The Philadelphia 76ers dropped their second straight game in the Orlando Summer League to the Utah Jazz, 84-80.
All eyes were on first-round draftee Maurice Harkless as he took the court for the Sixers’ second game. Unfortunately for the St. John’s product, those eyes didn’t get to see much because of his nagging left hip flexor injury.
Harkless sat out the entire second half and finished with just two points (1-for-2) and one rebound in nine minutes of play.
His absence created more opportunities for the youngsters on the roster, including former Kansas State star Jacob Pullen.
After spending a year overseas, Pullen has clearly developed a better all-around game. His ability to attack the hoop and hit jump shots propelled him to a team-high 23 points. Just as he did in college, the 6-foot-1 guard elevated his game in the final minutes. His heroic effort wasn’t enough, however, but it did prove to the Sixers’ coaching staff just how dangerous he can be for this team.
In fact, he mirrored the great Reggie Miller on one instance. Just as the future Hall of Famer did, Pullen kicked out his leg on a pull-up jumper to draw the foul and get two easy free throws. Although it was just one play, it’s a reflection of his basketball IQ, which is something head coach Doug Collins loves.
Furthermore, on multiple occasions, Pullen showed great instincts in getting to the paint and drawing defenders in before swinging the ball out to an open teammate. The problem was, though, many of his teammates failed to capitalize on his would-be assists, leaving him with just four assists on the day.
After shining in the opener, the older brother of Jrue did not shy away from any shot in this afternoon’s contest. Justin Holliday once again had a respectable showing, scoring 16 points (7-for-17) with a team-high seven rebounds and two steals. His aggressiveness on the offensive end has to be catching the eye of the Sixers’ brass.
A member of the team last season, Xavier Silas displayed flashes off his potential, but also showed some flaws in his game. His 11 points came off of a rather rough 4-for-12 shooting. At times, Silas proved to be overaggressive, just as he was in the opener. Despite getting to the paint and showing a willingness to take on defenders, the Northern Illinois product was way too reckless out on the court.
Big man Soloman Jones put together a nice stat line, finishing with 10 points, four rebounds and was just one of three players to have a positive plus-minus (+5). Also playing for the Sixers today in limited action was Penn grad, Zack Rosen. He recorded just one assist and missed his lone shot.
Philadelphia will play the Brooklyn Nets at 3 p.m. ET tomorrow.
I have always loved pullen. I hope he makes the squad. He was my favcollege player since DWade.
Love what I saw of him in college and what i am hearing now. The big club needs a back up point guard.
I followed him in college and so far, he’s doing a lot of the things for the Sixers that he did at K-State. For exampe, showing no fear when it comes to driving to the basket and kicking the ball out to the open man. Not sure who’s watched the games so far, but he should have much more assists if some of these guys would make their open looks.
He’s also showed he can score which as we all know, is something the Sixers need.
Keep him as backup PG. if jrue gets outlandish with contract demands…….
Kyle, he might run into those same problems with the Sixers with their bricklaying. Guess Young and Wright are the answer for that though.
My prediction pullen averages 20 plus this summer as long as they play him and someone else signs him. Sixers are clueless
Jacob Pullen his pud, is a summer league body, that’s it, period! NO SHOT, NO ROSTER SPOT! Stop overrating/ overvaluing a meaningless player, with no value. Cut it out all ready. They are basically playing street ball. Give me a f^#@ing break.
You lost me at mirrored Reggie Miller! What a hot mess of an article.
Justin Holiday!!!!!!!!! sign him