2023 LVSL Day 1: Rookie Roundup

Let’s take a quick look at a few (rookie) performances from the 1st day of 2023 (Las Vegas) Summer League:

1st Pick • Victor Wembanyama (SAS) - 9, 8 boards, 5 blocks & 3 dimes

-Tough first outing for Wemby on offense, though he showcased incredible readiness as a multi-dimensional rim protector (swatted away jumpers & shots at the basket) & playmaker (notably, off the dribble)

2nd Pick • Brandon Miller (CHA) - 16, 11 boards & 3 steals

-Miller’s shot is slowly coming around: was very aggressive with his approach, a welcome sight for Hornets fans; crashed the glass well an was active defensively


3rd Pick • Scoot Henderson (POR) - 15, 6 & 5 boards

-Plays like he’s “been here before” - just a mature, calculated approach from Scoot: even when shots weren’t falling, it didn’t feel like he was rushing/forcing anything; left game w/ a shoulder injury

#4 Pick • Amen Thompson (HOU) - 16, 5 dimes, 4 boards, 4 blocks & 3 steals

-Impressive debut: looked comfortable in transition, court vision was on point & made a TON of plays on the defensive end

13th Pick • Gradey Dick (TOR) - 10, 4 boards & 3 steals

-Struggled a little from the outside but got into a nice rhythm as the game went along

14th Pick • Jordan Hawkins (NOP) - 16 & 5 dimes

-Jumper wasn’t falling but still looked in a nice flow; underrated playmaker who also got some nice buckets inside

19th Pick • Brandin Podziemski (GSW): 9, 11 boards & 2 dimes

-Podz is such an instinctive passer who really has a nose for the ball

20th Pick • Cam Whitmore (HOU) - 14, 11, 2 dimes & 2 steals

-Will quickly turn into a fan favorite in Houston; great energy & effort, gets out and finishes on the break


23rd Pick • Kris Murray (POR) - 10 pts

-Will progressively get better as Summer League rolls along, similar to his career at Iowa

29th Pick • Julian Strawther (DEN) - 15 & 2 steals

-Ideal swingman for Denver to cultivate off the bench; Strawther defends & can knock down the open shot

32nd Pick • Jalen Pickett (DEN) - 12, 6 boards, 5 dimes & 3 steals

-Did/does a bit of everything: Pickett could eventually bring some of what Bruce Brown Jr. brought to Denver

33rd Pick • Leonard Miller (MIN) - 16, 11, boards 2 dimes, 2 steals

-Great pickup by Minny: not sure how much playing time Miller will get as a rook but his versatility as a screener/finisher/defender/rebounder is noteworthy


34th Pick • Colby Jones (SAC) - 12, 3 & 2 steals

-Tough defender who’s still finding his shot from deep; future “Swiss-Army knife” in SacTown?

37th Pick • Hunter Tyson (DEN) - 21 & 5 boards (off bench)

-Tyson scored very well w/ his jumper & mixed it up by attacking the rim as well; on the path to minutes in Coach Mike Malone’s deep rotation?

39th Pick • Mouhamed Gueye (ATL) - 10, 5 & 3 dimes

-Gueye could really push for minutes next season: talented, two-way big (in the making)

49th Pick • Emoni Bates (CLE) - 16 & 6 boards

-Bates wasn’t efficient but ironically showcased some of the scoring prowess that makes him an intriguing prospect/fit in Cleveland

51st Pick • Jalen Wilson (BKN) - 17 & 5 boards

-Very productive 1st performance from Wilson: the next upperclassman, draft steal?


Undrafted ROOKS

Jazian Gortman (MIL) - 13 pts (12 min. off bench)


Markquis Nowell (TOR) - 17, 5 dimes, 4 boards & 3 steals

Matt Lewis (BKN) - 14 pts (off bench)

Brady Manek (ATL) - 17 pts (off bench)

Kendric Davis (GSW) - 12, 8 & 4 boards