2016 NBA Summer League

[David Bunkley]

Ben Simmons was having one of his typical games until he started cramping

So, he had one of his typical games then?

[awhom111]

Tyus has his teammates revealed:
http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news...eague-roster-0

Almost all the rosters have been announced:
Nets:
http://www.nba.com/nets/news/2016/07...-league-roster
Cavaliers:
http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/release...ue-roster-2016
Bucks:
http://www.nba.com/bucks/release/buc...-league-roster
Wizards:
https://wizardstoday.monumentalsport...-league-roster
Pelicans:
http://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/pel...-camp-schedule
Grizzlies:
http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/su...-roster-160705
Kings:
http://www.nba.com/kings/news/kings-...-league-roster
Trailblazers:
http://www.nba.com/blazers/trail-bla...-league-roster

Justise had 15 points in 26 minutes as the Heat beat the stronger Magic team 84-68.
http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news...eague-roster-0

Marshall had 7 points and 6 rebounds in 20 minutes as the Knicks scored all the points in overtime to beat the Clippers 92-84. Brice Johnson had a solid game, but also had 8 fouls and 8 turnovers.
http://www.nba.com/games/20160705/LACNYK/gameinfo.html

Apparently Michael Gbinije picked up an injury earlier so he missed another game for the Pistons as they beat the Pacers 80-76.
http://www.nba.com/games/20160705/DETIND/gameinfo.html

In Utah, the Sixers resumed tanking by resting their big names in a 95-91 loss to the Spurs.
http://www.nba.com/games/20160705/PHISAS/gameinfo.html

The Celtics beat the Jazz 89-82 as Olivier Hanlan probably found out that he would be traded right before the game. I wonder if he will join the Spurs mid-league now.
http://www.nba.com/games/20160705/BOSUTA/gameinfo.html

Tuesday's Games (all times ET, all games on ESPN3 and NBATV):
Magic White vs Knicks (Marshall), 1pm
Mavericks (Andre) vs Hornets, 3pm
Pacers vs Thunder, 5pm

[kshepinthehouse]

Just as an FYI, I was not going to respond anymore on this, but for the calling of me by name in the post below. I've only been debating in this thread with you, not stirring the pot. You brought up James with very much a "stir the pot" post. Everything I've been posting has been a counterpoint in a debate. Not sure why you think I'm stirring the pot and not debating.



If you want plain ole' debate and not controversy, perhaps you should steer clear of insults like the bolded? And yes, my points on James are valid. James played four years of ACC basketball. But the quality of his play for those four years was just a bit below ACC quality (as evidenced by all the stats I posted). Which is perhaps why he never earned more than 10 mpg, even on a team that religiously plays a two-big lineup. And that's not meant to be an insult. If he were to play at a mid-major, he'd be just fine. He just wasn't quite good enough for the ACC level.



It is not a fact that a team thinks enough of his game to offer him a summer league roster spot. It is your opinion that this is why he got the spot. I have pointed out the other possibilities: that it is a favor to an agent/coach (which absolutely does happen quite often in summer league); or that they saw his body and hoped there was untapped or unseen potential in it.

Perhaps you don't follow the NBA Summer League very closely. It would certainly be understandable to not realize that the ends of these rosters can have all kinds of folks on them. I've pointed out that Carlos Boozer's brother "played" on at least one summer league roster. His stats at Iowa State were very comparable to James' UNC stats.

Not everyone who goes to summer league is there for his game. Considering that James never really showed much game in college suggests it is at the very least plausible that he falls in this category. It is certainly also possible that he got a look because he is 6'10" and 280, and a team wanted a free look to see if there was any skill there. But there's very little evidence to suggest that "his game" is what got him the invite.



I wonder if you don't watch much of the NBA, but if anything James' game is less likely to translate to the NBA. In college, you can play zone defense freely and you can camp out in the paint defensively even in man-to-man. In the NBA, zone is almost never used (the shooters are too good) and you can't camp out in the lane defensively. And even if you could camp out in the lane defensively, every team knows how to exploit a liability defensively. They would run ball screens and get James isolated on a guard, and James would either give up layup drills or foul out. And many of the big men in the NBA are good enough shooters from 15 feet that James can't just camp out down there. In college, in theory a big body like James should be able to dominate on the blocks. Especially at a school like UNC, which emphasizes post play more than most college or pro teams. Not so in the NBA, where every team has a guy comparable in size and strength to James.

