Adreian Payne is out of college — but he is taking summer classes.
The Hawks’ first-round draft pick has joined some 300 other players at the Las Vegas Summer League for his orientation into professional basketball. That’s what the tournament is all about. It is on-the-job training that offers a crash course in the offensive and defensive systems that Payne and the other young players need to know.
Since the Hawks selected Payne 15th in last month’s NBA draft, he has been introduced to the playbook in Atlanta. The minicamp and summer-league games here have tested his knowledge.
“I have to continue to slow myself down,” Payne said this week. “The game is faster. The guys are better, more athletic and bigger.”
Payne has appeared in three games in Las Vegas with mixed results.
- He scored 12 points on 5-of-15 shooting, including 0-of-4 from 3-point range, with seven rebounds, one assist, no blocks and four turnovers in 30 minutes against the Wizards.
- He scored 10 points on 4-of-12 shooting, including 1-of-4 from 3-point range, with seven rebounds, two assists, two blocks and three turnovers in 33 minutes against the D-League team.
- He scored 13 points on 3-of-10 shooting, including 2-of-5 from 3-point range, with seven rebounds, no assists, no blocks and six turnovers in 27 minutes against the Trail Blazers.
The Hawks are not concerned. This is only the beginning.
“Adreian has done a nice job,” general manager Danny Ferry said. “This is all so new to him. How we are trying to play is different from what he is used to playing. Certainly there is talent there, and he plays hard and competes. That is a great place to start.”
Payne said he is adjusting to the increase in the talent and skill level at this level. The pace of the game is faster. The referees call a different game. Even after four seasons at Michigan State, trips to the NCAA tournament and All-Big Ten honors there is a learning curve.
This is still summer league. Competing against full-fledged NBA talent is a few months away.
Payne (6-foot-10, 245 pounds) has had a couple of impressive dunks in the summer-league games. He acknowledged a need to finish at the rim more consistently. He also has produced several highlight-worthy blocks. He also has been caught out of position on occasion.
“I’m still adjusting to the comfort level with the offense and defense,” Payne said. “I’m not sure where my shots are coming from yet. I’m just trying to figure it out all. Soon, when I get more comfortable, I feel like I will be able to produce more and be better.”
Assistant coach Darvin Ham, who is coaching the Hawks’ summer-league entry, works the team’s big men. He, too, likes the early showing from Payne.
“His motor is great,” Ham said. “He talks and tries to do the right thing. He asks all the right questions. He’s active. He gets tired a little bit, but that is because he is putting his all into every possession. I’m encouraged because he is only going to get better.”
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