Game One: I.R. Iran 62, Dallas Mavericks 79
Iran
Hamed Hadadi: 19 Points, 7-12 FG, 5-8 FT, 16 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 1 Steal, 2 Blocks, 6 Turnovers
Hadadi is unquestionably the star of the Iranian National Team, possessing tremendous size and nice touch at the rim. At roughly 72 tall, the 1985 born center plays professionally in Iran with Saba Battery BC. Hes one of the few members of the Iranian National Team thats had the opportunity to play abroad, but turned down a contract with Partizan Belgrade to continue playing domestically. Hadadi isnt a very polished athlete and was winded by the third quarter, but he showed the ability to put the ball in the basket when he got touches at the rim. Unfortunately for Hadadi, hell probably be playing almost every single minute of every game with Irans other center, 74 Jaber Rouzbahani, out of action due to illness. Hadadis mobility is limited, as is his leaping ability, but his sheer size and ability to finish makes him a nice asset for a team that doesnt have many other consistent offensive threats. The young center has above average hands, but is prone to turnovers. Defensively, hes not much of shot blocker due to a lack of quickness, nor does he alter many shots due to only average anticipation. Hadadis may never leave Iran to play professionally, but hes unquestionably the nations top domestically born player.
-Mohammad Samad Nikkhah Bahrami was the other player in double figures for Iran. A small forward with good size, Bahrami lacks athleticism, but possesses a consistent, albeit very flat jump shot.
Dallas
Aaron Miles: 12 Points, 6-8 FG, 6 Assists, 1 Rebound, 1 Steal, 2 Turnovers
Miles had a nice contest today, using his decided quickness advantage to get to the rim whenever he wanted. Irans guard couldnt keep up with him, and Miles did a good job both finishing at the rim and using his drives to the rim to set up teammates for open shots. The former Kansas point guard has made some strides since last season, showing some development in his pull up jump shot. His ability to take advantage of his athleticism was clear today, and while he cant do the same things on a higher level, he was one of Dallass best players today. Miles is a tremendous pass-first point guard on the international circuit, and hes a three-point jump shot away from being a NBA third point guard.
-Reyshawn Terry looked good again today, using the Iranian Teams lack of depth to get some easy looks late in the contest. He has come a long way since last season.
-Gerald Green had his moments today, but got extremely frustrated after forcing a couple of shots. His body language was very poor when he returned to the bench, but the Dallas coaching staff recognizes that hes still maturing and seemed to get him back on the right track mentally.
Game Two: San Antonio Spurs 68, D-League Ambassadors 65
San Antonio
Devin Green: 19 Points, 5-9 FG, 2-5 3FG, 7-9 FT, 6 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 2 Steals, 2 Blocks, 5 Turnovers
This performance was eerily similar to the ones that Green has been putting up in the D-League for the last two years. Hes a capable shooter, and while he doesnt get much elevation, hes very consistent when he has space. Greens ball handling is solid, but hes not quick enough to turn the corner. This often leads to turnovers since he cant beat his defender and often winds up getting caught over-penetrating when defenders collapse around him. The former Hampton guard shows good rebounding ability and court vision in the open floor. His comfort level against D-League competition is very high, but hes a borderline NBA guy. Defensively, Green does a good job making hustle plays, and had one very nice block today on a dunk attempt. His athleticism limits his potential, but hes a skilled guard who doesnt do many things great, but does most things well.
-George Hill had a little bit tougher time turning the corner today, and hell probably be able to get to the rim in the NBA against some defenders, but not all of them. He didnt do much scoring, but showed quick hands defensively on his way to five steals.
-Ian Mahinmi found himself in foul trouble for most of this game, but looked very good operating with his back to the basket. He has some quick moves that help him get clean looks at the rim.
-Anthony Tolliver had a nice game today, but was more aggressive than usual with his shot selection. The results werent the best, and hes clearly more of a spot up guy that shouldnt put the ball on the floor unless he has to.
D-League
Carl Elliot: 12 Points, 4-6 FG, 0-1 3FG, 4-4 FT, 6 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 1 Steal, 5 Turnovers
Essentially no player on the D-League Ambassadors stood out today, but Elliot showed some unique skills. Hes one of the best rebounding guards around, and will box out bigger players when presented with the opportunity. He plays stingy defense, but is more tough than quick, preventing him from keeping the ball out of the lane on occasion. Offensively, the former George Washington mainstay showed average playmaking ability, usually just initiating the offense rather than setting up his teammates. San Antonio pressured Elliot all game, and their defense gave him problems. Hes not the best ball handler, and is turnover prone when hes forced to protect the ball for an extended period of time. The young point guard is tough at the rim, and isnt afraid to draw contact, but his perimeter game leaves a lot to be desired.
-Glen McGowan was productive, finishing with 13 points, but his shot selection down the stretch hurt his team when the pulled the game close late in the game.
Game Three: Atlanta Hawks 72, Utah Jazz 63
Atlanta
Othello Hunter: 19 Points, 8-13 FG, 1-1 3FG, 2-2 FT, 8 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 4 Steals, 1 Block, 2 Turnovers
Hunter had his best game of the Summer League, showcasing all the things that he can do on this level. He hit an NBA three-pointer, a part of his game that he is still working on, and did a ton of damage in transition. The Ohio State graduate runs the floor as well as any power forward around, and finishes everything with a dunk. He showed good vision during the gaming, scoring off of a handful of cuts. Hunter did display one major weakness, and that is setting screens. He does a poor job getting in position so his point guard can get separation, on a couple occasions he found himself setting as many as four bad screens before his point guard could use one. While this is a nuance of the game that hell improve as he gains experience, it is something that slows down an offense and makes life difficult for his teammates. Hunter showed adequate court vision as a passer, and even got an assist after pushing the break up the floor. His defensive presence still leaves a lot to be desire, since he struggles to defend bigger, heavier post players, but he showed great lateral quickness defending the perimeter when he had to. Hell need to add weight to be more competitive on this level in the post. Hunter has so many raw tools that hell be one of the most interesting undrafted players to monitor from this class.
-Acie Law struggled early on today, but came on strong in the third quarter and finished with a very respectable 17 points. Hes so much stronger than he was last season, but still isnt an explosive finisher. His range is still a work in progress as well.
-Mario West collected 10 rebounds today, a pretty impressive total for a guard. Hes not a threat offensively, but will get some easy baskets and record some defensive highlights due to his athleticism and hustle.
Utah
Kosta Koufos: 12 Points, 3-11 FG, 6-6 FT, 10 Rebounds, 1 Assist
Koufos played much better in his second Summer League contest, making some nice contributions offensively. His jump shot is still a little off, but he got to the line at a high rate today. Koufos seeks out contact at the rim, but isnt strong enough to finish most of the and one opportunities hes presented with. The former Ohio State player did a nice job on the class, keeping possessions alive on a couple occasions by using his length to bat the ball back up at the rim. While hes more of a finesse player, the Greek bigman did most of his damage by being physical today. Defensively, his performance left a lot to be desired. He struggled to keep up with Atlantas quicker front court, something that will be a concern for him at the NBA level.
-Kyrylo Fesenko bounces back from his awful performance yesterday with a solid outing today. He was much more active offensively, earning 7 offensive rebounds for his efforts. His size will allow him to have games like this periodically, but he must improve his focus, develop his body, and become more consistent as time goes on.
-Morris Almond had another good offensive showing. His jump shot is starting to fall, which is a very good sign for the Jazz, who have lacked a scoring punch in both of their games.
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