LA Clippers: Grading Each Player’s Summer League Performance
Guards
Jawun Evans: D
A lot was asked of the young Evans last season, who appeared in 48 games and started four. Drafted in the second round, it was expected that he would spend most of his time with the Clippers’ new G-League affiliate, the Agua Caliente Clippers of Ontario.
With all that experience, expectations were high for Evans entering Summer League. His performance left most of us wondering why.
Perhaps it was just a rough stretch, or maybe he just didn’t get enough time to really prove himself. But Evans looked bad, and his height really looked like a weakness this time around.
He averaged a mere six points per game, while shooting 28% from the field — certainly not numbers you’d expect, or desire, from a second-year guard.
Evans did improve as Summer League went on. Gilgeous-Alexander sat the final two games, and Evans’ role was increased to a starting position. Still, he only recorded 10 points and five assists in his best performance.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: A
There was very little that Gilgeous-Alexander did wrong in his Summer League campaign. He was the team’s top scorer, looked incredibly poised all the way through, and played like a true professional. While other top prospects had serious jitters, Gilgeous-Alexander looked comfortable from the first tip.
He averaged 19.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.3 steals, and a block per game. In addition, he shot 46% from the floor — an especially promising feat, considering his largest weakness is his jumper.
More than anything though, Gilgeous-Alexander played smart basketball. His turnovers were very limited, and he spoke consistently about doing what’s best for his team.
“The biggest thing is I’ve gotten better each and every game... I want to take shots that are in the best interest of the team... I like to think I’m the smartest point guard out there when I play.” - @shaiglalex on broadcast
— Clipperholics (@ClipperholicsFS) July 13, 2018
Jordan Mathews: C+
Jordan Mathews‘ performance was a bit of a mixed bag. He appeared in three games, going scoreless in the first two, and then scoring 18 in the last.
Even then, Mathews’ best game was a strange one. Just three of his 18 points came from beyond the arc, as he splashed just one of seven attempts.
He didn’t do much to earn himself a contract, and it’s likely that he remains in the G-League next season.
David Michineau: C-
Give or take, David Michineau is the exact same player the Clippers drafted just a few years ago. He still can’t shoot the three, he’s still very small, and most importantly, he still shows no signs of making a significant impact in the NBA.
Michineau recorded 4.3 points and 1.0 assists per game on 30% shooting. He looked a little more in command than he has in previous Summer League bouts, likely a factor of his professional experience overseas.
What we learned, though, is that he isn’t ready just yet. And he probably never will be.
Jerome Robinson: B
Don’t take Jerome Robinson‘s grade too harshly, if you were expecting something higher. He’s going to be a tremendous player at the NBA level, and he’s going to surprise a lot of people on both ends of the floor. It’s just that he could’ve done more.
Robinson appeared in only three games, due partially to rest and partially to knee soreness that held him out of an early contest. He scored 13.7 points per game on 44% shooting, and showed plenty of offensive versatility. Not only is he a solid catch-and-shoot player, but Robinson showed his ability to create his own shot on the ball as well.
He drove very nicely to the rim, and was able to attack with ease. What’s more, Robinson made great cuts to the basket for easy looks inside.
He still needs work, as almost all rookies do, but he played a very nice game. Most importantly, he played his best alongside Gilgeous-Alexander.
Sindarius Thornwell: A-
It became evident very early on that Sindarius Thornwell had made a very significant jump from the beginning of last season to the beginning of this one. Part of that has to be because of his NBA experience — Thornwell played in 73 games last season — and another because of the work he’s put in since the season ended.
Thornwell looked like a different player from the get-go. Slimmer, more aggressive, and more efficient as well. And while his numbers dropped off a little near the end of Summer League, there’s no reason to knock him for it. He was playing a larger role than he’s used to, and he made the most of it.
He averaged 14.4 points on 35% shooting, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. His best performance came against the Sacramento Kings, a game in which he scored 22 points and was nearly perfect in the fourth quarter. 13 of his 22 came in the final frame.
Thornwell may see a minutes increase this season with the NBA’s Clippers. His two-way versatility will allow him to play both guard and wing positions, and will give Doc Rivers‘ coaching staff the freedom to plug him where they please.
Thomas Wimbush: D-
Admittedly, Thomas Wimbush was one of my favorite additions to the Clippers’ Summer League roster before it all started. His length was mesmerizing, his defense looked solid, and he’s a superb athlete.
Wimbush could never quite put it all together though, and ended up playing a very minor role with the squad. He averaged just 2.5 points on 13% shooting, and aside from one nice poster dunk, he didn’t amount to anything.
He’ll stay in the G-League as well, where he’ll continue to develop his game. Chances are, we’ll see him here again next year.