When the Warriors selected Marco Belinelli in the 2007 NBA draft it received mixed reactions from fans and so called "experts".  Warrior fans wondered if he could handle the ball, drive to the hoop and play some defense, while the experts questioned his ability to get his shot off in the NBA.  For one day Belinelli put those questions to rest.  Starting at Small Forward in the Warriors 1st summer league game Belinelli put on a show.  Belinelli put on a shooting display that had the crowd"ohhing" and "ahhing" at his every shot attempt. 

Belinelli totaled 37 points for the game in which he shot 12 for 17 from the field including 5 for 7 from the 3pt. line. There was Belinelli coming off a screen and shooting a long jumper, pulling up on a fast break ala Sjax for a 3 pt. shot, nailing numerous shots with defenders in his face and the shot clock winding down and even showing off his hops on a few dunks and proving white men can jump.

Belinelli as hot as he was didn't force the action, he passed out of doublt teams, made the extra pass and didn't force tough shots.  He also showed he can handle the ball which will come as a relief to warrior fans who haven't seen a Sg who can dribble and penetrate for a while. 

 On defense, Belinelli for the most part was able to stay in front of his man and putting to rest the doubts of him having the foot speed and quickness to play defense.  He was beaten a few times but that is to expected as summer league games are not known for their defense.

Something that many fans may not have witnessed or payed much attention to was Belinelli's leadership on the court and in the huddle.  Numerous times he was telling teammates where to be on a certain set and was very vocal on defense always calling out the screens and in the huddle he kept encouraging the big men especially Patrick O'Bryant to rebound and run the floor.  

Besides Belinelli, Kelanna Azubuike was the other Warrior who had an excellent game.  Azubuike ended up with 29 and along with Belinelli formed a good 1-2 combination to defeat the Hornets.  Azubuike hopes to continue his good play in order to receive a multi-year contract which his agent and the Warriors have been working on.  Azubuike looks to be the prime canidate to replace Mickael Pietrus.   Patrick O'Bryant last year's #1 pick had a decent game, he used his length to block and contest shots all day and grabbed 10 rebounds.  O'Bryant however didn't do much on the ofensive end but that is to be expected as the Warriors do not run post plays for their big men rather they like to pick and roll or pick and pop with their big men.  O'Bryant looked in much better shape than in any point last year, he looked leaner and stronger while not possessing the baby fat he had last season.

Here are a few notes from Vegas:

Got a chance to say Hello to Coach Nelson and told him if he come back, drinks are on me.  Coach Nelson said he like Belinelli and Azubuike's performance but he still couldnt pronounce Azubuike correctly but did say that both will be part of the rotation this season.

 Greg Oden had a woeful start to his NBA career, 10 fouls in his debut makes me wonder if he hired Adonal Foyle as his personal trainer.

 LaMarcus Aldridge was a beast and together with Oden will form a great frontcourt.  One thing to ay attention to is if Aldridge and Oden can co-exist on the block, if Aldridge is the main post player will this force Oden to play a bit farther from the lane which could hinder his effectiveness.  Oden while not playing many minutes in his debut was constantly in dialogue with coaches throughout the game as he wanted to know everything.

 Rudy Gay welcomed Yi Jianlian to the NBA the only he knows how and that was to throwdown a sick 2 hand dunk in Yi's face.

Summer league is great for fans because it gets you in an intimate setting with great young playerswho are more willing and interested in interacting with fans such as Oden, Hawes, Durant etc.. all who signed autographs before and after thier games.  Not to mention you never know who might be sitting in the bleachers from coaches, GM's, scouts, players etc.. Much like spring training in baseball it is a great oppurtunity for fans to come out and have fun.