It’s only Summer League? Yeah, I hear you, but did that make the rim any larger for second-year Grizzly Josh Selby? If not, then consider me nearly as impressed as whoever it was that gave him a third-place vote for Rookie of the Year. I don’t give a sh!t what league you’re playing in… to shoot 55.7% from the floor over a span of five games whilst averaging 24 a night with professional basketball players guarding you is something to write home about. And, more importantly, to make 27 of 42 three-point shot attempts (64%) is a sign of improvement from a player whose NBA career has seen him go 2-15 from downtown.
For his remarkable efforts, Selby received Co-MVP honors of the Vegas league (along with Damian Lillard). In the following video you can watch him drain shot after shot, mostly from long range. Note that he buries ‘em off the catch, off the dribble, from nearly mid-court, and while falling to the floor. Also note that Jerry Stackhouse is on TV, but will be playing for the Nets come November. I’ve heard of a player-coach, but a player-analyst? Interesting.
My assessment? Clearly, the man can stoke it when feeling confident. Memphis has a fair amount of depth at the guard positions, so he’ll have to find a way to maintain his swagger as his role is determined by coach Lionel Hollins. If he can stay focused and prepare to do whatever it is the Grizzlies ask of him then the shooting should carry over. He’s got a quick release, and last I checked the three-point arc in Las Vegas is every inch as deep as the one in Memphis.
Whether it works out or not, I see a third-place MIP vote in Selby’s future. Alright, alright… all jokes aside, way to shoot the ball, young man.
Note: Co-MVP Damian Lillard averaged 26.5 PPG on 43.8% from the floor and 37.9% from downtown. He was also third amongst rookies in assists.
