After this game, the media collected the rookie statistics and compared the Summer League data; some stood out.
They had to create problems to stir up so-called rivalries between rookies to attract readers. Titus Williams scored just 11 points in the first game and has yet to play since.
Jaxson Hayes got upset when he saw the rookie power ranking; he was ranked ninth when he saw the name of sixth Hector Herrera of the Sacramento Kings; he didn't even know who this guy was When he saw that he made his career, the NCAA DII, he thought; What joke, this guy is better than me? Never.
Even if he could not miss the five by five of the last game, being the first pivot of this promotion to be drafted in eighth by the New Orleans Pelicans, his pride and legitimacy, according to him, is questioned. He made clear on social networks his dissatisfaction and pointed at Hector.
He immediately opened his Twitter, writing: "Best pivot of this uncontested draft. The so-called experts need to learn what they're talking about. I put 30 points in the sixth every morning. " And the account @ESPN because Hector does not have social networks.
Honestly, it's not that Hayes isn't good, but unlike Hector, he's not the best player on his team. Hector runs at 15.5pts 7.5rbs 5ast 2.25stl and 2.25blk. And Hayes at 16.3pts 7.3rbs and 1.3blk. He has a better average of points over the first four games, but if the Summer League had a DPOY, Hector would be won. Only an idiot would not vote for him.
Journalists love these kinds of statements and went to Hector the next day and sent him Paxton's words. Hector, outside of basketball, is a homebody or, in other words, an otaku. He is self-sufficient and does not always need an outside look at himself to feel existing. And he is over 40 years old mentally, so he does not have and does not intend to have social networks, caught off guard by this onslaught of journalists, he calmed down and replied:
"I do what I must do; I don't need to try to compare myself to someone. I have not achieved anything to allow myself to judge someone, I prefer not to speak, but it does not matter who must assume his words. ».
It's saying, "Own your words and put 30 points on me." Of course, the journalists understood it, but the diplomatic way in which Hector said it means that even in case of an answer, it is useless to come and see him again to discuss it.
The Kings finished 7th in the standings with a 3-1 record; they will face the Detroit Pistons, who finished second with a 4-0 record. Detroit is one of three teams with that record.
The eight qualifiers are Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings, and Memphis Grizzlies.
It's July 14, and the second game of the quarterfinals has begun.
The Pistons fielded: C Costello PF, Uthoff SF Mykhailiuk PG Bone SD Thomas.
The Kings had: C Herrera, PF Mika SF Pineiro, SG Doyle PG Mason.
Reegan made his changes by trying to allow Hector to be more accessible on offense. And from the beginning of the match, Hector scored the first 6 points and caused two personal fouls from Uthoff and Castello. He returned the two free throws he pushed.
Uthoff makes a 3PT to open the scoring on the Pistons' side.
After a bad Uthoff steals by Hector, he gives the ball to Mika for a layup. 8-3.
At 5:02, Seko Doumbia enters the game in place of Bone. He was chosen by Detroit just before Hector with pick 15. He put a layup right after the 10-12 Pistons.
4:53 Hector attempts a shot, but Withers makes a foul. Hector makes free throws 2 of 2.
Gray's assist. After a free throw by the Pistons, Hector makes an alley-oop dunk. This is his first alley-oop dunk. He ended with a 6-point advantage for the Kings in the first quarter, 25-19.
Doumbia put 4pts and Hector 10pts.
Hector did not start the second quarter; he rested in the meantime. He returned to the field at 6:24. Reegan is very happy with his match; unlike the other games, he stayed in the paint and did not deviate from using his full-size advantage over Costello.
Mykhailiuk makes a shoot, et Thomas makes a dunk. The Pistons are back in front. 31-33
After a dunk by Hector and a shot by Uthoff, the score was 33-35. There were no points scored in the next minute.
Hector caused a foul from Thomas. He misses one of the two free throws. But Bone makes a step-back jump shot! 34-37.
The Kings are back in front. With two shots from Mason, including one 3PT and another 3PT from Doyle. 42-37. Guy widens the gap with a layup, but Bone makes two free throws. 44-39.
Hector makes a dunk, steals the ball after a bad pass, and makes a layup 48-39. The score would not move until the end of the second quarter.