Official WES and JEREL Vegas Summer League Thread

[MU_Iceman]

Suggesting Wesley Matthews can be a contributor to a playoff team is absurd.

I never said I thought he could be a solid contributor...I actually share your opinion, PRN, that our boys aren't really the NBA talents that several seem to think they are...

I'm simply saying that the Bulls have no depth at the guard position and it's my opinion that based on his general size and stature Wesley has a better chance at sustaining a career as a bench player than Jerel does.  For that reason, if the Bulls are going to add [cheap] players to fill out their frontcourt, and in the hypothetical situation described earlier (where one of the MU boys is in consideration), I would rather see Wes eat up 5 minutes of PT a game for the bulls than Jerel

[GGGG]

Novak has little if any leverage. Who gives a hoot what his agent may say.

You are correct sir.  My point was that any discontent is better communicated privately by the agent instead of publicly by Novak himself.

[77ncaachamps]

The Kings have a photo slideshow up on Flikr.

Added it to the original post.

[Golden Avalanche]

Someone like Novak that hasn't had a ton of play-time thus far in his career would be doing himself a real disservice by coming off as a malcontent when he could very well be heading back to the Clippers next year.  Even if he wasn't headed to the Clippers, they haven't released him yet.  If I were a betting man I'd wager that he's very careful about nurturing that nice-guy image... especially since it isn't a facade.

You completely missed my point -- which isn't rare these days in society. I didn't say he had to be a malcontent. In fact, I explicitly wrote that he shouldn't drop something like that. But we've seen time and time again in every sport a free agent, even restricted, be honest that the situation isn't the best for them and all they want is a better opportunity (i.e. the Odom offer sheet from Miami when he was a member of the Clippers). Those words won't hurt him -- especially considering what the NBA already deals with. That's my point.

Besides, and this is a far different conversation, the NBA will deal with any semblance of a malcontent that is 6'10'' and can drain 3's like a fat kid eating cheese curds at the state fair. It's a specialist league and they can get away with anything. See: Dennis Rodman in a wedding dress as Exhibit A.

[79Warrior]

You completely missed my point -- which isn't rare these days in society. I didn't say he had to be a malcontent. In fact, I explicitly wrote that he shouldn't drop something like that. But we've seen time and time again in every sport a free agent, even restricted, be honest that the situation isn't the best for them and all they want is a better opportunity (i.e. the Odom offer sheet from Miami when he was a member of the Clippers). Those words won't hurt him -- especially considering what the NBA already deals with. That's my point.

Besides, and this is a far different conversation, the NBA will deal with any semblance of a malcontent that is 6'10'' and can drain 3's like a fat kid eating cheese curds at the state fair. It's a specialist league and they can get away with anything. See: Dennis Rodman in a wedding dress as Exhibit A.

You are really overestimating Steve's ability. He barely gets off the bench. The only reason he saw decent minutes with the Clippers was because the team was decimated by injuries.

[TomW1365]

You are really overestimating Steve's ability. He barely gets off the bench. The only reason he saw decent minutes with the Clippers was because the team was decimated by injuries.

I spent alot of time following Novak's and the Clippers box scores this year (not to mention the Rockets the year before) and I have to disagree with you.  Simply put, injuries give players with something to prove a chance to show there skills.  Steve Novak came through in a big way last year for the Clippers.  When given the opportunity with the Rockets, he drained a game tying and game winning 3 pointer.  I think he'll have a roster spot for some time to come.

[WellsstreetWanderer]

Watched a lot of Clippers games and Novak was utilised quite a bit. announcers loved him. he was a favorite coming off the bench and came in and made a difference in several games. One,in particluar, Clippers were losing by double digits and he came in and sparked a rally and eventually a win. Lakers are hoping Adam Morrison can do the same for them

[Hards Alumni]

Steve Novak is a prototypical 6th man, nothing more, nothing less.

any team would be happy to have a guy who can come off the bench, and spark the team for some points, and who can knock down FTs.

put the ball in his hands and he makes a lot of shots... try to D him up and foul him and you are giving 2 points away.

[The Lens]

What Novak needs is time.  He needs to get old and fat.  Mark my words in his 30's he will win a play-off series.  He just needs his body to continue to fill out so he can defend 4s.  At 6'10", he is 1/2 way there.

[GOMU1104]

Steve Novak will have a 15 year NBA career, barring serious injury.  He can do something EXTREMELY well that not many NBA players can do. Combine that with being 6'10"...Steve is always going to have a spot in the NBA.

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

As a matter of fact, Novak may be defining a new role for an NBA player. Not so much a closer as a designated shooter.

I agree with others, Novak will have a spot on a team for a long time. If Chuck Nevitt can last in the NBA for as long as he did, a guy like Novak with a true skill that can win you a game or two during a season is worth a spot on the bench!

[77ncaachamps]

What Novak needs is time.  He needs to get old and fat.  Mark my words in his 30's he will win a play-off series.  He just needs his body to continue to fill out so he can defend 4s.  At 6'10", he is 1/2 way there.

you knOw, you're right.

That did wonders for Brian scalabrine!

[77ncaachamps]

Last Summer League game...Wes is not starting, neither is Jerel.

http://atdhe.net/7457/watch-summer-league-sacramento-vs-new-york