NBA Summer League Standouts

Desmond Bane

Desmond Bane was drafted 30th by the Boston Celtics in the 2020 NBA Draft. However, due to a three-team trade including the Memphis Grizzlies, Portland Trail Blazers, and Boston Celtics, Bane was sent to Memphis. At the time of the draft, Bane was known to be a tremendous shooter coming out of Texas Christian University (TCU). He did not disappoint, living up to those expectations and more.

In his rookie season for the Grizzlies, Bane averaged 9.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. He shot a whopping 43% from three. Bane was also tremendously skilled at getting into the teeth of the defense and scoring at the rim last season. However, in this Summer League Bane was taken his game to a whole other level. He is averaging 23 points, 3.5 rebounds, and four assists per game. The Grizzlies staff have also been playing Bane as the point guard.

Cameron Thomas

Cameron Thomas was selected by 27th the Brooklyn Nets in the 2021 NBA Draft. Last season at Louisiana State University (LSU), Thomas averaged 23 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. Coming into the draft, Thomas was looked at as a great scorer who was not very efficient. However, in Summer League that perception may be beginning to change. Cam is averaging an outstanding 27 points, 1.8 rebounds, and two assists per game. He has also been efficient shooting 42.3% percent from the field on 19.5 attempts. Thomas looks to be the perfect player to come off of the Nets bench next season, providing instant scoring.

Jalen Green

Jalen Green was selected second by the Houston Rockets in the 2021 NBA Draft. As soon as he stepped onto the court in summer league action, Green just looked a step above the competition. Green took a different path than the previously mentioned Desmond Bane and Cameron Thomas. Green opted to play for the G-League Ignite, showing that there is another way to make it to the NBA. For the Ignite last season, Jalen averaged 17.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. Green’s natural scoring ability has been on full display in the Summer League. Green is averaging 20.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and two assists per game. If Green continues to progress to his full potential he could very well lead the league in scoring sometime in the future.

Max Strus

Max Strus was undrafted in the 2019 NBA Draft out of DePaul University. Strus was signed by the Boston Celtics to participate on their Summer League roster but was ultimately waived by the Celtics even with showing his potential from beyond the arc. Strus was then signed to a two-way deal by the Chicago Bulls but tore his ACL only five games into the season. Heading into the 2020-2021 NBA season, Max was signed by the Miami Heat on yet another two-way deal. Due to the Heat dealing with COVID situations for most of the year, Strus saw a decent amount of playing time and made the most of it shooting very well from beyond the arc. Heading into this Summer League the Heat were very high on Strus and he showed them why. He is averaging 20.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game.