Well, the NBA's Summer League wrapped up today, and with it so did the gratitutious performance round-ups of ex-Terps. They always bring up so much nostaglia, some welcomed (Gist, Greivis) and some not-so-much (McCray). But all mostly good things must come to an end, so we'll go out with a bang: it's wrap-up time.
Greivis Vasquez, G, Memphis Grizzlies
26 MPG, 7.3 PPG, 4.3 APG, 2 RPG, 1 SPG, 3 turnovers, 36% shooting, 40% 3-pt shooting
Greivis had an up-and-down Summer League season, spiked with good performances (like the one a few days ago) and bad ones (like today's 7 turnover catastrophe). While the final game might've thrown a wrench in the impressions of most Memphis fans, Greivis likely cemented a back-up PG role with the struggles of O.J. Mayo at point. He's still adjusting to the pace and speed of the game, which is to be expected, but he was a quick learner at Maryland and should be one in the pros as well.
Straight Outta Vancouver, SBN's Memphis blog, has varied with Vasquez's own inconsistencies. At first it was, "He's got to be the backup point guard," and crowing about his elite court vision. Now he's a shooting guard with visionand slow as molasses.
All this brings back our own lovable growing pains with Vasquez. Remember when half of Maryland's fans couldn't stand him? I have a feeling Memphis will experience the same. But he's talented and determined enough to succeed.
Chris McCray, G, Memphis Grizzlies
12.3 MPG, 3.0 PPG, 1.5 APG, 1.3 RPG, 1.3 turnovers, 57% shooting
Chris was presumably picked up as a flier for Memphis. A D-League staple the past few years, he's hanging around the league hoping for a shot to get picked up that just hasn't come yet. Sadly, this probably won't do it for him. He saw decent playing time, but did little with it, and it'll be tough to forget about his four turnover performance a few games ago. He finished strong today with 8 points in 17 minutes, but it's doubtful that he'll get a job with that. Back to the D-League for him, in all likelihood.
Landon Milbourne, F, Atlanta Hawks
5.8 MPG, 2.0 PPG, 0.8 RPG, 0.8 turnovers, 31% shooting
It's tough not to feel a little bad for Landon. He was given a shot by the hometown team (he's from Georgia originally) and saw the least amount of playing time of anyone on the team. To be fair, he didn't really show much to earn a spot, which is what you need to do in the SL. He'll be heading to Europe or to the D-League somewhere.
Ekene Ibekwe, F/C, Portland Trailblazers
11.8 MPG, 4.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.0 BPG, 50% shooting
Ekene had one of the better summer leagues out of all the Terps, but it's unseen whether or not that'll get him a job in the league. He started off with a bang - 10 points, 8 boards, 5 blocks in his first game - but slowed down after that. All in all, he was valuable for his rebounding and defense, though the fouls he committed (he had at least five nearly every game) were worrisome. He did start in the Blazers' finale, and was received welcomely, but his ability to grab a roster spot is still questionable. His best game was his first, and after that the performances started to decline. I'm of the opinion that there's a place in the NBA for an energetic shot-blocker, but I'm not the one making the decision, and to be frank, they're a dime-a-dozen.
Nik Caner-Medley, SF, Los Angeles Clippers
17.5 MPG, 8.5 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 31% shooting, 43% 3-pt shooting
What an unfortunate SL for NCM. He put together one of the best performances in the entire league his first game (a 17 point outburst, including 3-4 from deep) but then injured his wrist, was pulled early from the next game after putting up an 0-fer in every statistical category, and sat out the next two games. I honestly believe that first game gave him a shot at finding a roster spot somewhere, but the injury all but ensured teams would get too limited of a look at him to warrant a job. Back across the pond.
James Gist, PF, San Antonio Spurs
20.0 MPG, 9.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 42% shooting
James has a similar story as NCM. Gist has long been a Spurs favorite (both of management and the fans), so the spot is really his for the taking. And he almost, almost had it, until he broke his hand at halftime of the second game. He was out the rest of the SL. And while I can imagine how the management and fans would still love him - he did nothing to make them dislike him, and showed his dedication - not being able to showcase his talents for another 2.5 games hurts a fringe player like him. I wouldn't be surprised if he stayed in San Antonio or wound back up in the D-League, either way.
D.J. Strawberry, SG, Los Angeles Lakers
26.2 MPG, 13.0 PPG, 2.2 APG, 1.8 RPG, 2.8 turnovers, 44% shooting
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome your 2010 NBA Summer League Former Terp MVP, D.J. Strawberry!
Straw latched onto the Lakers - also the home of Steve Blake - for the SL, and was thoroughly impressive. It's not like the Lakers are lacking in backcourt talent, especially if Shannon Brown returns. If he doesn't, Strawberry will perhaps be competing for a final roster spot with fellow SLer Ibrahim Jabaar, whom he throughly outclassed. His agent apparently believes he has a good shot at getting a spot, and a Lakers insider was reminded of Trevor Ariza. All in all, a very successful SL for DJ, and even if he's not in LA, he'll be on a roster somewhere.
There it is. I figure we've got a pretty good shot to see three guys from this group, as well as Chris Wilcox and Steve Blake, in the NBA next year. Not a bad crop. Soon they'll be joined by Jordan Williams and Sean Mosley (though hopefully not too soon).