Every year, it's a bit of the same question at the end of the Summer Leagueand especially the most important of them, that of Las Vegas: are there really lessons to be learned from the summer leagues?
The question arises all the more this year as French players were expected there, notably the first two choices of the last Draft, Zaccharie Risacher And Alex Sarr…and we can't say that they impressed.
THE ROOKIES
Zaccharie Risacher : 14.5 points at 39% success including 25% at 3-points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists
Atlanta Hawks | 2 games | 30 minutes average
The first pick of the Draft had a good first game, before failing in the second and nursing a small injury for the rest of the competition. Clearly, the individualistic game of the summer league was not made for him, while his “3&D” profile makes him (for the moment?) above all a system player, who feeds off others.
On offense, he was more interesting when he cut to the circle, especially without the ball, to be served in the paint. On defense, his size, wingspan and sense of positioning clearly make him a player in the mold of Shane Battier, which the Hawks need. But he obviously needs to strengthen his muscles in order to be able to withstand the physical monsters of the league.
The symbol of his nervousness is undoubtedly this “airball” in the free throws, at the end of the first match.
“It’s the first time in my life that’s happened. I don’t know what you call sweat in English? I realized halfway through the shot and I thought I couldn’t stop it. So I just threw it. My teammates were laughing about it. I laughed about it too, but I had to make sure I put the second one in.”
Alex Sarr: 5.5 points at 19% success including 12% at 3-points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.5 blocks
Washington Wizards | 4 games | 30 minutes average
9/47 shooting including 2/17 from 3-point range. Even though the second pick in the last Draft is not the first rookie to be clumsy in the Summer League (Victor Wembanyama, Trae Young and many others have also been there), Olivier's little brother “did well”, including a catastrophic 0/15 game against the Blazers.
Should we already be worried about the Wizards player? Not necessarily. Defensively, the interior thus displayed his mobility and his ability to protect the rim. Offensively, he showed that he could create his shots.
The biggest problem is that he played like a 7-foot-4 Jordan Poole on offense, relying almost exclusively on his accuracy, on shots that weren't necessarily easy off the dribble. He didn't get very close to the rim, and he drew almost no fouls, shooting just four free throws in four games.
Another point to watch: his ability to hold the rebound, while he was physically moved under the circle.
Tidjane Salaün: 9.0 points at 42% success including 10% at 3-points and 7.0 rebounds
Charlotte Hornets | 3 games | 19 minutes average
If he was also clumsy from afar, and he was only able to play three matches, Tidjane Salaün did not disappoint. Because outside shooting is not considered his strong point and he especially showed, on a few sequences, everything he could bring physically, especially in fast play or in attacking the basket.
A strong athlete, the 6th pick in the last Draft has everything it takes to be an interesting “energizer” for the Hornets.
Pacôme Dadiet: 6.8 points at 31% success including 11% at 3-points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists
New York Knicks | 5 games | 26 minutes average
Melvin Ajinça: 7.2 points at 30% success including 20% at 3-points, 2.6 rebounds and 0.6 assists
Dallas Mavericks | 5 games | 22 minutes average
The other two French drafted this year (but in the second round), Pacôme Dadiet And Melvin Ajinçaalso had trouble making their mark in this Summer League, between clumsiness and lost balls.
OTHERS
Nadir Hifi: 11.3 points at 43% success including 14% at 3-points and 2.0 assists
Minnesota Timberwolves | 3 games | 15 minutes average
He didn't find the target from afar either, but Nadir Hifi has nevertheless made an impression. Because in a short playing time with the Wolves, he has shown that he is capable of creating a shot on almost every ball taken.
He particularly hurt the Pacers, scoring 18 points in 14 minutes. Obviously, the Summer League game is also more suited to his own style, since the Paris Basketball point guard is above all a very strong one-on-one player, and his scoring skills adapt much better to Las Vegas.
Unfortunately for him, he had to quickly end the Summer League to deal with a family emergency.
Rayan Rupert: 12.0 points at 41% shooting including 23% at 3-points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists
Portland Trail Blazers | 5 games | 31 minutes average
Armel Traore: 7.2 points at 59% success including 20% at 3-points, 4.8 rebounds and 0.6 interceptions
Los Angeles Lakers | 5 games | 17 minutes average
Moussa Diabate: 12.2 points at 64% shooting, 7.4 rebounds
Los Angeles Clippers | 5 games | 23 minutes average
Théo Maledon: 14.0 points at 53% success including 50% at 3-points and 5.3 assists
Orlando Magic | 3 games | 23 minutes average
Killian Tillie: 8.4 points at 49% success including 41% at 3-points and 3.8 rebounds
Boston Celtics | 5 games | 17 minutes average
Sidy Cissoko: 7.3 points at 21% success including 9% at 3-points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists
San Antonio Spurs | 4 games | 28 minutes average
Hugo Besson: 7.8 points at 33% success including 18% at 3-points, 2.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists
Milwaukee Bucks | 4 games | 17 minutes average
Mohamed Diarra: 7.5 points at 50% success and 3.0 rebounds
Los Angeles Lakers | 2 games | 12 minutes average
Neal Sako: 2.5 points at 100% success and 3.0 rebounds
Miami Heat | 2 games | 9 minutes average
For other French people, we will note the activity of Rayan Rupertwho showed that he could expand his usual range, as well as the energy ofArmel Traorethe Lakers' new “two-way contract.”
Moussa Diabate also made a good impression, just like Theo Maledoncomfortable with the Orlando group.
After posting his outdoor address in Las Vegas, Killian Tillie is looking for a contract to relaunch his career, ideally in the NBA but possibly in Europe.
Not much to say about Hugo Besson, Mohamed Diarra And Neal Sakothe latter still finishing champion with the Heat, but having seen very little of the court. More responsible, Sidy Cissoko suffered, however, and the young Frenchman clearly did not score points for Spurs.
