unfortunately summer league hoops is kind of tough for most big men since it's mainly just run and gun with a lot of chucking from guards - hard to get consistent looks for post guys when the guys you're depending on to get you the ball are generally more interested in proving they can create their own shots. there's a ton of talent in the G league right now and teams play a lot more structured style than summer league, though, so CC has a great opportunity to develop there and get acclimated to how he'll need to play to make the big league.
I watched all CC's summer league games and agree he played very well. I was surprised at how well he was passing the ball, including quite a few backdoor cuts into tight spaces that were right on the money and led to easy layups. He's got more potential than I thought. My biggest criticism is that his motor sometimes seems a little low. When his motor is up and he's being aggressive, he can actually look pretty impressive on that summer league stage.
His main problem is always going to be not stout enough to play the NBA guys inside for long stretches and not quick enough for the wings. He has to develop an outside shot to get him on the court. I am rooting for him, even if it is in THAT league.
Just in case some of you aren't paying attention. The NBA season has now begun and the Lakers played last night. The stat of stats: CC IS at the end of the bench. He IS getting an NBA paycheck. Good job, big guy. Make us proud!!! BTW, Fudge is still a two-way player for them and was not there. He has a chance to get involved down the road.
That means he plays between G-league and the NBA. CC is actually the same, but in this game he WAS on the bench.
He was the tall, skinny black dude in street clothes, correct? That had to be him. There is no one that fits that description at an NBA game. Honest.
Both CC and Fudge got to play in the 4th quarters (and sometimes more) of the Lakers' preseason games. I was kind of surprised Fudge made it that far as I thought he didn't play to well in the summer league. But, he does shown some impressive leaping ability at times - even on the NBA's scale of athleticism. And, he's hit a couple of threes in the games I've seen along with a couple of dunks. Both of them had some good moments in the latter stages of the preseason games, especially CC who was rebounding well, blocked some shots, and shot the ball okay. CC had some highlight plays that got the Laker bench on their collective feet, including one play where he took a defensive rebound and dribbled full court for a dunk on the other end. The announcers complimented CC's rebounding and his ability to bring the ball up the court at times. I didn't see CC during the Lakers' first real game (against the Nuggets), but I did see him there on the bench for their 2nd game against the Suns. If Fudge was there, I didn't see him.
FYI, The Lakers got blown out by the Rockets last night. Colin got into the game. 14+ minutes, 2 pts, 2 off reb, 2 assists, Fudge: on the bench but did not get into the game. Maybe he got in with less than 1 minute as there is a line there but no stats.
Just another heads up: Lakers win a closely contested game. If I read the stats correctly, CC was in the game for less than one minute because he had a "line" without any stats whereas Fudge is "DNP, coach's decision." That means both got NBA game pay but Colin actually got into a game under live fire conditions and not mop-up duty. Good for him! As a side note, Tre Mann did not play in their game (coach's decision) and Nembhard came off the bench and had the least amount of minutes. Feels like a trend of sorts. Anyways, go Colin. We are rooting for you!
Tre Mann is the 7th guard on OKC. OKC starts 3 guards, so Tre is 3rd string. His days there are numbered. Nembhard is fine, but Benjamin Mathurin has moved into the starting lineup ahead of him. CC will get a little bit of playing time here and there, but I would expect him to also get some G League playing time. Fudge should be in the G League. Horford is coming off the bench. Scottie Lewis isn’t even in the G League. Haslem finally retired, but he still works for the Heat. Beal finally seems to be healthy. Did I leave anyone out?
I know Scottie got injured a few years ago and that put him behind. But damn, all I heard from the "experts" on this forum was that he WAS an NBA-ready player, just needed to polish up his game. Swing and a MISS!
I don’t think that anyone said he was a NBA – ready. However, it was said, including by me, that he had the ability to play in the NBA. He had a solid first year in the G league after getting drafted in the second round. then, he broke his leg. He appears to be healthy now, which makes me wonder why he is not at least back in the G league. I am guessing that there’s something going on that we are not aware of.
