LAS VEGAS -- Whether you're watching him in a practice or a game, usually within a few minutes it is easy to see why the Cavaliers were so attracted to the talent of Christian Eyenga.
Often, at the same time, it is easy to see why it is hard to figure what to do with him.
The 2009 first-round pick from the Congo is immensely gifted with remarkable leaping ability and long arms on his 6-foot-7 frame and the ability to get from one side of the floor to the other in an instant. He can close to block a shot in a flash or outrun everyone on the floor to finish a fast break.
But then he'll miss a defensive assignment, take the wrong angle on defending a screen roll or get trapped on the wing without a move to counter the defender.
"He's raw," said Cavs coach Byron Scott. "But so talented."
Eyenga had 13 points in the Cavs' 93-82 victory over the Phoenix Suns Wednesday night in the team's second game of the Vegas Summer League. J.J. Hickson had another impressive performance, scoring 34 points on 12-of-19 shooting with nine rebounds as he continues to show off his offensive progress against less-talented players.
But the Cavs' eyes are focusing on Eyenga. None of his points were more impressive than his vicious one-handed dunk on a fast break that lit up the fans at UNLV's Thomas and Mack Center. It was the sort of play that makes a player with Eyenga's ability stand out in a group of young players attempting to get noticed.
The Cavs are using the five games this week to help them determine if they want to sign Eyenga and bring him to training camp in the fall. Last year, after a choppy summer league, they let Eyenga sign a contract to play with a team in Spain.
But he didn't play all that well and didn't get much court time, stalling his development a bit. That perhaps convinced the team they need to bring the 21 year old to Cleveland sooner rather than later so they can more closely monitor him.
With Scott's up-tempo style, a player like Eyenga is attractive because of how he can run and jump. Plus he has the size and tools to be a good defender. But everyone admits he's got a long way to go in terms of skill development and that might even mean spending time in the D-League next season.
"I hope to come back and play in Cleveland next season," said Eyenga, who is working on his English. "I like [Scott]. It is a little bit hard, he makes us work in practice but I want to play with him next season. He's likes to run and that is my game."
The Cavs will probably make the decision on Eyenga by the end of the month. Though nothing is certain, it seems like the team is leaning toward signing him. He has two seasons left on his contract with the Spanish team Joventut, but has a manageable buyout.
"I think the language barrier still holds him back," Scott said. "He'll say he's got something and then he'll make the same mistake. But I love his athleticism and I love his attitude."
West to enter plea: Delonte West has a 9 a.m. court date Thursday in Prince George's County, Md., to enter a plea in his 10-month old gun case.
After twice being pushed back, West was scheduled to stand trial on weapons charges stemming from a Sept. 17 arrest in suburban Washington D.C. West had two handguns, a shotgun, a large knife and a cache of ammunition while riding on a three-wheeled motorcycle.
All of the charges against West are considered misdemeanors in Maryland. If West pleads guilty to a gun crime, he will likely face a suspension by NBA Commissioner David Stern to be served next season. Recently, players involved in similar gun cases have received suspensions of at least three games from Stern.
West is currently on the trading block and has a non-guaranteed contract for next season.
Gumbel joins chorus: In his commentary on July's episode of Real Sports on HBO, host Bryant Gumbel joined the list of pundits who criticized a star's departure from the Cavs.
"Despite such evidence to the contrary, LeBron James seems to think he needs a ring to change his life and secure his legacy," Gumbel said.
"Maybe he'll get one, maybe he won't, but it's probable that no amount of rings will ever remove the stench he wallowed in last week. LeBron may yet find that in the court of public opinion, just as putting on a tux can't make a guy a gentleman, winning a ring can't make one truly a champion."