Future Sacramento Kings Opponents Who Impressed at NBA Summer League

Jul 14, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers players run across center court during an NBA Summer League game at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Summer League was a fantastic opportunity for any basketball fan and while I went to watch my Sacramento Kings play primarily, the ability to see the next wave of NBA superstars put on a show was not something I could miss. Throughout the four days I was there, I saw all the top picks in the 2015 NBA Draft, as well as some guys entering their second and third seasons.

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5 guys not on the Sacramento Kings Summer League teams stood out to me in all the games I was able to watch. T.J. Warren and Devin Booker were two guys I was unable to see play over the four days, but from everything I heard and read they were putting on quite a show. Larry Nance Jr. and Glen Rice Jr. are two guys who impressed me and both happen to have Dads that played in the NBA as well.

For more information on what I thought of the Kings both on and off the floor, check out my Summer League News and Notes.

Next: Emmanuel Mudiay

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA;

(China) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number seven overall pick to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Emmanuel Mudiay

Emmanuel Mudiay was impressive from the outset of NBA Summer League. It is an environment that works really well for a player with Mudiay’s skill set. Through his first three games he averaged 13.3 points, 7.3 assists, and 3.7 rebounds. But beyond the numbers you can see the potential Mudiay offers.

He has the ideal size for the position. His court vision was incredible and constantly found the right teammate with the pass. Unfortunately his skills get him into trouble from time to time. He tended to over dribble and get trapped under the hoop or in the corner. Turnovers often resulted from these possessions as well, averaging 4.33 per game. If he can develop a bit more patience the future could be very bright for Mudiay.

Next: Kristaps Porzingis

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA;

(SPN) reacts after being selected as the number four overall pick to the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Kristaps Porzingis

Kristaps Porzingis impressed through his first three games in Las Vegas. The ability to move on the court is one of the biggest keys when watching guys at or around 7 foot. Porzingis checks that box at 7’3”, moving up and down the floor with ease. In the first three games, Porzingis handled the ball really well.

He displayed the ability to put the ball on the floor and get where he wanted to on the court. Defensively he will need to improve, but he should be playing more power forward with the Knicks. Next to Robin Lopez, Porzingis will be able to be a weak side shot blocker and avoid battling more physical bigs.

Next: Karl-Anthony Towns

Jul 10, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Robert Upshaw (12) is blocked out by Minnesota Timberwolves forward

(32) during an NBA Summer League game at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Karl-Anthony Towns

Karl-Anthony Towns looked strong on both ends of the floor through three games. His numbers through three games weren’t mind boggling but like Porzingis, he moves really well for a guy of his size. The opponents would constantly double Towns and he would make great passes out of them.

His footwork was impressive both around the basket and away from the hoop. Towns would sometimes get trapped in the corner or along the sideline and turn the ball over. The comparison to Tim Duncan is very appropriate. While Towns has a long way to go to live up to his potential, he flashes many of the skills that make Duncan so great.

Next: Jahlil Okafor

Jul 14, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center

(8) shoots over the top of New York Knicks forward

(53) during an NBA Summer League game at Thomas & Mack Center. The Knicks won the game in overtime, 84-81. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Jahlil Okafor

Jahlil Okafor impressed in the two Summer League games he played in Las Vegas. His ability on the offensive end lived up to the hype. He has incredible footwork, especially with his back to basket.  He has good court vision and can hurt the opponents that try to double team him.

He has averaged 18.5 points and 8.5 rebounds thus far. He can get pushed around by opponents and doesn’t rebound great outside his area. He has been better on defense than I expected. He showed good ability to move even against more mobile big men, like Kristaps Porzingis.

Next: Allen Crabbe

Mar 30, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward

(23) catches Phoenix Suns forward

(12) off his feet at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

Allen Crabbe

Allen Crabbe has taken full advantage of his opportunity this Summer. The Portland Trail Blazers are in a transition this off-season and Crabbe can be a solid rotation wing this season. He’s averaged 19.5 points in his first two games in Las Vegas. He has also contributed in other categories including 2 steals and 1 block per game.

In the first game of the Summer League tournament, Crabbe suffered a left leg injury. X-rays came back negative. Hopefully he can get back on the court and pick right back up where he left off.

Next: Is Ty Lawson Worth A Shot?