MM's all important summer league game 1 grades

[Mediocre Man]

We all know how important summer league is. I mean if someone plays well they will be a HOFer, and if someone plays poorly they have no chance ever of being a rotation player. With that said, here are my grades from last night

Lillard - A. Lillard would have got an A+ had he shot the ball better. I thought he did an amazing job getting his teammates involved, running the offense, and knowing when to push and not to push. He never rushed his shot (other than end of the first or second quarter) He passed out to wide open teammates, for absolutely easy looks, but they did not convert. He made the right reads, and rebounds very well for a PG. He also seems to have the willingness to play defense 1st game comparison Russell Westbrook (without the elite explosion) He threw his shoulder into guys on drives like Westbrook, and Porter

Leonard - B. Leonard gets a B based on his experience. He really has no post game to speak of at this point, but his footwork was solid, and it looks like he should be able to develop something quickly. He also swings his arm down on blocks (tsk, tsk, tsk, Meyers) Now for the good. He is super athletic, has good footwork on both offense and defense. Can really help on pick and roll defense. Sets a great screen. He has a bit of a attitude on the floor. Goes to the rim hard. Looks like he has a nice shooting motion, and in a real offense would do well.

Matthews - A. Wes looked very good in his limited minutes. Nothing more to say really

Smith- A. Nolan Smith is not a PG, but he seems to be a very good combo guard off the bench that can handle the ball as well as hit some shots for you. One of those guys that won't lose you a lot of games

Babbitt - C+. He can shoot, but that's still about it. He rebounds ok, but still can't get by anyone. I believe until he is dealt, he will be nothing more than a specialist, which is sad cause I like Luke

Barton - D. Not impressed at all after game number 1

 

[Blazinaway]

generally agree, nice first look at our lottery rooks, I am reservedly optimistic realizing this is summer league.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Babbitt's defense is such a trainwreck and I don't think it's going to get better -- his instincts at that end of the floor seem almost non-existent.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

I only saw the second half, so Matthews and Smith I can't grade... but:

Lillard - A
Leonard - B+
Babbitt - C+
Barton - C

 

[Mediocre Man]

Babbitt's defense is such a trainwreck and I don't think it's going to get better -- his instincts at that end of the floor seem almost non-existent.

Babbitt has all the instincts you want in a player, just not the lateral foot speed to act upon them. Same with his first step. It's like when I get out and play against 20 year old punks in basketball. I am way more skilled, but slow as mud with all my injuries, weight, etc. When I make a good defensive play it's because I was slow slow reacting to their fake that I caught them on the back end

 

[Natebishop3]

Regardless of the reason, his defense is horrid. He has a nice stroke, and he rebounded well (summer league) but I don't see him as anything other than a bench player.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Babbitt has all the instincts you want in a player, just not the lateral foot speed to act upon them. Same with his first step. It's like when I get out and play against 20 year old punks in basketball. I am way more skilled, but slow as mud with all my injuries, weight, etc. When I make a good defensive play it's because I was slow slow reacting to their fake that I caught them on the back end

OK I'll concede that he might have instincts but can't act on them ... it all adds up to the same.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Regardless of the reason, his defense is horrid. He has a nice stroke, and he rebounded well (summer league) but I don't see him as anything other than a bench player.

I have a sneaky suspicion that Claver, the two new Euros, and the fact that Olshey keeps referring to assets they can deal means Babbitt will likely be dealt sooner rather than later

 

[Natebishop3]

I have a sneaky suspicion that Claver, the two new Euros, and the fact that Olshey keeps referring to assets they can deal means Babbitt will likely be dealt sooner rather than later

Does he have value? I always thought of him as a throw-in.

 

[tlongII]

When I take into consideration my expectations prior to the game I have to give Leonard an A as well. I had no idea he had the talent he displayed. I just wish there was still a Pete Newell's Big Man Camp that we could send him to!

 

[mook]

I don't know how you can grade Leonard anything other than an A, unless you want to ding him for the 7 fouls. The guy put up 14 points on 4 shots! It doesn't get more efficient than that. Plus the rebounding, the activity, the blocks, the picks....he's going to be the best true center we've had since a healthy Oden. And not five years from now, but on opening night.

