Summer League Game Thread: Utah Jazz vs. Phoenix Suns

Ah, the Summer League playoffs.

We’re gonna miss this in a couple weeks, and you know it. Today, the Jazz, winless in the LVSL, square off against the Phoenix Suns, winners of one game.

Players to Watch:

Utah Jazz:

As of right now, rookie standout Donovan Mitchell will not play tonight. He’s more than proved himself in his previous outings. However, watch this. You’ll feel better about life.

Unfortunately, it is my sad duty to report that yes, Donovan Mitchell does sometimes miss. However, his shot selection has been good overall, and he’s been turning heads.

Joel Bolomboy, whom I’ve shamelessly stanned for ad nauseam, is out tonight according to Andy Larsen of KSL:

Nigel Williams-Goss is another guy who I had hoped would make a better showing this summer. At the moment, he has trouble guarding his position, can’t yet create his own shot, and has trouble helping his teammates create theirs. I expect him to spend lots of time on the Salt Lake City Stars this year, but with his work ethic he may be able to improve upon the things I just mentioned.

Forward Eric Griffin will likely play heavy minutes, which will help the FO get a better feel for his abilities considering the talent of the opposing frontcourt.

Phoenix Suns:

The Suns have an interesting summer league team. I know, I know. Oxymoron. But seriously, they’re playing three guys who have all played heavy minutes in the regular season on the floor in Vegas. Marquese Chriss is an explosive sophomore forward out of Washington who can play above the rim and score in bunches. The Jazz don’t have any forwards of his caliber on their summer league team, so look for him to have a line similar to his outing last night (26/7/1).

Dragan Bender is another talented forward who played significant minutes last season. He’s a stretch four who can hurt teams from deep if he gets hot, but hasn’t found his groove yet as an NBA player. He put up 12 points in the Summer Suns’ most recent game, going 2-6 from beyond the arc.

The player most basketball junkies will be following the closest tonight is rookie Josh Jackson. He’s another athletic forward who is a near-consensus top-5 player in this year’s rookie class. Like Bender, he can shoot the ball from deep, but appears to have a far more developed inside game. If the Jazz want to win, they will have to play lockdown defense on these three guys.

Should be a fun one.

GO JAZZ GO!