Sophomores shine in Orlando Summer League
Over the weekend the annual Orlando Summer League (July 5-11) 2014 kicked off. Participating teams consist of players who have been in the league three years or less. In the first two days of action sophomores have shined and come up with some impressive performances. Not to be completely outdone more than a few rookies got their feet wet and displayed potential.
Thrust into the spotlight right away was Philadelphia 76ers’ Nerlens Noel, who was drafted sixth overall in the 2013 draft, but did not play a single game during the season as he recovered from a torn ACL. The big man scored 19 points and collected four steals while handing out three assists in Philly’s 83-77 loss to the Orlando. Noel, who had been working very hard since February, looked very good as he ran up and down the court. Victor Oladipo led the Magic with 18 points, six rebounds and three assists.
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The Detroit Pistons defeated the Houston Rockets 95-89. Chris Crawford managed 20 points, but it was Kentavious Caldwell-Pope who led the effort with 26 points, six steals and four rebounds. KCP followed up his solid Day-1 performance with a 30-point explosion against Memphis in Day 2.
In the Boston-Miami game Kelly Olynyk scored 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Olynyk was also impressive in last year’s Summer League action and could be a candidate for a breakout season this 2014-15. Miami rookie Shabazz Napier had a difficult outing with 3-of-15 shooting. The Celtics edged the Heat 85-77.
Mason Plumlee displayed consistency in both of New Jersey’s games. He scored 20 points against the Pacers on Day 1 and 18 points against the Heat on Day 2.