And just look at the dude's build. There just aren't a lot of human beings on this planet who look like that at 7'1. I'm really optimistic about this guy. You can just see the chemistry developing between him and Lillard.

 

[jwhoops11]

Babbitt has all the instincts you want in a player, just not the lateral foot speed to act upon them. Same with his first step. It's like when I get out and play against 20 year old punks in basketball. I am way more skilled, but slow as mud with all my injuries, weight, etc. When I make a good defensive play it's because I was slow slow reacting to their fake that I caught them on the back end

I made a similar post last year, and will again say that being a one tool player, or "specialist" is not a bad thing, if you do that one tool at a high level. Babbitt is a clone to what Kyle Korver has done for a very long time, and Korver is still a relevant NBA player. Continuing to run isolation plays for Luke at the left corner elbow, and expecting anything positive to happen is not a winning combination. Luke (and the next coach) need to grasp the idea that he's a shooter, and nothing more. 20 minutes a night, floating from corner to corner and on the perimeter is where he needs to be. In fact he will make his money in the NBA in the same role Nic has played in the Blazers offense, as a safety valve for broken plays and as a corner shooter in the pick and roll. When I coach, I always stress find the one thing you do well and focus on that. Be the best at that one thing and we'll find time for you on the court.

 

[RR7]

From seeing Leonard on the block, and again, like we've all said, one summer league game, and on the pick and roll, I can see the Tyson Chandler comparisons. He will be a competent offensive player(obviously plenty of room to grow, not saying finished product), put backs, and looked solid on the pick and roll primarily because he can, well, set a pick. But doesn't look like someone you post up on offense with any great success. Occasionally, against a real weak opponent, sure. He's not Joel on the blocks. But I imagine will be more mechanical there, and less fluid.

 

[MARIS61]

If Babbit could dribble he'd be the next Kiki Vanderweghe.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Does he have value? I always thought of him as a throw-in.

Maybe not by himself, bt either way, teams can always use guys that can stroke the ball and play hard

 

[Mediocre Man]

I don't know how you can grade Leonard anything other than an A, unless you want to ding him for the 7 fouls. The guy put up 14 points on 4 shots! It doesn't get more efficient than that. Plus the rebounding, the activity, the blocks, the picks....he's going to be the best true center we've had since a healthy Oden. And not five years from now, but on opening night.

And just look at the dude's build. There just aren't a lot of human beings on this planet who look like that at 7'1. I'm really optimistic about this guy. You can just see the chemistry developing between him and Lillard.

I did it because I watched the game.

 

[PapaG]

Babbitt goes for 19/10 on 12 shots and still gets ripped.

Not every player is a great defender, and picking up a guy who can shoot at an NBA level, and rebound at times, in the mid-first round is a plus.

I guess I don't get the Babbitt hate. He's going to be a very good NBA role player on a good team.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

Babbitt goes for 19/10 on 12 shots and still gets ripped.

Not every player is a great defender, and picking up a guy who can shoot at an NBA level, and rebound at times, in the mid-first round is a plus.

I guess I don't get the Babbitt hate. He's going to be a very good NBA role player on a good team.

You don't have to put all of your love in the Babbitt basket, we have other white players you can cheer for on the team now.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

Well if Bayless was an A and Batum was a C in summer league . . . maybe we should all be excited about Barton.

 

[handiman]

Agreed with most of the above. The only negative I came away with was Lillard's ballhandling was surprisingly sloppy. I understand the nerves with his first half shooting, but his handle never looked as clean as I expected. He really needs to tighten that up against legit NBA defenders, otherwise he'll get stripped like late-career Roy on ISOs.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Well if Bayless was an A and Batum was a C in summer league . . . maybe we should all be excited about Barton.

haha. Nice

 

[Mediocre Man]

Babbitt goes for 19/10 on 12 shots and still gets ripped.

