Philadelphia 76ers outdo Detroit Pistons 94-81 in Las Vegas Summer League opener

Just like in the Salt Lake City Summer League, the Philadelphia 76ers started off with a 94-81 win over the Detroit Pistons in their first game in the Las Vegas. The Pistons were in charge for most of the game until an unexpected hero partly took over and led Philadelphia to victory.

Ricky Council IV continues to make a case for the 76ers’ rotation

RICKY COUNCIL‼️pic.twitter.com/19AdTT55z0

— Jacob Moreno (@jmoreno76ers) July 13, 2024

Sophomore wing Ricky Council IV came off a solid stint in Salt Lake City and continued to shine in Las Vegas, leading the 76ers in scoring tonight with 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals, on 7-17 shooting from the field.

As the stats show, Council wasn’t shy about getting his, even if most of his shots weren’t falling. The second-year wing was in attack mode for the full 48 minutes with his performance consisting of line-drives, flashy transition dunks, and emphatic drives off screens, where he drew a ridiculous amount of contact (9-9 from the foul line).

Council has scored 20+ points in three out of four Summer League games played and he’s proven that he can be a part of the 76ers’ rotation, at least in bunches.

While Council’s athleticism and aggression is apparent, so has his lack of court vision, especially off the bounce.

He’s shown flashes of creation via drives throughout the Summer League, but he’ll need to make more of a habit of doing so if he’s to crack Philadelphia’s rotation consistently.

Keve Aluma once again makes the 76ers look twice

Keve Aluma in the Summer League

19 PTS / 8 REB / 8-10 FG / 2-2 3P
6 PTS / 1 BLK / 2-6 FG / 1-3 3P
15 PTS / 4 REB / 1 BLK / 7-9 FG
12 PTS / 8 REB / 2 AST / 5-5 FG

(📸: Melissa Majchrzak / Getty Images) pic.twitter.com/upp8RyF3X2

— Jacob Moreno (@jmoreno76ers) July 14, 2024

Overseas big man Keve Aluma put Philadelphia fans on notice with his surprisingly solid campaign in Salt Lake City, but Aluma put up his best performance tonight with 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 stocks, on 8-10 field shooting and 2-2 perimeter shooting.

Aluma has thrived on both ends of the ball with his shot-blocking and interior defensive IQ being on display as well as his overall three-level scoring consisting of pick-and-pop threes, face-up jumpers, and a textbook low post game.

The 76ers center is already 25 years old, so Philadelphia handing him their final two-way contract could be a gamble, but keeping Aluma around on an exhibit-10 deal would be a great outcome for both parties.

Jeff Dowtin is scrapping for a 76ers roster spot

Jeff Dowtin tonight

– 18 points
– 8 assists
– 5 rebounds
– 7/13 FG

(📸: Stephen Gosling / Getty Images) pic.twitter.com/osBBEkuDav

— Jacob Moreno (@jmoreno76ers) July 14, 2024

Following the KJ Martin signing, the 76ers have three open roster slots remaining and guard Jeff Dowtin is making a serious case to slide into one. Dowtin contributed 18 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds, on 7-13 shooting from the field in Philadelphia’s win against Detroit.

Throughout his four Summer League games, Dowtin has proved that he deserves to be on an NBA roster whether that’s in Philadelphia or elsewhere. His instincts off the pick-and-roll put him ahead of the pack whether it’s his sound court vision that allows him to find cutters/the roll-man or score off quick floater/pull-up jumpers.

Philadelphia recently retained veteran guard Kyle Lowry to run the second unit, so having Dowtin third-in-command could offer the 76ers’ a solid group of back-court depth.

The 76ers will look to get off to a 2-0 start in Las Vegas on June 15th at 8:30 p.m. EST against Donovan Clingan and the Portland Trail Blazers.

Mandatory Credit: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)