While most of the results and statistics from the NBA's two summer leagues aren't worth the paper (they are no longer) printed on, how players perform in certain individual matchups can be enlightening.
Darnell Mayberry of the Daily Oklahoman has been watching the Thunder's team play all week in Orlando, and he was impressed by how second-year PG Reggie Jackson performed against fellow 2011 draftee Brandon Knight on Wednesday:
He was under complete control throughout the game, and, facing his best opponent yet, Jackson completely destroyed him. It was rather shocking, to be honest. I figured it would be a close matchup, but Jackson just outclassed Knight by a wide margin. Jackson ran the offense to near perfection, once again operating the high ball screen with great efficiency. He made all the right decisions out of that set, knifing his way into the lane and getting easy buckets at the rim, pulling up for the free throw line extended jumper, or making on-time, on-target passes to shooters on the perimeter. This was the best I've ever seen Jackson. Remember, it's summer league so don't jump to conclusions. He still has a long way to go. Let's see it in the regular season first.
It won't be easy for Jackson to crack the Thunder's rotation, with Eric Maynor returning from injury, and Thabo Sefolosha, James Harden and Daequan Cook ensconced in roles.
However, with a salary cap crunch coming up over the next year, Jackson could make Oklahoma City's decision easier if they thought it was necessary financially to cut ties with some of the players above him.
For more on the Orlando Pro Summer League and the Las Vegas Summer League, stay tuned to this StoryStream. For more on the Oklahoma City Thunder, visit Welcome To Loud City.