Summer League basketball is a thrilling time for NBA fans as it offers a first look at the newest draft picks in action. For young players, it serves as a crucial checkpoint in their development as they aim to establish themselves in the league. Teams often base decisions on roster spots on performances during the Summer League. However, the question remains – how accurately do these performances translate when players compete against their peers in Las Vegas?
The Minnesota Timberwolves have two promising rookies this year, Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. Both players, selected in the first round, face the challenge of proving themselves in a competitive environment. While the pressure may not be as intense for them compared to past young talents, the Summer League still presents a valuable opportunity for assessment.
Despite the excitement surrounding Summer League performances, it’s essential to note that the style of play in Vegas often caters to specific player types and favors experienced individuals. This can lead to distorted perceptions of players’ abilities as they may deviate from their expected roles in the NBA. Nevertheless, the Summer League offers insights into players’ strengths and weaknesses within the NBA game.
Over the past five seasons, Summer League performances have served as a barometer for projecting the potential of NBA prospects. Analyzing the history of Minnesota’s recent high draft picks and contributors who participated in the Summer League can provide valuable insights into play styles and trends.
2018-19 Key Players
Josh Okogie, the 20th overall pick, and Keita Bates-Diop, the 48th overall pick, demonstrated early indicators of their future careers during the Summer League. Okogie showcased defensive prowess but struggled with his three-point shooting, a pattern that has persisted throughout his career. Despite his offensive challenges, his defensive abilities have remained a constant. On the other hand, Bates-Diop, as an older rookie, failed to make a lasting impression and did not secure a spot on the Timberwolves roster.
Okogie (19 years old): 4 GP, 31.6 MPG, 11 PTS, 5.4 REB, 2.3 STL, 2.0 BLK, shooting splits of 29.8/15.8/72.2
Bates-Diop (22 years old): 5 GP, 33.8 MPG, 14.8 PTS, 7.4 REB, shooting splits of 39.7/23.3/76.5
2019-20 Key Players
Naz Reid, an undrafted free agent, and Jordan McLaughlin, who signed after a stint in the G-League, along with second-year players Josh Okogie and Keita Bates-Diop, displayed promising performances in the Summer League. Reid’s three-point shooting stood out, indicating his potential, while McLaughlin’s transition from the G-League to the NBA showcased his readiness for the big stage. Okogie and Bates-Diop continued to show glimpses of their skills, albeit with some areas needing improvement.
