The Washington Wizards made their Las Vegas Summer League debut Saturday, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans (without 2019 top overall pick Zion Williamson) 84-79.
Entering the summer league action, there were five Wizards’ prospects to keep an eye on, and for the most part they each had flashes to impress.
1. Troy Brown Jr.
Last season’s first-round pick, Troy Brown Jr. was the most impressive player in the game. After being seldom used as a rookie last season by head coach Scott Brooks, this was the Las Vegas native’s best opportunity to show what he could potentially present for the Wizards in the upcoming season.
He did not disappoint, scoring a team-high 18 points and pulling down a game-high 15 rebounds. Brown even added a clutch and-1 layup that sealed the victory for Washington.
There are still areas of concern, including his 6-of-15 shooting, and the fact he missed all three of his three-point attempts. Areas that he entered the NBA as negatives. Still, keep in mind Brown is just 19-years of age. Saturday’s performance was a great glimpse of what he can bring to the table at the early stage in his career.
2. Rui Hachimura
This year’s first-round pick, Rui Hachimura had more than a few eyes on his performance. Not just Wizards fans, but an entire country of basketball fanatics are hoping for his success back in his home land of Japan.
Hachimura had his share of flashes, including a thunderous block before crashing to the floor.
Certainly, the Wizards’ coaching staff will remind Hachimura to be more careful on his play. But, they’ll smile on his solid performance in his first NBA action, as he finished the night with 14 points, five rebounds, and two blocks.
He too struggled with his shot, going 6-of-16 from the field. He did display his ability to put the ball on floor, attack the rim, and the range to stretch the floor. Hachimura’s ability to move with and without the ball was most impressive on the night.
3. Justin Robinson
The Wizards signed Justin Robinson as an undrafted free agent immediately after this year’s NBA Draft. In his Summer League debut he showed why they did, scoring 15 points while adding four rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 24 minutes.
He shot 5-of-9 from the field, and added two threes on four attempts. Robinson also provided a highlight moment when he got an offensive rebound off his own miss for a putback and-1 opportunity.
The Wizards have searched for point guard depth for quite some time, so the development and opportunity of Robinson is one to watch.
4. Admiral Schofield
The Wizards’ second-round pick, Admiral Schofield, had a quality game in 23 minutes off the bench. The former University of Tennessee product had nine points and five rebounds. He even displayed his ability to pop out and make threes.
Schofield and Hachimura looked promising. While both offer similar skill sets, they individually showed the ability to off-set each other at both the 3 and 4 spots on the floor.
5. Issuf Sanon
Issuf Sanon is one of Ernie Grunfeld’s infamous Euro-stash players. He has great combo guard size at 6-foot-4. Saturday he played off the ball, although he is a point guard.
He took just one shot in eight minutes. His best attributes are ability to defend both guard positions, and his passing. However, his offensive game needs much improving. He has to have the ability to shoot and create shots for others in spacing while being a threat to score.
