Four summer games down and one to go for the Cavs...again these games are all about development, and a chance to play...for guys like Shannon Brown and Dwayne Jones, a chance to take all the endless drill work into live competition....and for guys like Romeo Travis, Dijon Thompson, and Darius Rice, a chance to prove they deserve an invite to an NBA camp in the fall.
Melvin Hunt has had to play Shannon a little more than he wanted at the point because of Daniel Gibson's ankle sprain....but initiating the offense has helped the former MSU Spartan...it shows him what areas he needs to improve upon, like decision making with the basketball, and when to deliver the ball...as a two guard he's on the receiving end of those passes...Shannon playing the one on the defensive end is also something which could give the Cavs more versatility as the '07-'08 season progresses...The coaches are trying to get him to get into opponents a little more and use his strength.
Coach Mel loves the toughness Dwayne Jones continues to show...he feels Dwayne can play a long time in this league just based on his rebounding and shot blocking ability because he is a tough dude...Dwayne's offensive game is a work in progress....but I can tell you first hand his work ethic is relentless...Mel feels Dwayne's confidence has gotten a boost from these summer games.
The Cavs assistant coach also loves the attitude Romeo Travis has brought to Vegas...a classic teammate...the other night, when Mel called Romeo's name to enter the game, the Akron Zip jumped off the bench with a big smile and said..."Me?"...Mel told him to go and play hard....Romeo said..."I might as well, I have nothing else to do" he said with a smile...In other words, Romeo knows he'll have to try and outwork people to catch some scouts attention...he scored a pair of hoops against Memphis in the loss to the Grizzlies...He's probably a 3 more than a 4 at the pro level...
According to Melvin, Mike Conley Jr is the real deal...he loves the Buckeye point guard's handle and command of the offense...he likens him a bit to former NBA southpaw, Kenny Anderson, but feels Conley is actually a better finisher at the rim...Mike will get a boat load of minutes this season, and will challenge for all rookie honors right out of the shoot.
By the way, Daniel Gibson will practice, but likely won't play in the Summer League finale on Saturday.
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