NBA TV Set To Broadcast 28 Games From Las Vegas 2007 NBA Summer League Presented By Adidas. Tickets for the 2007 NBA Summer League presented by adidas, the league’s summer showcase in Las Vegas for top free agents and members of the 2007 Draft class, are on sale now. Fans will be able to purchase tickets by calling 702-739-FANS, through UNLVtickets.com or by visiting the Thomas & Mack Box Office and UNLV Ticket Outlets.

The 2007 NBA Summer League presented by adidas, formerly the Las Vegas Summer League, will feature 21 NBA teams and the Chinese National Team competing over 10 days, from July 6-15. A 55-game schedule will Saturday July 7th Cox Pavilion 3 PM - Detroit vs. Philadelphia Monday July 9th Cox Pavilion 3 PM - Detroit vs. Memphis* Wednesday July 11th Cox Pavilion 3 PM - Washington vs. Detroit* Thursday July 12th Cox Pavilion 1 PM – Denver vs. Detroit Saturday July 14th Thomas and Mack 3:30 PM - Detroit vs. LA Lakers

* Denotes game broadcast on NBA TV SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE be played at the Thomas & Mack Center and the Cox Pavilion on the campus of the University of Nevada Las Vegas. The San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers and the Chinese National Team will tip off games on the first day of action at Cox Pavilion (full schedule attached). (Cont. on link).PISTONS: 2007 NBA Summer League Presented By Adidas (http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/summer_league_070606.html)

:hoops:

Thanks Buddha. I meant to get that posted.

The Low has graciously agreed to once again help cover the SL for us from Vegas at BadBoySummerCamp (http://badboysummercamp.com).

The site will be getting a facelift shortly, and I am looking for one or two folks who would be willing to post news from the papers and online to the blog until the summer league is over. You can PM me if you are interested. I can definitely use the assistance, and it's easy and simple with the opportunity to explore your inner sports writer if you want to take it up a notch.

Also, if you will be in Vegas for the Summer League, I'm pretty sure The Low would be happy to meet up with you at a game, and again, any observations/video/photos you have to share would be appreciated.

I planned to go this year to carry The Low's gear and act as a bodyguard (not that he needs one) but those plans have come undone and I won't be able to attend.

Feel free to post if you will be attending and I will do my best to help coordinate the PF community at AMIRSAMBFEST 2007. :D

I don't recall if this is the first year that the Chinese National team will participate.

:hoops:

If Low or anyone else is going to the games maybe they can ask Amir how tall he really is.

:hoops:

If Low or anyone else is going to the games maybe they can ask Amir how tall he really is.

:hoops:
Let it go, he's obviously taller than he was 2 years ago when drafted and is at least 6'10" now. I'll be absolutely shocked if he isn't 6'9.5" or taller in bare feet.

Most of these heights are complete BS anyways.

How many guys listed at 7' are shorter than Sheed? Tons of them.

Paul Davis is 6'8.5" and was listed as tall as 6'11"...


56. Amir Johnson-Detroit Pistons: I guarantee I will never type the words Amir Johnson again.


Free NBA Basketball Picks Against the Spread Winner (http://www.wagercom.com/nba_draft_2005.html)

:pound:

that guy was so wrong.
david lee, ryan gomes, frye, man...horrible projections.

All I care is how tall he plays. Hopefully we will find that out real soon.

that's some funny stuff. :MusicBigGrin:

58. Uros Slokar-Toronto Raptors: Now they’re just making names up at the end of the draft to see if anyone is still paying attention.

However I do agree that it was a pretty weak draft. The picks actually seemed to get better the further it went on.

I would trade Will Blalock for Uros Slokar in a heartbeat. He had a very good late season game against us off the bench. Now there is a guy fans can get excited about possibly having some potential.

here is the Pistons summer league roster. First round draft picks Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo, will play, as will second-rounder Sammy Mejia and Cheikh Samb, the 7-1 Senegalese center the Pistons acquired from the Lakers in last years draft. Jason Maxiell and Amir Johnson are also on the roster, but it is not clear how much they will play.
There are two non-roster veterans on the team -- LaRon Profit, former Wizards guard who has four years of NBA experience, and point guard Walker Russell, Jr., son of former Piston Walker D. Russell who played in the NBDL last year. Rounding out the roster are Olimpio Cipriano, a 6-4 guard from Angola; Eddy Fobbs, 6-11 center from Sam Houston State; Ibrahim Jaaber, 6-2 guard from Penn; Ali Traore, 6-9 forward from France; and Joah Tucker, 6-5 guard from Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Terry Porter, Igor Kokoskov and Michael Curry will coach the team, which will play five games starting Saturday in Vegas.

