The NBA Summer League ended Sunday night with an 85-77 victory by the Portland Trail Blazers over the New York Knicks in the championship game.
Eight former Wolverines had the opportunity to showcase their abilities in Las Vegas: Chaundee Brown (Atlanta), Isaiah Livers (Detroit), D.J. Wilson (Toronto), Caleb Houstan (Orlando), Moussa Diabate (LA Clippers), Zavier Simpson (Orlando), DeVante’ Jones (Denver) and Eli Brooks (Indiana).
Here’s how each of them performed:
Chaundee Brown (Atlanta): 5 games played, averaging 23.4 minutes,14.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.0 assist.
As he did at Michigan, Brown continues playing high-energy defense and knocking down 3-pointers. He made 46.7% of his attempts from deep during the Summer League. His 17 points in Sunday’s finale against Cleveland were another argument in favor of him earning a roster spot after he signed a two-way deal at the end of last season.
“I’m going to do anything to win, guard the best player and not let him score — that’s my job. Space the floor, run the floor, defend, and rebound,” Brown said earlier this month. The Hawks named him one of six players to watch during the Summer League, and he certainly impressed.
Isaiah Livers (Detroit): 2 games played, averaging 30.1 minutes, 14.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.0 assist.
Last year, Livers watched the Summer League from the sidelines as he recovered from the foot surgery that prematurely ended his Michigan playing career. Despite the injury, he still had a productive rookie season, averaging 11.4 points and 5.4 rebounds in 19 total games with the Pistons (5 starts).
There’s no doubt Livers can score, but improvements on defense will be necessary for him to solidify a spot in the Pistons’ rotation. There were encouraging signs during his performances in Las Vegas, and Livers attributed some of his NBA readiness to Juwan Howard.
“No disrespect to coach (John) Beilein, but when coach (Juwan) Howard came in, he established the NBA lingo and communication,” Livers told reporters. “It was hard at first, but once you got it, it felt natural. Then, my time off last year allowed me to watch what coach Casey likes to do defensively.”
D.J. Wilson (Toronto): 4 games played, averaging 25.7 minutes, 10.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists.
The bigger news for Wilson came off the court, as he signed a multi-year contract with the Raptors on July 8. He averaged a double-double in the G League last year and appeared in four games (one start) with Toronto in 2021-22.
“I love this game and it’s just all I ever wanted to do,” Wilson told Sportsnet about his reaction to landing a new deal after last year’s 10-day contracts. “So, it wasn’t all that hard for me considering how much I love the game, and how much I want to be out here and play. When you love the game that much, fighting through adversity and persevering makes it much easier.”
Caleb Houstan (Orlando): 4 games played, averaging 28.8 minutes, 8.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 0.3 assists.
Houstan cooled significantly after a hot start to his Magic tenure. He flashed with a 20-point outing (and five made 3-pointers) in Orlando’s first game, but he finished the Summer League shooting just 32.5% from the floor and 25% from deep — on 7.0 attempted 3-pointers per contest.
Despite the inconsistency, Orlando is committing to their second-round selection and signed him to a four-year, $8.2 million deal, per Hoops Hype.
Moussa Diabate (LA Clippers): 2 games played, averaging 24.1 minutes, 9.5 points and 7.5 rebounds.
An ankle injury sidelined Diabate for the end of the Summer League, but he showed promise. In his debut, Diabate posted six offensive boards and 10 points, including this highlight-worthy dunk. That said, the Clippers clearly view Diabate as a project. On Draft night, Lawrence Frank, President of Basketball Operations, called the rookie a “development project,” suggesting he may be asked to improve in the G League.
“He’s a guy that has an unbelievable motor, who has shown the ability to switch and guard multiple positions, and brings a little more athleticism,” Frank said.
Zavier Simpson (Orlando): 5 games played, averaging 22.6 minutes, 8.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists.
Captain Hook made his NBA debut in April, bringing his unusual shot to the Oklahoma City Thunder after establishing himself in the G League. The two-time Michigan captain is still hoping to carve out a regular NBA role, and his hook shot remains a topic of conversation.
“Simpson is a crafty player,” wrote Josh Cohen, Magic beat reporter. “He’s not blazing fast or explosive – nor is he the biggest guard – but he has a knack for creating space using his creativity and high basketball IQ. He’s also a sneaky good defender with great instincts and anticipation.”
DeVante’ Jones (Denver): 3 games played, averaging 15 minutes, 3.7 points, 0.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists.
The Nuggets have completed their regular-season roster by reportedly signing Jack White. Jones started Denver’s final Summer League game on Sunday night and finished with six points on a 2-for-6 performance from the field.
Eli Brooks (Indiana): 3 games played, averaging 9.7 minutes, 3.3 points, 1.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists.
Brooks provided six points, three rebounds and four assists off the bench in the Pacers’ Summer League finale on Sunday. The guard signed an Exhibit 10 contract — a one-year, minimum salary NBA deal — with Indiana in late June. The franchise can convert it into a two-way deal and holds Brooks’ G-League rights.