The 2017 NBA Summer League has been as big as it's ever been this summer with the attraction of the NBA's newest product that features one of the best draft classes in years. Lonzo Ball is beginning to prove to all of his haters that he is certainly NBA worthy, and not just overhyped by his outspoken father Lavar.
Jayson Tatum has proven that he was worthy of being the No. 3 pick for the most winning franchise in NBA history, while Dennis Smith Jr. has led the Mavs to a perfect record so far this summer. The No. 1 overall pick, Markelle Fultz, went down with an ankle injury during a matchup against Tatum and the Celtics, which caused Philly to shut him down from any more Summer League activity.
Lonzo Ball is NBA worthy
Lonzo Ball got off to a shaky start in his first game of the summer league, posting just 5 points, 5 assists, and shooting just 2-16 from the floor. The Lakers second-year star Brandon Ingram was injured in that same game, and despite the injury being minor, Magic Johnson decided to shut him down for the rest of the Summer League. Since then, Lonzo Ball has stepped up and showed he can clearly be the leader of the team.
In his most recent outing during the "SL" playoffs, Ball nearly posted another triple-double by putting up 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists in a Lakers win. The win secured L.A. a spot in the semifinals round on Sunday. After yesterday's game, Ball is now averaging 19.4 points, 9.8 assists, and 8.3 rebounds.
Jayson Tatum looking good in Celtics green
The Boston Celtics gave up their No. 1 pick knowing that they would take Jayson Tatum at No. 3 while receiving a future top-pick as well. Philly wanted Fultz, so they decided to trade up two spots. Danny Ainge has gone on to say that if they were to have kept the No. 1 pick they would have still selected Tatum.
This summer he has proven why that statement may be true.
Tatum is averaging 17.7 points and 8.0 rebounds per game in the Las Vegas tournament. His stellar play earned him his first breather Friday night against the Dallas when he sat out and watched his team take a loss to the undefeated Mavs.
Dennis Smith Jr. has Mavs on a roll
The Dallas Mavericks have arguably been the most impressive team throughout the entire Summer League as they have still yet to lose a game. Dennis Smith Jr., who was selected No. 9 in the draft, has been the most explosive guard in the tournament with his flurry of moves that allow him to drive to the basket with ease.
Since missing the first two games of the "SL," Smith has played in every game and helped punch his team a ticket into the semifinals of the playoffs on Saturday night. As of Saturday, he averaging 16.6 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.
