NBA Summer League Standouts

In this article, I will analyze four standout players from the NBA Summer League, focusing on those who played a minimum of four games to ensure a consistent sample size. I will preface this by saying, we should not be over reacting to summer league performances. Anyone remember Anthony Morrow in 2009?

However, these performances can still offer valuable insights into validating pre-draft scouting assessments and observing how second/third-year players have made improvements in their game along with how players can play within a team’s system much like the NBA.

Additionally, based on readers' requests, I'll include a section on fantasy implications for both standard dynasty and redraft category leagues. We will amp up the fantasy content from August onwards as we get closer to pre-season and training camp.

Chet Holmgren

4 games played, 16.5 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 3.5 BPG

49% FG, 9% 3P%, 73% FT

The number 2 pick from 2022 NBA Draft, Holmgren played in his second summer league and dominated, especially on the defensive end. His rim protection, arguably is already top 5 in the NBA. On the offensive end, he showed some flashes of a good passer. His willingness to take the three as evidenced by 11 attempts across 4 games, will keep defences true as the shot starts to improve. He also got to the line 26 times in 4 games, which is a good indicator of success at the next level.

He has ability to anchor OKC into a top 10 defence this year in my opinion, given the pieces and size they have in that starting line-up with him at the helm.

Fantasy implication: Average draft position data will become clearer in the coming months. However, he is expected to be a valuable asset in most standard redraft category leagues and should likely be drafted within the first 40 picks. In dynasty leagues, he holds even more value and could be a late first-round pick due to his shot-blocking abilities, upside as a shooter, and potential to provide strong rebounds and percentages. It's reasonable to expect him to average 2+ blocks per game in his rookie season.

Max Christie

5 games played, 19.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.6 BPG

49% FG, 55 3P%, 97% FT

Max Christie, a second-year forward, demonstrated notable improvement during this year's summer league. He displayed increased confidence as a shot creator off the dribble and showcased his passing skills, particularly in pick and roll situations with Castleton. Moreover, Christie's three-point shooting was exceptional, as he shot an impressive 55% from beyond the arc on a substantial volume of 20 attempts across 5 games. Additionally, he was aggressive in drawing fouls and went to the free-throw line 31 times during the summer league.

Christie entered the league known for his 3-and-D skills, and those defensive abilities were still evident in his switch-ability on defending both wings and guards, along with his rim protection.

His skill set, which combines 3-and-D capabilities with passing and self-creation, aligns perfectly with what is needed in a LeBron James-led offense alongside Anthony Davis, providing the floor spacing crucial for their success. This season, Christie is expected to take on a larger role behind Austin Reaves and may also serve as a backup for LeBron James at the small forward position.

Fantasy implication: Not a draftable player in redraft leagues, just someone for the watchlist given the rotation chart of the Lakers. In dynasty, he is worth a late round pick, as he is only 20 and has potential to give threes, points, rebounds, steals, blocks in the right situation. I got him at 207 in the Tank Me Later league that Noah Rubin is running.

Ausar Thompson

4 games played, 13.5 PPG, 10 RPG, 3.5 APG, 2.25 SPG, 1.75 BPG

46% FG, 27 3P%, 64% FT

Ausar Thompson, the 5th overall pick in this year's draft, demonstrated that his game from Overtime Elite can indeed translate to the NBA, particularly with his impressive defensive skills. During the summer league, he showcased his ability to get deflections, generate steals, and serve as a help-side presence for rim protection.

While Thompson's shooting, especially from beyond the arc and the free-throw line, needs improvement, there are encouraging signs in his offensive game, particularly in the quality of shots he takes and his ability to make the right play at the right time.

It remains uncertain if Thompson will start for the Detroit Pistons initially, but he has the potential to earn a significant role as the season progresses. Looking towards the team's future, a starting lineup of Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and Ausar Thompson could be a strong foundation, with various options to consider in the frontcourt with players like Stewart, Wiseman, Duren, and Bagley.

Fantasy implication: Thompson could be a worthwhile late-round flier in redraft leagues, thanks to his potential for steals and blocks. In dynasty leagues, he holds even more value and would comfortably be ranked in the top 50. His defensive potential and room for growth suggest that he could be a valuable fantasy asset for multiple seasons. I got him at 47 in the same league wherein I took Christie.

Keyonte George

6 games played, 18.6 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG

45% FG, 38 3P%, 75% FT

16th pick from this year’s draft, Keyonte George showed his potential as a three-level scorer with finishing at the rim, mid range as well as behind the arc. He seemed polished as a scorer and didn’t seem to be forcing anything.

What caught my attention was his passing ability, which seemed surprisingly good for a player known as a scoring guard. With increased spacing in the NBA, George's passing skills could become even more valuable. Given that Utah's backcourt is not as settled as their frontcourt, George has a chance to carve out a significant role as the season progresses.

Fantasy implication: George could be a worthwhile late-round flier in redraft leagues due to his scoring upside and potential for an expanded role as the season unfolds. In dynasty leagues, I would consider him as a late-round pick, possibly around the 120th spot or later, considering his lack of defensive stats and yet unproven assists potential. Nonetheless, his scoring ability and potential for growth make him an intriguing player to watch in fantasy basketball.

Thanks for reading, I will be back with a new piece next weekend!

Follow me on Twitter here.