James' lack of mobility and coordination led him to shoot well under 50% from the field (which is hard to do for a big man who doesn't shoot from the perimeter) and to commit fouls at an excessive rate. That would only get exploited ten-fold in the NBA.

This is again not meant to be a criticism of James as a person. It's just a reflection of the limitations of his basketball game with respect to ACC play and the NBA. And before you jump to me being biased, I got criticized by some on DBR for giving a similarly harsh critique of DeMarcus Nelson's chances in the NBA (in short: I felt he had little-to-no chance of making it because he had the skill set of a SF/PF with the height of a PG).

I agree with the above whole-heartedly and that pretty much sums up the chances of James in the NBA. His size would be more helpful in college than the NBA. 20 years ago teams would have taken him strictly due to his size but in today's small ball era his size would be more of a detriment in my opinion. If he couldn't succeed at the college level at that size he would only be that much worse in the NBA.

[MCFinARL]

Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA

Quinn Cook to play for D-League Select Team in Summer League. He was D-League ROY (19.6 PPG, 5.4 APG, 3.9 RPG 1.2 SPG, 46.6% FG, 38.2% 3PT).

2:49 PM - 3 Jul 2016

ETA: According to the D-League website, Quinn's team is scheduled to play in Las Vegas against Memphis, Milwaukee, and Houston.

So, what is the implication of being on the D-League Select Team? Does that mean he will get seen by a lot of teams, which could be a good thing, or does it mean no team was interested enough in him to sign him to a summer league contract? Or neither?

[awhom111]

So, what is the implication of being on the D-League Select Team? Does that mean he will get seen by a lot of teams, which could be a good thing, or does it mean no team was interested enough in him to sign him to a summer league contract? Or neither?

It's doubtful that there were no teams willing to have him so it was likely a choice.

The advantage is that playing time is strictly a meritocracy although everyone is likely to play at least a bit. You may have a summer league team lined up that seems like a good fit for playing time, but then that team drafts a point guard in the first round. Guess which player gets to be the starting point guard in that case even if Quinn is better. All teams do of course look at the players on other teams so there is no outright disadvantage there. Teams may even be more likely to make contact and an offer afterwards since they may not feel like he would be biased towards any particular team in advance.

The disadvantage is that no one team gets a big look at him. Obviously there are some practices and other team activities besides the game where teams can judge other things like how well a player learns new systems and how coachable they are. Looking back at the 2015 roster, it does not appear that any of the players ended up in the NBA:
http://dleague.nba.com/news/2015-nba...gue-las-vegas/

[brevity]

Marshall had 7 points and 6 rebounds in 20 minutes as the Knicks scored all the points in overtime to beat the Clippers 92-84. Brice Johnson had a solid game, but also had 8 fouls and 8 turnovers.
http://www.nba.com/games/20160705/LACNYK/gameinfo.html

Just "a solid game"? You haven't stated the whole story...

ORLANDO, FL. -- The New York Knicks won their first game of the 2016 NBA Summer League with a thrilling 92-84 overtime win against the Los Angeles Clippers. Chasson Randle, who graduated from Stanford in 2015 and played professionally in the Czech Republic last season, led all scorers with 24 points.

But the real draw of the game was seeing former North Carolina stars J.P. Tokoto and Brice Johnson facing off, and the matchup lived up to the hype. Tokoto, playing for the Knicks, scored 13 points on 5-of-16 shooting. He missed both of his 3-point attempts, but he finished an alley-oop pass from Ron Baker that tied the game in regulation. "That was such a clutch play by Tokoto," tweeted Villanova basketball player Kris Jenkins. "That despondent look on Brice Johnson's face reminded me of... something."

Johnson scored a team-high 23 points in the Clippers loss. Attending the game was Rich Cho, general manager of the Charlotte Hornets, who later expressed his enjoyment with the matchup in a live postgame interview in the NBA TV broadcast booth. "J.P. Tokoto versus Brice Johnson? You're talking about the two greatest Tar Heel basketball players of all time battling against each other, and I had a front row seat," he said. "I can say without reservation that... can you excuse me? I have a phone call... hey, it's Michael... hello, sir, I was just telling... you saw that? Right, I know, I just meant that... you want me to... um, okay... sorry, I need to stop the interview and, um, go now."

Marshall Plumlee, who had 7 points and 6 rebounds in the win, said he received congratulatory text messages from his older brothers Miles and Mason, both of whom already play in the NBA during the regular season. "They said there was a new hero in the family, and his name is J.P. Tokoto. I think they were teasing me, but I need to make alternate Thanksgiving plans just in case."

