Jul 15 2008
Post-game/Pre-game
To be honest, last night’s game was the first Summer League I have ever watched, and I was impressed by the only 3 players I was paying attention to. Jerryd Bayless definitely knows what he’s doing out there. All those rumors about him being the better version of Jarrett Jack have been strengthened through our first glimpse of his play. He seems like a gamer, as he took advantage of the Summer League’s guard-oriented play in blowing up for over 25 points. The thing he did that I can see being useful to the Blazers is attacking the jumped double team. So many possessions stalled at the top of the key last year, as Jack, Brandon, or Blake got trapped at the top of the key, afraid to make the foul or create a foul. Bayless seems like a guy who isn’t afraid of contact, and takes advantage of it as a dead-eye free throw shooter.
Koponen just seemed like a better version of Sergio. His vision was strong, he disrupted the passing lanes, and he could actually knock down a jumper if called upon to do so. These opinions can change quickly; it is Summer League after all.
Batum looked lost on offense. He couldn’t decide if he wanted to be the scorer or the hustle guy as he just drifted around the key. On defense he looked really good, catching up to his man and really making them work. Too bad he got injured.
Overall, it was a fun game, and even better because a win always feels good.