DETNEWS | Weblog | Pistons Blog (http://info.detnews.com/pistonsblog/index.cfm)

Who is
Eddy Fobbs (http://media.www.houstonianonline.com/media/storage/paper229/news/2005/01/20/Sports/Big-Man.On.Campus-836689.shtml)
Fobbs has rewritten school history and set the bar for future athletes that will wear a Bearkat uniform. Marlin said Fobbs has made as large an impact upon Sam Houston basketball as Senecca Wall and Donald Cole.
A link with a pic. Eddy Fobbs (http://www.basslinespin.com/FobbsEddy.htm)

Who is Ali Traore (http://www.collegehoopsnet.com/new/story/nba_draft_profile_ali_traore40829)?
Scouting Report: A physically strong French post player.
More Traore (http://www.draftexpress.com/viewprofile.php?p=1052)

Who is Ali Traore (http://www.collegehoopsnet.com/new/story/nba_draft_profile_ali_traore40829)?
More Traore (http://www.draftexpress.com/viewprofile.php?p=1052)

Having the chance to evaluate his rebounding skills very closely throughout his time on the court, we can say with some confidence that he does a very poor job boxing out his opponents and doesn’t seem to put much effort into going after rebounds that are out of his area—even having a few balls snatched right out of his hands by smaller opponents. For a guy who isn’t the tallest, explosive or most skilled prospect in the world, this has to be considered a serious cause for concern.


We already have plenty of that. :)

PISTONS: Summer Stock (http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/vegas_070702.html)
First-round rookies Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo, two-year veteran forwards Amir Johnson and Jason Maxiell and 7-foot Senegalese native Cheick Samb highlight the Pistons’ roster for the Las Vegas Summer League as finalized Monday.

The Pistons will play five games in Las Vegas starting on Saturday. Pistons assistants Terry Porter and Igor Kokoskov and newly added Michael Curry will make up the team’s coaching staff.
Johnson, a restricted free agent, can’t officially re-sign with the Pistons until July 11 and is expected to miss the first two games.
Among the other intriguing names on the roster are Ali Traore, a 6-foot-9 power forward from France who some thought could sneak into the late first round, and Walker Russell Jr., son of ex-Piston Walker D. Russell and nephew of former NBA star Campy Russell. Russell played at Rochester High School and attended junior college before finishing his college career at Jacksonville State.
Traore, 22, is a native of the Ivory Coast. Though still pretty raw offensively, he’s got an NBA body at 240 pounds and is reported to have a wing span of 7-foot-5. He’s considered a good athlete with good footwork who can score with either hand around the rim but has very little in the way of a mid-range repertoire at this point.
Samb has been working out at the Pistons’ practice facility for a week since arriving from Spain, where he played professionally this past season. He’s added about 30 pounds since playing for the Pistons last summer after they traded Maurice Evans to the Los Angeles Lakers for his draft rights. The Pistons will use the summer league to evaluate Samb’s progress and determine if they have a roster spot available for him.
Maxiell was not expected to participate in this year’s summer league, but he asked the Pistons if he could and they gladly agreed. Also on the roster is second-round draft choice Sammy Mejia, a swingman from DePaul. The Pistons will get their first feel for what they can expect from Stuckey and Afflalo in Las Vegas. They’ll see about Stuckey’s ability to handle both guard positions and gauge Afflalo’s ability to score against athletes with size while looking for both to flash a special skill or two that would complement the play of the starting backcourt.

Who is
Eddy Fobbs (http://media.www.houstonianonline.com/media/storage/paper229/news/2005/01/20/Sports/Big-Man.On.Campus-836689.shtml)

A link with a pic. Eddy Fobbs (http://www.basslinespin.com/FobbsEddy.htm)


I Eddy may be the key to our summer league success...

he has to be. he's our only C.

The fobb story is that he tore up his knee. would he have been something otherwise? Who knows.

I am liking the fact that maxiell asked to join summer league. not only will his appearances make for exciting hoops but you gotta love that attitude.

This guy (Fobbs) reminds me of a little known player from a small school (my undergrad school) in Kentucky called Murray State. That player was Popeye Jones, and while he never achieved star status, he had a pretty good career in the NBA. Small schools do occasionally produce some excellent talent...Joe D being one of the best examples.

PISTONS: Summer Stock (http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/vegas_070702.html)

- additional players in the summer league: Ali Traore and Walker Russell Jr.
- curry will be part of the coaching staff
- johnson cannot sign as a free agent until the 11th, so he is expected to miss the 1st two games
- maxiell was not expected to participate, but asked the pistons if he could, so he will be on the team
- samb has been in town for a week and working out with the team

woops didn't see that someone posted about it already. i guess uh...enjoy the summary? lol

Any info on how much meat is on Samb's bones?

The Low will be corresponding to us from Vegas during the SL. I'm sure he will cover Samb in some detail.

Any info on how much meat is on Samb's bones?
The figures that I'm seeing range from 225lbs to 240lbs. In comparison, Darko is listed at 275lbs.

Will Blalock is on Nuggets summer league team:
Skita on Nuggets' Summer League roster : Other Sports : Boulder Daily Camera (http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2007/jul/03/skita-on-nuggets-summer-league-roster/)


The Denver Nuggets will participate in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas starting this weekend and announced their roster for the event Monday.
There are a few familiar names on the summer league roster, including former Nugget Nikoloz Tskitishvili and Von Wafer, who played for the Colorado 14ers in the NBA D-League. Former Iowa State guard Will Blalock and Dajuan Wagner, who spent three seasons with the Cavaliers, are also on the roster.

