3 Takeaways from the First Two Summer League Games

The Washington Wizards kicked off their Summer League this past Saturday. Their first game saw them rally back from a huge deficit, but ultimately lost to the Detroit Pistons 105-99. The following day was a different story for the Wizards, as they took down the Phoenix Suns 97-72.

Wins and Losses are truly not the end all be all for the Summer League. The key focus is the development of certain players; and perhaps having hope for a diamond in the rough prospect.

It has only been two games thus far, but there are some takes to be made. Hopefully, we do not overreact, but there are three big takeaways from the first two games of Summer League.

3. Devon Dotson Brings Energy 

One of the few bright spots from the first game came from someone who didn’t start the game. That player was Devon Dotson. The young guard out of Kansas has had a few cups of coffee in the NBA over the last two years with the Chicago Bulls.

However, he has not been able to remain on the roster for the duration of a season. Dotson does offer some pedigree, as he was a Second Team All-American in his sophomore year at Kansas. Unfortunately, he was undrafted that year after forgoing his final two college years.

This has led to a short stint in the G-League where he has had success. The Wizards snatched him and put him on their Summer League roster. Granted he did not get the start, he showed some good things playing the point.

The Wizards were down big against the Pistons, but Dotson’s energy on both ends of the court provided a big spark. His buzzer-beating three at the end of the third quarter was the turning point for a legitimate comeback to be made by the Wizards.

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He struggled a little bit more in the second game, but once again his energy was contagious. Dotson might be able to play his way on the Wizards roster, or at least a chance to make it with a training camp invite.

2. Vernon Carey Jr. Making Noise

One of the players that the Wizards acquired this past season was Vernon Carey Jr. However, he did not receive any playing team, but was slated to play in this year’s Summer League. For the first game, he showed some flashes of talent.

The second game is where he begun to shine. He has a great feel in the post and demonstrates a good amount of strength. At Duke, Carey was amazing in his lone season in Durham. However, he has not been able to carve out a spot in the rotation in two seasons.

This Summer League can be the start of newfound success for Carey’s career. The Taj Gibson signing could put a damper on his chances, but he is still showing a good deal of talent through two games.

1. It’s Just the Summer League?

The number one person we were all waiting to see was the 10th overall pick in this year’s draft, Johnny Davis. There was a lot of anticipation for that first game, but it was met with disappointment. Throughout the first half, we saw Davis lack aggression and a desire for the ball. However, we saw a nice pass from Davis in that first half.

The second half began and Davis showed more aggression. He was able to get the ball in his hands more, but nothing came with it. He struggled immensely, as he shot 1-11 from the field. Nothing was falling, but perhaps it was first game jitters.

Then the second game happened and it was the same story. He came out more involved than the first game, but there is something missing. Davis lost the ball multiple times while handling it. His shot was not falling once again. He lacks a great deal of explosiveness off the dribble.

Davis seems to be lost on the court at times and tries to force the issue when he tries to be aggressive. There was the play where Jalen Duren destroyed Davis’ shot. It showed him forcing a shot because he felt that pressure of needing to play better, while showing the levels of athleticism on display.

Despite the issues we have seen so far from Davis, you have to wait until the regular season. We have seen great summer leagues that have translated to nothing (Glen Rice Jr.). On the flip side, there have been players that struggled in the Summer League and became elite in their careers (Trae Young).

There is no declaration on Davis and his career just yet. However, the first two games were a bit rough and will hope he comes back better for the rest of Summer League.