Youngstown native Rozier among NBA summer league standouts

Associated Press

LAS VEGAS

It’s only Summer League.

It’s a mantra that’s been uttered over and over in Las Vegas over the last week while the league’s highest profile exhibition has been played.

It’s important context to consider when evaluating the level of play — good or bad — from the youngsters and journeymen participating. Many stars of summers past have been unable to parlay that success into meaningful NBA careers, but the level of competition and the desperation of some players who are trying to get a foot in the door has made for some compelling basketball in Vegas this week.

Steph Curry’s kid brother is lighting it up for New Orleans. Rashad Vaughn showed the scoring instincts that Milwaukee sorely lacked last season and Kelly Oubre Jr. played with a drive for Washington that seemed to be lacking last season at Kansas.

The tournament championship is tonight, but here is a look at some of the players who have stood out in Vegas this week.

TERRY ROZIER, Boston

Some Celtics fans grumbled when their team grabbed the Louisville combo guard with the 16th overall pick, which may have been a few picks higher than Rozier was projected to go before the draft.

But Rozier, who grew up in Youngstown before attending high school in Cleveland, was solid all week, exhibiting a heady game, some toughness on the defensive end and some clutch shooting. He hit a crazy step-back 3-pointer with under 3 seconds to play against the Spurs on Saturday that tied the game before Shannon Scott won it for San Antonio with a buzzer beater.

“I’m a confident person no matter what I’m doing,” Rozier said. “I believe in myself more than anybody. I’m just trying to help the team and do whatever I can.”

SETH CURRY, New Orleans

He has bounced around the league early in his career and played only four total games for three different teams. He came to Vegas without a guaranteed contract, but may have played his way into one after averaging 25 points per game in the first five games.

DOUG MCDERMOTT, Chicago

The Bulls have a new coach this year in Fred Hoiberg who figures to bring more offensive flow to Chicago, and that should help McDermott be more of a factor in his sophomore year. McDermott averaged 18.8 points per game in five games.

JUSTIN ANDERSON, Dallas

Anderson, the burly swingman from Virginia, averaged 17.5 points in six games and impressed Mavs coaches with his commitment on defense and his willingness to accept coaching.