Orlando Pro Summer League, Day Two: Bobcats’ Henderson The Star Of The Day

Day Two of the Orlando Pro Summer League are in the books. Let’s take a look back at some of today’s superlatives.

Best Individual Performance: Gerald Henderson, Charlotte Bobcats. Henderson, a contender for this award yesterday, stepped things up today. Active and aggressive, the second-year small forward led Charlotte to a buzzer-beating win over the Thunder with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. He averaged 8.3 minutes per game as a rookie, and appeared in only 43 contests, but his improved jumpshot could make him part of the Bobcats’ rotation if coach Larry Brown overcomes his aversion to playing youngsters. Bobcats assistant coach Dave Hanners compared his impact on the game to that of Michael Jordan in his prime, and while Hanner’s being generous, his point is well taken. Henderson’s an exceptionally tough cover, at least here in Orlando.

Terrence Williams and Damion James powered the New Jersey Nets past the Indiana Pacers, 80-69, on Tuesday night to cap Day Two play in the Orlando Pro Summer League. Williams, in the midst of an attempted conversion to point guard, got himself in to trouble by jumping in the air to pass, but otherwise had an excellent game. He scored 24 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and led all players with 7 assists. However, James garnered more attention with his energetic play at both ends, and as the featured player in the Nets’ offense. Setting up on the left block, James looked to drive and draw contact, with mixed results. He shot just 8-of-20 from the floor and a miserable 4-of-13 from the line, yet gave an incredible effort and showed the Nets he has the athletic and physical tools to make him a contributor at this level. He led all players with 11 rebounds. As a small forward.

Poor shooting—26-of-67 for 38.8% to be exact—doomed the Pacers. Center Josh McRoberts was the guiltiest party, shooting 3-of-18 from the floor, including 2-of-12 from beyond the arc. Lottery pick Paul George missed 10 of his 15 shots and scored only 10 points, but did add a staggering 7 steals to his line, offsetting the damage he did with his bricks. Lance Stephenson led the Pacers in scoring for the second day in a row, with 15, and he did so on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting; he simply did not get enough touches to make a bigger impact, as the Pacers looked for McRoberts at the top of the arc, or George on the wings.

The Philadelphia 76ers’ balanced attack trumped the Boston Celtics’ one-man show this afternoon as they improved their record to 2-0 in the Orlando Pro Summer League, with an 86-69 victory. The Celtics jumped out to an early 15-3 lead, but faltered quickly after that as Philadelphia got its act together at both ends of the floor. Second overall draft pick Evan Turner showed he needs a lot of polish, but also showed promise, with 13 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. Third-year power forward Marreese Speights sleepwalked through the game on offense and again struggled from the field, shooting only 5-of-12, yet showed a commitment to rebounding (a team-high 11) and, yes, even passing in today’s game. A lob dunk he converted with an assist from Jrue Holiday late in the game seemed to stir him a bit. He used his touches more purposefully and aggressively after that point. He finished with 12 points.

Boston once again struggled to find offense. Second-round draft pick Luke Harangody, who starred for the Celtics yesterday, continued his solid work today even though his outside touch appeared to leave him. He needed only 16 first-half minutes to tally 9 points and 9 boards, leading all players in both categories. He finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds. His activity and effort are to be commended. A scout near me agrees, praising Harangody’s “professional” approach.

In the most exciting Orlando Pro Summer League game yet, the Charlotte Bobcats surged past the Oklahoma City Thunder, with point guard Jeremy Pargo floating in a tough layup at the buzzer for an 86-85 final. Pargo posted a modest line of 7 points and 3 assists, but he made the most important shot of the game to complete the Thunder’s comeback. Small forward Gerald Henderson fueled the Bobcats’ rally, scoring 14 second-half points on 3-of-5 shooting, doing most ofhis work on the low block, where his speed and strength help him overpower other players at the position.

Charlotte also got solid production out of center Alexis Ajinca, who poured in an efficient 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting. He looks like a legitimate low-post presence, which is marvelous considering where he was at this time one year ago. Swingman P.J. Tucker provided offense off the bench, getting out in transition and finishing his chances with 10 points.