The intense conditions of Las Vegas was the perfect backdrop for the NBA Summer League. Brightly skilled players exhibited their skills in the limelight launching their professional careers into the stratosphere. Of those players, Roy, a 6-foot-6 guard, showed the most promise in running a team as a point guard. His performance in 2006 resonated with fans and scouts alike, despite not winning the MVP title. An honor that instead went to Randy Foye.
It helps that the Summer League is an international melting pot. Seasoned sophomores and eager rookies alike compete fiercely to impress coaches and earn a coveted summer league roster spot and show out. With thousands of standout performances, this year’s event went above and beyond to inspire. Walter Clayton Jr., Liam McNeeley, and Cooper Flagg seemed to show a new level of grace this week.
Brandon Roy’s Notable Performance
Brandon Roy’s impending return to the Summer League has got everybody talking about his potential. Roy’s height is impressive for a first choice point guard standing at 6-foot-6. Roy showed his ability to lead a team and run an offense like no other. In 2006, he made headlines during the same time period in Las Vegas. His incredible talent at that time led to his eventual success in the NBA.
Roy impressed on the court in limited action in his Summer League appearances. That was not enough for him to win the MVP award. That honor went to Randy Foye, who was eventually traded for Roy on draft night. Despite this, Roy’s performance left a lasting impression on scouts and fans, solidifying his reputation as a player to watch.
“I know he’s not about to” – Andre Snellings
Emerging Talents Shine
The Summer League quickly became an arena where new, unexpected stars shined and demonstrated their skills with authority. Walter Clayton Jr. had the most incredible game of anyone in the field against Charlotte. He made four triples, put 21 points on the board, and picked up six rebounds. His overall play made him out to be a potential diamond-in-the-rough for any organization in need of scoring depth.
Liam McNeeley made headlines by putting up 22 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists in one game while knocking down three three-pointers. His versatility and impact on both ends of the floor caught the eyes of every NBA team that scouted talent this past season.
On top of these performances there was Cooper Flagg, a small forward for the Dallas Mavericks. On the court, Flagg has a very complete game and high basketball IQ. He’s definitely a player to keep an eye on as he grows in the league.
Rookie Standouts
Dylan Harper is a point guard for the San Antonio Spurs. He astounds everyone with his ability to call plays and make key decisions in the heat of battle. That performance gave him the platform to establish himself as one of the great upcoming talents in the league.
Alex Johnson demonstrated his shooting ability by willingly stepping up for threes on the break. He dominated the half-court game, showcasing his ability to make plays with defenders in front of him. His versatility as both a shooter and playmaker has done more than anything to make him a prime candidate to secure a roster spot.
Another rookie making waves is Filipowski, who put on a clinic in league play. He scored 21 points and grabbed six rebounds in one game before exploding for 35 points and 11 boards in another match. It’s his offensive capabilities that really paint him as the big dark horse as teams look at their rosters long term.
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