The Las Vegas NBA Summer league came to a conclusion this Sunday and out of sixty games I probably watched fifty of them, so this week I will give a recap of the things that caught my eye.
Adam Morrison had one of the greatest college basketball season in 2005-06. His cross-country rivalry with Duke’s star J.J. Reddick captivated the nation that year and lead to him being the number 3 pick in the 2006 NBA Draft. He had a very scrutinized rookie season that seen him average 12 points per game but lost his starting job due to lack of defense and pure shooting. The next season he had a acl injury that caused him to miss the whole season. He then was traded to the Lakers were it was impossible for him to get on the court. Morrison was next not resigned by the Lakers once his contract was up, picked up by the Wizards and released before the season even started. Morrison then took his talents overseas due to the lock out and the cancellation of the 2011 NBA Summer League, he didn’t have the opportunity to show his improvement.
He played well overseas and had his self prepared for probably one last shot at the NBA in the 2012 Summer League. After a sub par Orlando summer league Morrison brought his A game to the Vegas Summer League. I’m not sure about his actual numbers but I witnessed Morrison do every thing offensively that you could ask of a player. He knocked down spot up 3’s like lay ups. He took two dribbles and pulled up going left and right as well with defenders all in his grill. He did dribble step back jumpers, even took it to the cup and finished at the rim and with floaters. He rebounded well and made the right pass. The biggest thing I noticed was he didn’t get abused on defense. He did a decent job of keeping the player in front of him and understood where his help was and did a good job of filtering the player towards it. After scoring 26 points in his final game he was asked what was his motivation this summer and his response was “Just to prove I can play.” I know I don’t count for anything but he proved he could play to me. At the end off the game the crowd was chanting MVP, MVP. He said it felt good to hear that after only hearing boos the past few years.
I believe Morrison did enough to get another chance and I think he will be on someones roster. I kind of hope its the Bulls. As a fan if Chicago I know we can use his scoring. He’s just as good as Kyle Korver as a spot up shooter but with the ability to create his own shot. He can’t be any worst than Korver on defense and can play both wing positions. Adam Morrison will get his last shot, the question is will he make it?
