Sunday, December 22, 2024

NBA Summer League: Standout players from Day 1 in Salt Lake City

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Ricky Council IV and his teammates on the 76ers Summer League squad in Salt Lake City were soaring after a 2nd-half surge.

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Competition opened on the 2024 SLC Summer League as players competed at altitude in Salt Lake City, with the hometown Jazz polishing off the action with an OT win. Here’s a look at the individual showings that impressed in Monday’s action:


Ricky Council IV, Philadelphia

With the 76ers and Thunder stuck in the mud through three quarters, Ricky Council IV cleaned up the final frame, scoring 19 of his game-high 29 points on 6-for-9 shooting (5-for-6 from 3) as Philadelphia pulled away clean. After playing last season on a two-way, the 76ers converted it into a four-year deal at the end of the campaign. With a revamped roster in need of shooting and depth, Arkansas product Council made a strong first impression this summer.


Zach Edey, Memphis

Frustrated after bricking a tip-dunk in the final moments of regulation, Edey recovered to send the  game to overtime on a miracle redirect of an intentionally missed free throw. With extra basketball available, the 7-foot-4 rookie eventually racked up 14 points, 15 rebounds and 4 blocks in 33 minutes. He connected on 7-for-12 shooting (everything inside the paint) and showed that his size should provide an impact from the tip.


Keyonte George, Utah

The 2023 first-round pick earned All-Summer League First Team honors in Las Vegas a year ago, and after seasoning in Utah, he picked up where he left off. George struggled with his shot (5-for-21 FGs) but pounded the Grizzlies inside, racking up an astounding 17-for-19 showing at the free-throw line – including the game-winners to seal an Elam-ending victory in overtime. The 30-point showing came with four rebounds and four assists in 32 minutes.


Adam Flagler, Oklahoma City

After spending his rookie season on a two-way contract with the Thunder, mostly in the G League, Flagler knew what time it was in Salt Lake City. A 40.2% shooter from 3 in 30 games (18 starts) for the Oklahoma City Blue, the Baylor product fired from deep early and often. He finished with a team-high 18 points on 6-for-15 shooting … with 14 of the attempts and all 6 makes coming from range.

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