There are a slew of NBA D-League alumni who will be part of the Orlando Summer League from July 2nd-8th. Each and every year players earn their opportunity to play in front of NBA executives in a semi-formal setting at summer league. Orlando is still an intimate setting where fans aren’t allowed, so the ability to be seen is paramount.
This past season there were 42 NBA call-ups involving 32 different players. The D-League is on the rise and the talent pool is arguably greater than it’s ever been before. As the league morphs into a traditional minor league for The Association, it’s importance will only continue to grow.
Until we reach that point, the NBA summer leagues are vital for increased opportunities for players to reach their ultimate goal of earning that NBA contract.
Here are some of the more notable players to watch out for in Orlando.
Quinn Cook — PG — 22-years old — 6-2
Oklahoma City Thunder
Cook played four seasons at Duke, won a National Championship and then had to start all over again in the NBA D-League. After attending training camp with the Cavaliers last season, he was allocated to their affiliate the Canton Charge where he went on to earn Rookie of the Year honors. He averaged 19.6 points and 5.4 assists while shooting almost 47 percent from the field and just over 38 percent from 3-point range.
Cook really flourished in Cleveland’s system and showed himself to be a viable pick-and-roll lead guard. He was able to be a playmaker for others while also finding an array of ways to score himself as well. His defense won’t stand out, but he’s not a liability on that end either. Cook is playing for Oklahoma City for the second straight season at the Orlando SL, so clearly they see something they like in him.
Other notable PGs: Nate Wolters (IND), Semaj Christon (OKC) & Vander Blue (DAL)
Rodney McGruder — SG — 24-years old — 6-5
Miami Heat
McGruder is a late bloomer at 24-years old, but the wait certainly seems worth it for a team needing a “3 and D” wing. The quiet assassin went undrafted in 2013 and has been improving ever since, culminating last season when he posted 15.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals for the D-League champion Sioux Falls Skyforce. His 3-point shooting wasn’t as accurate (38.4 percent) as some but his overall efficiency of 51 percent sets him apart from being just a shooter.
McGruder attacks the rim with ferocity and is one of the best on-ball defenders in the entire NBADL. He was a vital cog for the Skyforce as they set the all-time record for wins in a regular season with their 40-10 record. In the postseason he increased his scoring to 22.7 points and still shot over 50 percent from the field. Miami is taking a second look at McGruder but he could get snatched up by any franchise needing a quality two-way wing.
Other notable SGs: Treveon Graham (ORL), Jaron Johnson (IND) & J.P. Tokoto (NYK)
Brandon Ashley — SF — 21-years old — 6-9
Dallas Mavericks
Ashley was one of the more versatile forwards in the entire D-League before jettisoning for Germany and a bigger payday. He played 33 games for the Texas Legends after spending training camp with the Mavericks last year. He averaged 14.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.4 blocks at the small forward position for the Legends. He’s a silky smooth forward who needs to add some bulk before being ready to handle the NBA game, but his shooting ability and willingness to handle the ball in the open court makes him dangerous.
His foray into the international game for Alba Berlin went pretty well, but of course the goal is to be in the NBA and he could certainly fill a role for a team needing extra floor spacing.
Other notable SFs: Casey Prather (DAL), Scotty Hopson (IND) & Victor Rudd (MIA)
Vince Hunter — PF — 21-years old — 6-8
Los Angeles Clippers
Hunter was the only player in the D-League to average 20/10 last season. That distinction earned him a deal with one of the most renown international teams around in Panathinaikos. Although he didn’t have as much success in Greece, Hunter is a quality player with his best days ahead of him.
He’s a smaller power forward at only 6-8, 210 pounds but what he lacks in size he more than makes up for in versatility and quickness. Hunter is a rim-runner who plays extraordinarily well as the roll man in the pick-and-roll. He’s best suited for an uptempo style, but his energy and vigor on the boards will translate into any scheme. Hunter would be an ideal third PF on any NBA club.
Other notable PFs: Cory Jefferson (DAL) & Dajuan Summer (NYK)
Jordan Bachynski — C — 26-years old — 7-2
Detroit Pistons
This the second look at Bachynski for the Pistons as he almost made their 15-man roster after training camp last year as well. He played for the Westchester Knicks this season averaging 13.1 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.4 blocks while shooting 58 percent from the field. Jimmer got most of the attention this year in Westchester but Jordan was a solid presence in the paint and he’s developed so much since becoming a pro.
He now has the ability to play with his back to the basket, he runs the floor like a forward and he provides immediate rim protection as well. Bachynski is a poor man’s Robin Lopez and I absolutely think he’s skilled enough to make an NBA roster for next season.