Providence
Roberto Nelson, Oregon State

Backup Forwards

Jamil Wilson, Marquette
Richard Solomon, California

Backup Center

Tarik Black, Kansas

11th-12th Men

Scottie Wilbekin, Florida PG
Akil Mitchell, Virginia PF

Reserves

Josh Huestis, Stanford SF
Devin Oliver, Dayton SG/SF
Jerrelle Benimon, Townson PF

Looking at Mid-Major 2014 NBA Draft Prospects

All of these players are in DraftExpress's Top 100 Prospects



Shayne Whittington, PF, Western Michigan

Whittington did not garner much national attention playing for Western Michigan, but that is why he is on this list. The 23 year old senior stands 6'11" and averaged 16 points and 9 rebounds per game last year. Whittington has shooting potential, but doesn't capitalize on it most of the time. Whittington will most likely go undrafted, but he could find himself on an NBA roster come October.

Sim Bhullar, C, New Mexico State

Sim Bhullar finds himself on this list for one reason: his height. Bhullar stand 7'5", making him the tallest player in the draft. He does not have much potential other than his tall frame. There is a small chance he will be drafted.

Xavier Thames, PG, San Diego State

Thames was one of the best point guards in the NCAA last year. There is no reason he isn't as high on draft boards as some of the other players in the draft. Thames absolutely killed it in the NCAA Tournament, leading his San Diego State team to the Sweet Sixteen. He can score, dish, and make plays like few others can. The only knock is his upside and the fact that he is 23. He looks like a second round pick or an undrafted free agent.

Cameron Bairstow, PF, New Mexico

One of three Lobos on this list, Bairstow was considered one of the most underrated players in the nation last year. He is a great shooter and has a game reminiscent of the Indiana Pacer's Luis Scola. Bairstow is looking like a late second round draft pick or an undrafted free agent by most, because he is 23 and not very athletic.

Alex Kirk, C, New Mexico

Kirk was supposed to be one of the best players in the nation last year, but he didn't pan out like many thought he would. Kirk was supposed to be able to put points in the basket now that he had a bigger role as a sophomore, but he stats virtually stayed the same in the sophomore year although he played more minutes. His shooting numbers went down, and his game didn't expand. Kirk is pegged as a second round draft pick or an undrafted free agent.

Alec Brown, C, Green Bay

How did we not know about this kid sooner? He is 7'1", a great shooter, and a nice jumper. He averaged 15.3 points per game on 42% shooting from the three-point line. He has the potential to be one of the best centers in the NBA. He is most likely a first or second round draft pick, and he can help a team win right away.

Kendall Williams, PG, New Mexico

The last New Mexico player on this list, Williams burst onto the scene last year with a 46 point performance against Colorado State, and he has stayed on the draft boards ever since. He was one of the most versatile point guards in the nation last year, averaging 16 points and 5 assists last season in a stacked Mountain West Conference that had teams like the Lobos, Nevada, San Diego State, and UNLV. Williams is a strong athlete and has good height at 6'4". Williams is pegged in the second round for the draft.

Khem Birch, PF, UNLV

Khem Birch is definitely one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft. He came into the NCAA as a top 20 recruit headed to Pittsburgh. He transferred just ten games into his freshman season, and now he is in the NBA Draft. His stock is based on his incredible athleticism and rebounding ability. He averaged 10.2 rebounds last year. His offensive game is not deadly outside of the post. He also blocked 3.8 blocks per game, a whole block more than K.J. McDaniels. Birch can be a first round draft pick, but he will most likely land in the second round.

Deonte Burton, PG, Nevada

Deonte Burton has been on draft boards for all four years of his career, and now he is finally in the draft. Burton is an explosive athlete, and has thrown down a few of the best dunks in college the last few years. The negative is that Burton is not a deadly shooter. Other than that, Burton is a solid prospect. He is a surefire second round pick and can make a team better instantly.

Elfrid Payton, PG, Louisiana-Lafayette

Payton is the best mid-major prospect in this draft. He destroyed the Sun Belt Conference, which is a lot better than you think it is. He also earned the NCAA's version of the Defensive Player of the Year Award. The only concern is his shooting, which can be fixed by a good coach. Payton is 20 years old, very young for a junior. His upside is incredible, and he looks like a first round pick, although he could slip to the second round.

Juvonte Reddic, PF, VCU

Reddic's athleticism is incredible, as is his rebounding ability. Reddic secures nearly every offensive rebound. Khem Birch and Reddic are seemingly carbon copies of each other. They both do not have a great offensive game outside of the lane, and they are both projected to be second round picks. Reddic, in my opinion, has more upside than Birch. They both should make instant impacts.

Cleanthony Early, SF, Wichita State

Early, along with Payton, are the only mid-major first-round locks in the draft this year. Early is incredibly athletic and has an improved jump shot. He flashed all of his tools in an NCAA Tournament game against Kentucky, where he dropped 31 in eye-opening fashion. Early's game is one of the best in the draft, but the only concern is his size. He is considered somewhat of a tweener, but it shouldn't matter going forward.