The Knicks face the Orlando Magic white squad Wednesday.

NOTES: Apparently I'm not the only one writing hyperbolic stories about the Knicks and the 2016 Summer League. An SB Nation article titled "Chasson Randle leading the Summer League team to victory was the greatest performance in Knicks history" calls Randle the "new god of Summer League," and sets aside some credit for Tokoto:

J.P. Tokoto had his moments as well, despite shooting the worst floaters I have ever seen. He could really be something if he learned not to spazz out when driving into traffic.

[AIRFORCEDUKIE]

Tyus has his teammates revealed:
http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news...eague-roster-0

Almost all the rosters have been announced:
Nets:
http://www.nba.com/nets/news/2016/07...-league-roster
Cavaliers:
http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/release...ue-roster-2016
Bucks:
http://www.nba.com/bucks/release/buc...-league-roster
Wizards:
https://wizardstoday.monumentalsport...-league-roster
Pelicans:
http://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/pel...-camp-schedule
Grizzlies:
http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/su...-roster-160705
Kings:
http://www.nba.com/kings/news/kings-...-league-roster
Trailblazers:
http://www.nba.com/blazers/trail-bla...-league-roster

Justise had 15 points in 26 minutes as the Heat beat the stronger Magic team 84-68.
http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news...eague-roster-0

Marshall had 7 points and 6 rebounds in 20 minutes as the Knicks scored all the points in overtime to beat the Clippers 92-84. Brice Johnson had a solid game, but also had 8 fouls and 8 turnovers.
http://www.nba.com/games/20160705/LACNYK/gameinfo.html

Apparently Michael Gbinije picked up an injury earlier so he missed another game for the Pistons as they beat the Pacers 80-76.
http://www.nba.com/games/20160705/DETIND/gameinfo.html

In Utah, the Sixers resumed tanking by resting their big names in a 95-91 loss to the Spurs.
http://www.nba.com/games/20160705/PHISAS/gameinfo.html

The Celtics beat the Jazz 89-82 as Olivier Hanlan probably found out that he would be traded right before the game. I wonder if he will join the Spurs mid-league now.
http://www.nba.com/games/20160705/BOSUTA/gameinfo.html

Tuesday's Games (all times ET, all games on ESPN3 and NBATV):
Magic White vs Knicks (Marshall), 1pm
Mavericks (Andre) vs Hornets, 3pm
Pacers vs Thunder, 5pm

How are the Magic a stronger team than the Heat Summer league team? The Heat have Justice for one thing, then J Richardson and Weber who will all get significant minutes next season. They have also been murdering the competition by almost 20 points a game. Just curious what you mean by that. Even if you mean stronger as in pure power, I think Justice negates any of that.

[Ichabod Drain]

How are the Magic a stronger team than the Heat Summer league team? The Heat have Justice for one thing, then J Richardson and Weber who will all get significant minutes next season. They have also been murdering the competition by almost 20 points a game. Just curious what you mean by that. Even if you mean stronger as in pure power, I think Justice negates any of that.

There are two summer league teams for the Magic.Orlando Blue and Orlando White. I think he meant the stronger of those two.

[tbyers11]

Just "a solid game"? You haven't stated the whole story...

ORLANDO, FL. -- The New York Knicks won their first game of the 2016 NBA Summer League with a thrilling 92-84 overtime win against the Los Angeles Clippers. Chasson Randle, who graduated from Stanford in 2015 and played professionally in the Czech Republic last season, led all scorers with 24 points.

But the real draw of the game was seeing former North Carolina stars J.P. Tokoto and Brice Johnson facing off, and the matchup lived up to the hype. Tokoto, playing for the Knicks, scored 13 points on 5-of-16 shooting. He missed both of his 3-point attempts, but he finished an alley-oop pass from Ron Baker that tied the game in regulation. "That was such a clutch play by Tokoto," tweeted Villanova basketball player Kris Jenkins. "That despondent look on Brice Johnson's face reminded me of... something."

Johnson scored a team-high 23 points in the Clippers loss. Attending the game was Rich Cho, general manager of the Charlotte Hornets, who later expressed his enjoyment with the matchup in a live postgame interview in the NBA TV broadcast booth. "J.P. Tokoto versus Brice Johnson? You're talking about the two greatest Tar Heel basketball players of all time battling against each other, and I had a front row seat," he said. "I can say without reservation that... can you excuse me? I have a phone call... hey, it's Michael... hello, sir, I was just telling... you saw that? Right, I know, I just meant that... you want me to... um, okay... sorry, I need to stop the interview and, um, go now."

