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NBA Orlando Summer League review: day two
by Steve Kyler / July 9, 2008

Game 1: Miami 90 - New Jersey 81

Day Two of the Orlando Summer League was not nearly as sensational as Day One. The Heat opened the day with a very human showing from Michael Beasley, who has been the guy to watch. Beasley was clearly banged up from Day One, wearing a larger protective foam chest piece under his jersey and his shot was not falling very well. Beasley ended the game with nine points and a nasty ice bag on his ankle, an injury that prompted an x-ray and a day-to-day label for the rest of the week. The “official” term being used is bruised shin. Beasley was joking and playing with teammates after the game, so nothing too serious. Brook Lopez looked much better in Game 2 for New Jersey, notching 18 points on 8 for 10 shooting. Brook hit the glass a little harder grabbing 7 boards for the game, and looked much more comfortable on the floor.

Studs: Mario Chalmers again looked great for the Heat; one Heat source commented that maybe they have found their point guard of the future. 5 of 10 shooting with 9 assists and three steals is not a bad day at the office. Anthony Morrow (19 points) and Stephen Lasme (13 points) got some solid minutes and both contributed in a big way. Josh Duncan did better with his minutes, notching 9 points in 17 minutes of play, going 3 for 5 from the field. For New Jersey, Sean Williams was again a beast, notching 11 points, being an intimidator at the rim with 3 blocked shots and grabbing 7 rebounds. After the game Nets coach Lawrence Frank said he was very impressed with Sean’s commitment, saying he came up to his room last night to break down game film with his coach. Lopez was very strong in Day 2. His 18 points was nice, but it was his aggression at the rim that made the biggest impact.

Duds: For New Jersey, Chris Douglas-Roberts looked like a rookie. He was scoreless at the half, and did little to get his game going ending with just five points on 2 for 3 shooting. Jaycee Carroll was dominant in Game 1, and less than impressive in Game 2 going 1 for 6 from the field for just 5 points. For Miami, they got a dud from Beasley, who was wearing a bulkier foam pad under his jersey that looked like he was carrying a lunch box around his neck. Beasley shot 1 for 13 from the field and ended the day with just 9 points. Beasley looked good on the floor, although a bit sloppy with 5 turnovers and 7 fouls. Beasley’s shots just would not fall, and the jawing between Williams and the officials was really the downfall of his game.

Game 2: Oklahoma City 100 - Orlando 77

Day One was all about Beasley and Derrick Rose, Day 2 will be marked by Kevin Durant. Durant was in the building yesterday and Jeff Green said he’d play, and he did not disappoint. Durant was a monster, knocking in 22 points on 7 for 10 shooting. Green and Russell Westbrook added 28 and 19 points respectively, giving a glimpse of how exciting the OKC team could be next year. Orlando’s Courtney Lee was amazingly good, shaking Durant loose for a pull-up three that left Durant on the floor and the crowd giggling. Lee had his best all-around game of the league, chipping in 27 points on 8 for 14 shooting, but it was his 3 for 3 from three-point range that had the Magic front office smiling and his 4 assists and 3 steals weren’t bad, either.

Studs: For OKC the “Big Three” of Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook looked outstanding together. The chemistry the fluidness, the aggressive offense was a complete package. Durant was 7 of 10 for 22 points, in 27 minutes after having shoes “over-nighted” to him, likely explaining why he missed the game yesterday. Durant said he will likely play again on Thursday, but downplayed the desire to match up against good friend Beasley. Green was a monster next to Durant, chipping in a game-high 28 points, on 7 of 15 shooting, and was 13 of 15 from the free throw line. Westbrook was by far the best rookie on Day 2, showing consistency in his game and again proving he was deserving of the 4th pick. He notched 19 points on 8 of 10 shooting. For Orlando, Courtney Lee was huge. More importantly he was huge while being defended by the longer Kevin Durant. His 27 points led the Magic squad, but his defense and clutch play really stood out against a premiere talent like Durant.

Duds: For OKC, the end may be near for Ndudi Ebi. After logging minutes in Game 1 Ebi, the former Timberwolves first rounder logged a DNP. DeVon Hardin also got a DNP and explained he had some health issues that would prevent him from playing, earning him an “injury dud.” For Orlando, Kevin Kruger was “assumed” to be a lock for a roster spot in Orlando but after two sub-par Summer League games, the Magic may be looking elsewhere for a backup point guard. Kevin notched just 3 points in 20 minutes of play, but handed out 8 assists as an upside.

Game 3: Indiana 84 - Chicago 89

Derrick Rose’s second game looked a lot like his first game. At least he was consistent. Keith Langford and Demetris Nichols again proved they belong in this league; it may not be with Chicago but both put up strong numbers knocking in 16 and 19 points respectively for the Bulls. Indiana’s squad may not feature many names, but the team plays incredibly hard and is rather fun to watch. Earl Calloway led the way with 20 points on 5 for 15 shooting, and really looks solid running the show for the Pacers. Rose is still struggling to run an offense, but admitted his sore knee was bothering him after a mid-game collision.

Studs: For Chicago, Keith Langford was huge. He was all over the floor and knocked in 19 points on 6 of 7 shooting. Demetris Nichols has been a man possessed in two games, getting 16 more points on 5 of 12 shooting. JamesOn Curry got some minutes in Game 2 and looked solid off the bench kicking in 10 points on 5 of 7 shooting. For Indiana, Calloway was huge again for Indiana, going 5 for 15 from the field and 9 of 12 from the free throw line, with 5 assists for 20 points. Stephen Graham is looking strong in Summer League play, knocking in 15 points on 3 for 9 shooting.

Duds: For Indiana, Vladimie Gulobovic was the joke of the Summer League broadcast in Game 1, as no one could properly pronounce his name. In Game 2 his 1 for 3 shooting in 10 minutes and 2 points leaves him in the dud column, as the Pacers’ summer squad got double-figure scoring for all their starters and Andre Emmett from the bench. For Chicago, Rose’s 2 of 9 shooting for 9 points was compounded by three turnovers. The belief was with opening game jitters out of the way and a strong showing in the second half of Day 1, Rose would explode and that just didn’t happen. Also making the dud list is Cedric Simmons, who got a DNP. Cedric is such a solid guy he deserves a shot, but with Chicago’s roster nothing is being given and Ced’s gonna have to earn his spot. He didn’t in Game 2.

Steve Kyler serves is the editor and publisher of HoopsWorld and HoopsWorld Magazine

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