VEGAS GRADES: Boston Celtics 96, Philadelphia 76ers 82
The Philadelphia 76ers are an even 1-1 after two days in Las Vegas.
After a strong opening win over the Milwaukee Bucks, the Philadelphia 76ers battled the Boston Celtics on the second day of Summer League. It resulted in a 96-82 loss — a score that doesn’t do justice to how entertaining the contest was.
It was a showcase for several intriguing prospects. Matisse Thybulle, Zhaire Smith and Norvel Pelle stood out for Philadelphia. Grant Williams and Carsen Edwards are blissful for Boston, though it came with a tinge of regret and disappointment for Sixers fans.
While the Sixers weren’t perfect, it was a strong and encouraging game. Thybulle and Smith showed flashes of rotation-level performance, while Pelle was a major factor on both ends. Marial Shayok made some impressive shots, P.J. Dozier was there and Shake Milton came into his own a bit.
B+. Smith had another strong outing. He clamped down on defense, made timely moves to the rim and shot 2-of-5 from deep. His mechanics aren’t perfect, but he’s getting to a place of reliability as a standstill shooter. That, combined with strong on-ball defense and elite athleticism, is a promising development.. Wing. Philadelphia 76ers. ZHAIRE SMITH
Philadelphia 76ers. NORVEL PELLE. A. Pelle looked the part of an NBA prospect. His hops were up there with <a rel=. Big
B+. Thybulle had a much better second game. He was all over the place on defense in typical Thybulle fashion, getting deflections and blowing up a few set plays. He shot 4-of-9 on 3s, looking especially comfortable in the corner — a valuable spot on the floor. His ability to attack closeouts and finish inside was another plus.. Wing. Philadelphia 76ers. MATISSE THYBULLE
Wing. Philadelphia 76ers. MARIAL SHAYOK. B-. Shayok looks like he can stick. Perhaps even earn one of the Sixers’ 15 main roster spots. The dude hits shots — off-movement threes, posting up smaller defenders, mid-range pull-ups. He has some nice versatility as a shooter. He’s also a versatile athlete, though his four turnovers were a minor downer.
Philadelphia 76ers. SHAKE MILTON. D+. Milton has been miscast as a lead guard this summer. While it’s a positive setting for his development, it’s clear Milton can’t fill the backup point guard role for Philadelphia next season. He’s just not athletic enough, lacking the shiftiness and quick-twitch movement to create on a consistent basis. He shot 2-for-15 from the field and missed all eight of his 3-point attempts. Not ideal.. Guard
All five members of the starting lineup — Milton, Smith, Thybulle, Shayok, Pelle — will presumably be on the 17-man roster next season. All five have a chance, to some degree, to carve out a niche, whether it’s in high-energy bursts or a legitimate rotation spot.
Thybulle and Smith attempted 14 3-point attempts in total. For two defensive prospects who entered the league with offensive question marks, that volume is significant. It shows a concerted effort to become reliable spot-up shooters.
Milton continues to show a mixed bag on the court. Fresh off a new contract, it’s clear he’s not an NBA point guard. He’s better in a secondary creation role, as his limited athleticism offsets his feel and vision as a passer.
Pelle was a massive deterrent all night. He went toe-to-toe with Robert Williams, skying for blocks, altering shots and finishing lobs on offense. The Sixers are loaded in the frontcourt, but he has a skill set with clear application at the next level.
Next. Sixers 2019 free agency tracker. dark
The Sixers next game is Monday, July 8.