Utah Jazz Summer League awards


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SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Jazz Summer League came and went and now we can sit back and reflect on what we witnessed. We saw some incredible players that will stay in the league for years to come. We also saw some drafted players play way below what is expected from NBA drafted players.

Now I reward the players who achieved a level of success, or failure, worthy of noting.

Here are your Utah Jazz Summer League award winners (and losers):

Pre-game-dunker award — J.P. Tokoto (Philadelphia 76ers)

Tokoto might be the most athletic guy to come out of the 2015 NBA draft and it showed at the Utah Jazz Summer League, kind of. Before every game, Tokoto would have two or three dunks that would get entire arena to “ooh” and “ahh.” Sadly, his in-game performance was pretty poor. Tokoto only averaged 4.7 ppg and 6.0 rpg.

Rudy Gobert award — Livio Jean-Charles (San Antonio Spurs)

Jean-Charles was the dominant defensive interior presence of the Utah Jazz Summer League. He averaged 2.7 bpg and was absolutely dominant versus Jahlil Okafor and the 76ers; blocking an outstanding six shots. Jean-Charles is originally from France and trying to make his first NBA roster.

Luckily-we-don’t-foul-out award — Livio Jean-Charles (San Antonio Spurs)****

Jean-Charles wins his second award of the Utah Jazz Summer league by picking up 17 fouls over the course of three games. Jean-Charles had two games where he picked up seven fouls.

Future-backup-point-guard award — Terry Rozier (Boston Celtics)

Many, including myself, thought Rozier was taken too high by the Celtics with the 16th pick in the 2015 NBA draft. But he proved in the Utah Jazz Summer League that he belongs in the NBA. Rozier played extremely well averaging 12.3 ppg, 3.7 apg and 1.7 spg. Rozier showed why Danny Ainge believes he can develop into a solid shooter with his ability to take defenders off the dribble. He also projects to be a pretty good defender with his quickness and ability to stay in front of bigger guards.

Most-underwhelming award — Jahlil Okafor (Philadelphia 76ers)

Okafor was the No. 3 pick in the 2015 NBA draft and had a lot of hype going into the Utah Jazz Summer League. He played well in game one, putting up 18 points and 10 rebounds. But the next two games were less than stellar, averaging only 12.0 ppg and 7.5 rpg. Okafor is expected to be one of the favorites to win Rookie of the Year because of his scoring ability and dominant post play. He played well but looked far from being a dominant offensive post threat for years to come.

Best-undrafted-player award — Dairis Bertans (San Antonio Spurs)

Bertans’ best game was game one versus Philadelphia when he had 19 points and went 5-6 from 3-point range. Bertans, from Latvia, proved that he can be a knock-down shooter in the league. He also proved that his defensive instincts are pretty good too, averaging 2.0 spg.

Bryce Cotton award — Bryce Cotton (Utah Jazz)

This award is awarded to the guy who makes the acrobatic shots, is an incredible ball handler and has a killer instinct. Obviously goes to Cotton. He was special after Dante Exum went down with his ankle injury. Cotton started games two and three of the Utah Jazz Summer League and averaged 14.0 ppg and 4.5 apg. In the final game against Philadelphia, Cotton put the Jazz on his back and led them to victory in overtime.

Most-likely-to-make-a-roster award — Chris Johnson (Utah Jazz)

Johnson played extremely well throughout the Utah Jazz Summer League. He started two of the three games and put up averages of 9.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.0 spg and 1.3 bpg. He never was the star, but was an important contributor to a team that went 3-0. Johnson, currently on a non-guaranteed contract, is hoping to take one of those final spots on Utah’s roster.

Consistency award — Rodney Hood (Utah Jazz)

Hood played in the first two games before sitting out against Philadelphia with a right shoulder sprain. In those two games, Hood played fantastic. He shot almost 55 percent from the field, leading all players with more than 15 mpg. Hood was second in the Utah Jazz Summer League at 20.5 ppg and fifth in rebounds with 7.5 rpg. Hood was easily the second-best player the Utah Jazz Summer League had to offer.

LVP (Least Valuable Player) — Olivier Hanlan (Utah Jazz)

This award almost went to the Celtics’ R.J. Hunter but his 18-point game in the last game of the Utah Jazz Summer League saved him from the most undesirable honor. In three games, two starting, Hanlan averaged 2.0 ppg and one turnover. For a guy who’s trying to make a roster — and averaged 19.5 ppg at Boston College — Hanlan did not do himself any favors Utah’s summer league. Hanlan needs to see improvement on both his shooting and defense in Las Vegas if he is to make an NBA roster, let alone the Jazz.

MVP — Marcus Smart (Boston Celtics)

Even though Smart only played in two of the three games, he played fantastic. His averages of 24.0 ppg, 7.5 apg and 2.5 spg led all Utah Jazz Summer League participants. His killer instincts caused turnovers that led to easy baskets on the other end. Smart was the best player in the summer league and he knew it. He would out-rebound bigs and out-hustle quicker guards.

The Utah Jazz Summer League did not disappoint. The games were competitive and exciting. Three of the six games came down to the final possessions. The players were great and the fans were even better.

Can’t wait to do this again next year. Nathan Harker is a sports writing intern currently enrolled at Brigham Young University majoring in broadcast journalism. Nathan can be reached at nathan.harker32@gmail.com or via twitter @nharker3207.

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