Marshall Plumlee, who had 7 points and 6 rebounds in the win, said he received congratulatory text messages from his older brothers Miles and Mason, both of whom already play in the NBA during the regular season. "They said there was a new hero in the family, and his name is J.P. Tokoto. I think they were teasing me, but I need to make alternate Thanksgiving plans just in case."

The Knicks face the Orlando Magic white squad Wednesday.

NOTES: Apparently I'm not the only one writing hyperbolic stories about the Knicks and the 2016 Summer League. An SB Nation article titled "Chasson Randle leading the Summer League team to victory was the greatest performance in Knicks history" calls Randle the "new god of Summer League," and sets aside some credit for Tokoto:

I can't spork you but just wanted to drop a note that I love your "hyperbolic" JP Tokoto summer league recaps. Although it looks like you have some serious competition.

[ChillinDuke]

I can't spork you but just wanted to drop a note that I love your "hyperbolic" JP Tokoto summer league recaps. Although it looks like you have some serious competition.

Seconded.

I laugh out loud as soon as I read "ORLANDO, FL. --".

- Chillin

[Furniture]

Looked like Marshall was hurt in the Knicks game with Orlando. He had a big bag of ice on his knee at the end of the game. Anyone see it or have any info?

[brevity]

Looked like Marshall was hurt in the Knicks game with Orlando. He had a big bag of ice on his knee at the end of the game. Anyone see it or have any info?

I saw it. Looked like a standard play. Marshall set a screen, I think, and Orlando's Patricio Galino (defending a NY player dribbling past Marshall) mildly collided with him, stepping on Marshall's foot and colliding with his knee. Marshall winced, and Galino kept going, unaware of any effect.

Marshall sat down on the sidelines and the trainer came to him immediately. A minute or so later NBA TV showed Marshall leaving the room on his own.

[awhom111]

Here are Quinn's D League Select teammates:
http://dleague.nba.com/news/nba-dlea...schedule-2016/

Since technically they have have the last choice of players, we can now officially declare the teams that have not announced rosters to be very late. The Bulls and Hawks need to get moving.

Marshall had 3 points in 20 minutes before leaving as the Knicks lost 95-90 to the weaker Magic team.
http://www.nba.com/games/20160706/ORWNYK/gameinfo.html

Andre had 9 points in 25 minutes as the Mavericks beat the Hornets 84-81.
http://www.nba.com/games/20160706/DALCHA/gameinfo.html

The Thunder beat the Pacers 89-71. Joel James played 7 minutes and committed a foul thus invalidating half of the posts on this thread.
http://www.nba.com/games/20160706/INDOKC/gameinfo.html

Thursday's Games (all times ET, all games on ESPN3 and NBATV):
Mavericks (Andre) vs Magic Blue, 1pm
Clippers vs Magic White, 3pm
Pistons vs Heat (Justise), 5pm
Celtics vs Spurs, 7pm
Sixers vs Jazz, 9pm

How are the Magic a stronger team than the Heat Summer league team? The Heat have Justice for one thing, then J Richardson and Weber who will all get significant minutes next season. They have also been murdering the competition by almost 20 points a game. Just curious what you mean by that. Even if you mean stronger as in pure power, I think Justice negates any of that.

As mentioned above, I was trying to distinguish between the two Magic teams since Blue and White are kind of non-specific. Orlando loads all of their veterans and draft picks onto the same team so I label that team their stronger team. Weaker may be a misnomer since that team is undefeated while the team with the NBA guys has lost all their games.

[brevity]

ORLANDO, FL. -- The New York Knicks finished their Summer League run Wednesday with a 95-90 loss to the Orlando Magic white squad. Despite a 1-3 record, they scored 90 or more points for the second consecutive game, after failing to reach 50 points in either of their first two games. Ron Baker led all scorers with 22 points, and Chasson Randle added 17.

But the visiting fans and NBA TV viewers are focused on star power, and J.P. Tokoto did not disappoint. Tokoto scored 13 points in back-to-back games, but did so more efficiently against the Magic, with 4-of-6 shooting and a stunning 1-for-2 from long distance. Tokoto's 3-pointer rocked the Amway Center, and also the Twittersphere. "The NBA finally let J.P. Tokoto score a three," tweeted Ayesha Curry, sister-in-law of recent Dallas Mavericks free agent signee Seth Curry. "Don't tell me the Summer League isn't rigged."

