The Clippers won their second Summer League game with another strong defensive outing, beating the Nets 87-78.
Notes
Cam Christie
Another fairly quiet game for Christie, who drained two of his four threes but failed to make any of his four two-point attempts. The defense was a bit better in this one, but his non three-point shooting offense needs work, as he just can’t seem to handle physicality on drives or finishes yet. That will come with time, but he does not look like a ready NBA player. It’s ok for an 18 year old – I’d say Christie is more or less entirely as expected through two games.
Kobe Brown
This was again a mixed bag for Kobe Brown, who had 13 points on 5-7 shooting but also logged 4 turnovers and 6 fouls in 26 minutes. He clearly has a nice handle and offensive skillset for a guy his size, but is slow defending the perimeter which can lead to foul trouble. There are some really interesting flashes with Kobe, who is clearly a load to deal with inside and has some real handles for a big dude. It all won’t matter if he can’t stay on the court, however.
Jordan Miller
Jordan was once again by far the best and most impressive Clipper. The Nets made a concerted effort to not let him go off from three, with Miller taking only a single long ball (a tough contested look in transition that he nearly made) after draining six in the first SL game. However, Miller got to the line an incredible 13 times, and impressively made all of his free throws. Some of those came on bad defense but Jordan also demonstrated craftiness, control, and strength in getting to the rim. He also reversed his bd assist to turnover ratio from game one, making a couple very nice dimes. However, the most translatable part of Miller’s game remains defense, as his height, length, and quickness has made him a very tough opponent in Summer League. I think he should definitely be a solid if not well above average defender at the NBA level, and if you add in his shooting, cutting, and slashing I think a player around Amir Coffey’s level seems very reasonable. An excellent first two games for Miller, who is making a strong push for a full roster spot.
Moussa Diabate
Moussa played less than 17 minutes and barely at all in the second half. He wasn’t ruled out and there was no apparent injury, so maybe the Clippers just wanted to get a look at their other guys. He had a quiet box score with 2 points and 4 rebounds, but was second on the team in +/- with 14 and you could really feel his absence on defense. I wish the offense was further along but for an energy big man he was fine in this one. Still not a great showing for a 3rd year guy though he also didn’t get a ton of opportunity in this one.
Other Guys
RayJ Dennis was again the “best of the rest” in this one, with 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists with three made triples. I like his playmaking feel and the shots were dropping, but am still a little wary about the scoring package against NBA defenses. Trevor Hudgins, the Clippers’ starter at point guard, was again quiet on offense, but I thought he had better playmaking reads this time around and remained very stout on defense for a small guard. Elijah Harkless had 10 points and was a pest on defense, so he had himself a nice game too. Amari Bailey scored 9 and clearly has a scoring package but the decision-making is very questionable. Nobody else stood out at for better or worse.
