Now there's a game I wish I had seen live. It's usually better to head to relaxed atmospheres like these when it begins, when most players are there, and writers and execs are lounging around. Alas, I'll have to wait until next weekend for a Justin Holiday feature, because, well, he was the best player on both sides of the court.
After the game, Steve Kerr stated that the triangle variations were only used in transition. This was to be expected given the nature of how these games are played, with only a few days of practices and players looking to stand out in systems that may not cater to them. Without further ado, let's take a look at some observations through the Warriors second Summer League game.
Aside: I missed yesterday's game but rewatched it in its entirety (ugh) and there wasn't much to learn that wasn't any different from tonight.
Here are the game stats.
Observations:
1. Spraining his ankle before the first game, Nemanja Nedovic was quick going towards the rim, shifting gears rather easily and finding cutters and shooters everywhere. He's not a particularly strong finisher or an even decent, or confident, shooter but does good things when his movement is forward. For those hoping Nedovic would blow up this Summer League, that's unlikely given the nature of the offense and the uneven jumper.
2. Ognjen Kuzmic had a good matchup if we're fashioning ourselves as scouts. Going up against NBA-level athlete Miles Plumlee, Kuzmic held his own down low whenever there was a post-up or screaming rebound down the lane. Kuzmic has decent hands - though finishing only 1-3 - good size but slow feet. He's the exact opposite of Festus Ezeli, making that two low-upside, backup bigs. Kuzmic showed off one pump-fake up-and-under move before airballing against Plumlee.
3. Aaron Craft played exactly how you thought he would. He frustrated first round draft pick Tyler Ennis into a couple bad shots and turnovers in the early going. Craft also got to the rim rather easily, which was a pleasant surprise, and finished well. He's an awful shooter - with one wide-open shot hitting the side of the backboard - but the defense and ability to get to the rim without divulging from a play fits into what Steve Kerr wants.
4. James Michael McAdoo looks and plays the part of the strongest man on the court. He tossed up 11 shots, making three, and didn't do much else. On defense, he was a step behind cutters and only grabbed three rebounds. He's energetic on offense but lacks footwork and touch. BUT, he's a SportsCenter highlight waiting to happen. There's great fun in that. Always.
5. Finally, Justin Holiday played the part of Kent Bazemore, the long, athletic guard that torched opponents with his size and outside shooting. Holiday grabbed the rebound off a Nedovic airball and laid it in for the game-winning layup, capping a game full of hustle points and stray open jumpers. Wielding a seven-foot wingspan, Holiday has some potential as an NBA player. He bounced around between D-League teams for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Portland Trail Blazers, Philadelphia 76ers, and the Utah Jazz.
6. Lots of bricking for the Warriors early on, so they'll surely welcome this year's edition of Ian Clark, Travis Bader with welcome arms.