Mavericks vs Suns SL Game Thread 7/6/18

[CardsSunsDbacks]

I'm truly, and finally, excited for our future. The guys played as advertised in spite of the mad pace of these summer games (Anyone remember the game Frogger? Remember how fast the cars and logs got past level 5? That's what the summer league games feel like to me). This finally looks like the team I can get excited about.

Among all the positives this game had to offer, I have one point of constructive criticism. Okobo, Ayton, and JJ need to rewatch this game primarily focusing on how Bender, Reed, Harrison, and Bridges play D. And then they should watch themselves. They are worlds apart in their comprehension of defensive footwork and positioning.

I am particularly frustrated with JJ, a guy I'm HUGE on. He should be the best defender on the floor and yet he's still unbalanced in his pursuits. Often he over pursues and his opponent gets by him. He need to focus his eyes on the player's hips rather than their eyes and the ball. He also needs to stop hopping around. His footwork should be much farther along than it is now. Davon Reed is the perfect example of fundamental defense: body balanced, feet chopping, hands up in the lanes, and eyes on hips. I was stunned by some of Reed's defensive plays tonight. Hopefully JJ will mirror that soon.

Okobo still looks lost off the ball and reaches too often rather than relying on his footwork. The good news is that he looks like he's made progress from the French league, but still has a way to go. As one of his major critics on defense pre-draft, I felt this game showed lots of promise. (Offensively, he's as advertised)

All the criticism for Ayton's D was supported tonight as he was caught napping often. He really is just standing under the rim watching the game rather than playing. Chandler and Ariza need to sit down with him and watch the film. I'd bet DeAndre isn't even aware that he's a spectator on the court at times. Tyson could be worth his contract if he can wake him up. He also got schooled numerous times deep in the post by Motley who physically imposed his will on Ayton. Ayton looked stunned when Motley blasted him in the chest driving him back under the rim. Hopefully he'll be embarrassed by some of the clips. Welcome to the pros.

I did notice that Motley tried to do it again later in the quarter and Ayton was ready for it. Motley ran into a brick wall when that happened and I thought it was a good sign that he quickly made that adjustment. Ayton also did mention in his post game interview that you really need to stay engaged at all times because so many of these guys are so explosive. I think that suggests that he is aware that he had some lapses of focus.

 

[GatorAZ]

Did anyone see what Furkan Korkmaz did? 40 points on 18 shots (8-14 from 3).. Still younger than JJ.

 

[SweetD]

Loved what I saw, all be it the first SL game. Bridges looks like the most ready to play now. Okobo looks good for a back up and playing against Smith. Harrison did well and like his D and quickness. I don't expect King to make it out of the D league. Reed looking like he has a place on this team. Bender I just shake my head, I am thinking I would already like to see Bridges taking his minutes.

Ayton was ok, I like they didn't try to hard to make him the focal point on offense. But I didn't like he was unable to really make a post move and his rebounding needs some major work. But you can tell he has a nice jumper and once he gets in a real NBA game there will be a lot more spacing for him to work down low. Get him some time with Mark West on how to box out and get in position to rebound.

 

[SweetD]

Did anyone see what Furkan Korkmaz did? 40 points on 18 shots (8-14 from 3).. Still younger than JJ.

I watched the game, kid was on fire from 3s. But he cooled off and started chucking up horrible shots. His perimeter defense was horrible! He almost gave up as many points as he made.

Shooters in summer league are going to look good, same with athletic slashers just do to the quality of defenders.

 

[GatorAZ]

I watched the game, kid was on fire from 3s. But he cooled off and started chucking up horrible shots. His perimeter defense was horrible! He almost gave up as many points as he made.

Shooters in summer league are going to look good, same with athletic slashers just do to the quality of defenders.

His D was pretty horrible from what I saw. Sixers should sell high and send him to the Spurs now!

 

[Folster]

I thought Jackson had a horrid 1st quarter, but settled down and had a much more efficient rest of the game.

Reed was silly smooth and money for 3. He definitely earned his contract guarantee for 2018-2019

I was really impressed with Bridges' shooting. He was really ripping the nets.

Okobo was much more ready than I expected. He's quite the ballhandler. He had some nifty passes and impressive shots. He might be a steal.

Ayton looked a bit flat footed at times and was watching quite a bit. I was hoping wedw get to see some post moves, but it was clear Dallas was intent on denying him the ball and getting it out of his hands quickly.

It didn't help that our guards had trouble getting him the ball. If he can get to the point where he commands a double team in a real game, Booker, Bridges, Ariza, and Knight are going to light it up.

I also thought Ayton looked a bit soft, physique-wise. He was much more lean during the NCAA season. He's got plenty of time to hone his body and conditioning before camp, so I'm not too concerned.

Bender had a couple flashes, but overall he was disappointing.

 

[sunsfan88]

Is blocking a ball into the stands to Motumbo really a good block? Highlight is right. Too high and too light.

That was my favorite part of game. Especially since he did his famous finger wag as well. Me and my girl (who knows him because she has volunteered in some of his charity events) nearly fell off the couch laughing at that.

Truly awesome guy.

 

[sunsfan88]

Chriss has all the talent in the world but he might be the single dumbest player I've ever seen. He really has no basketball IQ and has shown no work ethic at all so far

He also pouts like no other player I've ever seen. I think it's telling he's not on this team in the summer

I agree with your overall sentiment on Chriss but you’re selling the Morris twins short with the bolded.