So that answers Blalock question.

Obviously The Nuggets know that Blalock can hit the three.

So does Blalock being on another team's summer roster mean that he's officially not coming back to the Pistons?

So does Blalock being on another team's summer roster mean that he's officially not coming back to the Pistons?

Forward Ronald Dupree picked up his player option and will return for the 2007-08 season. The Pistons did not pick up the team option on guard Will Blalock, meaning he will become an unrestricted free agent.

PISTONS NOTEBOOK: Curry returns to Pistons (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070630/SPORTS03/706300360)

Ah, OK, I'd missed that. Thanks for the link.

Lee will be gutted.

At least we may have a rookie guard this year we can all covet with as much love - Hot Rod.

at first, here's a short quote that reminds me and probably most of you guys, why JMax is so adorable:
Maxiell was not expected to participate in this year’s summer league, but he asked the Pistons if he could and they gladly agreed.
Next, I like that the Pistons have Ali Traore on their summer league roster- this guy could turn out to be asteal since he went undrafted. He has a 240 pound body and a freakin' 7'5 wingspan.
DraftExpress Profile: Ali Traore (http://www.draftexpress.com/viewprofile.php?p=1052)

We're slowly ramping up for the Summer League folks. I'd like to do one last callout for a helper (this is separate from the assistance I posted in the staff room), and would also like to know if anyone will be in Vegas during the SL, for a game or the whole week.

Let us know. Thanks!

Yea...I'll be there from 9-12th.

Congo, sent you a private message. :)

We're slowly ramping up for the Summer League folks. I'd like to do one last callout for a helper (this is separate from the assistance I posted in the staff room), and would also like to know if anyone will be in Vegas during the SL, for a game or the whole week.

Let us know. Thanks!


Roscoe, I plan on driving over in the morning and should be there for games 2-4 (Mavs/sonics, Grizz/China and Celtics/Blazers) and then again on Saturday for the first two games Warriors/Hornets and Pistons/Sixers. Probably will be it as I have to see George Wallace saturday night and probably skip Sundays games and hang out somewhere else. I can take pictures...what else you need??

Dre, you are great. If you could PM The Low, I am sure you could hook up with him, and maybe congo too as he will be there for a couple days.

I'm hoping to get lots of photos and that's not easy for The Low to do while he is taking notes and watching the game. Photos and moral support for The Low would be wonderful.

Dre, you are great. If you could PM The Low, I am sure you could hook up with him, and maybe congo too as he will be there for a couple days.

I'm hoping to get lots of photos and that's not easy for The Low to do while he is taking notes and watching the game. Photos and moral support for The Low would be wonderful.


Will do. Will probably miss Congo as I am coming back home Sunday evening, will PM Low in the morning before I leave to get his info etc. Maybe run into TFD too.

Summer league team rosters updated as of yesterday the 5th

Detroit Pistons (Las Vegas)

Player Pos. Sch./Ctry.
Arron Afflalo G UCLA
Olimpio Cipriano G Angola
Eddy Fobbs C Sam Hous.St.
Ibrahim Jaaber G Penn
Amir Johnson FW. HS (L.A.)
Jason Maxiell F Cincinnati
Sammy Mejia G DePaul
LaRon Profit F Maryland
W. Russell Jr. G J'ville State
Cheikh Samb C Senegal
Rodney Stuckey G E. Wash.
Ali Traore F France
Joah Tucker G Wis.-Mil.


Summer League Rosters | HOOPSWORLD.com | NBA News and Information | powered by Basketball News Services (http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_22581.shtml)

:hoops:

Keith Langlois at Pistons.com has an update (http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/vegas_070705.html) on how practices are going in Vegas.
Porter interspersed the two-hour evening workout with shooting drills in which pairs of Pistons would attempt to make 21 perimeter shots as quickly as possible. Stuckey and Afflalo were easy winners both times.

“He’s a lot stronger than I thought,” Porter said of Stuckey, who will start at point guard with Afflalo at his side. “I’d seen some tape, but he really does a good job of getting into the paint and being able to hold his own when he gets a bump, makes the pass when necessary or finishes at the basket.”

Maxiell also mentioned Stuckey’s strength and finishing ability as highlights of the first few practices.

“He’s a strong guard,” said Maxiell, participating in the Summer League of his own volition. “I like his game. He’s strong, he’s athletic, he gets to the rim and he’ll finish every time.”

TrueHoop lists our young guys as one of the top ten things to watch for (http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-26-15/Summer-League-o-Licious.html) in Vegas:
Chauncey Billups says it's no secret that then Jason Maxiell gets the ball, he has bad intentions. He wants to dunk it even when he has no business dunking it. I support that. The Piston squad also features Rodney Stuckey who promises to be one of the most exciting guards in what is traditionally a guard's league. Piston fans have been hanging their hopes on Amir Johnson for some time, who some have compared to a young Kevin Garnett. Former UCLA standout Arron Afflalo will be making his pro debut, too.

