Last week, we looked at the Independent League to come up with an All-Star team of players that had seen a large drop from grace. Today, we look at the basketball equivalent—the NBA Summer League. Rather than develop an All-Star team, we ask the question, “How the heck is this guy still playing?”
Point Guard- Smush Parker
William Henry “Smush” Parker played for eight teams between 2002-2008 including stints with powerhouses Aris Thessaloniki and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. This summer, he’s playing with the Toronto Raptors Summer League team. To his credit, Smush is a tough guy. He once beat up a woman working valet over a $12 parking fee.
Shooting Guard- J.R. Giddens
You may remember J.R. when he starred at Kansas as a freshman in 2005. Unfortunately, he was involved in a stabbing incident and ended up transferring to New Mexico. If his actions at Kansas weren’t enough proof, he was suspended immediately at New Mexico for “not being a good teammate.” But, his undeniable talent has caused people to look past his actions and landed him a Summer League roster spot for the Celtics.
Small Forward- Luke Jackson
Once selected as the tenth overall pick in the NBA Draft out of Oregon, Jackson constantly makes you wonder why. Since that 2004 draft, Jackson has been the king of the 10 day contract.
Power Forward- Josh McRoberts
McRoberts thought he was NBA ready coming out of Duke his sophomore year. He didn’t get drafted until the second round. He has played 41 games since. Living off his McDonald’s All-American “potential,” McRoberts has been stealing money for long enough. Time to cut him loose.
Center- Courtney Sims
Sims was an All World tennis player in high school. Judging by his basketball career, he should have stuck with tennis. But, at 7 foot tall, you would expect him to be able to be somewhat productive. Well, he proved that theory wrong at Michigan and continues to fool NBA teams by beating up on short NBADL centers.
Bench:
Adam Morrison- We cried with Morrison as he lost a heartbreaker his senior year at Gonzaga in the NCAA Tournament. Now, we’re just crying that he somehow is still on a roster. He even won a NBA Championship in the process, barely beating JJ Redick in the Showdown of the NBA Finals benchwarmers.
Kareem Rush- His brother Brandon did more in his rookie year with the Pacers than Kareem has done in his six years. Kareem has been the epitome of average during his NBA tenure. And, if you’re a six year NBA veteran who is still playing in the Summer League, you should probably take a hint.
Alan Anderson- Anderson was a standout at Michigan State as he led them to the 2005 Final Four. He tried the NBA in a few different stints with the Bobcats and since has been an Italian League journeyman. But, he’s still good enough to show up in the Summer League!
Ronald Dupree- Coming out of LSU, Dupree was undrafted in 2003. Judging by his career 3.6 points and 2.2 rebounds per game averages, he probably should have remained that way. Four teams later, Dupree still finds himself in the NBA Summer League. At least he doesn’t have to put up with rookie hazing.
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[...] The Angry T William Henry “Smush” Parker played for eight teams between 2002-2008 including stints with powerhouses Aris Thessaloniki and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. This summer, he’s playing with the Toronto Raptors Summer League team. To his credit, Smush is a tough guy. He once beat up a woman working valet over a $12 parking fee. [...]
[...] The NBA Summer League “How the Hell is This Guy Still Playing?” Team | The Angry T William Henry “Smush” Parker played for eight teams between 2002-2008 including stints with powerhouses Aris Thessaloniki and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. This summer, he’s playing with the Toronto Raptors Summer League team. To his credit, Smush is a tough guy. He once beat up a woman working valet over a $12 parking fee. [...]