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Shaquille
O'Neal: "When you are 60, hang out with 60-year-olds, not 20-year-olds.
That is all I got to say about Jerry Buss."
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HoopsHype.com Articles Igniting
some careers, ending others
Even though the Lakers’ new coach Rudy Tomjanovich and GM Mitch Kupchak were in the stands to evaluate their draft picks and other available talent, the only questions most people wanted answered were related to Shaq, Kobe and the possibility of Vlade Divac returning to Los Angeles. The Summer Pro League provided a rare opportunity to talk to some of the most influential coaches and executives in the Western Conference and evaluate the upcoming season. Did the exodus of Shaquille O’Neal tip the balance of power in the East’s favor? We shall see, although many of the GM’s in attendance didn’t think so. What was most remarkable was the presence and visibility of the top brass from the organizations participating. The Kings boasted appearances from owner Joe Maloof, GM Geoff Petrie and even head coach Rick Adelman. The Golden State Warriors’ new coach Mike Montgomery and GM Chris Mullin dipped through as did the Clippers’ Mike Dunleavy. Something was in the air. This summer wasn’t just like any other and the major players were there to see talent firsthand. If you preferred only to see established NBA players take on coming talent, you had more than your share to keep your interest. Baron Davis, Bo Outlaw, Devin Brown and Josh Howard delighted the fans. Autograph seekers – both old and young – were never left without a target to maybe sign their program, T-Shirt or hat. As always, there were two divisions of play. There was the NBA division, where the Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies and even the New York Knicks did battle. And there was the Pro-Am Agent Division, where agents and sports management companies sponsor teams to showcase athletes. If history has shown anything, it is that you can’t take a Summer Pro League record and use that as an indication of success for the upcoming season. The fact that the Clippers usually have done exceptionally well in the league is testament to this fact. On the other hand, the fact that the Dallas Mavericks fielded two teams that finished 1-2 in the league this year should be mentioned. If anything, the Mavericks training camp should be more competitive than most. The Lakers’ #1 pick Sasha Vujacic as well as #2 pick Marcus Douthit out of Providence could very well see some legitimate time this season for the now undersized and undermanned Lakers. Kevin Martin, the first-round pick of the Sacramento Kings will be drawing considerable comparisons to veteran Doug Christie – and all of them are warranted. Not only does he look like him – slight and wiry in build – but he’s another slasher who’s not afraid to drive or camp outside the three-point line. Ostensibly, Martin seems like a perfect fit for the Kings and their style of play. But since he’s only 185 lbs. dripping wet in his winter clothes, it might be awhile before he’s able to handle NBA shooting guards or small forwards on the defensive end. Because of his small frame, he would be a defensive liability in the immediate future, but could contribute offensively right now. He can jump out of the gym and isn’t afraid to attack the rim. A surprise for the Sacramento Kings arguably was forward David Bluthenthal, who played in Israel last season. These days it seems the mid-range game has disappeared, but Bluthenthal showed he could play inside, outside or anywhere in between. Granted, at 6-7 he doesn’t have the bulk to play power forward in the NBA or the required quickness to guard quick small forwards. But anybody who can shoot as well as Bluthenthal might have a place in the NBA. Sacramento might just be that place. Rookie Andre Emmett looked like a potential impact player for the Grizzlies this year. He looked like a man among boys in Long Beach. Of course it won’t be as easy come November, but in Memphis’ system, he should do well. Very well. From the Pro-Am Agent division, there were too many players to even name who turned heads and made people take notice. Even so, there were still players who should not be overlooked. The first name of note was guard Brandon Hawkins. He was a standout last year and this season was really no different. Why hasn’t he hooked up with an NBA team yet? Some might say it’s questionable on-court decision-making or other intangibles he’s lacking. But his game is reminiscent of Gary Payton with his 6-3 build and fast-break tendencies. He deserves a shot. There are far worse point guards than Hawkins garnering a paycheck in the NBA. Though undersized, another notable talent was Kenny Brunner from Georgetown. He is solid fundamentally and gave Baron Davis all he could handle in the league playoffs. Hopefully the right people took notice. 35 years and still going strong, the Long Beach Summer Pro League is still the highlight of summer basketball. In addition, it remains the focal point of the top rookies and unsigned free agents with dreams of NBA stardom. There may be other summer pro leagues, but there isn’t one with as rich a history and legacy for showcasing future stars. MORRIS O'KELLY'S ALL-SUMMER PRO LEAGUE TEAM G Andre Emmett,
Memphis Morris O'Kelly is a regular contributor to HoopsHype.com Tell us what you think about this article. E-mail us at HoopsHype@HoopsHype.com _____________________ |
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