NBA Summer League: Walton Plays Well, Irvin Struggles

Submitted by BursleyHall82 on

 

Derrick Walton Jr. (Orlando) and Zak Irvin (Miami) had their NBA Summer League debuts today.

Walton came off the bench but tied for high-scoring honors for the Magic, scoring 10 points on 2-of-3 shooting from 3-points range. Irvin struggled, starting for the Heat and scoring only 4 points, going 0-for-6 from 3. Here's hoping he gets it together tomorrow!

Full NBA Summer League recaps:

http://www.espn.com/nba-summer-league/scoreboard

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stephenrjking

July 1st, 2017 at 6:54 PM ^

I doubt either guy has more than a cup of coffee in the Association, but if Irvin ever does it will be due to defensive tenacity and versatility, with the added bonus of being a spare shooter that can bleed a defender to space the floor.

If a pro team tries to use him as an integral part of the offense it won't go well. No idea how he was used in the game in question here.

Joined: 03/15/2012

MGoPoints: 20143524

I Like Burgers

July 2nd, 2017 at 4:22 PM ^

No idea why you're getting downvoted so hard.  Neither guy was drafted, which makes their odds of landing on a roster slim to none.  That's just reality, folks.

Their best bet is to land on a D-league team, try and improve, and then work their way up to a 10-day contract or something (the aforementioned cup of coffee).  Or just go the Euro route.

Joined: 10/06/2012

MGoPoints: 30575

Qmatic

July 1st, 2017 at 7:16 PM ^

Irvin's career arc has to be one of the strangest of a 4 year contributor. He was a lights out 3 point shooter as a freshman, the best player down the stretch as a sophomore, a shooting liability as a junior and half of a senior, and damn ice cold leader and finisher at the end of his career.

Joined: 01/09/2013

MGoPoints: 32723

bronxblue

July 1st, 2017 at 8:54 PM ^

I think his problem was the first year set totally unrealistic expectations, largely due to being the 3rd/4th option most times down the court and getting a lot of wide open shots in the corner.  I mean, he shot a total of 50 2 pointers his whole first year.  After that year, he was basically a 34% 3-point shooter, solid defender, competent mid-range game in small doses.  That feels like a bench NBA guy, and I think had his first year been more in line with the next 3 he wouldn't have been viewed as a disappointment by many.  Also, his junior year definitely seemed hindered by some injury recovery issues, because there were times when he looked barely capable of running the court or jumping.

Joined: 11/22/2008

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Avon Barksdale

July 1st, 2017 at 9:43 PM ^

Doesn't really surprise me. His legacy will always be a guy that didn't play very well in pressure situations. Hard to imagine that translating well to the summer league when your entire career is on the line.

Joined: 04/27/2013

MGoPoints: 12859

remdog

July 2nd, 2017 at 2:58 AM ^

He's just pointing out how completely ignorant the poster's comment was. If somebody is that ignorant of Irvin's play, he probably was also ignorant about the plane crash.

Joined: 05/14/2009

MGoPoints: 3086

lilpenny1316

July 1st, 2017 at 11:28 PM ^

Rip was a killer mid-range shooter and could catch and shoot with the best of them.  Zak is definitely a better mid-range shooter and his release, albeit funky looking, isquick.  If he can be reliable in the mid-range game and play solid D, he could have a decent career.

Joined: 11/19/2009

MGoPoints: 61795

shoes

July 2nd, 2017 at 12:20 PM ^

for us, I just don't think he is quick enough for the NBA. Though Walton is a longshot, I do think he has an outside chance.

Joined: 07/01/2008

MGoPoints: 9440