Louisville Basketball: NBA Summer League Player Grades

Charlotte Hornets. MANGOK MATHIANG. C. I was a bit disappointed that the Hornets didn’t give Mathiang, a two-player, more playing time during their five games in Vegas. Mangok Mathiang, who played in four games, averaged 14.7 minutes per game, but the most he played was 28 minutes in the final game against the Raptors. Mangok did what you’d expect rebound, block shots, and play good defense, but didn’t get much of a chance to display an improved offensive game. The most shots Mathiang took in a game was three, which came in 10 minutes against the Warriors. Mathiang is still technically under contract with the Hornets, and after the team traded away star center, Dwight Howard, there may be a need to keep Mathiang on his two-way deal for one more season.. C

B+. Heading into the LVSL I said Spalding needed to show that he could do the “dirty” work at an elite level, while displaying improved mid-range and outside shooting. In five games he did just that, ultimately earning a spot on the Mavericks roster along the way. In five games, Spalding averaged 8 points on 59% shooting, including an even more impressive <a href=. PF. Dallas Mavericks. RAY SPALDING

JAYLEN JOHNSON. C+. Johnson played extremely well during his first season in the G-League, even earning an call-up (less than a day) from the Chicago Bulls towards the end of the year. It took three games for the Clippers to give Johnson quality minutes, but when they did he produced. Johnson struggled from long range, but shot 43% inside while averaging 4.6 points per game. He even scored <a href=. PF. Los Angeles Clippers

Going into summer league I really thought that Anas Mahmoud would get a chance to prove he was worth a two-way contract, or at least a training camp invite with the Memphis Grizzlies. At 7’1, with elite shot blocking skills and the ability to grow, why wouldn’t you take a chance? Well, the Grizzlies thought otherwise, and Mahmoud rarely got the chance to play. Mahmoud appeared in just six of 10 summer league games, playing no more than 8 minutes in a game. In his debut, Mahmoud scored 4 points, but registered no other statistics. When he was on the floor, there wasn’t really much to be impressed with, but it’s extremely difficult to get into a rhythm when you’re playing one to two minutes at a time. Therefore, It’s impossible to give Mahmoud a grade.. C. Memphis Grizzlies. ANAS MAHMOUD. INC

After two years of playing almost solely in the G League, it was time for Nanu to show the Rockets he was ready to play with the big boys. Heading into his final year (non-guaranteed) Onuaku had to show something in this year’s summer league to be worthy of keeping his roster spot. Unfortunately for him, the Rockets prioritized two other second round big men (Zhou Qi & Isaiah Hartenstein) leaving Nanu to play the least of the three. When he got solid minutes, Nanu did what he does best, grabbed rebounds, blocked shots at a high level, and scored off dirty plays. His best game came against the Warriors, where he scored 9 points, picked up 6 rebounds, and blocked 2 shots. He likely didn’t do enough to keep his spot on the Rockets roster.. C. Houston Rockets. CHINANU ONUAKU. C+

B. Playing in his second summer league, Lewis showed that he may be deserving of an NBA training camp invite with the Utah Jazz, or another NBA team. After battling a minor concussion, Lewis bounced back scoring in double figures three times, dishing out 5 or more assists twice, and even grabbing 5 rebounds against the Heat. Lewis struggled with turnovers at times, but overall showed he had the ability to do all of the things required of a back up point guard. Lewis shot at 45% from the field, and 48% from deep, which again really helped his cause. The Jazz reportedly will sign Stanton Kidd, another summer league standout, which means Lewis may get an opportunity somewhere else. If you<a href=. PG. Utah Jazz. TREY LEWIS

To me, no former Card played better in the summer league than Deng Adel. Granted, Ray Spalding had a better all around performance, but that was to be expected from one of the 2018 NBA Draft picks. Adel latched on with Houston after going undrafted, and showed (at least me) that he can be a developmental, 3 & D prospect in the NBA. Adel showed much improved ball handling, better shot selection, defensive instincts, and of course the ability to score in a multitude of ways. Adel put up 11 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 steals against the Clippers, and then followed that up with 13 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block, and 2 assists against the Nets. After losing Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute, the Rockets are looking for quality wings. I wouldn’t be shocked to see them take a look another look at Adel in training camp. At the least, Adel earned himself some money with his impressive performance.. SF. Houston Rockets. DENG ADEL. A