Vegas Summer League Underway....

Man, I forgot how much I loved scanning box scores...pathetic. Even Vegas Summer League box scores are interesting these days. But what does a Summer league game mean in terms of Fantasy for the 09/10 JBL season? In some cases...it means a lot. In others, diddly squat.

Anthony Randolph, Russell Westbrook, and Ryan Anderson have all been amazing in the summer and I fully expect them to shine once the real season kicks in. Anderson should be very valuable in Orlando stretching defenses with his ability to shoot from long range. Remember, he's a tall white guy who can shoot from downtown. Gee, doesn't that sound a little like the guy who just left town???

But, for others, the summer league is a way for them to try and stay in the NBA - but it really means nothing in terms of their playing time come the fall. Take Adam Morrison as a prime example. He's been a stud in the summer but I think all he's hoping for is a spot (10-12) on the Lakers bench. He'd be happy with that.

I see DeJuan Blair is making his summer league debut today for the Spurs. He could be a Reggie Evans type for them this season - but I don't think he's drafted on JBL draft night.

The 2 Pistons rookies have been impressive so far. DeJuan Summers and Austin Daye have both been very good and should be in the new look Pistons rotation in the fall. Daye is 6'10 and weighs 180 pounds. He was UNABLE to bench press the 185 pound barbell in the combine before the draft!!! So, he's a lot like TayShaun Prince when he came out of college...but he's been pretty good so far this summer.

Stephen Curry is showing he can shoot...and remember he plays for Golden State. We know how Nelson loves to run and gun so he has a chance to play. Now, that being said, remember a couple summers ago we saw Marco Bellinini score 37 pts in a summer league game and then he never saw the floor again once the real games began. So...take it with a grain of salt. The one thing that Curry has going for him though is the #7 pick. You don't get picked that high in the draft and then not play. Curry will be a factor for GS this year and should be one of the top 3 rookies overall.

Another name making his mark is Rodrigue Beaubois in Dallas. A 6-foot point guard from France taken in the 1st round this year has been very good so far. But, can he find anytime in that star-studded Dallas lineup. My bet is no. Jason Kidd and company are built to win right now and they don't have any interest in seeing what this 21 year old can do. He shouldn't be a factor.

Marcus Thornton was a 2nd round pick this year for the Hornets and could factor in their lineup this season. The Hornets, in my mind, are the most surprising team in the West. Looking at their roster, I'm really not sure how they won 49 games last season. This for me reminds me of a few things. (1) Chris Paul must be amazing to lead this group of players to 49 wins. (2) Byron Scott has to be a good coach for the same reason. (3) Team defense obviously means something.
The Hornets could use some bench production this season and Thornton could be the guy. Rasual Butler had a good year at SG but is he the long term solution?? Really? I don't think so...So, you may as well try to get something out of Thornton. Apparently he is an electric scorer and could be a factor in 09/10.
(Quick update from the Hornets v. Spurs game --- Thornton has 18 pts and Blair has 13pts and 10 rebs)

Timbo and I are discussing D-Wade. Late last night he offered Derrick Rose and Nate Robinson for Wade. 3 minutes later he withdrew the offer. Would I have accepted the offer? No. Why? Because of Nifty Nate. His status for 09/10 is still up in the air so I don't think I would chance it. Even if I knew where he was going...I'm not sure he's the 2nd guy in a deal I'd want for Wade.

So, this morning, I countered with Wade for Rose and Tyrus Thomas. Is it the best deal I could get for Wade? I don't think so...but it's pretty good. I do like Rose and think he can have a good 2nd season. He averaged 17ppg, 6ast, and 4reb last year. He shot the ball well but doesn't take/make many 3-pointers. Tyrus Thomas is the wild card. He was in and out of the Bulls' doghouse last year and ended up averaging 10 and 6 with 2 blocks a game. There are numerous risks to acquiring/keeping him. What if the Bulls were able to acquire Carlos Boozer and didn't move Thomas? How many minutes would he get behind Carlos? Not many. What if Thomas got traded to Utah (for Boozer) and the Jazz re-signed Millsap...now Tyrus is coming off the bench. How valuable is he then?? Oh crap, I'm really talking myself out of this deal now...but what if Millsap is not re-signed and Tyrus is the starter?? Oh man....I wonder if Bangkok is still interested in a Wade for Westbrook/Lee deal?