NBA Comparision - Marko Jaric

- Size: Okay, I know size is the most basic comparison possible, but there are just so few passing guards as big as Greivis is. There’s no way around it: when you’re half a foot taller than everybody else at your position, it’s a big part of your game.

Like Jaric, pretty much the only way that Vasquez is going to effectively drive to the rack or get his shot off is if he’s going over people, because his speed ain’t gonna cut it. It’s a huge advantage that Marko never really abused, since he stayed out on the perimeter. If Vasquez is going to be logging lots of minutes at the point, he'd be wise to develop a turnaround jumper that will allow him to shoot over the top of smaller defenders, almost like a power forward or another big guard, Baron Davis.

- Athleticism: The Venezuelan pretty much has none. He's slow, especially laterally, both with the dribble and on defense. When running the point in the summer league, he often saw a spot, but just couldn't beat his defender to it, leading to him being trapped against the sideline. This is only worse on defense, when he can't stay in front of his man, and faces harsher competition. I'm definitely worried about how Vasquez will be able to contend against guys that are just naturally faster and stronger. 

(Ed. Note: Part of the reason Vasquez looked so slow in Vegas might also be an ankle injury, which might even be serious enough to need surgery, according to the CA.)

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As soon as players are drafted, the big question switches from "who are we going to take?" to "who did we just draft?" It’s an understandable reaction. When your team adds new players, everybody wants to know how they improved, and nobody has a hazier impact than rookies.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the two players (with Greivis Vasquez tomorrow) the Grizzlies just drafted, and what players that are already in the league that their skills might mirror.

NBA Comparison - Mike Miller

- Shooting: Like Miller, Xavier is cash from beyond the arc, but is not strictly a three point shooter. He can also shoot well from mid-range, is good as a catch and shoot guy, and can create his own shot with step-backs against smaller guards.

Don’t get it twisted, Xavier is not going to come in and immediately be the deadeye marksman that Miller is right now. Almost every rookie take some time to adjust to the longer arc. But Henry’s collegiate shooting numbers were more impressive and he's a gym rat, so he’s definitely got at least that type of potential. 

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I'd like to start this off by helping you guys notice that this isn't your favorite Turtlefaced blogger. So some of the thoughts and opinions in this recap are going to differ from some of the summer league stuff you guys have already read about. As always, feel free to agree, disagree, or none of the above. 

This was the first game that I got to watch all the way through, and holy cow it was an ugly one. If the Grizzlies had kept a game close with a team that actually cared about winning, that might be a positive. Unfortunately, every time Kurt Rambis or David Kahn talk, they remind everybody that nobody in Minny actually cares about fielding a good team. 

Sadly, the Grizz actually lost to the pathetic T-Wolves, 66-65, to take suffer their first summer league loss since 2008. With that, we're off...

• Hasheem Thabeet does look improved, despite having an off night. He looks much more calm and focused in the paint. Is he good yet? Not really. But although his stats won't wow you with 6 points, 8 boards, 3 blocks and 8 fouls, he had an alley oop dunk that kinda looked flashy. A little bit of tenacity in there. I liked it. He also hit a pull-up jumper from close to the elbow. I'm not kidding. If he can do that...wow. 
• Sam Young's 25 points were, as described Allen said last night, ugly. Not his best night tonight. But his three-point stroke looks much improved. He should get open looks and I think he'll hit at a higher percentage this season. 
• I might be starting to come around a little bit with Greivis Vasquez. More later, but his size is a huge (no pun intended) asset, and playing with OJ, Rudy, Z-Bo and Marc, he'll have four legit scoring threats to dish to. He definitely should be able to rack up assists, especially in the open floor in the transition game. 
• I don't love Jeff Adrien as much as some, but the man can rebound, that's for sure. He throws his weight around and hustles after loose balls, which is always valuable. 
• Darrell Arthur was on and off. He didn't impress me a ton, but I saw flashes of him becoming an effective low post player. Considering that Carroll and Young play on the wing, Arthur would be SO valuable if he could provide solid rebounding and defense. I know DJT said Carl Landry-esque. I'd settle for Drew Gooden-ish.

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