Highly touted rookie big men Deandre Ayton and Mo Bamba went head-to-head in a Summer League matchup between Phoenix and Orlando on Monday that didn’t disappoint . Even though the Suns pulled ahead early and led by double digits almost the entire game, this showdown between two legitimate centers proved the NBA’s five spot is in good hands going forward.
Deandre Ayton, Mo Bamba face off in Summer League
The two top rookie centers were the biggest draw of a wild Summer League Monday night.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Bamba may have only finished with four points (2-of-4 shooting) and five rebounds, but his five blocks were exactly why the Magic selected him fifth-overall in this year’s draft. His presence made opponents think twice about driving the lane while he was in the paint.
Ayton showcased the all-around skill set that made scouts salivate as he climbed draft boards in his lone season at Arizona before being scooped him up with the No. 1 overall pick. He finished with 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting to go with 13 rebounds. He even chased down a Magic guard on a fastbreak for an improbable, basket-saving block.
Ayton’s only 19 years old, but his body is filled out much more than many of his draft mates. As a result, defenders have had issues getting over his screens, and when he rolls, his man usually has rotated over to help on the ball handler.
The Suns may have come away with the convincing victory, but the Magic are positioning themselves to be a scary team. Orlando re-signed budding star Aaron Gordon to a four-year, $80 million deal, and with Bamba and Jonathan Isaac in the fold, the Magic have one of the more promising front courts in the Eastern Conference.
Phoenix also has a bright future ahead, with Ayton joining a talented young team that includes the $158 million man, Devin Booker, and Josh Jackson.
Monday night wasn’t just a two-team show. Several teams squared off in Summer League play, and a few squads had some standout players. Here’s what you missed if you didn’t tune in:
Danuel House has no respect
This is the same guy who windmilled a dunk to avoid getting blocked:
Osman went bananas against the Pacers for 27 points on 9-of-18 shooting to go with six rebounds and six assists. Cavs.com beat writer Joe Gabriele called him the best player on the floor all night.
Cavs rookie point guard Collin Sexton put up 21 points on 9-of-17 shooting from the field. He battled against Pacers’ rookie guard Aaron Holiday, but Sexton won the matchup handily.
What can Brown do for you? The Milwaukee guard can score from all over the court, and he did so against the Nuggets to the tune of 27 points on 11-of-18 shooting from the field.
Monday’s final scores
Thunder 92, Raptors 82
Cavaliers 93, Pacers 88
Wizards 87, 76ers 75
Celtics 100, Hornets 80
Mavericks 91, Warriors 71
Nuggets 90, Bucks 83
Suns 71, Magic 53
Timberwolves 78, Nets 69
Rockets 104, Clippers 90
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