Attending the game was ESPN college basketball commentator Dick Vitale, who made a rare offseason trek away from his home in Tampa just to see Tokoto in person. "In my mind, J.P. Tokoto is already an elite NBA player! And when you start talking about the all-time NBA greats, mark my words: J.P. Tokoto will be in the Top Five!" he exclaimed. "I'm telling you, you've got Michael Jordan, Oscar Robertson, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Jerry West -- the logo! Then you've got Earvin "Magic" Johnson, the hick from French Lick, Larry Bird! Hakeem "the Dream" Olajuwon, and a little Shaq-Fu, baby! Shaquille O'Neal! And let's not forget Timmy Duncan, who might be retiring but I hope he gives us just one more season -- gotta do an even 20, Timmy!"

"I see Kobe Bryant, who really did retire this season, right up there," Vitale continued. "And another Longevity Laker, Mr. Lew Alcindor, aka Kareem Abdul-Jabbar! What about Sir Charles Barkley? Or his fellow Sixer Dr. J? And we can't overlook some of the active players, like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade! And then you add J.P. Tokoto. That's it! My Top Five all-time NBA players!"

Vitale also spoke enthusiastically about Tokoto's marketability. "You get the rookie contract, and that's a good amount of money, but you see these companies, these big corporations, they put these guys in commercials, and it's because they're great guys. And let me tell you: J.P. Tokoto is a great guy. No one cares about his players more than Roy Williams. I talk to everyone over at ESPN, and you never hear any hint of a scandal down in Chapel Hill. And that hair! Tokoto has a great head of hair on that smart noggin. Why don't you share some of that hair, J.P.? I'm an old man, I'm balding over here!"

"When you look at Phil Jackson, the Zen Master, putting the pieces together in New York, he has some tough decisions to make," Vitale added. "Does he keep Carmelo Anthony knowing that he has J.P. Tokoto ready to dominate? What a problem to have! They are loaded up in the Big Apple, baby! The first eleven rings were tough to get, but the next eleven should be easy!"

Marshall Plumlee, who left the game in the fourth quarter with a bandaged knee, said he was glad to get some rest after the Summer League grind. "I can get a lot done while I'm healing. Work out some, review game tape, learn new plays, and maybe call Dick Vitale and explain to him how numbers work."

J.P. Tokoto, who insists on maintaining his privacy and does not give postgame interviews, was overheard celebrating after the game, saying "I'm going to Disney World!" to his Uber driver.

[nmduke2001]

"Marshall Plumlee's 3-year deal with the Knicks is fully guaranteed in the first season, sources confirm. The 6-11 Plumlee played on the Knicks' Summer League team and should give the Knicks depth on the front line. His brothers are NBAers Mason and Miles Plumlee." -per ESPN.

[awhom111]

Rasheed and the Bulls team:
http://www.nba.com/bulls/news/summer...-league-roster

Andre had 14 points in 20 minutes as the Maverick lost 96-94 to the stronger Magic team.
http://www.nba.com/games/20160707/DALORB/gameinfo.html

The weaker Magic team beat the Clippers 79-69. Arinze Onuaku had 7 fouls in the win only to be outdone by Brice Johnson's 8 fouls.
http://www.nba.com/games/20160707/LACORW/gameinfo.html

Justise had 13 points in 32 minutes as the Heat lost to the Pistons 71-58
http://www.nba.com/games/20160707/DETMIA/gameinfo.html

The last day of games in Orlando will be based on the standings of games and quarters won during the first four games.

The final day in Utah started with the Celtics beating the Spurs 87-86.
http://www.nba.com/games/20160707/BOSSAS/gameinfo.html

The league finished with the Sixers bringing all their players back to beat the Jazz 86-75.
http://www.nba.com/games/20160707/PHIUTA/gameinfo.html

Standings: Celtics 3-0, Spurs 2-1, Sixers 1-2, Jazz 0-3

Friday's Games (all times ET, all games also on ESPN3 except for games marked ESPN):
5th Place: Mavericks (Andre) vs Hornets 8:00am NBATV
3rd Place: Thunder vs Heat (Justise) 10:00am NBATV
1st Place: Magic White vs Pistons 12:00pm NBATV
7th Place: Magic Blue vs Pacers 2:00pm NBATV
9th Place: Clippers vs Knicks (Marshall) 4:00pm NBATV
Bucks vs Cavaliers, 6:00pm, NBATV
D League Select (Quinn) vs Grizzlies, 6:30pm Online only
Hawks vs Rockets, 8:00pm, NBATV
Timberwolves (Tyus) vs Nuggets, 8:30pm ESPN
Kings vs Raptors, 10:00pm, NBATV
Lakers (Brandon) vs Pelicans, 10:30pm ESPN

[Merlindevildog91]

Severe sucking up by the whiny (well, you know) Vince Carter over JPT and especially Brice Johnson.

