Summer League First Impressions

[Wundrbread33]

Summer league would be a lot more fun for me to watch as a Hornets fan if we didn't consistently field the shittiest roster each year.  We probably have the least NBA experience of all teams in the Orlando SL, and even if that isn't true, we definitely have the least talent cumulatively.   I'm so tired of watching scrubs like Wallace, Randleman, and Murphy trying to show everyone what they have at the expense of our actual roster guys. 

And although I think Harrison may have earned himself a roster spot here, he too is guilty of trying to take over at the expense of the easier/better play.   I have no idea how many times Harrison completely looked off Frank running the pick and roll, in favor of a bad shot he forced inside.  Thankfully, Harrison started hitting those shots and making the right decision down the stretch but, it's plays like that that kill our offense, both in SL and in the regular season. 

 

All that being said, man...   I'm really disappointed in PJ.  My belief in him has been based off of his natural scoring ability, shooting, and athleticism from college.  Those things combined usually make for an easy transition to the pros, scoring wise.  But, he does not look like the same player here.  He is great at creating shots, but they just aren't falling.  It's just weird...  He had moments last season, but I expected him to dominate this summer league with that pro experience under his belt now.  Maybe it's mental, but man, it is certainly discouraging so far. 

Also, Frank looks like a baller.  Credit to MJ on that one.   His presence makes a huge difference on the pick and roll... 

 

Now trade AL. 

Agree with everything you said except for your analysis of Harrison. I did not see those bad shots he was forcing inside. He was 6-10 from the field, going 0-3 from behind the arc, so going 6-7 on his two point field goal attempts shows that he indeed did not force bad shots inside.

He has a natural feel to the game and plays under control. If the first two games are any indicator, particularly this past one showing that he can run the point at times, he deserves a roster spot. We will need to see consistent play from him over the last four games though.

To me, he has been the second most impressive prospect right after Frank. Troy drained threes today, but what else can he do? Hairston has played well defensively, but how long can we say, "He missed that one but his form is so good they are bound to start falling..."?

If Harrison can keep consistent play, I think he will have a leg up since the coaching staff believes in his ability to play some point along with shooting guard.

Someone will have to update me on the amount of roster spots available, but if Harrison keeps this up, I hope we can find a spot for him on this roster. 

[zacka77ack]

Agree with everything you said except for your analysis of Harrison. I did not see those bad shots he was forcing inside. He was 6-10 from the field, going 0-3 from behind the arc, so going 6-7 on his two point field goal attempts shows that he indeed did not force bad shots inside.

He has a natural feel to the game and plays under control. If the first two games are any indicator, particularly this past one showing that he can run the point at times, he deserves a roster spot. We will need to see consistent play from him over the last four games though.

To me, he has been the second most impressive prospect right after Frank. Troy drained threes today, but what else can he do? Hairston has played well defensively, but how long can we say, "He missed that one but his form is so good they are bound to start falling..."?

If Harrison can keep consistent play, I think he will have a leg up since the coaching staff believes in his ability to play some point along with shooting guard.

Someone will have to update me on the amount of roster spots available, but if Harrison keeps this up, I hope we can find a spot for him on this roster. 

I liked Harrison's game today but he missed a wide open Frank 3 or 4 times today on the pop. I'm hoping he was just trying to show he can play as opposed to being blind to the options he had. I can forgive some selfishness at summer league but I can't overlook a lack of vision.

[yasuhara2241]

I liked Harrison's game today but he missed a wide open Frank 3 or 4 times today on the pop. I'm hoping he was just trying to show he can play as opposed to being blind to the options he had. I can forgive some selfishness at summer league but I can't overlook a lack of vision.

We all need to remember Harrison is the SG. He wasn't the PG brother. He was playing PG for us most of the game and actually did pretty well with 8 assts. I agree that he missed Frank a few times but I am hoping that that will come with experience. He has been my second most impressive Hornet of the Summer League. If we see the aggressiveness we saw in 4Q of this second game, Aaron will definitely deserve a roster spot. 

[teeray]

Harrison needs serious consideration for that 3rd PG and 3rd SG spot

[yasuhara2241]

Harrison needs serious consideration for that 3rd PG and 3rd SG spot

I really agree with you! I don't understand why some people (not just on here) hate or dislike him but are so understanding and patient with some other players. Say we traded for Shabazz Napier and he put out a statline like 16 pts 8 assts and 4 rebounds in a Summer League game for us. Everyone would be going crazy about his potential and we got a steal.

But since he is a Harrison twin from Kentucky......(crickets) 

[Liminy]

If Daniels and Harrison keep doing what they're doing, they need to make our roster.  PJ is only worth the couple passes he made that turned into dunks for the younger guys.  He is quickly losing his spot IMO unless he can gather himself and not play so selfishly,  I think it was during the 3rd qtr he was 0 of 18, that is fuging ridiculous. If there was another player doing that bad, they wouldn't be considered for a roster spot no matter what.  We don't live and die by the 3, we need consistent outside shooters and PJ is not that.

[cbarrier90]

Summer League is not so much a big deal if the draftees/vets are playing well. It's a big deal if theyre playing poorly, as we saw from Vonleh last year and PJ this year. 

That said, first impression is the top ten of this draft class is going to be really good. Hezonja (5th) Johnson (8th) Kaminsky (9th) Winslow (10th) with very good debuts.

[Shadow]

What do you guys focus the most on when it comes to summer league games for individual performances?

[MedellinHeel]

What do you guys focus the most on when it comes to summer league games for individual performances?

same thing i always focus on. 

skill set ie 

ball handling

shooting

passing

rebounding

movement

moves

defense

[cbarrier90]

What do you guys focus the most on when it comes to summer league games for individual performances?

For me it comes down to if they can pass the eye test. Do they at least look like they belong and, in the case of higher touted draft picks, can they show why they were drafted over the scrubs they are amongst in the game?

That's what makes a guy like PJ so infuriating. Physically he fits the bill for what you want out of a wing player, but he just can't hit shots and probably because he rarely takes them in the flow of the offense, which I think has been Frank's greatest strength so far. Vonleh was another guy who just looked kind of lost out there even though occasionally you'd see him make a play or two.

[JJman Returns]

What do you guys focus the most on when it comes to summer league games for individual performances?

Potential, Basketball IQ, and unselfishness. Which players stand out over others. I'll admit I liked the fact that Hairston seemed really into the game, but for some reason once he is off the court he goes and does stupid stuff. He is not good enough to be doing that.

[Batman]

Harrison needs serious consideration for that 3rd PG and 3rd SG spot

I'd be fine with him as the backup PG because Roberts is terrible. It's not his natural position but he can handle it. Plus his size & scoring ability would be much needed with the 2nd unit. Kemba's gonna play 36+ so he'd only see 10-12 mpg. And in certain situations they could run Kemba & Harrison together if needed. The kid is supremely talented. I don't know why he went undrafted. He would've been a top 10 pick out of high school. I think UK having so many elite recruits really hurts them.

[CPF4LIFE]

I have really been impressed by Aaron Harrison, i didnt know his handles were that good. He seems like he can get his shot anytime he wants, he is really smooth with the ball and a great shot. Cant believe he went undrafted

[pstall]

Sorry but not much can be gleaned from summer hoops. Well if your front office doesn't have an eye for talent it can't.