Top 5 NBA Summer League Standouts
- The preliminary round of the NBA Summer League is now in the books and we have fresh odds on who will be named MVP
- Will Deandre Ayton win Summer League MVP and NBA Rookie of the Year honors?
- Can Josh Hart keep up his torrid play and lead the Lakers to back-to-back Summer League titles?
It’s summertime and the living is easy. That is, unless you’re one of the 450+ hopefuls grinding away in the NBA’s annual Summer League in Las Vegas. Every day is a battle royale as fresh-faced rookies and undrafted journeymen go toe-to-toe for a chance to secure a spot on an NBA roster.
We’ve been watching every minute of the action and have come up with fresh odds for who will be named MVP of the NBA Summer League. We’ve also compiled a list of the players who have impressed us most during their brief time in Sin City.
NBA Summer League MVP Odds
| Player | Team | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Josh Hart | Los Angeles Lakers | 3/1 |
| Deandre Ayton | Phoenix Suns | 5/1 |
| John Collins | Atlanta Hawks | 7/1 |
| Wade Baldwin IV | Portland Trail Blazers | 8/1 |
| Cedi Osman | Cleveland Cavaliers | 12/1 |
| Kevin Knox | New York Knicks | 15/1 |
| Monte Morris | Denver Nuggets | 20/1 |
| De’Anthony Melton | Houston Rockets | 25/1 |
| FIELD | N/A | 7/1 |
Josh Hart (Los Angeles Lakers)
Josh Hart has picked up right where he left off at the end of the 2017-18 season when he averaged 23.5 points over his final four games. The Villanova alum leads the undefeated Lakers in scoring at 23.3 points per game and has used his size and physicality to get to the rim at will. His three-point stroke remains a work in progress, but he’s absolutely earned himself a spot in LA’s crowded backcourt rotation.
Over/Under points per game by Josh Hart in 2018-19: 12.5
Deandre Ayton (Phoenix Suns)
Big things were expected from Deandre Ayton heading into Vegas, and he hasn’t disappointed. The no. 1 overall pick dominated Marvin Bagley III in their first head-to-head matchup, and is averaging 16 points, and 11 rebounds despite facing consistent double teams. His defense and decision making are still concerns, but there’s simply no stopping him when he gets position in the paint.
Odds Deandre Anyton will be named the 2019 NBA Rookie of the Year: 3/1
John Collins (Atlanta Hawks)
Second year players tend to dominate in Summer League, and John Collins has been no exception. The Hawks forward leads all players in scoring at 24 points per game and has repeatedly shown off his improved three-point stroke. His fours treys against the Knicks brought the fans at the Thomas & Mack Center to their feet and are a positive indication that his game is maturing beyond just rim runs and put-backs.
Over/Under number of three-point attempts by John Collins in 2018-19: 80.5
Cedi Osman (Cleveland Cavaliers)
It may not come as much of a consolation to Cavs fans who are still licking their wounds over LeBron’s departure, but the team has a bona fide blue chip prospect in Cedi Osman. The Turkish forward is averaging 20 points, eight rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 2.5 steals over two games and has shown an ability to make plays for himself and others. He sees the court exceptionally well for a player his age and has a natural, unrushed quality to his game. Someone is going to have to shoot the ball in Cleveland next season, and it might as well be Osman.
Odds Cedi Osman leads the Cavs in scoring in 2018-19: 9/1
Kevin Knox (Knicks)
Knox received a rude welcome to the NBA when he was viciously booed on draft night, but it’s been smooth sailing for the 6’9” small forward ever since. He leads New York’s Summer League squad in scoring at 23.3 points per game, and scorched the top-seeded Lakers for a cool 29 points on Tuesday night. Knox has looked confident handling the ball in transition and has shown an ability to finish at the rim with both hands. Count on him getting plenty of playing time in 2018-19 as he tries to fill the void left by injured All-Star Kristaps Porzingis.
Over/Under points per game by Kevin Knox in 2018-19: 13.5
Honorable Mention: Amile Jefferson (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Amile Jefferson didn’t enter Summer League as a household name, but he might be one by the time he leaves. The former Duke captain is averaging 10.7 points, 13 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game and has endeared himself to Minnesota’s coaching staff with his relentless hustle and grit. Jefferson toiled in the G League last season after going undrafted in 2017, but it looks like he’s finally found a home in the NBA.
Odds Amile Jefferson will be on an NBA roster when the 2017-18 season begins: 1/2
Ryan worked as an Editor and resident Lead NBA and MLB Writer for SB from 2017-19. He has authored his own weekly columns for Fox Sports and AskMen, and has created successful campaigns for the WWE, the NHL, and the NFL. Ryan's critically acclaimed stories have been published in 20 books.
