[Game] VSL Game 3 (7/11/2023): Kings vs. Bulls 7pm PT 10pm ET (ESPN2)

Status
Not open for further replies.
#92
Why do I feel like we're getting the short end of the whatever lately?

Bad calls, unfortunate circumstances, etc.?

I feel like we've been the better team
 

SLAB

Hall of Famer
I do think Colby Jones played well despite a poor shooting night.


Kessler Edwards is the one im a bit concerned about tbh... Woulda thought he'd have shown much better here vs this type of competition..
Jones looks like a glue type that’s going to flourish surrounded by the main roster guys. Just does things that helps people.

Kessler looking like another in a long line of wings who flash a tiny little so we squint hard to see a lot that isn’t actually there.
 
I do think Colby Jones played well despite a poor shooting night.


Kessler Edwards is the one im a bit concerned about tbh... Woulda thought he'd have shown much better here vs this type of competition..
The lack of an offensive hub is just hurting all these guys imo. Ford and Jones are doing their best, but they're not at the level of some of the prospects here as on-ball guys. Kessler can't hide on O here and just be the defensive energizer bunny/hustle play guy. He needs a Fox/Sabonis hub around him to be viable and that's fine tbh. We can still use his defensive wing presence.

I do like what we're seeing from Keon/Colby/Ford though in terms of getting good creation reps and looking okay at it. Even if that's not what we're looking for with the big league club, it should still help their development.
 
Well, one thing looks for sure, Ellis and Jones are NBA level players. Edwards has had a tough SL but it's doesn't negate what he's already shown in the league which is still probably fringe level but still. It's very possible come camp time, Ellis earns a slot on the actual roster and kicks somebody off the bus. I'm not sure what G-league play does for him at this point. Whatever you wanted out of him, Bobby Jackson and his staff already found it.
 
The lack of an offensive hub is just hurting all these guys imo. Ford and Jones are doing their best, but they're not at the level of some of the prospects here as on-ball guys. Kessler can't hide on O here and just be the defensive energizer bunny/hustle play guy

I do like what we're seeing from Keon/Colby/Ford though in terms of getting good creation reps and looking okay at it. Even if that's not what we're looking for with the big league club, it should still help their development.
Yeah I said "defense-centric" but I think you are more on the money here. This SL team is missing the on-ball guy since they don't have a Domas-type hub to run DHOs with. Daum had done some dribble up court and DHO but without a generator, these players are totally selected to be playing with an offensive hub (Domas/Fox).
 
Well, one thing looks for sure, Ellis and Jones are NBA level players. Edwards has had a tough SL but it's doesn't negate what he's already shown in the league which is still probably fringe level but still. It's very possible come camp time, Ellis earns a slot on the actual roster and kicks somebody off the bus. I'm not sure what G-league play does for him at this point. Whatever you wanted out of him, Bobby Jackson and his staff already found it.
Keon has spent quite a bit of time defending actual wings this SL. Could be just getting him out of his comfort zone, or maybe us getting a closer look if he's able to defend down to the 3 a bit. I think whoever shows that ability the best from Edwards/Duarte/Jones/Ellis gets that 10th spot in the rotation.
 
Our reign as a Summer League heavy weight appears to be over.
"Losing the SL Heavyweight champ had taught me one thing, it taught me that we are capable of something more, which leads me to this conclusion...


(beat)
Jokic! I'm now officially challenging you for the NBA Title. Come on out here now so I can tell you to your face!"
 
Also, I'm more than willing to give Edwards a bit of a pass for a rough SL. He's clearly trying to expand his game and work on things; exactly the whole point of SL. And he's already given us a real glimpse of being fairly effective in his role with the big league squad.
 
Based on what we're seeing tonight and last night, yes. I know that Kessler is not as bad as he's been in this game, though. Somehow, playing with this team takes him down a couple of levels, just as playing with Sabonis and Fox will take you up a couple of levels.
I like Edwards, and I hear what you're saying.
He just isn't isn't 'there.' He could get there, he's still young and has the tools, but he isn't deservimg of steady NBA mins.
 
Well, one thing looks for sure, Ellis and Jones are NBA level players. Edwards has had a tough SL but it's doesn't negate what he's already shown in the league which is still probably fringe level but still. It's very possible come camp time, Ellis earns a slot on the actual roster and kicks somebody off the bus. I'm not sure what G-league play does for him at this point. Whatever you wanted out of him, Bobby Jackson and his staff already found it.
I think you could probably let Ellis basically be a #1 option in the G-League for one more year and then he steps in next season once we figure out who stays and who goes between Monk/Huerter/Davion. I'd be fairly stunned if all 3 of them are still on the team after next year, so we'll have those slots ready to fill with Ellis and Jones.
 
Guys that put up points stand out in SL.
But when Edwards has 4 turnovers, Ellis throws it to himself twice, and Slawson looks terrible with the ball in his hands, etc.

I just don't see it with these particular players.
 
Guys that put up points stand out in SL.
But when Edwards has 4 turnovers, Ellis throws it to himself twice, and Slawson looks terrible with the ball in his hands, etc.

I just don't see it with these particular players.
You can't look at the slop and determine much based on that, not in summer league. The things that stood out about Ellis and Jones were the guard abilities. Keon has a really good first step with the ball and that's an NBA level offensive skill when you combine that with his size and athletic tools. He also did amazing on defense individually both in passing lanes and on pressure. Jones isn't the most athletic or quick but he uses his size well for being a little smallish. He doesn't panic near the rim and is pretty good at dribbling all the way through help. Queta is Queta which if he's not in the picture long term could very well find a nice career overseas and maybe make his way back at some point. Slawson has all the physical tools but so far it's definitely a question of what he actually is at this stage which is definitely an uphill battle for a player that age. Edwards might be on the bubble which he probably already was. He had some solid games with the Kings but you look at his career numbers and relate it to this performance and experience it's very much a question of whether or not he's topped out as well. It's borderline impossible for just defenders to stick unless you find the exact right situation.
 
I like Edwards, and I hear what you're saying.
He just isn't isn't 'there.' He could get there, he's still young and has the tools, but he isn't deservimg of steady NBA mins.
this..

I mean look at Dominick Barlow who the Spurs got as an UDFA last summer.. He's 3 years younger than Edwards, far less experience, 2" taller n playing way better, n I'd much rather have him on our roster..

do wonder if this is one of the moves where Monte might have overplayed his hand a bit? have we been wasting this roster spot?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.