NBA Summer League: 5 players that raised their stock the most

By Ryan Piers | Jul 19, 2017

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks brings the ball up the court against the Boston Celtics during the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dallas won 91-74. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

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Caleb Swanigan, Portland Trail Blazers

With his ability as a stretch big man, many thought the consensus first team All-American would be a top 20 pick. But Swanigan plummeted nearly out of the NBA’s first round, falling to Portland at pick 26.

Now he’s reminding us of his potential with a monster summer league. Swanigan propelled the Blazers to the championship game, averaging 16.1 points and 10.1 rebounds. He’s just the fourth rookie to average a double-double at summer league, joining Blake Griffin, Kevin Love and Marreese Speights. Pretty good company

As an added bonus for Swanigan, Portland’s top prospect Zach Collins struggled at summer league, indicating that he is possibly rawer than the late round pick. The performance discrepancies should give Swanigan a leg up heading into the first couple practices.

Known for overcoming obesity as a kid, Swanigan is poised to prove his skeptics wrong. The guy has all the tools, was an elite college player and is still only 20 years old. Swanigan is the real deal. Teams are about to be sorry for passing him on draft day.

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