Canadians Turning Up In Las Vegas: Top NBA Summer League Performers
NBA Summer League has officially come to an end, and Canada was well represented down in Las Vegas. From our now experienced NBA players with at least one season under their belts, to our freshly drafted rookies. Our talent made their presence felt on the big stage.
The two Canadians selected in the NBA Draft had some very promising outings. Olivier Maxence Prosper, selected with the 24th overall pick has found himself a good home in Dallas with fellow Canadian Summer League teammate AJ Lawson. His combination of skill, versatility, length, and ability to guard multiple positions will have him not only playing in the league for a long time, but thriving in it.
After Leonard Miller fell to the second round at 33 to the Timberwolves, I had a feeling GMs and Front Offices will quickly regret the decision to pass on him. He proved those that did wrong right away. His very first Summer League game he put up a 16 point 11 rebound double-double and displayed certain dimensions of his game people may not be aware of yet. Elite playmaking for his size with the mobility of a guard at 6’10. I mean, how many basketball players in the world have the type of build Leonard does? That alone should’ve been enough for him to go first round in my eyes.
Along with the rookies, we saw some familiar Canadian faces ball out in Vegas.
All-NBA Rookie 1st Team Member Bennedict Mathurin finishes 6th in Summer League at scoring at 22ppg
It’s no surprise Mathurin can score at an extreme clip, he showcased that in his rookie season last year averaging 16.7ppg for the Pacers. The Quebec native’s always had a different gear. Competitively, there aren’t many like him. Remember, he did say “[Lebron’s] gotta show me he’s better than me.” With 100% seriousness. Built different. No ceiling for someone with that type of mentality combined with unique talent and skill. Big sophomore season coming up
Andrew Nembhard leading Summer League in Assists a sign of what’s to come?
The Floor General from Aurora did his thing in 2 SL games averaging a league best 7.5apg to go along with 17.5ppg. Last year he averaged nearly 10ppg & 5apg and played an integral role in the Pacers offence. Him & Mathurin are going to be cornerstones of the Pacers future.
The high flying Shaedon Sharpe will have the green light this year in Portland.
Last season he was one of the more productive rookies. His eye-popping athleticism matched with a smooth shooting stroke (36% from 3 last season) is what have many people around the league believing he will be a superstar in the NBA. With Damian Lillard expected to be on his way out, the keys to the franchise are Shaedon’s for the taking alongside his new running mate Scoot Henderson.
Leonard Miller has been one of Canada’s most interesting NBA Prospects since his Fort Erie days.
The Timberwolves seem to have gotten a steal in Leonard. The things he does on the court are simply amazing. Imagine what type of player he looks like when his body fills in. From shooting pull up threes off the screen, to throwing lob passes, Leonard can do it all at 6’10.
Dalano Banton getting a fresh start with Boston may be what he needs.
The 6’9 PG still does some things that are rare with his size and skill. He looked comfortable out there averaging 15ppg, 6rpg, & 4apg. Time will tell if his production can carry over to the big leagues.
Lindell Wigginton shot a whopping 71% from three in Summer League.
The Nova Scotian seems to have a steady place in Milwaukee. Of course it was a small sample size, but if he can shoot it at that rate in the NBA, safe to say he can become a full-time rotation player.
AJ Lawson has potential to be one of the league’s best defenders.
Length, athleticism, foot speed, instincts, timing. Checks off all the boxes of an elite defender. AJ averaged the 11th most SPG at Summer League with 2.4. Although he struggled to shoot it from the perimeter, he’s proven that he can catch fire from deep on the NBA level. Last season he had a game where he absolutely caught fire in the regular season all off Luka Doncic dimes. If he’s doing that consistently he’ll have a huge role to play in that offensive system.
Caleb Houstan fits in perfectly with Orlando’s young core
Mississauga’s Caleb Houstan averaged 15ppg in the Summer League for the Orlando Magic. The direction this franchise is going in you can definitely see Caleb playing a part in it as long as he can provide high level 3pt shooting and scoring which he’s proven to do in the past, just not at the NBA level yet.