Not every player is a great defender, and picking up a guy who can shoot at an NBA level, and rebound at times, in the mid-first round is a plus.

I guess I don't get the Babbitt hate. He's going to be a very good NBA role player on a good team.

Not ripping him at all. The kid can flat out shoot, and has proven he can put up big numbers against this competition. He is slow of foot though, and that equates to a specialist IMO

 

[Mediocre Man]

Agreed with most of the above. The only negative I came away with was Lillard's ballhandling was surprisingly sloppy. I understand the nerves with his first half shooting, but his handle never looked as clean as I expected. He really needs to tighten that up against legit NBA defenders, otherwise he'll get stripped like late-career Roy on ISOs.

Good pick up. I didn't notice that at all. I will have to rewatch the game

 

[Tince]

I like the grades for the most part.

I'm not as long on Babbitt as everyone else, but I don't think he's a superstar either.

I think in general I'm a little lower on Leonard than most. He is great when he's got a clear lane in front of him after someone has drawn his defender over to help, but I was surprised at how he didn't appear comfortable putting back offensive rebounds at two feet. As powerful as his dunks were, I didn't think he was very strong around the rim in traffic. That said, no doubt he can put on 20lbs and with experience could be a very good center.

Fun game overall!

 

[Natebishop3]

Babbitt goes for 19/10 on 12 shots and still gets ripped.

Not every player is a great defender, and picking up a guy who can shoot at an NBA level, and rebound at times, in the mid-first round is a plus.

I guess I don't get the Babbitt hate. He's going to be a very good NBA role player on a good team.

Because this is a summer league game. 19 and 10 in the summer league for a guy who has been in the league for two years already is encouraging, but not really impressive.

The thing I was most impressed with though was his confidence. I like seeing confidence in a shooter.

 

[BLAZINGGIANTS]

Babbitt goes for 19/10 on 12 shots and still gets ripped.

Not every player is a great defender, and picking up a guy who can shoot at an NBA level, and rebound at times, in the mid-first round is a plus.

I guess I don't get the Babbitt hate. He's going to be a very good NBA role player on a good team.

Umm... You know that last night WAS summer league, right?

I don't hate Babbitt. I like him. I just don't think he's anything more than a threat from 3. I hope he proves me wrong and becomes more. And I didn't expect anything more from him given where he was drafted (and projected to be drafted). Every good team has a guy who can come in and stretch the D by being a 3-point threat. For that, I like him. He's not untouchable in my book, but you don't just dump him either - he definitely has a purpose and a role.

So I don't hate him - I'm just not impressed, either. The next time he gets his feet off the ground will be the first time.

 

[Natebishop3]

Umm... You know that last night WAS summer league, right?

I don't hate Babbitt. I like him. I just don't think he's anything more than a threat from 3. I hope he proves me wrong and becomes more. And I didn't expect anything more from him given where he was drafted (and projected to be drafted). Every good team has a guy who can come in and stretch the D by being a 3-point threat. For that, I like him. He's not untouchable in my book, but you don't just dump him either - he definitely has a purpose and a role.

So I don't hate him - I'm just not impressed, either. The next time he gets his feet off the ground will be the first time.

I agree. I don't hate Babbitt by any means at all, and I really don't think there has been much "hate" as PapaG said. We were bashing his defense though, because he's getting absolutely torched by a bunch of summer leaguers. His defense did not look good.

I guess my expectations for him are very low, so it's hard for him to disappoint me. His shot looked good last night, however, and he did a good job rebounding so all and all I was pleased with his performance.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

and now for the all-important Libertarian response...

Lillard - A. Lillard would have got an A+ had he shot the ball better. I thought he did an amazing job getting his teammates involved, running the offense, and knowing when to push and not to push. He never rushed his shot (other than end of the first or second quarter) He passed out to wide open teammates, for absolutely easy looks, but they did not convert. He made the right reads, and rebounds very well for a PG. He also seems to have the willingness to play defense 1st game comparison Russell Westbrook (without the elite explosion) He threw his shoulder into guys on drives like Westbrook, and Porter

My Grade: A
As a teacher I'm not allowed to give out A+, but what is better than having a great game is struggling some and then having the maturity to overcome that.
As for the Westbrook comparison, I agree that DL doesn't have the elite explosion of RW, but I think DL can become an elite shooter, which RW is not. MM and I were looking for several things from DL, and he gave us all of them.

