|
Memphis faces what is possibly the most anticipated game in the summer league as #1 pick Blake Griffin faces off against #2 pick Hasheem Thabeet in a battle of two players that will always be linked in their careers do to their draft positions. Memphis is standing at 2-0 in the summer league but not because Thabeet has been dominating smaller players in the paint. Sam Young, DeMarre Carroll, Darrell Arthur and surprisingly strong play from Marcus Williams have driven the Grizzlies effort so far. The team is looking to rebound back to the style of play they exhibited against the Thunder after looking sloppy against the Knicks. The Clippers are paced by Blake Griffin's dominating presence and last year's top pick Eric Gordon at 21.5 ppg each. DeAndre Jordan will test Thabeet more than any other opponent as he is 3rd on the Clippers in scoring at 18.5 ppg as well as grabbing 8.5 rpg. The Clippers are basically playing a 5 man rotation with Mike Taylor and Nic Caner-Medley taking the last two starting spots. All 5 starters are averaging over 26 minutes a game with Gordon and Blake both averaging over 30 mpg.
Matchups: Point Guard - Marcus Williams vs Mike Taylor
The talle of two point guards. Marcus Williams came out of UConn with all of the accolades but was unable to make an impression in the NBA. After being cut by Golden State last fall Williams signed in March to play in the Puerto Rico league where he averaged 15 ppg and 9.3 apg. Mike Taylor was the first player drafted into the NBA from the NBDL. Last season he worked his way into the Clippers lineup and looks to maintain that position despite rumors that the Clippers are interested in signing Allen Iverson. Taylor is not known as a great shooter but did score 35 points against the Knicks in one game last season. Shooting Guard - Sam Young vs Eric Gordon
Sam Young has been one of the bright spots on the Grizzlies summer league roster but the Knicks game exposed his weaknesses. Young is very good slashing to the basket but his jump shot leaves a lot to be desired as do his ball-handling skills. In only 22 minutes a night Young is averaging 10.5 ppg on 45% shooting as well as grabbing 4 rebounds but he has yet to tally an assist. Gordon is the 2nd best SG from last season's draft and isn't very far behind Mayo either. It is peculiar to see Gordon at the summer league since he has little left to prove. Small Forwards - DeMarre Carroll vs Nic Caner-Medley
DeMarre Carroll missed the training camp for summer league on the advice of his agent but he has made up for it with his play in Vegas. Carroll is a hustle guy who makes life difficult for opponents while showing surprisingly good shot selection. Carroll is averaging 10 ppg on 61.5% shooting while also grabbing 4.5 rpg and 1.5 apg despite playing only 22 mpg. Caner-Medley is also a hustle player averaging 9 boards a night and 7.5 ppg in 26+ minutes. Caner-Medley played in Spain's ACB league last year after playing college ball at Maryland so he is more experienced than most players in this league. Power Forwards - Darrell Arthur vs Blake Griffin
As a sophomore at Kansas Arthur had the upper hand in matchups against Griffin but that was two years ago and as Griffin showed the development into the top pick in the draft, Arthur slumped as a rookie despite starting 64 games. Arthur has looked more confident and aggressive in the summer league and there is high hope that will continue into the season. Arthur will no longer be forced to play starting PF's this season with Randolph coming to the team so he should be able to build on the confidence created by the summer league. Griffin will be annointed starter for the Clippers when Randolph's trade is finalized and has given the team no reason to not be optomistic so far. Centers - Hasheem Thabeet vs DeAndre Jordan
Thabeet has struggled in the summer league making an impact. That could be because he has struggled being guarded by smaller, quicker players. Now he will be facing a player every bit as talented and big as he is and a strong showing should go a long way toward easing fears about his play. Jordan struggled finding time behind Kaman and Camby in LA last season but has looked much stronger in summer league this year. Jordan is averaging 18.5 ppg and 8.5 rpg. Jordan will want to show everyone he should never have been a 2nd rd pick last season by showing up the #2 pick in this year's draft. Benches - Memphis vs LA
Memphis is playing 10 players at least 14 minutes a night and the best off the bench have been Jeff Adrien (9 pts and 4 rpg), Hamed Haddadi (4.5 ppg and 4.5 rpg), Brion Rush (7.5 ppg, 1.5 spg) and Trey Guilder (7.5 ppg, 4 rpg). Balanced scoring and high pressure effort has allowed the second team to really show what they can do and it wouldn't be a surprise to see one or more of these players end up on an NBA roster this coming season. The Clippers bench is not as productive or well used. With the starting 5 all playing major minutes there isn't a lot of time left for the Clippers bench to show what they can do. Dionte Christmas has to be disappointed as he is getting only 10 minutes a night despite shooting 50% from the field when he does play.
|
Comments