Diamond Stone may not have been a first round pick in last month’s NBA Draft, but he certainly played like one on Tuesday.
In a 92-84 overtime loss to the New York Knicks in the Orlando Summer League, Stone scored 20 points (10-of-15), grabbed seven rebounds, and blocked a shot for the Los Angeles Clippers. His 20 points were second on the team to only Brice Johnson, who had 23 points.
Stone had seen his fair share of struggles through his first two Summer League games. Coming into Tuesday’s contest, the former Maryland big man had only scored 11 total points and grabbed nine rebounds in losses against the Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder.
In Sunday’s game against the Heat, Stone connected on just one of his four field goal attempts for three points and also committed a mind-numbing 10 personal fouls.
This comes less than two weeks after Stone was selected with the 40th overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans traded Stone to the Clippers for former big man Cheick Diallo on draft night.
Stone looked extremely impress against the Knicks. One of the biggest positives that can be taken away from the game is his ability to run the floor.
Diamond Stone keeps the dunk party goin' on @NBATV! 🎉🙌https://t.co/EGkQU4MgLP
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) July 5, 2016
On multiple occasions, Stone got up and down the floor and made it look effortless. He also was able to keep his head up and finish at the rim.
Stone also impressed in the pick-and-roll game for the Clippers. The former five-star big man took a pass and exploded to the rim for the easy dunk during the contest.
We see you @Diamond_Stone33! 👀👏#NBASummerhttps://t.co/FaLgiKOwq3
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) July 5, 2016
Stone really put together a complete game against the Knicks. He ran the floor, excelled in the pick-and-roll, and even posted up.
Next: A look back at history with Purdue
Obviously, Stone needs to have more games like this throughout the Summer League, but it’s great to see a complete effort from the former Terrapin.