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Injuries are starting to mount for the former Gonzaga players in the NBA Summer League. Jalen Suggs’ electric start was cut short after he sprained his thumb. We officially can add Killian Tillie to that mix, and potential Ryan Woolridge.
Joel Ayayi: 22 minutes, 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 block
Ayayi has been a consistent starter for the Lakers during the Summer League, but he also hasn’t exactly taken advantage of those minutes each night. Yesterday was one of those evenings. Ayayi only attempted three field-goals, missing both of his three-point attempts. This was the second-lowest shot attempt total on the Lakers outside of forward Alan Griffin, who took one shot in four minutes.
On the Las Vegas Summer League, Ayayi is averaging 20.3 minutes per game, but he is also only averaging 4.3 points off of less than four field goal attempts. Mac McClung, his Lakers teammate, is hoisting up 7.7 FGA per game in 20 minutes (granted, he is only shooting a woeful 21.7 percent from the floor).
Ayayi, who signed a two-way contract with the Lakers, will probably need some more time in the G League based on his Summer League play. The talent is definitely there, but until Ayayi becomes more aggressive and authoritative on the offensive end, he probably won’t crack the rotation of a team that will be most likely competing for a championship next season.
Ryan Woolridge: 8 minutes, 7 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 turnover
Wooldridge did not see many minutes in the Thunder’s loss to the Warriors, but he was as efficient as possible, with a team-high +7 in the +/- category. Woolridge went 3-for-3 from the floor, with the only blemish on the evening being a missed free throw and one turnover. Unfortunately, it looked like he rolled or sprained his ankle after accidentally stepping on a cameraman.
@_CallMeSmoove ➡️ @jay5mula pic.twitter.com/sRhBy3y2L6
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) August 14, 2021
Killian Tillie - DNP (Left Hip Injury)
The box score lists it as a left hip injury, but in reality, Tillie is suffering from a groin injury. However, after strong play throughout the Summer League, the Grizzlies appear set on knowing what the former Gonzaga big man can provide on the court. Most likely, this will be the last we will see of Tillie during the Summer League. There is no reason for Memphis to play him anymore.
Killian Tillie has a slight groin injury, and the decision to rest the other guys was "the result of seeing enough from them and wanting to see other players," according to summer league coach Darko Rajakovic.
— Drew Hill (@DrewHill_DM) August 14, 2021
IMO, we've seen enough from Bane and Tillman -- good to go.
Johnathan Williams III - DNP (Coach’s Decision)
Today’s Games
- Philadelphia 76ers (Filip Petrusev) vs. Boston Celtics, 2:00 pm PT, ESPN3
- Oklahoma City Thunder (Ryan Woolridge) vs. Indiana Pacers, 3:00 pm PT, ESPN2
- Los Angeles Lakers (Joel Ayayi) vs. Detroit Pistons, 7:00 pm PT, ESPN2