Wizards Summer League Grades have been Issued

For our special BHR contributing writer: Jammal Matthews @AllDayMattyJay

Summer League Wrap-Up - Cox Pavilion Las Vegas, NV

Three wins versus two losses.  It is what it is in the dust of Las Vegas.  Our young Wizards went west to get a taste, albeit a small taste of what it is like to play in the N.B.A.  To put emotion into the overall performance of the team isn’t necessary.  I’ll concentrate on what is important here.  Now that the NBA Summer League is over, it’s time to give grades to the guys who’ll certainly be into camp in October.

Chris Singleton:  C+

12.4 points per game, 6.8 boards, 2.4 steals

I think that C-Sing looked like he was pressing in the early games.  Him being a starter last year, he he maybe thought that he should “take over” some possessions and show a more aggressive style offensively.  His dribble was exposed then, and this caused turnovers leading to easy transition buckets.  Note to C-Sing, that dribbling will get you booed so fast here, so work on it.  On a positive note, he showed the defensive intensity needed here.  I think that the rest of the guys saw that and it was defense that pulled that Bucks game out.

Shelvin Mack: C-

11.0 points per game, (29.4% from the three-point-line), 2.4 assists, 3.4 turnovers

Yeesh.  Shelvin has looked better.  I hate to be negative here, but there needs to be a veteran PG on this roster.  He turned the ball over entirely too much.  We can’t win games when we lose the turnover battle.  His jumper looked janky and there were confidence issues that need to be addressed back in DC.  Not much else to say here- He’ll be alright but again, a little help is needed.

Jan Vesely: B

9.3 points per game, 6.5 boards, (field goals 51.6%)

Jan looked more confident on the offensive side of the ball making jump shots that he missed last season from the perimeter.  He missed a few dunks but there was a noticeable improvement in his shot.  On defense, he still should work on being able to stay in front of the ball handler and he was pushed around a bit in the lane.  He’ll need to rebound better too.  I won’t club the guy because it’s only summer league and he still has time to work before the season starts.

Photo Courtesy of CSN Washington

Bradley Beal: B+

17.6 points per game, 1.8 assists, 4.6 boards;  (N.B.A. Summer League All-Star*)

Alright, I’m biased.  Beal gets the highest grade here.  As the number 3 pick in the draft, Beal needed to impress.  Aside from being the team’s leading scorer through 5 contests, he showed the ability to get to the glass.  This stood out as a welcome change from the previous SG in Washington of the old catch-and-shoot variety.  I think the fatigue set in his legs as he was getting accustomed to logging large minutes and this affected his shot.  He will come off the bench early and contribute the most unselfish manner.  Beal is a team player who I am definitely high on.  He needs to hit that free-throw with more consistency, but again- It’s only summer league.

-Matty Jay

*Summer League folks, Summer League  -  Do you agree with Matty’s thoughts?  Share your grades below:

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