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Summer League Notes: Zach LaVine is a sick, ridiculous athlete
- Updated: July 17, 2014
Timberwolves point guard Zach LaVine took a lot of heat for his “f— me” reaction when he was drafted, but he appears to have bucked up on his way to Vegas.
The 19-year old UCLA product has shown why Minnesota was so high on him in the first place, namely–he is a ridiculous athlete.
LaVine threw down this dunk on Wednesday night and made NBATV’s Vince Cellini sound like Suzyn Waldman:
He’s out of control at times and plays like a 19-year old, but he’s got a smooth jump shot, nice handle, and, again, that insane, other-worldly athleticism. The NBA should just go ahead and pen him in for next year’s Slam Dunk contest, as his pregame warmup routine looks like a Dominique Wilkins highlight film.
Below are some more highlights from his night against the Suns on Wednesday, when he put up 20 points:
If LaVine can improve his decision-making skills a little and learn the ropes under current Wolves guard Ricky Rubio, he’s going to have a chance to have a great career.
He may not have had the college career that some of the guys taken after him had (TJ Warren from NC State, Shabazz Napier from UConn), but his athleticism makes up for a lot of flaws.
He’s got the potential to develop into a star in this league, but at this point, that’s all it is–potential.
Other Notes:
Everybody laughed at the Raptors when they selected Bruno Caboclo with the No. 20 pick in the draft, but “The Brazilian Kevin Durant” has shown why Raps GM Massai Uriji had so much faith in him.
Caboclo is long and lanky at 6-8, and he plays like a true “3,” or slashing small forward. He’s got a very good handle and can shoot the 3.
He faces guys up out by the three-point line, and just like Durant, likes to put on a couple of between-the-legs dribble moves before drilling a 3 in your face.
ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla said on draft night that Caboclo was “two years away from being two years away,” but we think he could crack an NBA rotation right now.
