PROTECT THE PAINT

The Vegas Summer League ends on Sunday and Protect the Paint will publish commentary immediately following the conclusion of the final game (Clippers versus Suns). In the desert this week, Anthony Randolph, Blake Griffin, and Brandon Jennings have looked like stars, but let’s not forget the five players named to the All-Tournament Team in Florida at the Orlando Pro Summer League which ended last Friday.

Westbrook was easily the best player in Orlando this summer. (Credit: picapp.com)

Russell Westbrook G Oklahoma City Thunder - Remember the shock when the Sonics–soon to be the Thunder–drafted Westbrook with the 4th pick in last year’s draft? It seemed a little high at the time, but no one is thinking that now. Not after his rookie year and not after his superb performance at the recently concluded Orlando Summer League. Averaged: 22.3 points, 7.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds in the summer league and looked in control running the offense. Limited his turnovers, something that plagued him his first year in the NBA. Needs to: Improve his shooting. If he can consistently hit from the perimeter he will be unstoppable.

James Harden G Oklahoma City Thunder – Not too surprising that the player considered by the majority of scouts to be the “most NBA ready” went to his first summer league and was one of the best players on the floor. Averaged 14.8 points and 3.5 rebounds in forming an impressive tandem with Russell Westbrook. Coach Scott Brooks has to be excited and the organization confident they made the right choice in the draft. He flew west and is currently playing in the Las Vegas Summer League.

Needs to: Mentally and physically prepare for an 82-game season. His game is complete.

Ryan Anderson F Orlando Magic – Exploded in the Orlando Summer League in front of his new hometown fans. This guy can drill open shots, all the way out to beyond the arc. He backs down to no one and his hustle will endear him to coach Stan Van Gundy and the Magic faithful. Averaged 21.4 points and 9.4 rebounds in the summer league proving what Pat Williams told PTP about Anderson being a key part of the Vince Carter trade. Maybe one day that deal will be referred to as the “Ryan Anderson” trade. Needs to: Develop strong back-to-the-basket moves or he could become Troy Murphy.

Tyler Hansbrough F Indiana Pacers – Wow. The Pacers were ridiculed for selecting the UNC senior so early in the draft, but Hansbrough looked comfortable inside and out in Orlando averaging 18.2 points and 5.6 rebounds leading the team to a 5-0 summer league record. Scored inside and out, and got to the foul line where he drained the freebies. His aggressiveness served him well in the summer league and he played liked a guy who has something to prove to his detractors.

Needs to: Grab more than 5.6 rebounds a game as an NBA power forward.

Roy Hibbert C Indiana Pacers – Really looked like a “go-to” big man in Orlando this month. Drafted last year by Toronto and traded to the Pacers in the Jermaine O’Neal deal, but saw limited action. Averaged 20.2 points and 9 boards in summer action. If he can continue this level of play, it should be enough to take substantial minutes away from incumbent center Jeff Foster. Seemed quite passive at times last year. Maybe Jim O’Brien should spike his sports drink with some espresso.

Needs to: Play with more intesity.

Be sure to check Protect the Paint at the conclusion of the Vegas Summer League for the All-Tournament Team and commentary from guys who watched the entire tourney on their laptops.

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