| Summer League Analysis: Game 2, Vs. Detroit Authored by J.T. Magee - July 10, 2007 - 3:29 pm
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Louis Amundson
Amundson started off where he left off against the Spurs. He was battling with Jason Maxiell and holding his own. He left everything on the court. He showed an improving jump shot to go along with great shot-blocking instincts. Unfortunately, he sprained his ankle in the middle of the second quarter and never came back, but Amundson, in his limited time, proved to everyone that he belongs. His competition was a little better because Maxiell was in the playoffs logging minutes at power forward. Amundson never shied away from contact with Maxiell and his aggression will pay off when some team signs him to a deal. Another stellar but short stint from Amundson.
Louis Williams
I was expecting more distribution, but once Amundson got hurt, Williams took over the offense for Philly. He was driving, shooting and scoring his way to 32 points. The most amazing part of his scoring feat was he got to the free throw line 17 times and made each one. It was cool to see him go off, but I wanted to see him elevate his team’s overall play. As a point guard, he has to make everyone better. Defensively, he timed his steals very well, but his last steal was more of a gaffe from Rodney Stuckey than it was a steal. Williams played average perimeter defense, but let Stuckey get to the hoop almost at will. I like Williams as a combo guard, but in order to secure that 15-20 minutes per game next season, he will have to involve his teammates more off his drives instead of looking for his own shot. It was a strong overall game from Williams, but lacking team-first play in the point guard department.
Thaddeus Young
Young failed to take over, but displayed some nice handles and shot selection. He was attacking the offensive glass and played with more of a purpose in this game. I can tell he knows the game, but it seems like something is holding him back. He is a great isolation play was able to create his own shot as well as get to the rim. It feels like he needs a point guard to bring the best out of him and Williams hasn’t been that point guard. In this game, in his limited action, Young had the talent but not the assertiveness to take over the game. His defense was superb on Sammy Mejia and the rest of the Pistons’ swingmen. He’s starting to get it and I feel a breakout game coming from him soon. Good game from Young.
Jason Smith
Smith looked like he was worth spending time coaching. He looked better in this game than he did in his first. His defense and boxing out still needs to be worked on, but he was more comfortable down low. He was running the floor well and shooting with a little more confidence. His shot was falling short, which means he was either failing to get his legs under his shot or he was short-arming his release. On some shots, it looked like both were happening. He’s starting to piece everything together, but it will still be a while until we get to see Smith truly shine on both ends of the floor. Amundson’s injury opened up some playing time for him, so if he takes advantage of the extra pt by trying to replace Amundson’s hustle, he’ll go into Training Camp with more confidence.
Rodney Carney & Bobby Jones
Yet another disappointing game from both players. It looks like they are struggling because Williams isn’t setting them up with good looks and when they get them, it was as if Carney and Jones hadn’t seen those looks before. Jones was better overall because he didn’t have the ball in his hands nearly as often as he had it against the Spurs. Carney has all the tools to take over, but he isn’t getting it. Young looks more comfortable on the floor than Carney, and Carney has four years on him. These two need a traditional point guard in order to succeed. So far, they’ve failed to live up to any hype surrounding them heading into the LVSL.
Rashad Jones-Jennings
Jones-Jennings led the collegiate level in rebounds per game this past season. After watching him for the first time, I know why. He looked like the paint was his playpen as a child. He looked like he grew up around the hoop and wouldn’t let anyone play inside with him. He wasn’t a dominating player or someone who has to be signed, but he looked comfortable playing against bigger opponents. His size hurt him because he wasn’t able to get to as many rebounds compared to college because he was usually matched up with someone around 3-5 inches taller than him. Factor in standing reach, wingspan and positioning against Jones-Jennings, who has short arms for his size and the results weren’t positive, at least in the stat sheet. He may not be invited to the Sixers’ Training Camp, but he’ll get a lot of playing time as a power forward either in the NBDL or overseas. His activity is something a guy like Smith needs. I can’t wait to see more of him now that playing time has, for the moment, opened up.
Herbert Hill
Hill was better inside than he was against San Antonio. After setting a pick, he’d go inside for position. If he never got the ball, he played within the offense until a shot went up. He’d go towards the hoop and try to figure out which side the ball was going to be on. He played better against people his own size, but wasn’t stopping anyone defensively. Cheikh Samb was too long for him. Jason Maxiell was too much of a bruiser. Ali Traore was a decent match-up but couldn’t stop his post moves. He is an intriguing prospect, but I’m not sure if he’d benefit from riding the pine from Philadelphia. I’d like to see what he looks like after a season playing against men his size for an entire season.
John Cox
His minutes were limited, but I wasn’t able to get a feel for him. I’ll try to when he gets more playing time and when I go back to watch this game again.
Overall View
They lost on a last-second 3-pointer from Mejia, but their stable of young players looked more comfortable around each other against Detroit. Williams has to make Carney and Jones feel like they’re a part of the game because they don’t have it in them to assert themselves otherwise. Golden State may be a hard match-up for the 76ers, but if they move the ball and keep everyone involved, they’ll be able to stay in the game. If Williams feels the need to do too much, it could be an early blowout for the Warriors. |
