Summer League Recap: Summer Cavs 82, Summer Bucks 53

Editor’s Note: Big thanks to commenter, CLF for sending us his recap on this one.

Having plenty of free time this summer, I’ve been binging on NBA Summer League with my ESPN app. Tonight was the debut of the Cavs’ Summer League squad… and they did not disappoint, putting a beat down on the Bucks, 82-53. Personally, this was a very unexpected outcome. A cursory glance at the Cavs’ squad leaves the casual basketball fan wanting. I expected this squad to struggle winning even one game. And if you look at the Bucks squad, a casual fan would have to conclude they had a ton more talent with guys like Thon Maker, Rashad Vaughn, power conference college prospects such as Bronson Koenig, Travis Trice, and Gary Payton II. So how did the Cavs dominate? Here are some random.

1. The athleticism, defense, and hustle of this Cavs squad: there are a bunch of long, fast, strong, athletic guys. This Cavs’ summer squad gave more effort than any team I’ve seen in summer league so far. Credit to the players and coaches who were ready to play from the jump.
2. The lack of good ball handlers and jump shooters for the Cavs: Kay Felder and TJ Williams looked like the only guys who could use the dribble to create. Most of the good plays happen with man and ball movement, along with run outs from good defense. The jump shooting of the second unit was clearly a lot better than the starting unit and will be something to watch going forward.
3. The speed of Kay Felder: he can literally can get anywhere on the court he wants. Unfortunately, his shooting was absolutely abysmal. tons of open looks, nothing fell. Felder finished 2-11 from the floor and 6-7 from the line.
4. Edy Taveres.: he’s ridiculously long. Unfortunately, he just can’t handle the speed of the game, often looking awkward and out of rhythm – unable to take advantage of his basketball acumen. He still made plays, but should’ve made more. Despite that, he scored a team high 12 and grabbed eight boards in 20 minutes to go along with three turnovers.
5. Anthony Gill, Sam Cassell Jr., Andrew White III, and TJ Williams:  Color analyst and former college coach Seth Greenberg was complimentary  of Gill and White III. He called them “fit” guys who can find ways to be effective filling a role. White shot the ball really well, but his defense was lacking, as he committed lot of fouls. Gill cleaned up the boards really well and didn’t make egregiously dumb plays.
6. Hat tip to CtBer JRL, who identified TJ Williams as a player to watch…. Williams did not disappoint… going 4-5 from the field and adding three assists and two steals. He was +21 in 15 minutes.
7. The Cavs’ offense was in trouble in the third, but Williams, White, and Cassell Jr. bailed the team out when they took a 10 point lead and stretched it to over 20 with good offense and stifling defense. Cassell also scored eight and was +20 in 12 minutes.

One thing I’ll be watching for the next game is seeing whether the coaches give some of these second unit guys who impressed more time with the starting unit. It appears that they’ve earned the opportunity to see what they can do.

Summer League notes from Bosto and Orlando. Players who impressed: Luke Kennard, Markelle Fultz, Jayson Tatum,  Jaylen Brown, Donavan Mitchell, Dante Exum.

• Luke Kennard: ridiculous shooter… can finish off the dribble.
• Markelle Fultz: can get buckets… but turns the ball over a lot.
• Jayson Tatum: probably the best player of Summer League so far. Clutch: can  post up and score, dribble drive and score, and shoot spot up jumpers and score.
• Jaylen Brown: inconsistent, but obviously has a lot of confidence coming from out of the playoffs.
• Donavan Mitchell: ridiculous athleticism and length, a two-way player who can defend, shoot, dribble, and pass…. remember this guy’s name for the future.
• Dante Exum: seems to have recovered from his ACL injury… definitely love his length and ability to get to the rim and make shots.

That’s what I have for now…. stay classy CtB!!!