Vegas Summer League ended yesterday with the Bulls pulling out a win, finishing 3-2 over the course of the league. So here's a brief look at what we've learned in Vegas. First, we've remembered that Vegas Summer League results really don't mean much. It's about the worst display of team basketball you'll ever see as most players are out there chucking up as many shots as possible in hopes of impressing international scouts.
Next, while we don't really know how good James Johnson or Taj Gibson are, we have learned a bit about their style of play. Johnson played almost exclusively at SF in Summer League averaging 16.6 points, 7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while shooting 39.7% from the field (get all Bulls stats here). His shooting percentage was scary as was his turnover percentage, but Johnson showed the ability to make plays for others as well as get to the free throw line.
Johnson clearly needs to improve his shot which was his largest weakness by a good margin. He shot 15% fromt he three point line, and most of his misses were on jumpers. His ability to improve his shot will decide whether Johnson becomes an absolute steal or a mediocre player.
Taj Gibson only played for two games, and looked better than advertised on offense while getting absolutely abused defensively both times. He had tough matchups against guys who were merely too quick for him to stay in front of, but if he played slower bulkier players he could have easily been overpowered. If a guy with Gibson's build struggles to defend the quick players then he's probably in trouble. Still, refer to point #1, it's only summer league.
As I wrote after just a couple of games, the only other roster hopefuls seemed to play themselves off the team. Roberson and Nelson both exhibited extremely selfish play throughout most of Summer League as their odds of making the team declined their odds of hogging the ball and taking an awful shot increased.
The next most impressive player there was probably James Augustine, but he peaked in game 1 and saw his scoring totals drop with each additional game. It's unlikely the Bulls would keep Augustine over Gray given that they have a greater need for bulk when filling in the end of the bench spot.
While the quality of basketball is low, for basketball junkies, the end of Summer League is still a bit sad as we now have to wait almost three months for preseason to hit. Right now, the rumor mill around the Bulls seems to be recycling Carlos Boozer rumors on a daily basis, but otherwise doesn't have much going on.
It's not a bad thing, but don't be surprised if the team as constructed is the team that tips off the season for the Bulls giving us a relatively long, boring summer to contemplate the future of Derrick Rose and our 2010 dreams.
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Tags: bulls, chicago bulls, james johnson, nba, Summer League, Taj Gibson
I was happy with what I saw of SL. We lost only 2 games with no real PG play. I feel that JJ needs to show more feel for the game. He seems to lag allot and that makes his game look lazy at times but otherwise i couldnt be happier. He can dribble, drive, pass and shoot. He needs to work on when he shoots but he could easily be our 2nd assist leader if given the minutes IMO. The way he looks for teamates makes it o simple for him to make plays.
I wouldn't mind giving Costner a shot in place of Gray. I can't see him being any worse than the immobile lump that Gray is in the lane on defense, and he could very well be an upgrade on one or both ends. It's not a high risk since it's an 11th man, so might as well.
Augustine has a higher shot of playing a role somewhere, but he wouldn't play a role we need at this point.
From what I have seen of johnson, college and summer league, his biggest strength is his ability to put the ball on the floor, take people of the dribble with either hand, and finish strong at the basket with either hand.
I would contend that we have only 2 players who possess this skill, Rose and Salmons.
I would further contend that this might be the single most important ability to have since it breaks down defenses and opens up shots for teammates, assuming of course you have the vision and ability to find and pass to open teammates, which Johnson seems willing and able to do.
Attitude and work ethic are going to be the questions with Johnson. If he gets those things in order, and gets some good coaching I see him as a valuable rotation player, potential 6th man, and maybe a future starter.
He seems to be a nice guy without an attitude problem, so I am hopefull that he will make the adjustments necessary to become a quality pro. Hopefully, he and Gibson will rub off on tyrus and not the other way around.