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The Suns, and more importantly their fans, will get a second look at future Hall of Famer, Archie Goodwin and his sidekicks, the Morris twins, Diante Garrett, P.J. Tucker, and Dwayne Collins. Kendall Marshall will also likely play but as we all know, Summer League isn't his best format. I'm not exactly sure what outside UNC is his best format, but he's still young so that's cool and stuff.
The Timberwolves feature one of my all-time favorite Senegalese players individuals, Gorgui Dieng. Dieng started at the five in the Wolves first game against the D-league Select team. He played 22 minutes and recorded four points, four rebounds, three turnovers, two blocks and only three fouls! To be fair, he was playing against the likes of Darnell Jackson.
The enigmatic Shabazz Muhammad is also on Monday's docket. The former UCLA Bruin went 3-7 (7 points) in his first 24 minutes as a pro.
Other notable Wolves include: Luke, son of the famous Jack Sikma; D-league stud Othyus Jeffers; journeyman Solomon Jones; and Chris Johnson (an "NBA player" who is easily confused with several other "NBA players"). Oh, and some person is excited about Brandon Paul and Lorenzo Brown.
Questions for the Suns in this game:
- Will Kendall Marshall shoot more than two threes? Will he make more than four buckets? Will he show us anything more than he showed us at the end of last season?
- A consistent theme around these Vegas Summer League parts is young, first-time players who struggle in their first professional game but then quickly find their confidence and show some progress. Others, however, don't do that. Which of those will be Archie Goodwin? The world wants to know.
- Can the Morris bros continue to do what they should be doing in their third summer as NBA pros (but only their second Summer League due to the lockout)? Both looked solid and mature on the court in the first game. It's quite possible that they see their minutes cut as the team shifts focus to other players they want to see. That's common with "veterans" like the Morri.
- P.J. Tucker, see above. I really have no idea why he's even here other than to be a positive example to the young'uns.
- I have to think (and also I read Jim's great interview quotes from GM McRyan) that the Suns will find a roster spot (sorry, Diante) for another big and the three bigs they have here in Vegas qualify as BIG. Onuaku got the most minutes and showed his advanced age (26) compared to the younger and more inexperienced Oriakhi and Collins. Those rotations could change as the week goes on. Or not.
GAME TIME: 3:30pm PT and AZT. The game will stream live on ESPN3 (online) and then should be replayed at some point on NBA TV.
Timberwolves Summer League Game Two - Canis Hoopus
The Wolves take on the Phoenix Suns in Las Vegas this afternoon. Game time is 5:30 CDT, but the game is not televised live. It will be shown on NBA TV tomorrow at 11 am CDT.