Players to Watch for - 2018 NBA Las Vegas Summer League

The Las Vegas Summer League is always a great opportunity for prospects to showcase their talents and development. Whether players are highly coveted or under the radar, they all have the chance to make a name for themselves and improve their stock. Most of the next generational stars start here at the Summer League. Here are a few drafted, returning, and undrafted players to keep an eye out for in the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League:

DRAFTED PLAYERS

PLAYER     TEAM     POS     HT     WT     AGE     NAT     PREV TEAM

DONTE DIVINCENZO     Milwaukee Bucks     SG     6' 05"     205lbs     21yrs     USA     Villanova

Look for Donte to be the focal point of the Bucks Summer League team. His shooting ability will be showcased. Expect his ball handling responsibilities to be amped up for improvement. Will be interesting to see how his athleticism and motor can hold up on defense against NBA competition. He's a great fit for the Bucks and his shoot ability is a major upgrade for them. He will find a solid role in Milwaukee.

KEVIN KNOX     New York Knicks     SF     6' 09"     215lbs     18yrs     USA     Kentucky

Has not even scratched the surface of his full potential being only 18 years old. Knox possesses all around game and will continue to develop in all aspects. He will flourish in transition. Long range shooting efficiency will need improvement. His length on defense will be a factor. Projected to be inserted immediately into the Knicks starting lineup.

MOHAMED BAMBA     Orlando Magic     C     6' 11"     225lbs     20yrs     USA     Texas

Bamba is about to showcase how much his offensive game has improved over the offseason. Will see how effective his new shooting mechanics are. Look for him to make an immediate impact on the defensive end. The extra long wing span will misdirect and contest many shots. Players will think twice when he's around the paint.

MORITZ WAGNER     Los Angeles Lakers     F     6' 11"     245lbs     21yrs     USA     Michigan

His passion, energy, and toughness will be showcased. Plays with an edge. Has the ability to take other big men off the dribble and finish with a soft touch around the rim. Pick and pop game will be a focal point. Will develop into a solid rotational player. Look for him to be a key cog as a versatile stretch four to play alongside LeBron.

JEVON CARTER     Memphis Grizzlies     PG     6' 02"     205lbs     22yrs     USA     West Virginia

Expect him to be a pest to each opponent on every possession. Scrappy player. Elite toughness, motor, and grit. Will not back down from any challenge presented to him. Can be a tough shot maker. He will make a name for himself on the defensive side and carve out a role in the second unit.

RETURNING PLAYERS

HARRY GILES     Sacramento Kings     C     6' 11"     222lbs     20yrs     USA     Sacramento Kings

Ready to show why he was such a highly coveted player a year ago. Has put some weight on since last season. Will need to get his legs into game form which will likely take some time. Versatile, High IQ player. Good passer from high post. Has a high motor as an active rebounder. Double-double machine. A solid complimentary player alongside Bagley for years to come.

GEORGES NIANG     Utah Jazz     F     6' 08"     231lbs     25yrs     USA     Utah Jazz

What one would categorize as a live player. Can shoot, dribble, pass. A playmaking power forward. Great feel for the game. Fits into the Utah Jazz organization. Has now had two years of experience developing in the G league and is ready to take the next leap. Potential to be called up this season and make a rotational spot for good.

LUKE KENNARD     Detroit Pistons     SG     6' 06"     202lbs     22yrs     USA     Detroit Pistons

After a full season in the NBA, Kennard will be ready to take on a heavier workload on the offensive end in Summer League. Will demonstrate his scoring versatility. Pistons need a guard that can create their own shot and he is ready to take on that role. Will need to clean up his ball handling skills.

ZHOU QI     Houston Rockets     C     7' 02"     209lbs     22yrs     CHN     Houston Rockets

Even after one season getting accustomed to the NBA game and life style, he is still a project in the works. Gaining confidence is key for Zhou. Has the ability to stretch the floor as a big man but still lacks the muscle to defend in the paint. Belief he can take the next step and become a rotational player for Houston.

DWAYNE BACON     Charlotte Hornets     SF     6' 05"     202lbs     22yrs     USA     Charlotte Hornets

Solid wing player for the NBA. Has a good pace to his game. Took a huge step in development his sophomore year of college so look for that same trend in his second year as a pro. Look for him to become a more consistent offensive player.  

UNDRAFTED PLAYERS

BRANDON MCCOY     Milwaukee Bucks     C     6' 11"     245lbs     20yrs     USA     UNLV

Will add to the abundance of size and length that Milwaukee has. Will be a tough matchup in the paint during the Summer League. Can finish strong at the rim. Conditioning and lateral quickness will be a point of emphasis for improvement. If he is able to guard multiple positions, he will earn a contract.

BILLY PRESTON     Cleveland Cavaliers     PF     6' 10"     224lbs     20yrs     USA     None

Chose to forego his collegiate career due to eligibility concerns. Former 5 star recruit has the size to compete in the NBA. Plus athlete. Losing a year of competitive experience may hurt his short term productivity. Has the tools to be a part of the rebuild in Cleveland.

ROB GRAY     Houston Rockets     PG     6' 01"     185lbs     24yrs     USA     Houston

Rob Gray has the opportunity to continue his basketball career in Houston. Will be interesting to see how he adjusts from being a high volume scorer to a role player. Plays with a killer instinct. Embraces the big moments. Would enjoy playing in D'Antoni's fast-pace, green light system.

ANGEL DELGADO     Los Angeles Clippers     C     6' 10"     245lbs     23yrs     DOM     Seton Hall

A walking double-double. Gobbles up rebounds. Extremely active on the offensive glass. Finisher around the rim with soft touch. Clippers will need multiple big guys to fill the void of DeAndre Jordan. Delgado has an excellent opportunity to find a role for the Clippers.

EGOR KOULECHOV     Minnesota Timberwolves     SF     6' 05"     205lbs     23yrs     RUS, ISR     Florida

Transferred to Florida for a season and made an immediate impact. A bit under sized so likely be a shooting guard. Microwave scorer. Plays with flare. Crafty around the rim. Would be a good fit in today's high tempo game. Has the tools to become rotational player in the right situation.

BY: JEFF LEONG