Locals Show Out in NBA Summer League
Toppin Blows Up; Trice Shines In Milwaukee Final Games; McBride Suprises, Watson With Hawks; Crutcher Gets Start For Bucks
Here’s the Top Headlines on some of the local boys and how they did in the NBA Summer League in Utah and Las Vegas.
Toppin Shows Out, Readies For Bigger Role With NY
Obi Toppin, the 1st round pick of the New York Knicks last season, got to experience his 1st ever NBA Summer League, after the Covid-19 pandemic shut it down last year.
Toppin showed that he will be a player the Knicks might need to make a deeper run this season. The 6’9 Toppin shot well from 3 and made strong moves and decisions all week long. He showed why he was a top pick, as he dropped 31 points and had a myriad of good showings in Vegas all week.
Toppin was seen with Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau after the games, as Coach “Tibbs” was working with Toppin, as he may see as well that Toppin might need to see more time next year as the Knicks continue to get back to prominence. They will definitely need Toppin to reach the next level.
Trice, Crutcher, Land on Bucks Summer Squad; Trice Leaves Great Impression After Last Game
D’Mitrik Trice, former Wisconsin Badger, and former Dayton Flyer star guard Jalen Crutcher made their debuts this week for the Milwaukee Bucks summer League team as it was all week in Las Vegas.
With all the teams at the NBA Summer League, both guys got a legitimate chance to showcase their talents in front of the entire NBA network.
Crutcher, who was the leader of arguably the greatest team in Dayton Flyer history two seasons ago, had a good senior year and now looks to latch on with the defending champs.
Crutcher had a nice Game 3 in the Summer League where he dropped 10 points on 4 of 5 shooting. He averaged 5ppg.
Since leading Wisconsin last year, Trice has lit up every combine, every workout, and has showed out for the Bucks organization as well, showing he has what it takes to play in the league.
Trice has risen his stock tremendously since the end of the college season and now sits with a real shot to make a NBA or G-League roster.
While there are limited jobs, especially in a championship organization, look for both of these guys to latch on to the NBA or G—League this upcoming season.
Trice didn’t play much in the first couple of games, but showed in a brief period of time that he can not only play, but dominate as well, as his last game was lauded by the ESPN Broadcasters calling the game.
Trice dropped 24 points and 3 assists in the final game that showed off his entire repertoire. Trice was hitting all types of shots, from layups over 7 footers (Thon Maker), mid-range pull-ups, off the dribble 3s, and everything else in between. His decision making was excellent, and should go a long way on him getting into Bucks training camp.
Watson on Hawks Roster
Ibi Watson, another Flyer product, was on the Hawks roster, where he averaged 4.4 ppg. Watson had a game high of 8 points and played solid during his time with Atlanta.
Watson is a sniper and should make the G-League roster.
"Deuce" McBride Makes Major Noise
Miles McBride, a Cincinnati Moeller product and West Virginia star, was one of the surprise players before the draft.
He is definitely not a surprise now, as he has shown he will be a force in the NBA with multiple double digit scoring games to go along with his great decision making and explosiveness. Add to that his ability to lock down on defense?
Gary Payton told me, “Nobody play full court defense in the league no more,” McBride said in a interview. "I wanted to show him I’m capable of doing that.” McBride stated.
Don’t be surprised to see "Deuce" McBride in the Knicks rotation along with Obi Toppin. He recently signed a 3-year deal with New York. He's a gritty guard with all the intangibles and crazy athleticism.
Carlik Jones Leads Mavs, Has Solid Summer League Showing
Carlik Jones, drafted in the 2nd round by the Dallas Mavericks, had a nice summer League as well.
Jones would lead the Mavs to a win as he showed why he could be the future 2-guard playing alonside Luka Doncic. He dropped 21 points in a undermanned win against the Miami Heat.
What makes Jones dynamic is that he has that ability to play in all 3 facets: offense, defense, and intangibles. He's athletic, but can score and run the point, which is a big key to him playing with possibly the best combo guard in the NBA right now.
He had 6 boards and 5 dimes in that short handed win, which showcased his ability to do other things besides score.
Teague Goes Hammer in Utah Summer League
MaCio Teague, guard for the Baylor Bears last year, has been picked up by the Utah Jazz, and he showed out in the Summer League in Utah, where he lead the Jazz to a huge victory, dropping 26 points in the process. Teague, a Cincinnati product, should be somewhere on the Jazz roster, whether its on the end of the Jazz bench or at the top of the G-League roster.
We wish all of these Southwestern Ohio ballers the best of luck on their pro journeys. Follow us on our journey at:
@SELive365
