Summer League Evals

1. Derrick Rose – Was pulled out after poor showings because of tendonitis, but showed flashes of brilliance. His athleticism is still unparalleled at the pro level. But it doesn’t help that within a month, he’s been fined a grand for speeding over 100 mph.

2. Michael Beasley – His game was unmatched at the college level, too refined and too smooth. His ego was too. Now standing at 6’ 7” instead of his 6’ 10” listed height, Beasley was able to get his shot off against the likes of Joakim Noah, but struggled against the longer, more athletic Sean Williams of the Nets and went 1-13, getting his shots batted around multiple times. But like he would say, just B-Easy.

3. OJ Mayo – Made his NBA splash, literally, by baptizing second-year UConn man Hilton Armstrong. Scored 15 points, but also had eight turnovers. His shooting form is still obvious – he’s shooting a stellar 59% from range, while converting 93% from the stripe. He's also averaging 5 turnovers after four games.

4. Russell Westbrook - Perhaps the most efficient summer league performance – averaged 16.5 points, 3.5 assists, 1.5 turnovers on 50% shooting in less than 25 minutes played per contest. Athleticism and defensive intensity has given PJ Carlesimo orgasms.

5. Kevin Love - Struggled to get in rhythm and looked like the sea lion that Jay Bilas had called him. He had four fouls and five turnovers in the first half, managing only four points. However, he still finished with a meaty, and sea-lionish 18 points and 13 boards. Perhaps playing alongside former Florida Gator Corey Brewer gave him motivation.

7. Eric Gordon – Showed flashes, but erratic handle and poor decision making marred debut. Pulled out due to “injury.” Averaged 19 points, but shot just 32%. Hey! Sounds like Baron Davis. Welcome to the Clippers.

8. Joe Alexander – 2-13. 7 points in debut. The West Virginia lumberjack touch has left him. Maybe he should grow a beard.

9. DJ Augustin – Larry Brown raved and drooled over this kid and persuaded Jordan on picking him over Bayless. Averaging a solid 14.5 points on 50% shooting, 40% from range. At least he’s not Kwame.

10. 15. Brook & Robin – Can the summer league rule where players can get 10 fouls and still play and still violate other men be banned? Please?

11. Jerryd Bayless – Stroked in 28 points in debut. Probably the most refined guard with the best shooting touch in this class.

14. Anthony Randolph – The shy kid had 30 points in his debut. Currently averaging 20.5 on 57% shooting. Often looks lackadaisical. I guess it’s good that he'll play alongside Corey Maggette then.

22. Courtney Lee –Held his own against Kevin Durant. Serious, hard-worker hit 47% on three point field goals, averaged 20.2 points a game in five games.

28. Donte Green – 40 points in Durant-esque fashion – pull up J’s and showing off his deep range, finishing 5-10 on threes and 12-20 on the game.

Mario Chalmers – Shined against Derrick Rose, performed solidly against Westbrook. Long arms a bother.

Arron Afflalo?? Arron Afflalo???? Averaging 20 points a contest on 58% shooting. How about that Zoo Crew?

So what can we tell from summer league?

Nothing.

It just creates more room for speculation.