If I told you that Patrick Patterson had the fifth highest Offensive Rating in the NCAA, you’d probably think that I am lying. It’s a true statement though, and Patterson’s offensive game is one of the reasons why I think the 14th overall pick for the Rockets will come in and make an impact right away.
The first thing that you notice about Patrick Patterson is his body. He is a strong guy, and his combination of size and strength makes him the perfect type of player to use as a screener in a pick and roll set:
Here, Patterson sets the screen and quickly separates from the defenders on the roll. The roll here is important because he doesn’t roll on a straight line to the basket. Instead, he rolls towards the baseline first, opening up a passing lane and then he heads towards the rim.
On Friday, the Dallas Mavericks Summer League squad played in their first game in the Vegas Summer League. One of the players I had an eye on was Dominique Jones, a wing player out of the University of South Florida who was drafted by Grizzlies with the 25th pick and then traded to Dallas.
In case you didn’t know, Jones lead the Big East in scoring last year with an average of 21.4 points per game. Most of his points came from attacking the rim. After watching the Mavericks’ first summer league game, it is apparent that ability to get to the rim is going to translate to the NBA:
Jones makes the catch on the wing and attacks the lane through the middle of the court. Initially, his defender cuts him off, but Jones makes a strong quick crossover. My favorite part about the crossover is how his defender reaches, but Jones is so strong, he just discards the reach in and continues to the basket.
There haven’t been too many close games in the Orlando Summer League, so when we get one, it is interesting to see how the rookies react. Sure, they have been in late game situations before during their prep/college career, but they never had to face this type of situation during their short stint as pros. Paul George found himself in a close late game situation yesteday, and he stepped up big time…On both ends of the court:
We have the Celtics point guard dribbling out the shot clock before he sets up the offense. With a 12 second differential between the shot clock and the game clock, the Pacers decide to defend straight up and not foul.
That makes two of us. RT @talkhoops: I am legitimately giddy to see how Popovich gameplans for OKC. 17 hours ago
Both teams first course of action is going to be figuring out how to slow the other down. Who do you trust to be more creative doing that? 17 hours ago
The Brooks-Pop match-up is going to get major player this next series, as it should. 17 hours ago
MT @haralabob:(On SA & OKC) On the court they couldn't be more different. One maximizes their talent & is sharp, other just has great talent 17 hours ago
Top two teams in O efficiency squaring off in WCF & considered favorites for Finals if Heat stay Bosh-less. So about that defense thing.... 18 hours ago
