By Val Marvin G. Macanas
Whether it's on Facebook, Twitter or Online Forums, the PBA Commissioner's Cup's Best Import Denzel Bowles undeniably made some noise yesterday after he delivered a quality game for the New Orleans Hornets when they went up against the Portland Trail Blazers in their first game in the 2012 NBA Summer League. Unfortunately, they lost by 3 points, 85-82, to Portland, but the important thing is that Bowles has already attracted the attention of the NBA Fans and possibly, the attention of their GM Mr. Dell Demps.
The Hornets played without their number 1 Draft Pick Anthony Davis because of his commitment with Team USA. But that didn't hinder them from competing against the battle ready Portland Trail Blazers, a team that has a leader and facilitator in Damian Lillard.
With Austin Rivers having his hands full while trying to guard Lillard who still managed to score 25 points, Bowles willing stepped up to lead his team in scoring. He even bested Rivers who only scored 14 points.
Talking about efficiency, Bowles only played for about 19.05 minutes yet he was able to help the Hornets stay close with Portland. He scored 18 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, dished 1 assist and listed 1 steal. Those numbers are quite impressive considering that he came off the bench. No wonder, when he was shooting his 2 free-throws, Chris Webber said, "This guy played in the Philippines. Shout-out to the Trigger Man (Allan Caidic), one of the best shooters I've seen in my whole life. They have great basketball competition there in the Philippines."
Overall, Denzel showed his physicality as he used his body very well in defending and in boxing out the big men of Portland. He also showed his perimeter shooting as he knocked down several 15 foot jumpers all throughout the course of the game. He also made a terrific tip-in that impressed Chris Webber. C-Webb said "That tip-in kinda reminds me of Daryl Dawkins." Dawkins is one of the best big men that ever played in the NBA.
I don't know about other sports scribes' opinions, but for me, Bowles is a solid big man who can play the Power Forward position for the Hornets. With Okafor now out for them, they need a player like Denzel Bowles.
I can also imagine Bowles playing alongside Anthony Davis. They will form a formidable front-line for the New Orleans Hornets. Both of them can shoot perimeter jumpers and both of them can rebound and defend well.
Let's just wait and see what will happen in their next Summer League game. For me, if Denzel gets into the Hornets' starting Five, then that's a strong indicator that he was able to impress the Hornets' Coaching Staff. Together, let's monitor that one.
Tomorrow they will again have a Summer League game versus the Bucks. Let's all wait for that one.
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