Las Vegas is the most bizarre place I’ve ever been. On one hand, it’s a paradise — a fertile oasis in the middle of the endless desert. Everything you want is right in front of you. The lights are constant, making it feel like the days never end. Whether it’s 4 p.m. or 4 a.m., it’s always bright out and it’s as if the world is at your fingertips.
On the other hand, is a vicious and relentless beast. An electric hellscape bedazzled with LED screens. Beneath the shiny exterior there lies a darkness so immense that no amount of light can hope to pierce its depth.
They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, almost as if it were a dream, a mirage. This makes me wonder: Is Vegas even real? More to the point, are the things that we are watching in Vegas summer league real? Will Jaden McDaniels, Jaylen Nowell, McKinley Wright IV, and Nathan Knight be able to replicate their success in the big league?
Let’s dive into some nuggets from Summer League and figure out just what is real and what isn’t:
Real: Wright’s Defensive Effort
In Wright’s first Summer League game he tallied five steals. It was an impressive effort from him defensively. He may be small, but his solid frame, energy and basketball know-how enable him to play well above his size.
He wasn’t able to replicate his output in the Wolves’ second game, but the Chicago Bulls’ guards Ayo Dosunmu, Devon Dotson and Jaylen Adams shot a combined 5-for-26 from the field. Wright wasn’t matched up on them all the time, but his constant pressure on the ball made it hard for the Bulls offense to get anything going. I would be surprised if we didn’t see Wright earn some real minutes on this Wolves roster that is thin at the backup point guard spot.
Not Real: McDaniels’ Off-the-Dribble Game (yet)
I, along with many Timberwolves fans, was delighted when it was reported that this Summer League team wanted to “…let [McDaniels] loose.” His flashes of creation off the dribble last season were tantalizing. If he can tap into that part of his game, the Wolves could have a future All-Star in the making.
So far, the results have been mixed. McDaniels has shown the ability to get to an unconventional leaning floater, which he has relied on consistently as he attempts to score in the paint. Thus far McDaniels has faced Nate Renfro and Marko Simonovic protecting the paint. Attacking and floating over the top of those two has worked, but going against larger, more skilled NBA bigs, I have my doubts that the move will continue to be effective.
McDaniels offensive game hasn’t developed to the point where the Wolves should be comfortable putting the ball in his hands to run the offense. Luckily, on a roster with Karl-Anthony Towns, D’Angelo Russell, and Anthony Edwards, they shouldn’t have to. Also, let’s remember that McDaniels was selected with the No. 28 pick last season. He’s already shown the ability to defend spots 1-4 and knock down open jumpers. Wolves fans should be ecstatic that Rosas was able to get that type of talent so late in the draft. Any skills he develops moving forward are cherries on top of a delicious (and thin) slice of cake.
Real: Jaylen Nowell Running the Offense
I want to be careful here. There is a history of guards catching fire in Summer League without being able to replicate the production in the NBA. Just ask former Summer League MVP Tyus Jones and his brother Tre Jones who is looking like he could be MVP this season.
Guard scoring production can be deceiving because many of these guards will not be asked to play this same type of role in the NBA. Tyus, tasked with being the primary offensive option on a team, may be up to the task. We saw him do it in high school and college. But, in the NBA, you’ve got to be elite to be given the role of primary option.
Nowell is different though. We’ve already seen him succeed in the NBA. Last season he put up 28 against the New Orleans Pelicans, shooting 6-for-7 from 3-point range. Although he struggled on Thursday against the Bulls (4-for-14 from the field), he has the ability to heat up from the field.
Wolves fans can expect Nowell to have a bigger role on the team this season, even coming off the bench as the backup point guard. With Nowell and Malik Beasley off the bench, the Timberwolves’ second unit will have plenty of firepower.
Not Real: The Knight Show
Knight has been a lot of fun. His highlight dunks, his infectious smile and his endless effort have made him an instant fan favorite. However, in two Summer League games, Knight has already collected 13 personal fouls, along with two technical fouls. TWO. TECHNICAL. FOULS. IN SUMMER LEAGUE.
I don’t want to be too negative on Knight, because he has shown a lot of good things. He is a solid pick and roll big. His combination of speed and athleticism make him able to move through the lane and get up to grab passes above the rim. He’s also unafraid to shoot the 3. So far he is 1-for-8 from 3-point range, but his shot looks good and with time he should be able to knock down shots.
Knight is interesting as a player because he fits a big man role that the Wolves are lacking. He’s got the energy, intensity and athleticism of Jarred Vanderbilt combined with a more similar offensive skill set to Naz Reid. As he moves back and forth between the G-League and the Big League, Knight should see plenty of floor time and provide a different look for the Wolves.
There are two games left on the Timberwolves Summer League Schedule. Let’s hope the young pups can continue to show some promise.
Don’t forget to listen to the CnD NBA Show where you can hear me and Dylan Carlson wax poetic about our darling Minnesota Timberwolves.
