The Milwaukee Bucks’ surprising first round draft pick looked worthy, some Curry kid went nuts, Damien Inglis put a scare into the entire Bucks’ fanbase, and who on earth is Sean Kilpatrick? It’s NBA summer league time folks, where action-starved fans go to salivate over talent rich, chemistry deficient rosters. Oh, there was basketball too–where the Milwaukee Bucks Summer League squad fell to the New Orleans Pelicans 101-89.
Don’t be fooled by the score–these contests matter even less than a preseason game–Summer League is about player development. The most important player for the Bucks to develop this summer is Rashad Vaughn. How did he do in his Milwuakee Bucks debut? Somewhere between “not bad” and “could use work”. Vaughn scored fourteen points in a variety of ways–getting to the line, off-dribble jumpers, impressive floaters–but shot 5-14 to get there and was 0-4 from three.
He did do this though.
That’s a scoring panache that reminds you of a certain–gasp–Russell Westbrook. (Summer League is the time for rampant optimism, after all.)
Sep 29, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Damien Inglis during media day at the Cousins Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Another high profile youngster playing his first game with “Milwaukee” embroidered on his chest was Damien Inglis–who is expected to contribute this season after missing his rookie year with a foot injury. Those expecting a rabble-rousing 28-10 performance (my hand is raised) were disappointed.
Those expecting him to complete the game injury-free (everyone) were also disappointed. After a promising (if exhausting) ten minutes of action that saw him score four points and two rebounds, Inglis limped to the bench where a trainer worked on his right foot. His right foot. You know–the one he missed his entire rookie season because of.
Naturally, Twitter erupted with pensive well-wishers.
Please basketball gods, dont hurt Monsieur Inglis foot only days after Mister Dudley goes to Washington. Thats not cool at all.
— Paul Henning (@brewcitypaul) July 10, 2015
Inglis now limping off to dressing room. Appeared to be right foot.
— cfgardner (@cf_gardner) July 10, 2015
Fortunately, the foot injury turned out to be a stinger caused by lack of stamina than and structural damage.
Damien Inglis said he was nervous about returning to action but said he was not injured. Will rest and expects to play again Sunday.
— cfgardner (@cf_gardner) July 11, 2015
That’s great news for Bucks fans. There is perhaps no other second round draft pick whom fans expect more from than Damien Inglis. He is expected to play Sunday…Phew.
Outside of Vaughn and Inglis there’s no real high ceiling guys to watch in Las Vegas. Sure Jorge Gutierrez (2 points, 0-4, 4 rebounds, 4 assists) and Johnny O’Bryant (DNP) are there from last year’s playoff roster–but no one expects them to even make the team, much less make Summer League worth watching.
That is, until the advent of Sean Kilpatrick takes over the game and never gives it back.
The University of Cincinnati product appeared in four game with the Minnesota Timberwolves last season and averaged 4.4 points in those contests. He was released after the regular season.
Clearly hungry to prove his worth and carve out a place on the roster (good luck at the guard position), Kilpatrick scored 24 points on 6-14 shooting, with four rebounds. Though considered a long-shot to make the roster , more performances like these and the Buck’s front office will have to give him serious consideration.
That’s going to be a tall order, given the log-jam at PG, but NBA executives know you never let a talent slip through the cracks no matter the repercussions on the current roster.
Among those who should be worried about their roster spot is Jorge Gutierrez. Gutierrez turned in just two points on 0-4 shooting in 27 minutes of action. Though he’s currently on the Buck’s roster there’s no guarantee that he will suit up for Milwaukee this fall. For a player who was a security blanket signing last season he simply needs to perform better.
The Bucks now turn their attention to Sunday’s contest against the San Antonio Spurs.
Hopefully Damien Inglis will be able to return and play consequential minutes, Micheal Eric shows an even stronger inside presence, and we’ll see if Kevin Jones can build on his impressive fifteen point, eight rebound performance.
Now on to the Bucks Summer League post-game grades courtesy of Behind The Buck Pass’ editor Adam McGee.
Grades
Next: Meet The Milwaukee Bucks Summer League Squad
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