What about Alex? Is he going to be invited to training camp to try out for a spot, or is he fading out of our picture.

I love that they are practicing and hopefully will play as a 4 man unit. Defend agressively and rebound and run.

Detroit News reports that Stuckey and Afflalo are signed. Don't know how to do proper links.

Detroit News reports that Stuckey and Afflalo are signed. Don't know how to do proper links.

The Pistons have signed first-round draft picks Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo. Terms were not disclosed.
link: Pistons sign first-round picks (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070706/UPDATE/707060438)

Detroit News reports that Stuckey and Afflalo are signed. Don't know how to do proper links.
Just copy it from your browser's address bar and paste into the posting window where you are writing.

It will automagically make it a link and add a title.

Just copy it from your browser's address bar and paste into the posting window where you are writing.

It will automagically make it a link and add a title.

Thanks, I should have just tried it; but I didn't want to make a mess.
Also, thanks Lurker for the PM.

What happened to Acker? Wasn't he doing pretty in Greece. He's not on the summer team so what's his future with the pistons look like?

he's not on the summer league roster so he looks to be a free man.

There's no information anywhere on Acker. This is a bit weird. Pistons are not saying anything regarding his status.

Had a two year deal with a player option the second year.......in Greece. Team over there didn't want him back this season. The coach had difficulties with him. Someone here said the coach just may be hard to get along with. My take is that if you get cut in Greece by the coach, you're not Piston material.

Thad Young not looking too good in his first game and Derrick Byars isnt even playing at all.

what acker's coach in greece thinks doesn't mean %%%% in the nba IMHO.
the guy was a bit weird. it's like getting dissed by a schizophrenic saunders. would you really take the guy's thoughts as gospel.

i'm a bit confused as to why there's been no mention of acker. i think he could have helped us this year but i guess joe d has other ideas after his drafting this past week.

Bad Boy Summer Camp - We're back (http://www.pistonsforum.com/news/7023-bad-boy-summer-camp-were-back.html)

Don't know if this thread is for all Summer league action or only the Pistons.

Please let me know if this post should be in a separate thread

Durant gets 18 in summer league debut

minutes 29:46
FGA 18
FGM 5
TPA 4
TPM 1
FTA 9
FTM 7
Rebounds 1 (LOL)
Blks 0
ST 1
PF 1 (not surprising)

NBA.com : Summer League 2007 (http://www.nba.com/summerleague2007/games/boxscore.jsp?gameId=1520700002)

:hoops:

Don't know if this thread is for all Summer league action or only the Pistons.

Please let me know if this post should be in a separate thread



Ditto. Man I am watching this Seattle/Dallas Summer League game and all I can say is whoever is doing the broadcast, can they puleeze take over all the NBA games? It's great. It's just like being right there. The cameras seem to be much closer to the action, they zoom in on conversations between players and you can hear the crowd and the coaching. Why are the NBA games so canned and almost calculated to be generic and uninspiring? I swear. I want this camera crew. And I can hear the sneakers squeaking on the floor. It's really fantastic. Almost like being there live. I can't wait to see our Pistons tomorrow!!! I mean even the color is better on the unis! (Okay I know it's a much smaller venue, but still...surely ESPN and ABC can do a better job of covering the court and the game, can't they?

Glinny appearing again out of nowhere, this time on the Celtics roster. lol.

This guy is going for the record for Summer League's i think. Impressive filling up the stat sheet.

NBA.com : Summer League 2007 (http://www.nba.com/summerleague2007/games/boxscore.jsp?gameId=1520700004)

Ditto. Man I am watching this Seattle/Dallas Summer League game and all I can say is whoever is doing the broadcast, can they puleeze take over all the NBA games? It's great. It's just like being right there. The cameras seem to be much closer to the action, they zoom in on conversations between players and you can hear the crowd and the coaching. Why are the NBA games so canned and almost calculated to be generic and uninspiring? I swear. I want this camera crew. And I can hear the sneakers squeaking on the floor. It's really fantastic. Almost like being there live. I can't wait to see our Pistons tomorrow!!! I mean even the color is better on the unis! (Okay I know it's a much smaller venue, but still...surely ESPN and ABC can do a better job of covering the court and the game, can't they?

Kim,

You have to pony up for the ferry ride. Seeing the Sonics live is just like summer league. I fell in love with the Pistons during the Teal era, when you could buy a cheap ticket and sit behind the bench. I will always be a Pistons fan... but there is a level of fan participation that you can only get watching the hopefuls. God Speed, young players, may you find your way in the NBA.

Don't know if this thread is for all Summer league action or only the Pistons.

