NBA Summer League: Ohio State Recap

By Adam Kiefaber

Greg Oden is putting on a show in Las Vegas. So far in two games, Oden has committed 19 fouls.

In game one, Oden played only 21 minutes, grabbed two rebounds, had two blocks, turned it over four times and scored only six points. Furthermore, Oden missed all three free throws before fouling out with 10 fouls. NBA Summer League rules allows a player to commit 10 fouls before fouling out. Oh yeah, the Portland Trail Blazers (probably the most talented Summer League roster) lost 74-66 to the Boston Celtics.

Many people describe appearance as ugly, but now you are open to describe his performance as just that - ugly.

In game two, Oden continued the foul show by committing nine in less than 28 minutes of play. However, Oden did improve in some areas by scoring 13 points, grabbing five rebounds and swatting four blocks. Oden did continue to struggle at the free throw by hitting one of five. So far in two games, Oden is shooting 12.5% from the FT line. Maybe he should go back to his left hand. Again Portland lost the game 72-68 to the Dallas Mavericks. Oden’s next game will be on Wednesday night at 10:30pm against the Los Angeles Lakers.

While Sportscenter talked about the Oden foul show, they did not mention how his lifelong teammate Mike Conley Jr. did. Conley Jr. came off the bench in the Memphis Grizzles 86 to 77 win over Team China. In 28 minutes, he scored 12 points, grabbed five rebounds, had two assists, three steals and didn’t commit a single turnover. Conley Jr.’s Memphis team will play the Detroit Pistons at 6pm today, the game is supposed to be broadcasted live on NBA-TV.

Daequan Cook’s Miami Heat is due to begin play today in the Pepsi Pro Summer League in Orlando. The Heat will play the Charlotte Bobcats, the game will begin following the Inidiana Pacers and Chicago Bulls contest. Then the Heat will play the New Jersey Nets at 3pm tomorrow. Followed by the Bulls on Wednesday, Pacers on Thursday and the Magic on Friday. Friday is the last day for the Pepsi Pro Summer League.

Still waiting to see Ron Lewis in action. His Houston Rockets are playing tomorrow at 10:30pm against the Los Angeles Clippers. It should be interesting to see how much playing time Lewis will receive.