Open Thread 1.0: Cavs’ Summer League

Good afternoon CtB!

The Cavs are in Vegas for the rich, cultural tradition that is NBA Summer League, first taking on the SL Pacers at 5:00PM Eastern time and broadcasted live nationally on NBATV. Yours truly has already previewed Tyrese Proctor, the main attraction for the Cavs’ SL squad. So here’s a quick rundown of some of the other rookies on the roster:

KADEN SHEDRICK, TEXAS

Fifth year senior center, and if he sticks it’s because he can play some elite defense. No combine invite, but a top 100 high school recruit.

JAXSON ROBINSON, KENTUCKY

Fifth year shooting guard/small forward… strictly 3 and D player with subpar production at both during college. Was not invited to the combine either, but also a top 100 high school recruit.

NORCHAD OMIER, BAYLOR

Fifth year small ball center/power forward, whose statistical production jumps off the page. This guy could be a diamond in the rough, depending on how good his jumper currently is and whether his athleticism holds up in NBA circles.

DENVER JONES, AUBURN

Four year scoring guard with great scoring production in college, but can he actually defend, pass the ball, and run an NBA team?

CHANEY JOHNSON, AUBURN

Four year JuCo guy (assumption based on bio), 3 and D wing defender, with dubious ability to jump shoot and horrendous turnover rate for a low usage guy. Only hope is that he figured something out this past season at Auburn.

SALIOU NIANG, SENEGAL/ITALY

European 3 and D wing/small ball big prospect. Biggest plus to his game is his rebounding, but raw/underproducing in every other way. Can he put anything together in Vegas? Recent advanced stats suggest a possible breakout in his playmaking on defense and shooting offense… so stay tuned.