Please let me know if this post should be in a separate thread

Durant gets 18 in summer league debut

minutes 29:46
FGA 18
FGM 5
TPA 4
TPM 1
FTA 9
FTM 7
Rebounds 1 (LOL)
Blks 0
ST 1
PF 1 (not surprising)

NBA.com : Summer League 2007 (http://www.nba.com/summerleague2007/games/boxscore.jsp?gameId=1520700002)

:hoops:

If you thought Durant's one rebound was amusing you must think Greg Oden's 2 boards four TO's and 10 fouls was one heck of a knee slapper. :pound:

I think Acright just wants to get back to the USA. I hope he didn't blow it.

If you thought Durant's one rebound was amusing you must think Greg Oden's 2 boards four TO's and 10 fouls was one heck of a knee slapper. :pound:

I don't think Darko has ever committed 10 fouls in a game, at least not an organized game in the U.S. of A.

But then he was not a #1 pick. LOL

:hoops:

If you thought Durant's one rebound was amusing you must think Greg Oden's 2 boards four TO's and 10 fouls was one heck of a knee slapper. :pound:

That just proves my point about Durant avoiding contact at all costs. How does a rookie play 30 minutes in a summer league game and only get one foul called on him and only one rebound? There is only one way that I know of and that is to avoid contact.

At least Oden was banging. Oden will be okay once he the officials come to an understanding.

:hoops:

That just proves my point about Durant avoiding contact at all costs. How does a rookie play 30 minutes in a summer league game and only get one foul called on him and only one rebound? There is only one way that I know of and that is to avoid contact.

At least Oden was banging. Oden will be okay once he the officials come to an understanding.

:hoops:

Hogwash.

If fouls are indicative of effort why does Ben Wallace rarely foul out? (I'm not comparing anyone to Ben, it's just an example that fouls = effort is far from truth)

I don't understand why so many folks think the next level is going to be harder for Durant but easier for Oden (oh, once the officials give him his "pass" of course :pound:)

We're talking about a guy that out rebounded Oden while averaging more cumulative blocks and steals as well. He achieved this while playing out on the perimeter while Oden was camped in the lane mind you.

Now all of a sudden Durant is soft.

Tell you what, explain to me how Oden is not a better rebounder than Durant in college, but he's automatically better coming into the NBA?

No way that makes any sense.

Oh yea, you're a wonderful person whom I respectfully disagree with :)

Hogwash.

If fouls are indicative of effort why does Ben Wallace rarely foul out? (I'm not comparing anyone to Ben, it's just an example that fouls = effort is far from truth)

I don't understand why so many folks think the next level is going to be harder for Durant but easier for Oden (oh, once the officials give him his "pass" of course :pound:)

We're talking about a guy that out rebounded Oden while averaging more cumulative blocks and steals as well. He achieved this while playing out on the perimeter while Oden was camped in the lane mind you.

Now all of a sudden Durant is soft.

Tell you what, explain to me how Oden is not a better rebounder than Durant in college, but he's automatically better coming into the NBA?

No way that makes any sense.

Oh yea, you're a wonderful person whom I respectfully disagree with :)

Good post. It will be interesting to see how this first year shakes out.

Hogwash.

If fouls are indicative of effort why does Ben Wallace rarely foul out? (I'm not comparing anyone to Ben, it's just an example that fouls = effort is far from truth)

I don't understand why so many folks think the next level is going to be harder for Durant but easier for Oden (oh, once the officials give him his "pass" of course :pound:)

We're talking about a guy that out rebounded Oden while averaging more cumulative blocks and steals as well. He achieved this while playing out on the perimeter while Oden was camped in the lane mind you.

Now all of a sudden Durant is soft.

Tell you what, explain to me how Oden is not a better rebounder than Durant in college, but he's automatically better coming into the NBA?

No way that makes any sense.

Oh yea, you're a wonderful person whom I respectfully disagree with :)

Durant was soft in college. I saw him play enough to know that he avoids contact like the plague. Some people like physical contact others don't. Durant doesn't like physical contact. No hogwash about it.

Thanks for commenting on my post. Have a nice day and enjoy the Pistons game today.

:hoops:

is there any way we can watch these games? i see the pistons are playing at 6 tonight

is there any way we can watch these games? i see the pistons are playing at 6 tonight

NBA.com : Summer League 2007 (http://www.nba.com/summerleague2007/scoreboard.jsp)

Sign up and wait until they post the webcast link later on.

Hogwash.

If fouls are indicative of effort why does Ben Wallace rarely foul out? (I'm not comparing anyone to Ben, it's just an example that fouls = effort is far from truth)

I don't understand why so many folks think the next level is going to be harder for Durant but easier for Oden (oh, once the officials give him his "pass" of course :pound:)

We're talking about a guy that out rebounded Oden while averaging more cumulative blocks and steals as well. He achieved this while playing out on the perimeter while Oden was camped in the lane mind you.

Now all of a sudden Durant is soft.

Tell you what, explain to me how Oden is not a better rebounder than Durant in college, but he's automatically better coming into the NBA?

No way that makes any sense.

Oh yea, you're a wonderful person whom I respectfully disagree with :)


Good job Cloud.

I've got a few PMs about where to post NBA Summer League and where to post Pistons Summer League.

