Three of the top five picks in last month’s NBA draft have been on display at summer leagues in Utah and Sacramento so far.
While even more rookies will show off their skills in the Las Vegas Summer League beginning on Friday, Jaren Jackson Jr, Trae Young and Marvin Bagley III have already gotten two games under their belt up to this point and had varying levels of success.
Here are early impressions of the trio.
Jaren Jackson Jr
It’s hard not to be impressed with Jackson and excited for what he could become.
The fourth overall pick has shined for the Memphis Grizzlies in Utah, doing it all on both ends of the court to show off his vast potential.
Jackson is considered a big man, but he’s proven he can be a threat on the perimeter by knocking down 10-of-17 triples, including a jaw-dropping 8-of-13 in his debut. They’ve not been simple catch-and-shoot opportunities either as he’s come off screens and legitimately looked like a shooter.
Add in his ability to score from inside the arc, his rebounding (11) and rim protection (four blocks), and Jackson couldn’t be off to a better start.
Trae Young
Young is a fascinating prospect to watch because he plays with such freedom and confidence, the kind that might make even Stephen Curry blush at times.
The Atlanta Hawks guard has so far taken shots like Curry, but has been way off the mark, hitting just 9-of-36 from the field, including 2-of-16 from long range.
His shooting efficiency can only improve going forward, but what he has shown is his playmaking and ability to set up his teammates.
Good or bad, Young is definitely entertaining.
Marvin Bagley III
Unsurprisingly, Bagley has produced some highlight plays already, including a ferocious dunk in his debut.
After going 6-of-11 for 18 points in his first game though, the Sacramento Kings forward struggled with a 3-of-16 outing.
It will be interesting to see how Bagley’s athletic advantage being curtailed in the NBA affects his effectiveness.
