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Only 2 Rookies Average 20+ PPG In Summer League

Although we only got to see Paolo Banchero suit up for two games with the Magic, he proved why he was the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft. With more NBA Summer League action tipping off tonight, who will step into the spotlight? πŸ€ (4 min read)

Author

Nate Hartnick
July 14, 2022

Tonight's parlay is Knicks ML vs. Magic and Rockets ML vs. Trail Blazers. More info below on a chance to win $100 πŸ‘‡

Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images

Summer League Update

The NBA Summer League is off and running, which means the league's young talents have a golden opportunity to showcase NBA-ready skillsets. For some teams, they've already seen enough, and the additional minutes aren't worth the risk, hence the Magic shutting down No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero πŸͺ„

  • Brooklyn's Cam Thomas is leading Summer League in scoring at a blistering 28.7 PPG

  • Sacramento's Keegan Murray is leading all rookies in scoring at 24 PPG, just ahead of Banchero's 20 PPG

  • Josh Giddey has instantly formed a dynamic duo with No. 2 pick Chet Holmgren in OKC, and is dropping 8.0 APG πŸ”₯

The hype around this year's rookie class is only growing after standout performances from Paolo, Chet and Murray. However, these rooks will face stiff competition for Summer League MVP, as reigning co-champ Cam Thomas is eyeing a repeat. Odds as of July 9th still remain in favor of the draft's heavy hitters πŸ†

NBA Summer League MVP Odds (subject change)

  • Chet Holmgren, OKC: +900 (bet $100, win $900)

  • Jaden Ivey, DET: +1600

  • Paolo Banchero, ORL: +1700

Trivia Question: In 2021, Cam Thomas (BKN) and Davion Mitchell (SAC) were each awarded Summer League co-MVP. The only other time two MVPs were distributed was in 2012 β€” can you name the two winners? (answer below) 

Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images

Life Without Paolo

The name to watch for the Magic has, of course, been Banchero. Orlando saw enough to prematurely end Paolo's Summer League, where he averaged a cool 20/5/6 and showcased his remarkably deep scoring arsenal πŸŽ’

  • The only remaining notable prospect on Orlando's Summer League roster is former first round pick R.J. Hampton, but the Magic are also expected to give him the remainder of Summer League off

Tonight, the Magic will take on the Knicks, who boast an intriguing trio of young talent in Quentin Grimes, Jericho Sims and Miles McBride. Grimes has asserted himself as the top dog, showcasing his feathery touch and improved playmaking ability πŸ’¦

  • Grimes is currently sixth in Summer League scoring, pouring in 24 PPG

  • On the other hand, Sims has established his presence in the paint, averaging a double-double so far with 11.0 PPG and 10.3 RPG πŸ’ͺ

  • Spread: Knicks -4.5

  • Moneyline: Knicks -205 (bet $205, win $100), Magic +162 (bet $100, win $162)

  • O/U: 174.5

Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images

The Underrated Rocket

It was hard to watch No. 3 pick Jabari Smith's first two Summer League games and not feel disappointed, particularly after Paolo and Chet's success. However, Jabari found his groove in the Rockets' last game, dropping 19 points and grabbing 9 boards πŸ”₯

  • Despite all the attention on Smith, the leading scorer for Houston this Summer League has been fellow first round pick Tari Eason, who's putting up 16.7 PPG and 11.7 RPG

  • Smith and Eason have also formed a dominant defensive duo πŸ”’

On the other side, the Blazers got off to an unfortunate start when No. 7 pick Shaedon Sharpe was sidelined six minutes into Portland's opening contest with a shoulder injury. This was Sharpe's first official game since high school, as he sat out last year at Kentucky πŸ˜¬

  • Second round pick Jabari Walker has showed out for Portland, averaging 13.0 PPG and 8.3 RPG

  • Former Naismith Player of the Year Luka Garza is also hoping to land a spot on Portland's roster πŸ‘€

  • Spread: Trail Blazers -1.5

  • Moneyline: Trail Blazers -120, Rockets +100

  • O/U: 172.5

Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

For My Parlay Gurus

It's already been a month since the NBA Finals, so these Summer League games have been perfect for us basketball addicts. As for tonight, I'm betting on the Knicks getting a W vs. the Paolo-less Magic. Pair that with Jabari and Tari (catchy name for a duo 😏) locking up a win against Portland and you got yourself a solid parlay. Take a look πŸ‘‡

  • Knicks ML vs. Magic: -205

  • Rockets ML vs. Trail Blazers: +100

$100 on this bet would win you $198 β€” if we hit, make sure you email [email protected] for a chance to win up to $100*. Many will enter, only some will win πŸ˜‰

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Trivia Answer: In 2012, Damian Lillard (POR) and Josh Selby (MEM) were awarded Summer League co-MVP 

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Many will enter, only some will win. Giveaway ends 12 hours after the completion of the final game references within the giveaway. The winner will be notified via the email address used to enter. Restrictions apply. See the General Conditions and Releases sections of Overtime's Terms of Use at https://overtime.tv/terms for additional giveaway termsΒ©2022 Overtime Sports, Inc. All rights reserved.