Above the Rim: Brandon Jennings Emerges

After spending last season in Europe instead of at the University of Arizona, Bucks rookie Brandon Jennings was an unknown coming into the NBA draft. Reports on him were good, but a lot of teams seemed uncertain of what effect playing in Europe straight out of high school would have on him. After seven games, Jennings is averaging 25.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. It seems that the move across the pond worked pretty well. It will be interesting to see if more prep stars follow in his footsteps and try to emulate Jennings quick start.

So far this season, Jennings has had games of 24, 25, 32, and, recently, a Bucks’ rookie record 55 point game. He has also had two 9 assist games. Shooting wise, he is hitting 49.6% from the floor and 56.7% from three point range while connecting on 82.8% of his free throws. Those percentages are among the best of any player across the board in the NBA. Is this the kind of debut we can expect from prep stars that choose to go overseas rather than attending college?

We have to remember that Jennings was slated to play for Lute Olsen at Arizona, so he was already a top prep player and not a normal high school recruit. Still, the move to Europe worried a few NBA general managers as he was drafted tenth overall, behind point guards Ricky Rubio (5th), Jonny Flynn (6th), and Stephen Curry (7th). Flynn was a freshman, graduating from high school the same year as Jennings, and Rubio was another relative unknown coming over from Europe. NBA execs felt that Flynn and Rubio, both taken by the Timberwolves, were better and more of a sure thing than Jennings. Meanwhile, while Jennings is becoming a star in Milwaukee as one of the best rookie point guards in the last 20 years, Rubio is still in Spain and Flynn is averaging 14.2 points and 3.3 assists in Minnesota. However, Flynn is also averaging 3.6 turnovers per game (.92 assists per turnover) and only shooting 26.9% from three point range for the 1-10 T’wolves while Jennings is averaging 3.4 turnovers (1.5 assists per turnover) for the 5-2 first place Bucks.

While Jennings has made Europe a viable option in lieu of college for prep stars, high school stars will need to think long about their decision before making the jump. Jennings had the skill set and the confident personality to pull it off. Most high school basketball players are not at that stage of their basketball careers or psyches to make such a move successful.

In the meantime, Jennings is the early favorite for Rookie of the Year, but we will see how viable the move will be for other players. This could be a dangerous precedent for high school players with visions of the NBA in their heads.

Above the Rim: Summer League Roundup

The NBA Summer League finished its schedule on July 19th and some players caught the attention of analysts and executives around the league. Following is a list of players that made a good impression in the Summer League.

Anthony Randolph, Warriors- The 20 year old second year player had GMs gushing about this future superstar after he followed up three straight double-doubles with a 42 point performance. Randolph led the league in scoring at 26.8 points per game and added 8.5 rebounds. Randolph also averaged 3 blocks and 2.2 steals per game.

Adam Morrison, Lakers- The former Gonzaga star may have found the confidence that will help him live up to the potential he showed in college. Morrison averaged 20.8 points per game and added 42$ shooting from 3-point range and 89.5% from the free throw line.

Blake Griffin, Clippers- Griffin lived up to expectations as he averaged 19.2 points and 10.8 rebounds in five games. Griffin shot 50% from the floor, but did struggle at the free throw line shooting only 45.9%.

Stephen Curry, Warriors- Curry showed why the Warriors took him seventh in the draft as he filled up the stat sheet with 17.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.4 steals per game. Curry’s shooting percentages were disappointing though as he only shot 32.5% from the floor and 34.5% from 3-point range. Curry and Randolph’s performances added to the continued emergence of Anthony Morrow (24.7 points per game in the Summer League) bodes well for the Warriors’ future.

JaVale McGee, Wizards- Last year’s first round pick showed his ability to score and play defense as he averaged 17.3 points per game and 4 blocks per game. McGee also added 6.3 rebounds and shot 54.2% from the floor.

Jonny Flynn, Timberwolves- After a stellar season capped by his memorable performance in the 6 overtime game against UConn, Flynn entered the Summer League and averaged 15 points and 7.4 assists per game. Flynn was also one of the most efficient players in the league shooting 48% from the floor, 58.3% from 3-point range, and 90.9% from the free throw line.

Brandon Jennings, Bucks- Jennings was closely watched in the Summer League after spending last season playing professionally in Europe instead of attending Arizona for one season. Such a bold move was going to be scrutinized going forward as more high school seniors explore their options. Jennings responded by leading the rookie league in assists at 8.2 per game (tied with Marcus Williams) and added 14.6 points and 3.6 steals. While getting rave reviews for his passing ability, Jennings did struggle shooting only 37.9% from the floor.

Joey Dorsey, Rockets- Dorsey dominated the paint in five games averaging 14.8 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game while shooting 62.1%. Dorsey also averaged 9.8 points per game. Dorsey will have to stay out of foul trouble when the season starts as he picked up 6 personal fouls in three games and 7 in one other (players do not foul out in the Summer League).

Marcus Williams, Grizzlies- The Grizzlies are trying to resurrect the career of this promising young point guard. In the Summer League, it looked as though the project was ahead of schedule. Williams tied for the league lead with 8.2 assists per game, including 17 in one game. Williams also added 13.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game.