The NBA summer league is cruising along and catching a little more attention from UNC fans than it might otherwise with the Big Four making their "debuts" In addition to the recent draft picks there are a few Heels from past seasons playing in the league hoping to improve their games or in the case of some break into the NBA.
Harrison Barnes opened up summer league play with 23 points on 4-4 three point shooting against Sacramento on Friday night. Barnes was 8-13 shooting the basketball and scored from a variety of spots on the floor. Barnes was less effective offensively in a Saturday win over Denver going 5-17 from the floor for 13 points. He did hit both of his threes while grabbing seven rebounds and four steals. Barnes is schedule to play again on Wednesday at 10:30 PM on NBA TV.
Tyler Zeller made his debut on Sunday for the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Charlotte Bobcats which was as putrid a game as you could possibly imagine. The Cavs were playing without PG Kyrie Irving who broke his hand by slapping the padding on a wall during practice out of frustration following a turnover. Clearly Irving needs to have a conversation with Colin Moran about such things. Zeller had a solid outing with 14 points to lead Cleveland. He also had five rebounds and two blocks. Zeller and the Cavaliers play again this evening at 8:00 PM.
Kendall Marshall and John Henson have yet to play in the summer league. Marshall's Phoenix Suns did play its first game on Sunday but Marshall did not play since his contract had yet to be finalized. That finally happened today so Marshall will suit up for the Suns Tuesday night at 8:30 PM against Zeller and Cleveland. Henson is schedule to play tonight for Milwaukee at 10:30 PM against Charlotte.
Among the other Tar Heels playing in the NBA Summer League, Ed Davis has played well scoring 18 points and grabbing nine rebounds in Toronto's opener vs Miami. Davis followed that up with 15 and 8 against Houston. Justin Knox played five games for Utah in the Orlando portion of the summer league. Deon Thompson is suiting up for Memphis and played in one game so far, against New York where he had seven points and four rebounds.
Overall, there isn't much to be gleaned from this game other than experience for the players or a shot at impressing a scout or GM to the point of getting a roster spot. It is still fun to watch, if for no other reason than to satisfy any basketball cravings you might have.