I'm moving this thread to the NBA Summer League to the NBA Stuff forum because we should have a lot of BBSC posts here for discussing the Pistons SL and games in the Pistons General Discussion forum.

I realize it's not an elegant solution, but it is somewhat of a solution without sorting through dozens of responses that span lots of topics.

By avoiding contact Durant has/will develope better court vision and footwork. His game isn't power.
If you bump into Oden you might find yourself displaced 2 to 3 ft. away from where you were. His game is power.

First side line report from your roving PF reporter

Me and the wife rolled into Vegas about 2:30PM yesterday with the temps hitting 110 degrees. Luckily for us the AC was working in COX Pavilion as we sat down at the at the beginning of the second quarter of the Mavs-Sonic games. The early crowd of curious onlookers were there to see Mr. Durant and based on my observations, he is long way from winning rookie of the month in November. Yeah he was the high scorer for the game, but 18 pts on 17 FGA reminds me of Kobe's early days.. As far as playing defense abd banging, it was almost non existent for the number 2 overall pick. It was almost as if the Sonic braintrust said to avoid contact to avoid injury as Durants boney legs and frame initially looked under nourished in the NBA world. On most defensive sequences he stood on the outside watching his fellow players bang for rebounds.

#5 pick Jeff Green played tentively but allowed the focus to be on Durrant. The Sonics also had Johan Petro, Julius Hodge and former Detroit Mercy player Jermaine "I can't sing" Jackson there to hone their skills. The Mavs Maurice Ager, was clearly the crowd pleaser during this game as the former Spartan star had a series of dazzling dunks scoring 17 points and was the only player to have an autograph table set up after the game for the fans to meet him and get signatures. The Mavs first pick in the draft, Nick Fazekas, (#34 overall) had a terrible game shooting wise (1-7) and his parents who were sitting directly behind us were groaning on every miss.:(


I will provide highlights of the next two games we saw on the next post.

Good work Dre.
Hopefully you, Low and myself can hookup at one of the games and start a Piston uprising. I got first dubs on a picture with CB if he shows up.

Good work Dre.
Hopefully you, Low and myself can hookup at one of the games and start a Piston uprising. I got first dubs on a picture with CB if he shows up.

It was good work and thank you LA Dre very much. We all appreciate you taking the time to post your observations. Maybe you can a job as a freelance Piston writer for the DetNews on-line edition and replace McCosky. I see that as a big improvement.


TheeTFD:

But don't LA Dre's comments about Durant support mine and go against yours? Just wondering.

:hoops:

Thanks for the report, Dre. Stay cool and keep 'em coming!

Buddha, Durant may not have Piston DNA. So maybe the test/evaluation isn't comprehensive. We know he doesn't have power-benches 185 one time-but bball still isn't always about power.

Buddha, Durant may not have Piston DNA. So maybe the test/evaluation isn't comprehensive. We know he doesn't have power-benches 185 one time-but bball still isn't always about power.

My wife cannot bench 185.

I could probably put her on a program that had her benching 185 within the year.

Would she be able to play basketball better?


Not likely.

Second game summary.

Team China vs Memphis Grizzlies.

The Las Vegas tourism bureau knows how to satisfy their visitors from overseas>> by bringing in Team China to diversify the crowds at the these summer NBA League games. Great idea as the Asian population at the game was in full force as they were there to support their fellow countrymen and it seems everyone in the house was waiting for a surprise visit from Yao Ming himself. Some youngster even yelled there's Yao and a bunch of folks stood up looking. Alas no Yao sighting today other than a tall teen in a Yao Rocket jersey.

But Team China had an ace in the hole that must have furiated the Bucks organization. Yes there wearing # 11 in the Team China lineup was the Bucks #6 pick Yi Jianlian. He received a nice ovation from the mixed crowd as he was introduced in the starting lineup.

Team China scored the first 3 points on an and 1 situation but watched the Grizzlies quickly score the next 10 points as Rudy Gay proving that his rookie year was no fluke dazzled the crowd with dunks and Dr. J like swoops to the basket. Meanwhile Jianlian practiced some of his post moves and outside shots and finally got Team China back in the game. His first couple of shots were blocked as he tends to telegraph his moves but based on what I saw he could start in the Pistons middle right now!:good: The bio says he is only 19, but he has more skills than any recent 19 year old big man we use to have on our squad:sssh:

The Grizz #4 pick Mike Conley Jr. is very fast, but they had another little guy out there by the name of Klye Lowry a second year player from Villanova last year that was just as quick and seem to run the offense and score when needed. Not sure what he did last season, but the Grizzlies braintrust has a couple of future stars there if they decide to let Lowry develop with PT like they will let Conley do. Of course since this is the summer league it could have been the competition that made him look good.

The Grizz pulled away to a 22 point half time lead as Team China missed a ton of shots in that second qtr, but made a run in the 4th to close the gap back to 8 before losing 86-77. Gay finished with 21 pts, Lowry, 13 and Conley 12. For TC, Jianlian scored 23 despite sitting out most of the second and third qtrs. Team China's other center a 7 footer by the name of Wang Zhizhi was the game's high scorer pumping in 27 points, many of them in the 4th qtr rally.

