Spurs' Sir'Jabari Rice Impresses in Summer League Debut: 'Crafty!'
The San Antonio Spurs came up short in a 79-73 loss to the Detroit Pistons at the Thomas & Mack Center on Friday, but the beauty of the Vegas Summer League was on display once again due to the opportunities it provided for the players.
Of these, one of the most notable was Spurs guard Sir'Jabari Rice, who finally got his shot to show why San Antonio signed him to a two-way contract immediately after the draft. He had missed the team's first five games of Summer League due to low iron levels in his blood, per reports from the San Antonio Express-News.
But in just 16 minutes off the bench, Rice posted 11 points, two rebounds, one assist, a game-high three steals and a block. Despite going 1 of 5 from 3-point range, he finished 4 of 8 from the field, getting to his spots in the lane and operating as the ball-handler in pick-and-roll actions on multiple occasions. He also finished with a team-high +7 plus/minus.
"I just love the game of basketball, so it was a blessing for me to be back," he said after the game.
For Spurs fans that double as Texas Longhorns fans, watching Rice perform like one of the best players on the floor Friday wasn't much of a surprise given what he did in Austin last year.
Spurs Summer League coach Matt Nielsen has clearly caught wind of Rice's unique skill set, which is highlighted by his elite shot fake. But he also adds an element as a smart defender and passer, evident by his three steals and this quick-thinking assist to Spurs forward Dominick Barlow.
Take a look:
"He's definitely crafty," Nielsen said. "He finds ways to put the defense under pressure. And he's a good teammate, very communicative. He was like that when he wasn't playing. He's a good all-around basketball player and a good teammate."
Rice is likely headed toward some ample time in the G League with the Austin Spurs this season. But given his five-year collegiate experience and the urgency in which San Antonio agreed to terms on a two-way deal, don't be surprised to see him get called up from time to time during his rookie year.
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