10 Takeaways From Jazz Summer League Day 2
By Jared Barker
Mar 27, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Florida Gators guard Kasey Hill (0) lays the ball up between UCLA Bruins guard/forward Kyle Anderson (5) and Bryce Alford (20) during the second half in the semifinals of the south regional of the 2014 NCAA Mens Basketball Championship tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
This was the first look at Andrew Wiggins‘ older brother Nick for Jazz fans. His impact seemed to be rather minimal. This tweet from Zach Harper helps keep track of the new faces.
Utah Jazz summer league roster is stacked. pic.twitter.com/DIOLkMFARs
— Zach Harper (@talkhoops) July 3, 2015
10) The Point
In Dante Exum‘s absence Bryce Cotton did a fairly good job of running the point. He was competent and didn’t wildly swing the ball around. He didn’t shoot particularly well and at one point had only hit one out of five shots.
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Olivier Hanlan and Bryce Cotton spent significant time on the court together with Cotton as the primary ball handler. I wonder if Hanlan might spend a year in the D-league with the Idaho Stampede to hone his skills. As a primary ball handler in the NBA the speed of the game often causes young point guards to struggle and perhaps this is why we aren’t seeing Hanlan run the offense as much.
9) The Off Guards
Jared Cunningham had a nice little move. He showed that he has some real hustle and always seemed to be making the right passes throughout the game. The Jazz were able to match the Spurs ball movement with some nice fluidity and flow of their own. Cunningham plays for the Idaho Stampede along with Nick Wiggins.
Chris Johnson looked very good and showed the same shooting touch Jazz fans may remember from his stint with the team prior to his injury. In fact Johnson kept the Jazz within striking distance for most of the game. He had ten points in the first two and a half quarters of the game. He also did his best Gordon Hayward chase down block impression. Well maybe it was a little more Rudy Gobert. We’ll just call it even. Johnson looks as though he may make the Utah Jazz 15 man roster after all is said and done.
8) Spurs Coaching
Will Hardy did a great job coaching the Spurs squad. He had the Spurs summer league team moving the ball well and at times resembling the genuine article.
7) Spurs Frontcourt
The young front court for the Spurs, Livio Jean-Charles and Cady Lalaine, looked impressive and took it to the Jazz inside early and often.
6) Jazz Frontcourt
Brock Motum seemed to have a pretty poor shooting night. Jack Cooley was a beast for the second consecutive night, never giving up on a play while in the game.
5) The Brass and the Future
The broadcast Dennis Lindsey discussion with Ron Boone and Craig Bolerjack was excellent. He continued to be effusive in his praise of Trey Lyles. He also mentioned he feels Rodney Hood will definitely be able to handle a full season. Almost as if his ears started burning just after that was said Hood flashed a mean reverse layup.
4) Another Key Piece for the Spurs?
Kyle Anderson was exceptional. His scoring prowess really showed in this game. I expect to see him as at least a key role player for San Antonio in the near future. Through the third quarter he had 23 points. Unfortunately for the Spurs he only scored two points the rest of the way.
3) The New Junkyard Dog
Antoine “Big Dawg” Carr being on the broadcast was great. He officially inducted Jack Cooley into the dog pound. Whenever Cooley does something awesome the Jazz crowd goes “COOOOOOOOOOOL!” which is reminiscent of the “WOOF! WOOF!” Carr would get as a Jazzman.
2) Taking Over, As He Should
Rodney Hood ran away with the game. He really poured it on in the final period. The last eight and a half minutes saw each team put up about ten points. The pace which was breakneck to begin the game seemed to slow as each team settled in defensively. This is the kind of dominant performance you want to see from a guy like Hood in summer league.
1) STYLE!
J.J. O’Brien is definitely the hair game MVP of this team. He had a beautiful three pointer in the fourth quarter. He showcased some good passing and solid shooting. J.J. proved to be quite comfortable shooting from beyond the arc as well as driving and dishing.