The game was disrupted midway through 4th qtr when Greg Oden and the rest of players for the next game went to change. A crowd of kids quickly converge on him to get autographs and it took awhile to get everyone's attention back to the game.

Celtics vs. Trailblazers

This final game of the summer schedule brought in a lot of fans with their Celtic and Trailblazer garb as well as fans or alumni of The Ohio State University. The late crowd was more vocal than the earlier fans because their future seem to be on the line here. Prior to the game you saw the likes of Doc Rivers, Danny Ainge, Nate McMillan, and Mo Lucas hanging out and signing autographs for the younger fans.

Once again Oden got the largest ovation during the lineup announcements. His first act of enforcement was to block three jump point shot from the left wing for a goal tend.:laugh: :confused:. Those sitting around me questioned why he would attempt that and only surmized that he wanted to let us know that he could block and he has arrived. He quickly got three fouls in the first three minutes and sat down until the second qtr. On the other side of the ball, Glen "Big Baby" Davis, the C's #35 selection in the draft also picked up 3 quick fouls in the first 4 mins and had to sit awhile. He is a mound of energy and appeared quicker and less nervous than Oden (at least last night he appeared to be) and I only wished he could give at least 30 of his listed 289 pounds to our own Amir Johnson.:) He does have the energy, but way to early to see if he will become the next Barkley, Corliss or Oliver Miller:laugh:

Of the Trailblazers other draft selections, only Taurean Green the #56 selection seem to have a flow of the game, but missed a lot of shots (but surprisingly was able to grab a few of his own rebounds). Not much play out of Petteri Koponen and Josh McRoberts. Gabe Pruitt, the guy who accused the Pistons of hanging him out to drive in the draft room looked kind of decent out there for the Celtics, but didn't make enough of an impact in his first game.

I left after the end of the 3rd quarter, but Oden had 8 fouls at the time and 4 points and fouled out with 10 fouls. La Marcus Aldridge had a real good game and if he and Oden can form a good tandem over there the next couple of seasons, then those twin towers can challenge for the ring by 2010 if not sooner.

Looks like this game is getting ready to be televised on NBA-TV right now, so you all can view and form your own opinions. I will be back over at the Cox Pavilion in about 2 hours to get ready for JMAX, AMir, Stuckey, Afflowlo and Co. Hopefully Amir is here with his agent and he and Joe can sit down tomorrow at MGM and ink his contract:nod: . Later folks.

Oops, forgot to mention that the Celtics probably won this game due to the added
"veteran" play of Gerald Green and Rajon Rondo as well as the inspired play of Leon Powe.

My wife cannot bench 185.

I could probably put her on a program that had her benching 185 within the year.

Would she be able to play basketball better?


Not likely.
She could hard foul better. She could take it to the hoop better.:)

Durant will get his points in the NBA. The league will see to it that officials enforce a no touch policy with regard to him, a lot more so than someone like LeBron who can take a hit and keep coming at you and as a result he will get a lot of foul shots on what would not be fouls for someone like LeBron, Duncan etc.

On defense Durant will be able to use his height and length to defend somewhat against shorter opponents provided they can't go around him.

I do not like his over all game for reasons I have already posted. He will do great in fantasy league and probably become a "Stern created Star". All things being equal if normal contact would be allowed in defending him, Durant would be a bust.

I think I have made my point clear as have Durant supporters.

:hoops:

Thanks for the reports Dre, they are awesome.

I watched Durant play yesterday. Other than watching the future stars, the summer league game I saw was some truly horrible basketball. I can see why you left after Oden fouled out!

My wife cannot bench 185.

I could probably put her on a program that had her benching 185 within the year.

Would she be able to play basketball better?


Not likely.

How much can your wife bench?

Durant will get his points in the NBA. The league will see to it that officials enforce a no touch policy with regard to him, a lot more so than someone like LeBron who can take a hit and keep coming at you and as a result he will get a lot of foul shots on what would not be fouls for someone like LeBron, Duncan etc.
Yes, this is the leagues new rules. No goon work. This aint hockey.

On defense Durant will be able to use his height and length to defend somewhat against shorter opponents provided they can't go around him.
So he is a 25 and 5 guy.

I do not like his over all game for reasons I have already posted. He will do great in fantasy league and probably become a "Stern created Star". All things being equal if normal contact would be allowed in defending him, Durant would be a bust.
:MusicBigGrin: :stirthepot:

I think I have made my point clear as have Durant supporters. :yellowprison: :sssh:

:hoops:
Now what's the latest on YKW?:)

Now what's the latest on YKW?:)

Sorry but what does YKW stand for? Thanks for helping out.

:hoops:

Thanks for the reports Dre, they are awesome.

I watched Durant play yesterday. Other than watching the future stars, the summer league game I saw was some truly horrible basketball. I can see why you left after Oden fouled out!

