Much like the Pacific and Northwest Divisions, the Southwest Division has many exciting rookies and sophomores who deserve time and attention. Here are the top rookies and sophomores from each of the Southwest Division teams and what to expect from each of them at Summer League.
Summer League: Top Southwest Division Rookies And Sophomores
Team: Dallas Mavericks
Rookie: Melvin Ajinca
Melvin Ajinca has shown out in his first couple of games at Summer League and is the rookie to watch for Dallas. The expectation for Ajinca as he continues through Summer League is to show that he can provide any production on an NBA court. As a late second-round pick, Ajinca needs to show that he does have value as a player and deserves to stay with Dallas instead of being stashed overseas. Fortunately, Ajinca stood out in his first Summer League game. Specifically, he showcased his ability to play on both sides of the floor. Additionally, he showed far more polish in his game than anyone would have expected. At any rate, Ajinca needs to continue to impress with his performances throughout Summer League to prove his worth.
Sophomore: Olivier-Maxence Prosper
Olivier-Maxence Prosper is the sophomore to watch on the Mavericks Summer League Roster. Unquestionably, Prosper has a lot to prove and high expectations placed on him. Firstly, he needs to prove that he has improved his overall game, especially on the offensive end. Unfortunately, it does not appear that Prosper’s offense improved based on the first Summer League for Dallas, as he shot 2 for 11 from the field. Despite that, the defense looks as good as ever. Secondly, the expectation for Prosper is to show that he is too good for Summer League and ready for some playing time with the main team. While first impressions haven’t been great, Prosper still has time to show that improvements were made and that he deserves to be in the rotation for Dallas.
Team: New Orleans Pelicans
Rookie: Yves Missi
Undoubtedly, Yves Missi is the Pelicans rookie to watch for at Summer League. The expectation for Missi is to show that he can produce at an NBA level. Significantly, the Pelicans lack depth at the center position, which Missi could fill if he shows out at Summer League. His first performance wasn’t impressive by any means, only scoring six points and grabbing eight boards. Regardless of his overall performance, he still showcased his athleticism and potential on the defensive end of the floor. Ultimately, he will have more opportunities to show he could make an impact and deserve rotational minutes.
Sophomore: Jordan Hawkins
Much like Missi, the expectation for Jordan Hawkins is to show that he deserves rotational minutes and can produce at an NBA level, which he did in a limited role last season. As the sophomore to watch for on the Pelicans, Hawkins has the expectation of showing improvement in his overall game, especially concerning his shooting efficiency. However, in his first Summer League game this year, the 3-and-D guard had a poor showing that did not advocate for the idea that he could be a full-time rotation player. Despite that, there are more games where he can show that can meet or exceed expectations.
Team: Houston Rockets
Rookie: Reed Sheppard
Reed Sheppard is the rookie to watch for on the Rockets Summer League roster and he has already impressed. Specifically, the third-overall pick has shown off a high degree of polish in many areas of his game. His shooting, passing, and defense have been highlighted skills seen at Summer League. The expectation for Sheppard was to show that he could play at an NBA level and be a factor in the main rotation. Needless to say, he has blown away those expectations with his performance at Summer League so far. As long as Sheppard continues with his high level of play, there is no doubt he will see rotational minutes.
Sophomore: Cam Whitmore
Cam Whitmore is the Rockets sophomore to pay attention to and, like Sheppard, has highly impressed at Summer League. Whitmore was one of the more impressive rookies last season and he continued his high level of play into Summer League. He even continued his MVP-level play from last Summer League to this one. As a high-flyer, Whitmore has shown off his amazing athleticism to be both disruptive defensively and an offensive force at the basket. The expectation for Whitmore is to show he is ready to take his game to another level. Without question, Whitmore has met these expectations so far. With continued production throughout the rest of Summer League, there is a real possibility of his role increasing with the Rockets.
Team: Memphis Grizzlies
Rookie: Jaylen Wells
With Zach Edey out for the first couple of games, Jaylen Wells is the rookie to watch for on the Grizzlies. The expectation for Wells is to show off his three-point shooting and defensive versatility. So far in Summer League, he has met those expectations and showcased those skills. It will be important for Wells to further develop those skills. His future role in the NBA will be as a 3-and-D wing, so it is important to hone those skills. Regardless, he has acquitted himself well so far and the expectation is for further success.
Sophomore: GG Jackson II
Among all the rookies and sophomores at Summer League, very few have impressed as GG Jackson II has. As the sophomore to watch for on the Grizzlies, he has high expectations placed on him. The expectations that Jackson had were to show that he was ready to take his game to the next level. Based on his performance so far, he has shown that he is prepared to take that step in his development. Jackson impressed as a rookie, has impressed at this year’s Summer League, and will continue to impress if he keeps up his play.
Team: San Antonio Spurs
Rookie: Stephon Castle
Stephon Castle has only played one game at Summer League before being shut down due to injury. Despite that, the rookie has impressed many with his Summer League debut. The expectation for Castle, and one he set himself, is that he can show that he can play point guard. By and large, he showed that he could in that one game. Castle played with the poise and steadiness that a good point guard should play with. He also put up good stats despite poor shooting. Even then, Castle remained confident in taking shots, which is a good sign. Castle may have only played one game, but he met the expectations that were placed on him.
Sophomore: Sidy Cissoko
Sidy Cissoko is the sophomore to watch for on the Spurs in the absence of Victor Wembanyama due to joining the French National Team for the Olympics. While Cissoko did not play much with the main team, he did have a productive season in the G-League. The main expectation for Cissoko is to show that he has improved enough to get more playing time with the Spurs. So far, Cissoko has been solid, but he will need to show more as Summer League goes on. Regardless, Cissoko still has a lot of potential and more opportunities to show he deserves time with the main team.
