NBA Summer League: Gonzaga’s former frontcourt looks good

Fans of the Washington Wizards have to be pleased with what they’ve seen out of their new top-10 pick, as Rui Hachimura punctuated his first week of NBA Summer League action with a sterling performance that helped his new club pick up a 76-71 win over the Atlanta Hawks.

Hachimura was dominant on his way to 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks, showcasing his deft scoring touch in and around the paint while answering his own General Manager’s joking inquiry as to whether he was capable of shooting the 3-ball. On this night, the answer to that question was a solid YES.

Johnathan Williams had a workmanlike 13 points and 6 rebounds after starting for the Houston Rockets in a 87-78 win over the Utah Jazz. Williams is a newly minted unrestricted free agent after the Los Angeles Lakers rescinded their qualifying offer earlier this week, thereby relinquishing their rights to the former Gonzaga forward, and will be hoping to parlay a strong summer to a roster spot somewhere around the league. Houston could be an interesting landing spot for Williams with Russell Westbrook rejoining his old running mate in James Harden following a trade involving Chris Paul and a slew of draft picks.

The Memphis Grizzlies had a tough night in a loss to the Boston Celtics, and Brandon Clarke had a quieter game in comparison to his last two outings. However, he did make his only attempt from the 3-point line, and if that becomes a reliable element in his arsenal...LOL good luck to the rest of the NBA.