My favorite line was, "well, his shots are dropping, they just aren't going in."

He must have missed the paper class on gravity.

[ChillinDuke]

Severe sucking up by the whiny (well, you know) Vince Carter over JPT and especially Brice Johnson.

My favorite line was, "well, his shots are dropping, they just aren't going in."

He must have missed the paper class on gravity.

Wait, who said this? Vince Carter or Brevity?

- Chillin

[brevity]

Severe sucking up by the whiny (well, you know) Vince Carter over JPT and especially Brice Johnson.

My favorite line was, "well, his shots are dropping, they just aren't going in."

He must have missed the paper class on gravity.

Wait, who said this? Vince Carter or Brevity?

- Chillin

I was afraid of this. I may be getting too close to the story.

ORLANDO, FL. -- The New York Knicks emerged victorious in the critical 9th place game, crushing the Los Angeles Clippers 106-77 in the grand finale of the Orlando Summer League in the Amway Center. Ron Baker led all scorers with 20 points, and Chasson Randle added 14.

J.P. Tokoto put on a show for the dozens in attendance, scoring a lucky 13 points in his third straight game, this time from 5-of-8 shooting, including 1-1 from 3-point land. Tokoto's consecutive games streak with a made 3-pointer has reached a career high of two.

Brice Johnson, the Clippers' first round draft pick, scored 6 points on 1-of-13 shooting, and was named to the All-Summer League Team. "I don't know how the voters left off Tokoto," he said. "I mean, I deserved it, but so did he."

"Scientists in my line of work hesitate to use the word 'star' when describing individuals," tweeted Neil DeGrasse Tyson, noted astrophysicist and director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York City. "So I'll just say that J.P. Tokoto is like a giant, luminous celestial phenomenon around which we all rotate."

Marshall Plumlee, who did not play Friday, spoke positively about his Summer League experience with the Knicks. "I have a deal with some guarantees in place, but I'm still getting crap from my brothers. Apparently when they come to New York to play the Knicks, I need to get them tickets to Hamilton."

The acclaim for Tokoto's play this summer was widespread but not unanimous. Austin Rivers, a free agent who recently agreed to remain with the Clippers, attended Summer League games this week and offered a contrary opinion. "Wait, why are you asking everyone about J.P. Tokoto? He sucks."

[devildeac]

I was afraid of this. I may be getting too close to the story.

ORLANDO, FL. -- The New York Knicks emerged victorious in the critical 9th place game, crushing the Los Angeles Clippers 106-77 in the grand finale of the Orlando Summer League in the Amway Center. Ron Baker led all scorers with 20 points, and Chasson Randle added 14.

J.P. Tokoto put on a show for the dozens in attendance, scoring a lucky 13 points in his third straight game, this time from 5-of-8 shooting, including 1-1 from 3-point land. Tokoto's consecutive games streak with a made 3-pointer has reached a career high of two.

Brice Johnson, the Clippers' first round draft pick, scored 6 points on 1-of-13 shooting, and was named to the All-Summer League Team. "I don't know how the voters left off Tokoto," he said. "I mean, I deserved it, but so did he."

"Scientists in my line of work hesitate to use the word 'star' when describing individuals," tweeted Neil DeGrasse Tyson, noted astrophysicist and director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York City. "So I'll just say that J.P. Tokoto is like a giant, luminous celestial phenomenon around which we all rotate."

Marshall Plumlee, who did not play Friday, spoke positively about his Summer League experience with the Knicks. "I have a deal with some guarantees in place, but I'm still getting crap from my brothers. Apparently when they come to New York to play the Knicks, I need to get them tickets to Hamilton."

The acclaim for Tokoto's play this summer was widespread but not unanimous. Austin Rivers, a free agent who recently agreed to remain with the Clippers, attended Summer League games this week and offered a contrary opinion. "Wait, why are you asking everyone about J.P. Tokoto? He sucks."

Ahh, my day is now complete. The JPT update has been filed and I will sleep comfortably tonight.

(BTW, LMAO again at brevity's reporting and hope ol huck is reading his recaps. Or should that be healing his kneecaps? )