When I left at the end or the third I think he only had 8 fouls and must have fouled out sometime during the 4th. As far as the quality of play, well you would probably would have more fun at a high school game, but in this case as you said most were just there to see the future stars. I almost certain today I will only see all of the Piston game and just a part of the next game afterwards, then I am out. After all there are other things to do when in Vegas. :)

As far as the quality of play, well you would probably would have more fun at a high school game, but in this case as you said most were just there to see the future stars. I almost certain today I will only see all of the Piston game and just a part of the next game afterwards, then I am out. After all there are other things to do when in Vegas. :)

Oh Dre I am so jealous though. I love Las Vegas and I would love to be watching these newly drafted players live and then heading out to watch a hot craps table and then staring at the Bellagio fountains while the music plays "My Way" and then...repeating the above for nine days. I am going to start saving right now to go to Summer League next year. I don't care if the games aren't very good, it's not like these guys are a "team" yet. I like it, it's like some wierd NBA version of streetball, all pandemonium and flailing arms and legs in what looks like a small building. Too cool. And if you get bored......Vegas Baby Vegas.

Sorry but what does YKW stand for? Thanks for helping out.

:hoops:YOu know who

Marco Bellinelli looks pretty good. Nice outside touch and quick release. I think the Warriors might have gotten a good one with him.

:hoops:

Belinelli is an absolute monster out there. 24 points on 9-of-10 shooting and it's only halfway through the 2nd quarter. He even pulled up at about 35 feet and knocked it down like it was nothing.

Stuckey better not let me down.

Pierre Pierce GS Warrior summer league guard.

NBA.com : Summer League 2007 (http://www.nba.com/summerleague2007/games/boxscore.jsp?gameId=1520700005)

I have no comments but present the following in the public interest for those who may be attending these games with their daughters, wife, mother, girlfriend or other female acquaintances.

n 2002 Pierce was charged with third degree sexual abuse (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_abuse)
In January of 2005 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005), Pierce was involved in an incident with his former girlfriend at her townhouse in West Des Moines, Iowa (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Des_Moines%2C_Iowa). According to police reports, Pierce threatened to harm the woman while displaying a kitchen knife, forcibly removed her clothing, and made unwanted sexual advances.


After 332 days in prison, Pierce was released from the Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Pleasant_Correctional_Facility) in Mount Pleasant, Iowa (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Pleasant%2C_Iowa), on September 24 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_24), 2006 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006). While his sentence was reduced because of good behavior, Pierce still faced four years of probation. He was also required to register as a sex offender following release.[4] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_Pierce#_note-3) On March 8 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March_8), 2007 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007), Dallas County (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dallas_County%2C_Iowa) judge Gregory Hulse rejected Pierce's attempt to leave Iowa in order to pursue a career in the National Basketball Association (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_Association).[5] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_Pierce#_note-4) Pierce had been restricted to living in Iowa (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iowa) during the terms of his probation. However in May (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May) of 2007 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007) officials in both Iowa and Illinois agreed to Pierce's request to move back to Illinois (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illinois) to live with his parents.[6] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_Pierce#_note-5)


Pierre Pierce is now playing for the Golden State Warriors summer league team.
Pierre Pierce - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_Pierce)

:hoops:

Belinelli was on fire!

2007 Pepsi Pro Summer League (http://www.nba.com/magic/news/07summerleague.html)

starting today is the orlando summer camp. Orlando, Charlotte, Indiana, Chicago, new jersey and Miami. seems like you can watch live and its under the NBA banner so i assume games will be archived.

T. Young has got an awful lot of ability.

:hoops:

Off of two games so far it appears that T. Young who is about 11 months older than K. Durant is a lot closer to being able to compete in the NBA this year.

Of course as someone just pointed out these are only SL games and maybe Durant is saving his best for the real action.

:hoops:

Thanks Slippage.
I guess Mr. P.P. wasn't role playing.

The Las vegas summer league crowds will now be disapponited as Greg Oden will probaby miss the rest of the summer league as he needs a to tonsilectomy:Cry:

FOX Sports on MSN - NBA - Report: Blazers' Oden getting tonsils removed (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/7008272)

Watching Jose Barea eat up Blalock it is easy to see why he is no longer a Piston

:hoops:

Thaddeus Young. This guy is really good.

I have seen him play 4 games so far in the SL and he is really impressive. Right now I would say he is ahead of Durant in his pro game, simply because he can rebound and be very effective underneath.

TY will be a real good one.

:hoops:

Al Thorton looked good out there today in the Clipper victory over the Grizzlies. 19 points on 8/18 shooting and 9 boards (9 fouls and 6 TO's) too. He would have been great pick up for the pistons if we didn't need that backup guard for CB. He would have been an immediate back for Tay, or Tay would have been his backup :stirthepot:


I am sure the only way the Pistons would have taken Thorton is if the Clips had grabbed Stuckey first. he would have been that explosive slasher that we are still lacking IMO.

Chris Kamen even looked good trying to rehabilitate him self with 21 pts..