76ers' youngsters show progress

There is always the disclaimer that "it's only summer league," but the 76ers' recent competition in Las Vegas was encouraging. Two players looking to be key members of the regular-season rotation, Louis Williams and Rodney Carney, certainly helped their cause with strong showings.

Rookie first-round picks Thaddeus Young and Jason Smith got better each game.

And second-round pick Herbert Hill was effective in limited minutes. Here is a look at the Las Vegas work of some of the Sixers who figure to battle for roster spots and/or playing time.

Louis Amundson

While the second-year power forward was limited by a sprained ankle, he provided the type of energy that got him a late-season look with the Sixers. It looks as if he will make the team. In the two full games he played in Las Vegas, Amundson averaged 14.5 points and 8.5 rebounds.

Louis Williams

He averaged 25.2 points and simply couldn't be stopped when going to the basket. In five games, he attempted 66 free throws. His assist-to-turnover numbers were undesirable (25 assists, 32 turnovers), but he says he experiments more in the summer. During the last regular season, Williams had 110 assists to 46 turnovers. In addition to the numbers, Williams boosted his confidence as he realized that nobody could contain him. And even though he won't turn 21 until October, he emerged as the leader of this group. Barring a deal for a point guard, he should enter training camp with a clear shot at being Andre Miller's backup.

Rodney Carney

After the first two games, in which he shot a combined 6 for 25, Carney finished with three excellent performances. What was most impressive the last three games was that he was hitting from the perimeter. If defenders have to play up on him and respect his outside shot, he is so quick going to the basket. Carney averaged 17.6 points for the five games, and in the final three he shot 25 for 47 from the field and made many tough jumpers while defenders had a hand in his face. He should contend for more minutes after averaging 17.4 as a rookie.

Thaddeus Young

The No. 12 overall pick struggled with his outside shot until the last game, when he hit 8 of 16 from the field, including 2 of 4 three-pointers while scoring 20 points in a 104-101 overtime win over Phoenix. Throughout the five games, the 6-foot-8 Young played with confidence, often taking it strong to the basket. He averaged 12 points and 6.2 rebounds. His ballhandling got him in trouble and his outside shot needs to be more consistent, but Young showed tremendous athletic ability and competitiveness. At the age of 19, he didn't seem out of place against mostly older players. There is still a question about whether he will be ready to contribute significantly this year, but few doubt that, eventually, he is going to be a very good NBA player.

Jason Smith

After the first game, during which Smith admittedly was nervous (2 points, 5 rebounds, 1 for 6 shooting), he improved steadily. He averaged 8.4 points and 6.8 rebounds and showed a nice medium-range jumper. At 7 feet and 240 pounds, he has to get stronger to bang low with the NBA players, but in this setting, he at least held his own. As is the case with Young, his work in training camp will go a long way toward determining whether he can contribute immediately, but his upside looks positive.

Bobby Jones

The second-year Sixers forward didn't stand out in this setting, which isn't good for somebody with limited NBA experience. Known as a defensive player, Jones averaged 7.5 points and 2.5 rebounds. His roster spot this season appears to be in jeopardy.

Derrick Byars

It was difficult to judge the second-round pick from Vanderbilt, because he missed the first two games with a left quadriceps strain and averaged a little more than 12 minutes a game in the other three. The Sixers are impressed by his versatility and ability to defend, and it's possible he could challenge for a roster spot.

Herbert Hill

The 6-10 second-round pick from Providence is a long shot to make the team, but he was among the pleasant surprises. Hill averaged 7 points and 2.8 rebounds in slightly less than 17 minutes. Like Young and Smith, he had a poor first game (two points, no rebounds in a little more than 9 minutes) and played well after that. In the five games, he shot an incredible 15 for 18, with most of his points coming close to the basket. At the least, he has gained the attention of the coaching staff with his efficient play.