:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46699322/usa-today-8439642.0.jpg)
The Summer League is in full swing and there are a bunch of former Big Ten players in action. Though this is not an NBA site, many of these former Big Ten players are fighting for a roster position in the Summer League and these games will have a large impact on how many players from the Big Ten make 2015-16 NBA rosters. Success in the pros is highly related to a program's success, which makes the Summer League highly relevant for many of the programs in the Big Ten. Here are some of the highlights from Day 5.
We detailed the full Summer League rosters and now we are going to be following those players during their games this summer.
2015 NBA Summer League Day 5 Stats:
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3857282/Screen_Shot_2015-07-09_at_12.46.55_AM.0.png)
----
Thoughts
Once again, please insert a "grain of salt" warning with everyone of my statements regarding the Summer League. The competition is much different than your typical NBA regular or postseason game and as such, you really have to evaluate these games differently. Players aren't going to run into a LeBron or Durant in these games. Fans can still get an idea of how players are progressing, but the level of competition and seriousness of these games are definitely different than what takes place in a normal NBA game. FYI, this first paragraph is going to run on each one of these recaps just as a general reminder about the significance of the Summer League.
Another day and another big game for Branden Dawson. At this point, it's hard not to think he is in serious play for an NBA roster spot next season. Dawson put together a 15 point and 11 rebound performance on Day 5, which was another double-double for the former Spartan.
Along with this, DJ Newbill also had a really nice game for the Clippers. Many viewed Newbill as a guy who could really make noise in the Summer League and this was the first game where he really made a major impact. Though it was just one game, it was at least an 18 point performance to add to the resume. Jared Berggren also had a really nice performance for the Pistons.
On the other side of things, the two Big Ten players on the Miami Heat did not see any game action. Both Gabriel Olaseni and Travis Trice have seen a decent amount of time in the Summer League, but did not get playing time on Day 5 of the action. Trice has put together a nice Summer League, so it's definitely notable for him.