pelton is all in on dennis smith --
Best rookies
1. Dennis Smith Jr., Dallas Mavericks
The ninth pick of this year's draft, Smith has been the most impressive rookie so far in Las Vegas. Playing alongside more talent and in a better system than at North Carolina State, Smith has gotten where he's wanted on the court, finished creatively at the rim, drawn fouls and found open teammates.
Despite inconsistent outside shooting (5-of-14, 35.7 percent from 3), Smith has scored 55 points on 46 shooting possessions. He also has been active at the defensive end, a change from his low-energy style in college that left questions in the minds of scouts.
2. John Collins, Atlanta Hawks
After developing as a traditional post player at Wake Forest, Collins has to employ a new style to succeed in the NBA.
He has shown that ability this week, playing well as a center for the Hawks' summer league team. Collins has pulled down double-figure rebounds in all three games while shooting 60 percent from the field, highlighted by 22 points on 9-of-11 shooting against New Orleans.
3. Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz
Mitchell's shot hasn't always gone down this summer -- he's shooting just 21-of-59 -- but when it has, he has been incredible. Mitchell dropped 37 points on the Memphis Grizzlies in an overtime loss Tuesday, making 14 free throws and adding eight steals.
Mitchell's defense has been the constant. He has shown All-Defensive potential as an individual and help defender, lifting him into this spot over more efficient scorers.
Honorable mention: Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat; De'Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings; Kyle Kuzma, Los Angeles Lakers; Frank Mason III, Sacramento Kings; Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Most disappointing rookie
Zach Collins, Portland Trail Blazers
Playing in his hometown, Collins has gotten off to a slow start. He shot just 4-of-20 from the field in his first two games, and a bounceback effort Tuesday (four points and four rebounds in 11 minutes) was cut short by a quadriceps contusion.
Collins has been more promising as a rim protector, blocking six shots in three games.
Best NBA veterans
1. Brandon Ingram, L.A. Lakers
The Lakers shut down Ingram after he cramped up at the end of regulation of his one appearance in Las Vegas. They'd already seen enough. Ingram showed all the improvement the Lakers could hope for after his inefficient rookie campaign, playing with more strength and creating easy shot opportunities.
Ingram's 26 points were more than he scored in any game during 2016-17.
2. DeAndre' Bembry, Atlanta Hawks
With Tim Hardaway Jr.'s departure, the Hawks have minutes open at shooting guard, and Bembry has made a strong case to claim them with his performance this week. He has scored 55 points in just 76 minutes -- 26.0 per 36 -- on 57.1 percent shooting, while also handing out 4.0 assists per game.
Perhaps most encouraging was Bembry hitting a pair of 3-pointers on Monday after attempting just one in his first two games.
3. Troy Williams, Houston Rockets
Signed by the Rockets last March after spending most of his rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies, Williams has the potential to excel in Mike D'Antoni's system if he can become a 3-point threat. He has been accurate in this week's small sample, making 10 3-pointers in 26 attempts (38.5 percent).
Williams' athleticism allows him to get easy baskets in transition, padding his average of 25.7 PPG.
Honorable mention: Malik Beasley, Denver Nuggets; Yogi Ferrell, Dallas Mavericks; Bryn Forbes, San Antonio Spurs; Montrezl Harrell, LA Clippers; Wayne Selden, Memphis Grizzlies; Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors; Rashad Vaughn, Milwaukee Bucks
Most disappointing NBA veterans
Chicago Bulls' veterans
The Bulls are the defending summer league champions, and with several first-round picks on the roster they figured to be contenders to repeat. Instead, Chicago got smashed by a combined 36 points in its first two games before getting a win Tuesday.
Rookie Lauri Markkanen led the summer Bulls in that game, with Denzel Valentine the only veteran to suit up. He shot 6-of-21, improving his shooting percentage to 27.2 percent this week.
Though he played well defensively, Kris Dunn shot 3-of-12 in his only appearance and Cameron Payne didn't show much improvement from last year's frustrating sophomore season.
Best free agent
Brandon Paul, Cleveland Cavaliers
A veteran of the G League who played for Cleveland's affiliate in Canton last season, Paul has flashed a well-rounded game for a Cavaliers team that has gone 3-0 with just one roster player (second-year guard Kay Felder). He has averaged 17.4 points, 3.3 assists and an impressive 3.3 steals per 36 minutes.
In a year that lacks a single standout unsigned player, Paul tops the list.
Honorable mention: Alex Caruso, L.A. Lakers; Charles Cooke, Minnesota Timberwolves; Matt Costello, Minnesota Timberwolves; Jared Cunningham, Washington Wizards; Kennedy Meeks, Toronto Raptors
― J0rdan S., Wednesday, 12 July 2017 16:19 (eight years ago)