Leonard - B. Leonard gets a B based on his experience. He really has no post game to speak of at this point, but his footwork was solid, and it looks like he should be able to develop something quickly. He also swings his arm down on blocks (tsk, tsk, tsk, Meyers) Now for the good. He is super athletic, has good footwork on both offense and defense. Can really help on pick and roll defense. Sets a great screen. He has a bit of a attitude on the floor. Goes to the rim hard. Looks like he has a nice shooting motion, and in a real offense would do well.

My grade: A-
ML is not a skilled basketball player, but what he brings, he should be able to bring every night, and that's cause for celebration. Can really hedge, and likes to do it. I am frustrated by the fact that when he's under the hoop he thinks he's 1'7" instead of 7'1" - power it up big guy, if they block it, they block it (but they're probably going to foul you). BTW, it's damn refreshing to have an aggressive big man who can shoot FTs. Another reason I love this guy - while there's plenty he can't do, most of it can be learned (unlike, say learning the PG position if you've never played it before, ahem AR)

Matthews - A. Wes looked very good in his limited minutes. Nothing more to say really

My grade: none
He wasn't really in the class, just TAing for a bit.

Smith- A. Nolan Smith is not a PG, but he seems to be a very good combo guard off the bench that can handle the ball as well as hit some shots for you. One of those guys that won't lose you a lot of games

My grade: B-
He can't run a team for extended minutes, and he can't create his own shot, and he can't really shoot. He's figured out he needs to be aggressive or he's out of the league. Let's hope he keeps that up. When he did well the team seemed to do poorly, let's hope this isn't a trend (though he was +0).

Babbitt - C+. He can shoot, but that's still about it. He rebounds ok, but still can't get by anyone. I believe until he is dealt, he will be nothing more than a specialist, which is sad cause I like Luke

My grade: B
Probably should give him a B+, but he had me yelling at my computer in the first half because of his defense. His stats were fantastic: 19 points on 12 shots, 10 rebounds. His defense seemed to be horrible. If his man wasn't scoring, his team mates had to foul. However, what I can't explain is that the team was +14 while he was in the game (Lillard was +5). Wouldn't advanced stats say he was a great defender? He also does not work hard on the defensive end. What I like about Babbitt is that he can shoot a very good % from 3 without lowering his arm. When I and most NBA players shoot, they naturally lower the ball to their waist to get a rhythm. Babbitt practices shooting the 3 without doing that, which I think is a great NBA skill. I have a real love/hate relationship with the guy. He needs to be on a team with multiple penetrators - we now have exactly 1.

Barton - D. Not impressed at all after game number 1

My grade: C
The guy missed the first day of camp, so I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt for now. He only shot the ball 4 times in 30 minutes, so I'd like him to be more aggressive. He didn't do anything really stupid out there. Still hoping he'll show that he can be a rotation player, but he didn't in game 1.

 

[Boob-No-More]

Because of his shooting, Babbitt has a role in this league. He'll never be a starter (at least not on any team that wins more than 20 games), or not even a 6th man. Something like 7th - 9th man - part of the rotation, but not a major part. He will be a James Jones, Eddie Johnson (late career), Kyle Korver type that comes in to keep the defense honest and keep them from packing the paint.

As ironic as it is, there always seems to be a shortage of guys who can flat out shoot the basketball in the NBA. There is so much emphasis on athleticism, that most guys rely more on mad hops and blazing quickness than a good shooting touch. Of course, the rules have evolved to favor Sports Center Top 10 highlights over lights out shooting. So guys who can shoot, but do little else have been marginalized, but it's still nice to have one on your roster to spread the court for the guys who are more athletic.

BNM

 

[THE HCP]

Really bro! Start a thread with your own name in the title?