The Clippers could only muster 8 points in the fourth quarter of the final Summer League game, allowing Sacramento to blow a close game en route to a 82-60 (box score) loss. Kaman didn't play tonight, which allowed the King's rookie Spencer Hawes to pour in 22. It looks like Hawes is going to be one of those constant complainers that refs will be watching closely. Al Thornton, named as one of the members of the All-Summer-League first team, lead the Clippers with 17 but shot just 6 of 18. His shooting percentage for the 5 games ended up being 37.7%, 25% from behind the arc (1 of 4), and 78.4% from the free throw line. The positive thing is that he went to the line almost 8 times/game, and grabbed a respectable 6 boards/game. He did average 4 turnovers which is way too many. Al will need to improve on his decision before the real season starts- once he becomes more experienced and plays smarter his FG % should rise naturally, and the turnovers will drop.
Paul Davis finished up his solid Summer League campaign with a respectable 16 points and 7 rebounds. Over the 5 games he averaged 12 points (45% FG) and 8 boards. Paul managed only 1 block the entire league, however, and at times shied away from contact down low with his shots. But it was nice to see him shooting well from the outside, and playing hard in general.
Jared Jordan didn't put up great numbers tonight but time and time again he was able to get his teammates open looks. In the fourth quarter alone he setup Abukar for 3 or 4 open jumpers- unfortunately all those shots clanged off the rim. Overall Jared averaged 4 points, 5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds a game. Defensively he struggled at times against quicker guards, but I would not be surprised to see him play some important minutes this year for the team.
Guillermo Diaz had yet another rough shooting night- 2 of 8 for 6 points. In the 5 games he shot only 31% and averaged 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 1.4 assist/game. He is athletic and is a terrific free throw shooter, but he certainly didn't help himself in these games in his quest to make the team. He might have a chance if he plays drastically better during training camp & the pre-season.
Ivan Radenovic finally got an opportunity to play some meaningful minutes tonight. He showed a nice shooting touch and made all 3 of his shot attempts, and ended up having 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists. He seems like a pretty unselfish player, but a bit lacking on strength. At this point he appears like a smaller version of Paul Davis.
Mohamed Abukar had a nightmarish game tonight as he missed a ton of open shots, going 2 for 13 overall. Despite his struggles this game he ended up shooting a respectable 43% FG for the summer league and averaged 9 points and 3 rebounds. He would be another long shot to make the team.
Mike Gansey didn't shoot well tonight but had an impact while he was out there with 6 points, 7 boards, and 2 assists. He seems like a heady player who has a chance to make it in the NBA if he can improve the consistency on his outside shot. His play reminds you a little bit of Brent Barry, except Brent is taller, more athletic, and a better shooter.
Will Conroy had a solid game with 4 assists. He is a steady point guard who's not going to make too many mistakes. At this point though Jared Jordan looks to be the better PG, so Will's shot at making the team in October will probably be slim.
So that is it for the summer league- it was fun and exciting watching these Clipper prospects play and seeing what they could bring to the team. Pretty soon we should find out which free agent(s) the team will find. USA Basketball is also around the corner and we might get to see EB in action.
