5 most impressive rookies in NBA Summer League

5 most impressive rookies in Summer League

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns and Mohamed Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic look on during the game during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 06: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns looks to pass against Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks during the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 6, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 92-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

3. Deandre Ayton

The talented center entered Summer League with massive expectations. Understandably, fans expect the No. 1 overall pick to dominate against this level of competition. Ayton hasn’t quite met those giant expectations, but he’s played pretty well.

If he would have gone with the fifth pick instead of the first, we’d be raving about his spectacular play. Ayton will always have to grind against the expectations of his draft position. The good news for Suns fans is that he didn’t look overwhelmed by the challenge.

Instead, he went out and did his job each game. Averaging 16 points and 11 boards per game is a solid return for a rookie still learning how to play the game. His 67 percent shooting from the field also shows just how efficient he can be on the offensive end.

The questions about Ayton are all on the other end of the floor. He hasn’t looked horrible on that end of the floor during Summer League, but there is still at on of room for improvement. A player that size only averaging one block per game against this kind of competition is not an encouraging sign. The Suns will need to drill him repeatedly on their defensive rotations to make him anything close to an adequate rim protector this season.

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