What We Learned About the Spurs Summer League Team
By George Middleton
Jul 20, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Becky Hammon hands the NBA Summer League Championship trophy to Spurs players after defeating Phoenix 93-90 in the final at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
The San Antonio Spurs dominated summer league play in Las Vegas, as they went 6-1 winning the championship.
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The Spurs beat an extremely talented Phoenix Suns in the finals. The Suns had Archie Goodwin, Devin Booker, and T.J. Warren, all players that should be involved in the Suns offense this season. During the summer league we learned many things about the young players on the Spurs and those that are trying to make the team or another team.
Next: Becky Hammon Can Coach
Jul 20, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Becky Hammon reacts to a foul called on the floor during the NBA Summer League Final against the Phoenix Suns at Thomas & Mack Center. The Spurs won the game 93-90. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Becky Hammon Can Coach
For those haters that thought that Becky Hammon is just on the Spurs coaching staff, because of her WNBA ties, you are wrong! Hammon led the Spurs to a few thrilling victories and displayed the coaching ability that many Spurs didn’t even think she was capable of.
Next: Jonathon Simmons on Becky Hammon
Hammon did a terrific job mixing up lineups. An example of this is shown in the way she used Jarrell Eddie and Jonathon Simmons. The future is bright for the 38-year old coach. Who knows, maybe she can be the first female head coach ever.
Next: Jonathon Simmons Is Good
Jul 20, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Jonathan Simmons (16) smiles after being awarded the NBA Summer League Final MVP after the Spurs defeated the Phoenix Suns 93-90 in the final at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Jonathon Simmons is Good
Jonathon Simmons signed a two-year deal with the Spurs a few weeks ago. The move came out of nowhere, as most fans were unfamiliar with the guard.
Next: Who is Jonathon Simmons?
The 25-year old spent his time with the Austin Spurs (NBA Developmental League) last year. Simmons averaged 15.2 points and 3.7 assists. He was also selected to the NBA D-League All-Defensive Third Team.
In the Las Vegas summer league, he averaged 17 points on 52% from the field. He also earned the Summer League Championship MVP after scoring 23 points on 7-14 from the field. After watching Simmons in the summer league it’s clear he belongs in the league, the only question is whether he will make noise and fill in for Marco Belinelli, who left to Sacramento.
Next: Kyle Anderson is the Real Deal
Jul 20, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Kyle Anderson (1) shoots against the defense of Phoenix Suns guard Archie Goodwin (20) during the NBA Summer League Final at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Kyle Anderson is the Real Deal
There is no way the Spurs would’ve been the champs, if it wasn’t for Kyle Anderson. The 21-year old point-forward was magnificent in the summer league. In seven Las Vegas summer league games, he averaged 21 points and 6 rebounds.
Next: Kyle Anderson Has Been Everything the Spurs Hoped For
Anderson looked much better defensively than he did as a rookie last year. He displayed his smooth handle and made some terrific passes, as shown below:
(video uploaded by ClutchCity)
It appears that Anderson will have a role off the bench. The next step for Anderson is to perform well in preseason. The future is bright for Anderson.
Next: Cady Lalanne Showed Flashes of Potential
Jul 20, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Cady Lalanne (26) shoots between the defense of Phoenix Suns guard Archie Goodwin (20) and center
Alex Len(21) during the NBA Summer League Final at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Cady Lalanne Showed Flashes of Potential
Cady Lalanne’s numbers won’t jump out at anyone. In 10 total summer league games, he posted averages of 6.4 points and 4.7 rebounds. At times, he looked raw offensively, as shown in his 39% from the field. But his impact was felt on the defensive end. The 23-year old averaged 1.5 blocks in a little less than 20 minutes a game. Lalanne won’t play too much this season, unless there are injuries to the Spurs frontline, but don’t be surprised if he becomes a solid backup.