With the NBA Summer League underway in Las Vegas, incoming rookies have stolen the show in Sin City.?
Highlighted by lottery picks, these rookies are proving that they can be capable contributors at the next level.?
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Wiz Kid?
The Wizards? top pick and No. 3 overall selection Bradley Beal showed off his sweet shooting stroke and ability to get to the basket in a 102-82 loss to the Hawks.
Beal poured in a game-high 22 points for the Wiz and drained nine of his 10 free throws.?
Although a 43 percent shooting clip is underwhelming for the sharp shooter, Beal contributed on defense as well, adding a steal and two blocked shots.?
The Gator has all the talent to be a force in the league. With a game similar to that of Eric Gordon, Beal possesses the stroke and the drive to pour in points against opposing defenses.?
His debut for the Wizards was encouraging, displaying the talents that he will take to D.C. in the fall.?
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All Over the Court?
Bobcats forward and No. 2 overall pick?Michael Kidd-Gilchrist lived up to the reputation of his high motor, as he was all over the court in a Charlotte win over the Kings.
In the Cats first win since March 17, Kidd-Gilchrist was integral to Charlotte's success.
The Kentucky product stuffed the stat sheet with 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists. On the other side of the ball, MKG brought the intensity, locking up No. 5 overall pick Thomas Robinson.
While the defense is nothing like that of the regular season, Summer League still has some serious competition with so many guys fighting for roster spots.??
Kidd-Gilchrist was relentless against Robinson, holding the Kansas phenom to a 5/11 shooting night and forcing the Jayhawk into eight turnovers.
In doing so, MKG brought some much-needed intensity to an otherwise quiet game.
He set the tone for the rest of the Bobcats. In a team defensive effort, the Cats held the Kings to 38 percent shooting and coerced them into 20 turnovers en route to their?121-87 rout.
His game was infectious as well, as Charlotte shared the ball nicely on its way to 22 assists, 14 more than its Sacramento opponent.
If Kidd-Gilchrist can bring it every night, then the Bobcats might surprise the NBA as one of the grittiest squads in the league.?
Charlotte fans are hoping Friday?s performance is an indication of what?s to come.
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Who has been the most impressive rookie in Summer League action?
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Bradley Beal
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Terrence Jones
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Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
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Jeremy Lamb
Who has been the most impressive rookie in Summer League action?
Stacked Summer Squad?
Headlined by three first-round picks, the Rockets demonstrated the versatility of their lanky forwards Jeremy Lamb and Terrence Jones.
Lamb, the No. 12 pick, dropped a game-high 26 points for the Rockets, while Jones finished second with 16 in a 70-76 loss to the Wizards.
Both used their height to bother the Wizards, most notably Beal, who finished with just 14 points on 40 percent shooting.
No. 16 overall pick Royce White struggled for the Rockets, putting up a measly four points and one rebound in 22 minutes of action for Houston.
According to ESPN.com's Marc Stein and Chad Ford, the Rockets are still discussing deals for the Magic?s Dwight Howard and are willing to send a sizable chunk of their young talent to Orlando.?
Keeping these guys might be the best decision for the franchise. With Jones and Lamb leading the way, the future looks awfully bright in Houston.
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