Some returning favorites, as well as some interesting additions highlight the 16-man roster that has been announced for a pre-Summer League mini-camp.
The Sacramento Kings issued a press release announcing the 16- man roster who will be attending a mini-camp to decide on a final summer league roster. The roster includes some returning Kings, some interesting veterans, and a whole lot of prospective rookies. The most surprising name is MarShon Brooks, who had not previously been announced as being in any way affiliated with the Kings. The rest of the minicamp roster includes:
5. Quincy Acy, F, 2 yrs
55. Sim Bhullar, C, R
0. Marshon Brooks, G, 3 yrs
7. Rion Brown, G, R
9. Jared Cunninghan, G, 2 yrs
20. Ra'shad James, G, R
52. Dwayne Jones, C, 5 yrs
35. Brendan Lane, F, R
3. Ray McCallum, G, 1 yr
16. Ben McLemore, G, 1 yr
40. Eric Moreland, F/C, R
18. Jake Odum, G, R
42. Josh Owens, F, R
10. Nik Stauskas, G, R
32. Nick Wiggins, G, R
13. Derrick Williams, F, 3 yrs
While many of these names honestly mean little to nothing to me, a couple of the new additions are very intriguing. MarShon Brooks has struggled outside of a great rookie year, but has shown that he is an NBA talent. I see him at least making it to our training camp, and possibly the final roster.
Sim Bhullar is the other one that intrigues me. With his size and position, I see him being a project for the Kings for the next couple years regardless of how he does in Summer League. If they could get him on a good fitness plan, and really help him work on his skills. A guy that size should have a space on an NBA roster.
On the other new names, aside from the obvious Nik Stauskas, (whom I am sure everyone is looking forward to seeing). The other rookies are more than likely going to be D-League prospects. One interesting name is Dwayne Jones, who has 5 years of experience in the NBA, and is 7-10 years older than almost everyone on the roster (he is 31). Great to see an older guy get another chance to prove himself.
As far as returning names, Ben McLemore and Ray McCallum are obviously there. I was a little surprised to see Quincy Acy on the roster, but knowing his work ethic, it wouldn't surprise me if that was his request, and it probably will be good for his game. Derrick Williams also pleasantly surprised me, whether this was his doing, or the teams, we know that this kid has great talent, but he seems to mentally psyche himself out when he isn't getting the consistent minutes. Also great to see that we are giving Jared Cunningham another go.
The team will be coached by Chris Jent. He is probably a great choice by Michael Malone for these young guys. I heard Malone interviewed on Deuce and Jason's show last week, and he talked about how much it meant to him to get the opportunity to coach a summer league team.
This mini-camp aspect is an interesting one. I do not recall us doing that before, but I could be wrong and that could be a yearly tradition. It gives the guys an opportunity to get to know each others' games before stepping out on the court with them. So far 3 games are scheduled, with at least 2 more being contingent on the Kings' standings. The Scheduled games are as follows:
Friday, 7/11, vs San Antonio, 7:00 p.m., Cox Pavilion
Sunday, 7/13, vs. Charlotte, 3:00 p.m., Cox Pavilion
Monday, 7/14, vs. D-League Select Team, 1:30, Thomas and Mack Center
All in all it looks to be a very interesting year in summer league. Be sure to check out the press release on the Kings' web site for even more info.
What do you hope to get out of Summer League? Any of the new faces intrigue you?