2018 NBA Summer League Standouts

10.) Troy Brown Jr. - Washington Wizards

Brown looks like a steal for the Bullets out of Oregon. Through 3 games, Brown is averaging 19 ppg and 8 rpg. Brown has been able to create his own shot effectively and lock down his rookie peers. Brown is unlikely to crack the rotation behind Otto Porter and Kelly Oubre, but the Wizards can rest easy knowing they have some solid insurance to develop.

9.) Jordan Bell - Golden State Warriors

To be frank, which I am not, Bell is too good for summer league. Bell spent the Spring months competing in the Western conference finals and NBA Finals against the best players in the world. Bell averaged 22 points per game through 2 games in addition to dominating the boards and was gaining momentum to replace the departed Javale McGee. Bell should easily earn minutes and possibly a starting role with Boogie Cousins still on the PUP list.

8.) Wendell Carter Jr - Chicago Bulls

Wendell Carter Jr. did not recieve as much praise and as high of a draft evaluation as his former Duke teammate Marvin Bagley, but Carter has had the much more impressive summer. WCJ has been masterful in the post on offense and a dominant rim protector on defense. WCJ could stand to shoot from range a little better, but he forms a solid young frontcourt for the Bulls with Lauri Markkenan.

7.) DeAndre Ayton - Pheonix Suns

Ayton is much too good and has too good of a draft pedigree to be playing in Summer League. Moving on.

6.) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - Los Angeles Clippers

SGA was a favorite of mine entering the draft and he did not disappoint. SGA was effective at both creating shots for his teammates and for himself. SGA has the length and size defensively to compliment Pat Beverly and Avery Bradley. SGA does not have a clear path to minutes, but offers a young cornerstone for LAC and makes one of their aging guards expendable via trade.

5.) Collin Sexton - Cleveland Cavaliers

Sexton is a score-first point guard. And that is about it. He was not very good at creating opportunities for his teammates. However, Sexton looks like a steal with his mamba mentality and ability to get to the rim at any point. He is an excellent cornerstone for this rebuilding Cavaliers roster.

4.) Harry Giles - Sacremento Kings

How disappointing must it be for the Kings to draft yet another big man, just to find out that they had the answer on their roster all along? Giles was a former top high school recruit that has struggled with injuries since entering the NBA. However, Giles has been light on his feet and powerful above the rim all summer. Giles has nearly cemented himself into the rotation with a strong summer performance, as he only has to beat out Willy Caully Stein and the injure and disappointing Marvin Bagley.

3.) Trae Young - Atlanta Hawks

Young makes the list as a standout, but unfortunately he stood out in a negative way. Young was unable to find his shot throughout this summer and even found himself in a fight with the surprisingly decent Grayson Allen. Young showed his tremendous court vision and has been a marvel passing the rock, but his strong-suit is his deep shooting which has been letting him down these last few games.

2.) Kevin Knox - New York Knicks

Knox has gotten much of the hype in Vegas, and rightfully so. Knox has already converted several highlight dunks as well as stepped up big defensively. Knox was the youngest player in the draft at only 18, so it is clear he is still growing into his body. Knox should continue to develop as he tries to attain his goal of rookie of the year.

1.) Jaren Jackson Jr. - Memphis Grizzlies

JJJ opened up summer league in style draining eight 3 pointers in his first summer action. That is all it took for him to become one of my favorite players of all time. Jackson brought a block party with him everywhere he went this summer. He is uber athletic and lengthy. JJJ will be one of the NBA\'s rising stars after this summer performance.