BBNBA Summer League: Oscar Tshiebwe still gobbles rebounds
If there was any doubt the proverbial basketball cliche, “Rebounding translates,” is true, Oscar Tshiebwe erased that. The best glass cleaner to ever grace the hardwood of Rupp Arena has been polishing the backboards in the NBA Summer League just as efficiently for the Indiana Pacers.
On Wednesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Tshiebwe snagged 11 boards (three offensive) to go along with seven points on a perfect 3-3 from the field, and an assist.
One of his offensive rebounds resulted in him converting a tough and-one.
Tshiebwe got the start for the Pacers for the first time, taking the place of another former Kentucky big man, Isaiah Jackson. This is Jackson’s third Summer League and his presence came as of bit of a surprise considering he was largely in the Pacers’ rotation last season. The same can be said for Benedict Mathurin, who averaged over 16 points per game as a rookie, yet suited up for the Pacers’ first two exhibitions in Las Vegas. But Jackson was impressive in his first two Summer League games and proved he doesn’t need to play the rest of the way.
Despite getting the start, Tshiebwe played only 16 minutes, a bit eyebrow-raising considering his efficiency. Through three Summer League games, Oscar has 21 rebounds in 36 minutes of action, which is good for second overall (amongst players who have seen the court for more than five minutes) using the per-40-minute metric. He trails only former Mississippi State Bulldog, Reggie Perry, now with the Golden State Warriors, whose 17-rebound performance on Wednesday nudged him slightly above Big O.
Ultimately, Oscar and the Pacers fell to Thunder, 98-87.
Another off night for Cason Wallace
Cason Wallace busted onto the Las Vegas scene hotter than a fresh set of dice at the craps table. Unfortunately, much like Vegas dice, he crapped out the next two games.
After struggling in his second contest, Wallace entered the game on Wednesday against his Kentucky teammate from a year ago, Oscar Tshiebwe, looking for a more figurative rebound. Though his team got the win, Wallace managed just four points on 2-7 shooting. He did, however, grab five rebounds and dish out five assists, including a slick one to Chet Holmgren off a screen.
Just because of the dice analogy, do not consider Wallace’s first game dominance beginner’s luck. Draft experts called Wallace the safest pick in the draft and that assessment is still correct. Due to archaic NBA trade rules, Wallace was not even allowed to practice with his team until he set foot in his first Summer League game, so it is safe to say he will need some time to get acclimated. He will look to heat back up on Friday against the Wizards.
Other former ‘Cats vying for a roster spot
Believe it or not, Johnny Juzang was the former Kentucky Wildcat who scored the most points in Wednesday night’s Summer League action. The UCLA transfer scored eight points for the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets.
Mychal Mulder (Boston Celtics) and Sacha Killeya-Jones (Los Angeles Lakers) did not play when these two teams faced off against one another in this classic, albeit fairly meaningless, battle of the coastal blue chips.
And if you were holding out hope that TyTy Washington might make an appearance for his new team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, it is probably safe to stop holding your breath. The trade made it too late for him to come into the fray at this point, so Washington will have to wait to make a name for himself during the fall training camp.
7/12/2023 Summer League Statistics
| Player | Score | PTS | FG (3PT) | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | MIN | +/- |
| Johnny Juzang (UTA) | 96-91 L vs. DEN | 8 | 3-8 (2-4) | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 19 | 0 |
| Oscar Tshiebwe (IND) | 87-98 L vs. OKC | 6 | 3-3 (0-0) | 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | +4 |
| Cason Wallace (OKC) | 98-87 W vs. IND | 4 | 2-7 (0-3) | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 27 | -2 |
| Isaiah Jackson (IND) | 87-98 L vs. OKC | DNP | ||||||||
| Sacha Killeya-Jones (LAL) | 90-95 L vs. LAL | DNP | ||||||||
| Mychal Mulder (BOS) | 95-90 W vs. BOS | DNP |
Tonight in NBA Summer League
3:00 p.m. (ESPN2): Bulls vs. Cavaliers
3:30 p.m. (NBA TV): 76ers vs. Hawks
5:00 p.m. (ESPN2): Nets vs. Raptors
5:30 p.m. (NBA TV): Bucks (Livingston, Montgomery) vs. Heat
7:00 p.m. (ESPN): Rockets vs. Warriors
7:30 p.m. (NBA TV): Hornets vs. Pelicans
9:00 p.m. (ESPN2): Trail Blazers (Sharpe) vs. Magic
9:30 p.m. (NBA TV): Timberwolves vs. Kings
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