Utah Jazz Summer League: Trey Lyles Lights it Up Against Celtics

Despite a monster effort from Trey Lyles, the Utah Jazz failed to keep pace with the Boston Celtics in summer league action.

On Day 2 of the Utah Jazz Summer League, the host team fell to the Boston Celtics, 89-82. The Jazz were led by Trey Lyles, who had his second double-double in as many games, while Boston’s feisty, 6-foot-1 guard Terry Rozier had 16 points and the third-year wing James Young (who was drafted before Rodney Hood) had 17 points.

Jaylen Brown, the No. 3 overall pick in last month’s NBA Draft, did not play after hyperextending his knee during the Celtics’ first summer league contest.

In the fourth quarter, Johnny Bryant and Jazz rolled out a Warriors-esque “death lineup” of their own with Lyles at the center position and made this an enjoyable game. However, the Boston crew was able to hang on, dropping the Jazz to 0-2 in summer league play.

The Jazz will wrap summer league play in Salt Lake City against the Philadelphia 76ers and Ben Simmons on Thursday, July 7.

Summer league is an opportunity of a lifetime for players who are trying to make it to the NBA. Keeping that in mind, I’ll review individual players, instead of the game result itself. Here are my thoughts–

• Trey Lyles had a monster game with 26 points and 11 rebounds. After focusing on his jump shots in the first game, Lyles drove the ball to the basket relentlessly. He also concentrated on posting up, an area that he has worked on in the offseason. In a league where teams are not scared to switch due to a lack of dominant post players, it’s important to learn how to punish smaller guards in the post. Lyles still has ways to go in his passing and defense. However, his post-up game is moving in the right direction.
• Tibor Pleiss had seven points and looked like he might have to work on his game more. His defensive instincts are much improved, while the timing on his jumps are bit off. However, another year of development could result in a serviceable NBA big man.
• Joel Bolomboy, the team’s pick at No. 52 in the draft, is quick for his size. After the first bucket, Bolomboy was aggressive and showed no carryover jitters from his first game. Defensively, Bolomboy needs to improve big time, as he looked lost on most plays. However, this is common for most rookies as they adjust to the speed of the NBA game.
• Marcus Paige, selected three spots after Bolomboy, was solid. He showed his composure as a four-year college player. I love his deceptive pace and smooth jump shot. He is cold as ice and is unshaken by anything on the court. To sum it up, he does not play like a rookie. Paige has a realistic chance of making it work in the NBA.
• Tyrone Wallace, the draft’s final selection, had a decent game with four points, three rebounds and two assists. What stands out for Wallace is his composure and strength. Wallace is really strong for a point guard.
• Quincy Ford is a decent and unselfish player. While I don’t see him making the roster this year, he can be turned into an NBA player. He has good basketball awareness on the court. Ford is also a plus rebounder for his position. Dionte Christmas is a decent shooter and physical player, but can stand to improve on defense. JJ O’Brien needs to work on his shot. He has the mechanics. He just needs to focus on the jump.
• Aaron Craft and Spencer Butterfield play well within their game. Hope some of these kids make it to the NBA, whether it’s with Jazz or someone else. As a fan, I would rather pull for these kids, who give it all, than any NBA millionaires.

Next: Utah Jazz Fall to Sixers in Summer League Debut

As a final note, one of the more interesting developments in this game was the presence of a fourth official to monitor the game. This made it easier on the refs and led to good calls. In fact, this was one of the better-called games I have witnessed. I hope that NBA takes this idea of four referees to the regular season and playoffs.