Pape Sy Debuts in the D-League

The box score isn't especially encouraging. Pape Sy missed all 5 field goal attempts, turned the ball over 3 times, grabbed just 1 defensive rebound* and the Flash were outscored by 10 points while he was in the game for 24:52. Those looking for positive signs early in his American career can point to the 8 free throw attempts, 3 assists, 2 offensive rebounds, and a steal. And that he tied his professional high for minutes played in a game.

*Bakersfield missed 46 shots in the game.

At Utah Flash Daily, Kris Willis reviewed Sy's performance:

Pape Sy made his debut playing almost 25 minutes off of the bench. Sy went 0-5 from the field, 0-2 from three point range, and 6-8 from the free throw line. He added three rebounds, three assists, and one steal for the game. He was clearly rusty and perhaps nervous as he was playing in his first real competition since the Vegas Summer League. He looked fairly quick and looks like he might develop into a pretty good defender. He spent a lot of this game matched up against Lakers draft pick Devin Ebanks.

Ebanks scored 19 points on 11 shots and grabbed 10 rebounds (5 offensive) in 27:28.

Kris had filed his Sy report to Peachtree Hoops as well, now:

It was hardly a performance to get extremely excited about but remember that Sy hasn't played in an organized game since the Vegas Summer League. Remember his development will be a long term project and last night was just the beginning.

True, but Sy turns 23 in 3 months. He's older than both Jeff Teague and Jordan Crawford. Hell, he's older than four guys (Durant, Westbrook, Ibaka, and Harden) who played at least 30 minutes for the Thunder while beating the Hawks Friday night.

Sy's possible contributions appear to be tied solely to his athleticism. Given the age at which he's just starting to try and play significant minutes, by the time he might develop some complementary basketball skills, that athleticism may well be waning.