As the Summer League is going on, there is a lot of talent to look out for that's trying to prove they belong in the NBA. To help with this, here are the top 5 players you should be paying attention to.
Zion Williamson
GiphyDue to uneasiness and bruising in his knee, Zion has been ruled as out for the Summer League. However, being the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft and being considered as a generational player, it is hard to keep him off this list. He put up 11 points in his debut and had players like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo Ball, and Josh Hart in attendance.
Tyler Herro
GiphyTyler Herro has been dealing with haters since he was in high school. He would go off and score 40 points against players and teams that would try and destroy him, but he would always come off on top. So far in the Summer League, he has proven to be a much-improved playmaker and shot creator. However, his only concern is shot selection, which is normal and will improve naturally as he plays more.
Rui Hachimura
Rui is considered as a deadly big in today's game. He not only has great athleticism, but great length and skill being 6'8''. He also is a great defender with a 7'2'' wingspan to block and contest shots. His post and footwork are elite, and he has shown to have touch and a soft shot around the rim. I am very excited about what Rui has to show in the league.
RJ Barrett
GiphyThe No. 3 overall Canadian prospect killed it in his first year at Duke University. He showed off elite skills at the point guard spot at 6'7'' and showed he could shoot the 3-point shot. However, in the Summer League, he is struggling from the 3-point line and scoring in general. This is normal, however, as NBA superstars like LeBron James and even Stephen Curry both shot the ball terribly in the Summer League but ended up being amazing players. It just seems like it's a case of adjusting to the new 3-point line, which is quite farther than the traditional line we are used to. Lastly, I think he should be focusing more on finishing and passing and having his 3-pointers be a weapon that the defense should look out for.
Zhaire Smith
GiphyAfter suffering a foot fracture in the 2018 training camp, Zhaire Smith was described as an athletic guard who had a quick first step and insane dunking abilities. In this year's Summer League, he is backing those claims up. He is shredding the defenses apart out there and is putting up 14 points per game going dunk after dunk. With a loaded 76ers team already, he is going to be a nice piece off the bench and be a spark guy with those highlight dunks.
As you can see, the NBA is getting more competitive with the trades already made, but it's going to be in even better hands with the new talent coming in. The 2020 season is looking better and better every single day, and I'm excited to watch it.
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