Every year, the NBA Summer League provides a first glimpse of the new rookies and second-year players trying to make their mark. In 2022, it was no different. The standout moments and stats from the games were enthralling. I remember watching that buzzer-beater by Keegan Murray in one of the Summer League games. Man, the Sacramento Kings really got a gem there! He's only 21 years old, but he played like he's been in the league for years. He averaged 21 points per game and shot an impressive 47% from the field. You could just feel the energy in the arena shift whenever he had the ball.
I was equally fascinated by Chet Holmgren from the Oklahoma City Thunder. The guy is 7 feet tall, but man, can he move! At just 20 years old, he was already blocking shots like seasoned veterans. In one game, he recorded an incredible six blocks. That's not something you see every day, you know? His efficiency on defense reminded me of Anthony Davis in his early years—that ability to change the game from the paint is just invaluable.
Paolo Banchero, who was the No. 1 overall pick by the Orlando Magic, also showed flashes of why he was the top pick. He put up 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists in one of the games. Can you imagine being 19 and already displaying such all-around talent? He played fewer minutes than most of his peers, but his per-minute production was off the charts. Honestly, it reminded me of how LeBron James burst onto the scene back in 2003, just absolutely dominant from the get-go.
Watching Tari Eason of the Houston Rockets was also a delight. This guy's defensive prowess is something else. He averaged 1.8 steals per game, and his ability to guard multiple positions is just crazy. He's like the Swiss Army knife of defenders. I think he’s going to do really well in the regular season. It’s like watching a young version of Draymond Green, but quicker on his feet. His versatility is what teams dream of these days.
EJ Liddell of the New Orleans Pelicans had a memorable performance where he showcased his two-way ability. At 6 feet 7 inches, he's a bit undersized for a forward, yet he managed to grab 8 rebounds and score 14 points in one game. That's some serious hustle. His 3-point shooting also stood out; he hit 43% of his shots from downtown. For a player drafted 41st overall, that's exceeding expectations by a long shot. It's like watching a young Paul Millsap; underrated but incredibly effective.
Two-way contracts were a hot topic, with many players looking to secure one. Undrafted rookie Chris Clemons had a couple of games where he impressed scouts, scoring 18 points and dishing out 7 assists in one particularly standout performance. It's clear he has the skill to succeed, even though he wasn’t on many radars pre-Summer League. The buzz around him was real, reminding me of how Fred VanVleet, an undrafted player, worked his way up to becoming an NBA champion and an All-Star.
Quentin Grimes of the New York Knicks was another player who didn’t disappoint. Averaging 22.6 points per game, his offensive skill set was on full display. He shot 48% from the field and had moments where he looked absolutely unstoppable. It's like watching a young Klay Thompson with that smooth shooting stroke and off-ball movement. He's only 22 and already showing that he can be a go-to scorer at the pro level. The confidence he played with was infectious; you could see his teammates feeding off that energy.
Some players used the Summer League as a platform to come back stronger. Take Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors, for instance. He had a few ups and downs in his rookie year, but he played with a chip on his shoulder in Las Vegas. Scoring 18 points per game and showing improved shot selection, you could tell he put in some serious work during the offseason. At just 20 years old, his growth is something to keep an eye on. He's got that Andrew Wiggins feel to him, capable of popping off at any moment.
For a comprehensive dive into more stats, individual performances, and game highlights, check out the detailed review from ArenaPlus by clicking here: nba summer league 2022.
Remember Mac McClung? He played for the Golden State Warriors and averaged 13.4 points and 4.8 assists per game. For someone who bounced around a bit in his early career, it's amazing to see how settled he looked. His speed and handles were just mesmerizing, making it clear why he's often compared to Jason "White Chocolate" Williams. It’s no wonder the fans were chanting his name; he's a real crowd-pleaser.
Let's not forget the big men. Jay Huff of the Washington Wizards had some stellar moments as well. He's 7 feet 1 inch but moves with surprising agility. He averaged 1.9 blocks per game and shot 55% from the field. It’s like watching a young Brook Lopez, dominating the paint but also capable of stretching the floor. At 23, he’s shown he can be a reliable presence inside.
Even the lesser-known players had their time to shine. Chimezie Metu of the Sacramento Kings had a couple of double-double performances that caught a lot of eyes. At 6 feet 9 inches, his versatility as a forward was on full display. Though he isn’t a household name, performances like these often lead to better rotation minutes in the regular season. For instance, think of how Jerami Grant’s strong showings in few minutes turned him into an essential player eventually.
The 2022 NBA Summer League gave us plenty to be excited about for the upcoming NBA season. We saw emerging stars, potential role players, and some surprising standouts. It’s the kind of basketball that reminds you why this sport is so captivating. Every game showed us something new, whether it was a jaw-dropping highlight, a breakout performance, or just a promising young player making their dream a reality.