Utah's Keyonte George tallied 33 points and 10 assists on Saturday.
Day 2 of the NBA 2K24 Summer League in Las Vegas saw more debuts take place, including those of highly touted lottery picks.
Yet it was a mid-first round rookie (Keyonte George, Utah) and an undrafted sophomore (Orlando Robinson, Miami) who stole the show while putting up eye-popping numbers in victories that might ensure both their teams advance to the tournament stage next weekend.
Keyonte George, Utah Jazz
The 16th overall pick of the 2023 Draft had already flashed his potential in the Salt Lake City Summer League. George upped that ante in Vegas, dropping perhaps the best playmaking performance of offseason action so far. The 6-foot-4 guard amassed 33 points on 50% shooting and 10 assists with just two turnovers. That level of orchestration is especially appreciated in what can be a hectic Summer League atmosphere, and the Jazz benefitted by shooting 50% overall and 39% from deep as a team in their 105-99 win over the Clippers.
“The 4 other guys that’s on my team that’s on the court trust in me.”
Keyonte talks on confidence during that fourth quarter run 🎙️#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/YrZeg6OLh2
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) July 9, 2023
Orlando Robinson, Miami Heat
Orlando Robinson dominated for 36 points and 11 rebounds against Boston.
The 7-footer out of Fresno State didn’t get drafted in 2022, but the Miami Heat — renowned for their ability to identify diamonds in the rough — have kept him under some form of contract since. Saturday provided more than a hint as to why. Robinson exhibited a tantalizing skill set for a big man, dominating inside and out (3-for-4 from deep) for 36 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. His zero turnovers in Miami’s win over Boston were especially impressive for a young big man in a mistake-ridden atmosphere like Summer League.
Cason Wallace, Oklahoma City Thunder
Cason Wallace hits from beyond halfcourt!
With his rookie contract signed, Wallace finally took the floor for the Thunder in Saturday’s 91-80 win over Dallas. He didn’t disappoint, dropping an absurd six 3-pointers (five in the first half) en route to 20 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals in 27 minutes of work. The Thunder are heavy on young talent (Chet Holmgren was also impressive on Saturday), but Wallace showed no hesitation in leading the team in shot attempts without taking away from the flow of the team.
Pacers’ young guys
Bennedict Mathurin was among the many Pacers who shined on Saturday.
Indiana’s wealth of developing talent came through in its 91-83 win over Washington. Each of them, however, can also take away something to improve. Top-10 pick Jarace Walker stuffed the stat sheet (8 pts, 13 reb, 5 ast, 3 stl, 3 blk) while shooting just 3-for-13 from the field. Isaiah Jackson (21 pts, 14 reb) dominated inside while battling through eight personal fouls. Bennedict Mathurin showed second-year poise overall (27 pts) while hitting just 3-for-10 from deep. And sophomore guard Andrew Nembhard notched identical game highs in assists (8) and turnovers (8).
Javon Freeman-Liberty, Chicago Bulls
Javon Freeman-Liberty tallied 24 points, six rebounds and five assists on Saturday.
On a day most of the Bulls struggled to establish a rhythm, Freeman-Liberty had it in spades. The 6-foot-4 guard, who went undrafted in 2022 before playing for the Windy City Bulls of the G League last season, showed the kind of efficient control that stands out in Summer League. Freeman-Liberty finished with 24 points, six rebounds and five assists while shooting 60% overall and 4-for-6 from deep.