 

[sunsfan88]

There was nothing light about that block.

I was proud of him for protecting the rim even after his rough game offensively. He didn’t let it effect his game on the other end.

 

[sunsfan88]

His D was pretty horrible from what I saw. Sixers should sell high and send him to the Spurs now!

No not the Spurs, Pop would turn him into a fine Kyle Anderson replacement.

 

[sunsfan88]

Overall, this was a very fun game. The 3 rookies all played superb imo given their opportunities. Bridges is a dead eye shooter and Ayton didn’t have many opportunities due to the double teams but did what he could. Okobo looks like a special player and you can see why many feel he’s the steal of the draft.

Josh Jackson had a game that was reminiscent of his season....he started off slow but finished very strong. Bender has his issues offensively but those that pay attention to his defense can see that he definitely made an impact on that end.

Kokoskov’s system (albeit he can only do so much in 4 practices) also looked MUCH better than anything we’ve seen in the last 4-5 years. Guys are constantly moving and setting picks and screens. I imagine he’s only instilled maybe less than 25% of his actual offense within the SL league so it bodes well for regular season when he gets a full training camp with these guys.

I thought it was a great game for the Suns. Sucks Doncic couldn’t play but at least we get to see Bagley play tomorrow.

 

[AZ Shocker]

Over and over Ayton is in great positions and our guards miss him.

This is why Fred Van Vleet would've been a nice addition.

 

[BC867]

There was nothing light about that block.

Yeah, I was trying a play on words -- high light.

But the block sure was high. And not to a teammate.

 

[Superbone]

Yeah, I was trying a play on words -- high light.

But the block sure was high. And not to a teammate.

It was not a Bill Russell block but it WAS a statement block.

 

[Errntknght]

Harrison is probably the only player who I think is playing poorly. Seems like he's only using screens to create looks for himself.

Harrison is the one that threw that nice lob to Ayton on the break and he had 9 assists with 2 TOs, and he was 5 of 7 from the field. His defense was first rate, too. I think you might have been looking for flaws.

There were a lot of positives to take away from that game, but, for me, the biggest one was Davon Reed. Not so much his stellar shooting as his overall game - night and day from his stints at the end of the season. If he can continue like that we are going to have a potent second unit: him, Harrison, and one JJ or Bridges, Sauce(I'm still hoping) and maybe Peters, if neither of Chriss or Bender becomes consistent.

I agree with others that Okobo looked good. Better defense than I recalled from seeing him in Euroleague and his shooting was right on. I think his 3pt shooting is going to have him ahead of Harrison. BK may draw the starting nod out of the gate but by years end, Okobo and Harrison will have him glued to the bench again. He might have turned over a new leaf, but he can't fake defense.

 

[Finito]

Benders go to move is to take one dribble pick up the ball and hold it until someone is close enough to hand it to them.

Lol it's funny cause it's true. He gets by his defender and instead of going up with it he looks to pass it. I just end up yelling at my tv DUDE YOUR 7 FEET TALL JUST GO UP WITH IT!!!

 

[devilalum]

POG, how many guys can stroke it from the top of the arc like that?

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[RON_IN_OC]

Based on SMs comments during the game, I dont think Bender is going anywhere. Also, only Ayton is younger.

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[leclerc]

Pretty pleased with everyone after this game. Didn't give Ayton the ball in too many good positions, but that will improve. Bender has put on weight and was somewhat aggressive. Jackson must bulk up. He got going in the second half. Okobo better than expected. He showed some things. Bridges will contribute right now.

 

[devilalum]

Did anyone see what Furkan Korkmaz did? 40 points on 18 shots (8-14 from 3).. Still younger than JJ.

I know its just summer league but Furkan Korkmaz might be the best shooter of all time!

 

[JCSunsfan]

Yes but he's still more than a full year younger than Bridges. And he announced his NBA plans early and as a result spent much of his late teen years on the bench. He simply doesn't have the playing background of most college players. I don't have high hopes for him but we do not know how he'll develop and probably won't for another 2 years or so. Which is a problem for us as extension time will likely come before he matures into whatever player he's going to become.

The negativity towards Bender seems to just feed on itself. His defense was excellent last night.

 

[CardsSunsDbacks]

The negativity towards Bender seems to just feed on itself. His defense was excellent last night.

Yep and that is simply how the human psyche works. If you already have a negative opinion about someone you will really notice their negatives over their positives and when you have a high opinion about someone their positives tend to stick out more.

 

[ColdPickleNachos]

I know its just summer league but Furkan Korkmaz might be the best shooter of all time!

As a Summer League fan, I can assure you that Marco Belinelli is definitively the greatest shooter of all time. Also, Marcus Banks was an unstoppable force.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Did anyone see what Furkan Korkmaz did? 40 points on 18 shots (8-14 from 3).. Still younger than JJ.

Why the sad face? One guy putting up 40 in summer league means the team has few good players or he is a ball hog. He is also a second year player and a Bryan Colangelo pick.

 

[AzStevenCal]

As a Summer League fan, I can assure you that Marco Belinelli is definitively the greatest shooter of all time. Also, Marcus Banks was an unstoppable force.

Ahh, but you should have seen Bo Outlaw. Greatness personified.