Unlike in actual NBA cities, where stars are born, celebrated and remembered, Las Vegas is where most players go to be forgotten. Amid fast-paced games, inconsequential results and a generally boozy Vegas atmosphere, the Summer League stands as a beacon of hope for some, a last gasp of opportunity of others.
How could one dream up a better scenario? Young guys with everything to lose, careers on the line in a city where many have gambled away it all. Making it in Vegas isn't about fame or glory, it's about keeping the NBA dream alive long enough to wear the jersey, take the court and prove everyone who doubted you wrong.
For most, at least. Then there are the first-round picks, the talented millionaires who take the court amid pomp and circumstance, their every move analyzed by scouts and fans alike as the fine details between a future star and a bust sort themselves out.
Goudelock Gunning For The NBA
Will the former Lakers second-round pick be able to translate summer league success into an NBA contract?But every player on the court has something to earn, whether it's a roster spot or playing time. Big performances in Vegas can be the difference between starting next season in Orlando, or tipping off in Fort Wayne, Ind., for the Magic's D-League affiliate. Top picks can find that rotation spot sooner rather than later.
As we enter the tournament phase of this year's Summer League, let's take a look at which players are making or breaking their NBA prospects in Vegas.
The Good
Andrew Goudelock, Bulls: A D-League star for most of last season, Goudelock hopes to bring his scoring flair to the next level in 2013-14. Currently Vegas' leading scorer, the 24-year-old averaged 22.7 points on 57 percent shooting during the first three contests, powering Chicago to a 3-0 record thus far.
John Henson, Bucks: As Mike Prada wrote before, Henson is the kind of player who is simply too talented for this league. A late lottery pick by Milwaukee last year, the UNC product averaged 14 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks over the team's first two games, looking especially dominant in a 88-74 win over Denver last weekend.
C.J. McCollum, Trail Blazers: The 10th-overall pick in the 2013 draft, McCollum leads Vegas in minutes and shots taken per contest. He's been fairly inefficient, shooting just 27 percent from behind the arc and 37 percent overall, but his per-game averages of 21.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists are pretty darn solid.
Jonas Valanciunas, Raptors: The Raptors' top pick last season played well in his first three Vegas games, averaging 20 points and 9.3 rebounds per game to power the team's 2-1 record. It's not all good, though, as he recorded 16 turnovers and 19 fouls.
Marquis Teague, Bulls; Austin Rivers, Hornets: A pair of second-year guards who struggled last season, Teague and Rivers have looked noticeably better this summer. A benchwarmer in Tom Thibodeau's rotation as a rookie, the 20-year-old Teague put up 25 points against Portland on Tuesday, and only Atlanta's Dennis Schroeder averages more assists. Looking to rebound from a historically bad rookie performance, Rivers has averaged 17.3 points on 47 percent shooting.
Kent Bazemore, Warriors: Known primarily for his raucous sideline celebrations, Bazemore continues to prove he's more than a cheerleader. After averaging 15.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.3 steals over the first three summer contests, all wins, Prada wondered aloud if he could be a jack-of-all-trades role player next season.
Cody Zeller, Bobcats; Tyler Zeller, Cavaliers: The Zeller twins have played pretty well in Vegas thus far. Considered the more talented one, Cody has looked the part so far, averaging 15.7 points and 9.3 rebounds with double-doubles in his past two games. Tyler has been quite steady for Cleveland, averaging 13.7 points and 9.3 rebounds per contest.
Jan Vesely, Wizards: The No. 6 pick in the 2011 draft comes awfully close to bust status at this point, but his play in Vegas gives some reason for optimism. Looking more in control, the electric athlete has averaged 11.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 1.7 blocks per game. Maybe most importantly, he's shown improved awareness to avoid the bone-headed mistakes which defined his game the past couple years.
The Bad
Ben McLemore, Kings: The Vegas performance of the Kings' top pick nicely reflects his status among scouts: madly talented, maddeningly inconsistent. At times, like during a 26-point effort against Toronto, he's looked quite good, but he's shooting 33 percent overall and 21 percent from three-point range with ZERO ASSISTS PER GAME. He's got potential, but there's clearly a lot he needs to learn.
Dion Waiters, Cavaliers: A former top-five pick entering his second year should be dominating Vegas, but Waiters has mostly struggled this month. Leading a solid Cavs team, he's averaged 14.0 points and 3.7 assists per game, but he's shooting just 22 percent on threes and 30 percent overall. For a player who does little beyond scoring, it's not good.
Tony Wroten, Grizzlies: Like Waiters, Wroten should be thriving as a former top pick entering Year 2, but he's looked downright terrible this summer. Despite showing a clear ability to penetrate the defense, his inability to hit open shots and make plays has been noticeable. He's 2-for-15 from three-point range, 9-for-40 from the field and 21-for-37 from the charity stripe. Yikes.
Coby Karl, Raptors: The son of longtime coach George Karl, Coby hasn't necessarily been terrible -- he's just been non-existent. Despite averaging nearly 30 minutes per game this summer, Karl doesn't score, make plays or force turnovers. However, he does average nearly seven fouls per contest, so maybe there's a secret plan afoot.
Otto Porter, Wizards: Struggling for two games before leaving the third due to injury, Porter rarely looked like the No. 3 overall pick during his time in Vegas. Taking just 10 shots, he struggled to assert himself in the Wizards' offense, while fouls became a consistent issue on the defensive end. You could see glimpses of elite perimeter defense and an understanding of offensive spacing, but it's a disappointing start for Otto in D.C.
Scott Machado, Warriors: The starting point guard for an unbeaten Golden State summer squad, Machado has definitely not been the reason for that success. Over the first three games, he's shot 4-for-23 from the field while grabbing a total of four rebounds. He's avoided turnovers and fouls, something that can't be said for most Summer League participants, but shooting 17 percent is never really acceptable.
Jerome Jordan, Knicks: Jerome Jordan is seven feet tall. Somehow, he's still managed to shoot below 32 percent in Vegas. These two facts don't reflect well upon him.
Myck Kabongo, Heat: The unsigned rookie was considered a draft-worthy talent but slipped through the cracks after a shaky collegiate career at Texas. So far, absolutely nobody is regretting that decision, as the 21-year-old recorded as many turnovers as combined points and assists (five) during his first two games.
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