(AP Photo/Laura Rauch)

What Happens In Vegas…

Summer is in full swing, and that means Summer League basketball. Thanks to NBA TV basketball junkies can catch some hoops in the month of July.

Devoid of the pomp and circumstance that goes along with the regular season, Summer League hoops has a throwback feel to it. There are no player introductions prior to tip-off. The coverage is not state of the art – the audio mix isn’t always optimal. Commentators and play-by-play guys don’t follow a script. To top it off, commercials are minimal and sideline interviews seem less intrusive. All of that makes for rather enjoyable viewing on a rainy day.

Watching Summer League games lends a deeper appreciation to the level of play in the NBA. These games are a mix of rookies and youngsters trying to earn a contract. Several minutes can tick off the clock before a semblance a half-court offense shows up.

Managed to catch a little of the Bulls / Oklahoma City game. Good to see DeMarcus Nelson on the floor for the Bulls. Nelson still works hard on his defense. He played limited minutes for Golden State last season. Here’s hoping the Duke alum finds a bench to ride for the season.

Word has it that Hasheem Thabeet is struggling in Sin City. No surprise there. But with time Hash should contribute in the NBA.

It’s all about location.

Prior to the NBA Draft, many thought DeJuan Blair would be a lottery pick – if not, at least in the middle of the first round. Draft day arrived. The first ten picks came, and Blair waited. The first round ended, and still Blair did not have a team. Not until the 37th pick (San Antonio) did Blair hear his name.

Blair may not have been a lottery pick, but he landed in a great location. While many youngsters will struggle on weak teams, Blair will have the chance to learn from a bunch of veterans and experience playoff basketball. Wonder if a Tim Duncan / Blair commercial with the gnomes is in the making.

The Spurs who looked a step slow the second-half of the season have rebuilt themselves into contenders. Adding Richard Jefferson prior to the draft gives the Spurs a perimeter presence they lacked when Manu Ginobili went down with an injury.

Jefferson should enjoy a return to the playoffs. It’s been a while since he helped the Nets get to the finals. Jefferson on the floor with Tony Parker, Duncan, and Ginobili should provide more than just a threat for the Los Angeles Lakers.

San Antonio also drafted Jack McClinton from Miami. Although he is unsigned as yet, McClinton is a three-point threat who, along with Roger Mason, can provide a complement to the Spurs offense.

Cleaning out the skeletons.

What a summer for Derrick Rose.  He’s fended off more allegations than the Cambridge police department. First, we read about the bogus SAT scores. Then came the story about his high school grades.  Now, Rose is dealing with a picture from high school that portrays a less-than flattering image.

What’s a guy to do? Rose is spending time in the gym working with the USA National team. Sporting News reports that Rose is taking 500-800 shots a day.

That’s one way to avoid the negative press.

Got some insights? Take a seat on the Pine and share some wisdom.

Steve Curry -Sophomore/Davidson – 25.8 ppg / FG 49% / 3Pt. 43%. Don’t be fooled into thinking that Curry has feasted off a weak Southern Conference schedule. Earlier this season the sophomore dropped 15 against UCLA, 24 vs. UNC, 20 against Duke, and 29 vs. NC State.

Brian Roberts - Senior/Dayton – 19ppg / FG 49% / 3Pt. 44%. Plays his best in the big games. Versus Louisville Roberts led the Flyers to 70-65 win with 28 points – against Pitt Roberts drained five of eight three pointers while scoring 31.

Eric Gordon - Freshman/Indiana – 21.7ppg / FG 47% / 3Pt. 40%. Possesses a deadly combination of range with the ability to go off the dribble. Not afraid to drive and dish – 2.5 assists per game.

AJ Graves - Senior/Butler – 13.8ppg / FG 37% / 3Pt. 35%. Look beyond the numbers. Graves draws double teams night in and night out. Has still managed some big games: 25 versus Florida St. and 18 against Texas Tech. Has scored in double figures in six straight games.

DeMarcus Nelson - Senior/Duke – 15.5ppg / FG 50% / 3Pt. 41%. For three years Nelson was known as a slasher whose game could easily be taken away because he couldn’t knock down a jumper. Not true any more. Has as much athleticism as anyone in the country. Now if he could just hit his free throws.

I don’t care that Maryland was .500 in the ACC.

I don’t care that Maryland is unranked.

Duke’s victory last night over the Terrapins, 93-84, was a statement game.

Down nine at half, on the road, and the Terrapins clicking on all cylinders the Blue Devils stepped up and took the game away. Within ten minutes the nine point deficit was a nine point lead.

DeMarcus Nelson is showing that he wants to be a leader. He dropped a career-high 27, grabbed seven rebounds and dished out four assists. His two steals early in the second half showed Maryland they would get nothing easy. His left handed finish going to the basket was rock solid.

Last night was also a coming-out party for Nolan Smith who scored 14, pulled down six rebounds, but most of all he provided a solid ball handling presence late in the game.

Gerald Henderson continues to impress. The sophomore has developed a nice mid-range game to go with his ability to finish in the paint.

Last week announcers called Duke’s victory over Clemson a statement game; it didn’t do much for me. Last night against a Terrapin team buoyed by a recent triumph over the Tar Heels, now that is more like it!

I’m lickin’ my chops. Win or lose – the rest of the season should be exciting.