LAS VEGAS – It's hard to imagine a time when NBA Summer League didn't exist and rookies drafted in June would officially begin their careers playing against the league's best players several months later in late October. Thankfully, since the NBA Summer League began in 2004, the younger, less experienced players have been able to use the July tournament as a building block to try to prepare them for NBA-level competition before actually playing in the NBA.
LA Clippers rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been doing just that, and after looking like someone who would need work in Game 1, he now looks like someone who might be too good for Summer League after Game 4.
“I'm feeling more and more comfortable each and every game with the speed and physicality of the pro game,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after leading his team to an 89-74 victory over the Washington Wizards in Round 1 of the playoffs. “I feel like I'm getting better each game. That's all I really wanted to get out of this Summer League. Just get more comfortable and get more adjusted to the play style. Obviously, the real league is gonna be a little bit different but the same thing goes for that. Just get better every game.”
In four games so far, Gilgeous-Alexander has stuffed the stat sheet, averaging 19 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.0 block per game on 45.8 percent shooting from the field in just under 28 minutes per game. If there's anything the critics will want to nitpick on, it's that he's made just three of his 12 shot attempts from beyond the arc, but that hasn't been one of his strong suits and will be something he'll improve.
One thing that Gilgeous-Alexander has been dominant in doing this Summer League has been getting that quick first step, which he's been pairing with a combination of his length and ability to change direction.
“I've worked on it a lot my whole life,” Gilgeous-Alexander added. “I'm obviously not the fastest A-to-B' guy, but I am long, I have long strides, so I've got to use my change of pace to keep guys on their heels and off balance.”
Head coach Doc Rivers and his coaching staff, as well as President Lawrence Frank and his front office staff, have been watching the team from the sidelines or the stands, but haven't said too much. They just want him to play his game.
“They just want me to play and show what I can do. Then from here, they're going to give me feedback and really just try to take it to that next level.”
Among the high ranking members of the Clippers sitting courtside has been team executive and NBA legend Jerry West. West hasn't missed a game in the Summer League yet, keeping a close eye on both Gilgeous-Alexander and Jerome Robinson.
“It's pretty cool [to have him there],” Gilgeous-Alexander voiced with a tone of admiration, pointing to the NBA logo behind him on what was the Summer League interview backdrop. “He's obviously ‘The Logo.' He's giving me some pointers and stuff like that. Him obviously being a legend is pretty cool, [and I'm] just trying to pick his brain, learn from him as much as possible.”
What's some of the advice Gilgeous-Alexander has received from West? The rookie said he's can't share.
“Nah, those are secrets,” Gilgeous-Alexander smiled. “I can't share those with everybody.”
Follow Us
Subscribe