Suns Summer League 2014

[ShelC]

Where's that photo he took in the gym a few weeks ago? He looked pretty jacked.

[iLLmatic]

[Danimal]

With the offseason free agent rumour frenzy there has been very little talk of how much a bonus Len and/or Archie stepping up would be. We saw so little of them last year so I am so very keen to see them get a opportunity this summer league. Them making strides would almost be like a handy free agent addition, at a great price

[ShelC]

Yea we can definitely get better by improving from within. I'm a big believer in this.

[Danimal]

I'm hoping Noel's decent start lights an even bigger fire under Len.

[carey]

https://twitter.com/Espo/status/486702327554781185 That will be interesting to see. I think his face up game could evolve into quite the weapon. He seems to have a nice feel for that and if we can position him near the elbow and give Kieff room to work down low like he did successfully for stretches last season I think maybe we won't miss Frye as much as I initially thought.

[In2ition]

By mini stretch 4, I'm sure he doesn't mean Len's size.

[carey]

Right... I'm sure no one though that.

[In2ition]

Just me thinking out loud, not sure what he meant by that comment. Carry on, nothing to see here.

[In2ition]

Lensanity continues throughout the media outlets as Summer league approaches. http://msn.foxsports.com/arizona/story/ ... lts-070814

[SDC]

I don't think so. I like what I've seen from Gordon, so long as you know what you're getting from him. He's much more a basketball player than MKG. Remember, MKG went 2nd overall.

he plays awkwardly (unconventional) like marion, but without the shooting touch. tell me how he is not going to become another MKG (gordon is drafted 4th, way too high).

[Ring_Wanted]

Watched 76rs vs OKC and Orlando vs Houston.

Philly:
Noel didn't play and Jerami Grant did nothing but fouling.

KJ McDaniels. Second game, second time he played like he belongs. He did a little of everything and showed where are his strengths and weaknesses. Uses his body really well. I like the way he keeps himself under control and how he elevates without effort. On the other hand, his shot needs a ton of work and his handle is very loose, but there is a lot to like here.


Orlando:
Aaron Gordon showed more of that Beasley-esque dribbling and shot selection. He can't make his FTs probably because his form is different each time. He displayed his passing ability, defensive awareness and speed in transition, though. But overall you don't notice him for the good reasons, for a second consecutive game. They had him carrying the ball a lot and making the first pass on offense, and he showed his limitations as he is not comfortable at all using his left hand, but didn't lose the ball in those situations.

Elfrid Payton looked, again, unable to take his man one on one, and turnover prone. He is weak and doesn't look particularly fast so against decent quickness, whenever he tried to drive he had to pass the ball, unless somehow there was an open space. Don't get fooled by his stats. He was not impressive at all despite what his numbers suggest (12-9-8).

Probably means nothing, but the Magic only took off in the first quarter when Gordon and Payton were benched. And Houston has a miserable team that supposedly wants to play Morey ball with a ton of threes but couldn't make any.

Marble and Osby didn't make their shots this time, but they leave a good impression when you watch them. Marble is very smooth, just natural, and knows where to be on the court but he needs to add muscle. The PF who shined was Kadeem Batts, who is more or less like Osby but not so strong or athletic. Brandon Bass type.

Dewayne Dedmon runs extremely well for a 7' 255 guy, and is quite athletic so he can make himself a factor on D-R, if just a finisher on the other side.

Seth Curry started under control and even made some nice floaters but at a certain point he showed his true colors and did what he does.


Houston:
Jahii Carson is really fast and fearless driving to the hoop. Ish fast, but seems just a better player and he knows how to run a team and stay under control. I could see a very nice career in Europe if he doesn't make an NBA team.

Nik Johnson has intensity, can shoot and can get to the rim (finishing is another story), although sometimes seems too stubborn looking for his own. I think that at worst he could have a niche as a 3D guard. Probably not a coincidence that he is a Rocket.

[ShelC]

Dedmon is impressive given his size. Legit big body that can move and agile as well.

Carson reminded me of Ish, but like you said, better. Nick Johnson is a hell of an athlete.

Payton looks OK, but needs to get stronger. He surprised with a 2 handed dunk in transition with defenders on each side of him. Definitely wasn't expecting that. He looks like Brandon Jennings out there, but not as quick or explosive offensively.

I thought Marble looked pretty good. Oladipo looks like he may have put on too much weight? Looks like Lance but not in a good way. I liked him thinner. His games improved though.

Jermaine Marshall's got a real nice looking shot as well.

[carey]

Some Alex Len stuff from azcentral: http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/n ... 901bdfc3d5

"I told Alex this summer league is very big for him," Longabardi said. "We all know that. I want him to be available. So he's got to be durable so he can play. We want to keep him injury-free as best as possible.

"Offensively, we want him to be efficient. I want him to take care of the ball, take great shots. Defensively, his communication has got to be great. He's got to play with multiple effort. The most important thing is conditioning for him. So if he's in shape, he's got to play and push through so he's not tired and makes those silly mistakes, whether it's a foul or a turnover."

[SwingMan]

So looking forward to Len's progress - all indications are he's been working his ass off and (knock on wood) no lingering ankle issues.

[In2ition]

Some BSOTS talk about the development plans for Alec Brown. http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2014/ ... -fast-lane

[SwingMan]

Some BSOTS talk about the development plans for Alec Brown. http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2014/ ... -fast-lane

I said the same thing upon reading about Frye's departure (and even a bit beforehand) a few days ago and damn near everyone here poo-pooed all over the idea like they'd each swallowed a case of Ex-Lax.....

[In2ition]

Some BSOTS talk about the development plans for Alec Brown. http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2014/ ... -fast-lane

I said the same thing upon reading about Frye's departure (and even a bit beforehand) a few days ago and damn near everyone here poo-pooed all over the idea like they'd each swallowed a case of Ex-Lax.....

You might be right, and all kudos to you if you are. He seems to green yet, to me, and needs to work hard on improving his strength and weight(only good weight). I still see him as being at least a year or two away.

[carey]

Some BSOTS talk about the development plans for Alec Brown. http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2014/ ... -fast-lane

I said the same thing upon reading about Frye's departure (and even a bit beforehand) a few days ago and damn near everyone here poo-pooed all over the idea like they'd each swallowed a case of Ex-Lax.....

1) It's a fan post so it is exactly like you suggesting it.
2) He's not ready to play in the NBA.

[SwingMan]

Some BSOTS talk about the development plans for Alec Brown. http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2014/ ... -fast-lane

I said the same thing upon reading about Frye's departure (and even a bit beforehand) a few days ago and damn near everyone here poo-pooed all over the idea like they'd each swallowed a case of Ex-Lax.....

1) It's a fan post so it is exactly like you suggesting it.
2) He's not ready to play in the NBA.

Point is, most, chiefly you, were looking at me like some lone fucking headcase for even suggesting it.

We'll see.....