Random thoughts on the first weekend of the NBA summer league in Las Vegas:

* Adam Morrison isn't likely to get much of a shot next season with the Lakers, but it's clear he is making progress. Through the first two games, Morrison and San Antonio's George Hill have been the top two players in Vegas, with both averaging better than 20 points per game.

* While he'd never admit it, part of the reason Morrison's game suffered last season was he lost an entire year following a torn knee ligament while with Charlotte. But riding L.A.'s bench late in the season and in the playoffs gave Morrison a chance to rest the knee (although, clearly, he would've much rather played). At any rate, through the first two summer games, Morrison has looked as good as he has at any time during his professional career.

* Granted, it's only summer league, so it's hard to get too excited. A lot of guys have played very well in July only to appear overmatched the minute they get to training camp. Still, it's hard not to feel good for Morrison, whose knee issues weren't as severe as those of Oklahoma City's Shaun Livingston -- but when you throw in the fact Morrison has type 1 diabetes, he's clearly had a lot to overcome.

* And let's face it, going against Kobe Bryant in practice every day can only help a guy's skills. Morrison won't ever be the player the Bobcats figured he would when they made him the No. 3 overall draft pick in 2006. But with Trevor Ariza out of the picture Morrison could develop into a decent scorer and swing player off the bench, enabling both Bryant and Ron Artest the chance to take a breather.

* When it comes to Golden State, everyone is talking about lottery pick Stephen Curry, and he has indeed played well (despite the fact he has struggled against tall, athletic defenders, as predicted). But the best player on the Warriors' summer team so far is lengthy forward Anthony Randolph -- the only man in Vegas this weekend to average a double-double (22 points, 10.5 rebounds per game).

* Randolph also made 10 of his first 15 field-goal attempts and averaged 3.0 blocks in two games. In other words, there's a reason Warriors brass felt comfortable enough to draft a guard.

* It's way too early to tell, but the Warriors' lineup will likely look like this: C - Andris Biedrins; PF - Randolph; SF - Corey Maggette; SG - Stephen Jackson; PG - Monta Ellis. Curry could be a major contributor off the bench, joined by the likes of guards Anthony Morrow, Kelenna Azubuike and C.J. Watson, and forward Ronny Turiaf (who can play center in coach Don Nelson's system).

* And it will never happen, but I'd love to see the Warriors sign Allen Iverson. Yes, he can be a ruthless gunner, and yes, he's past his prime. But when used right, he plays with a ton of heart and would be a perfect fit in Nelson's small-ball scheme. Of course, watching the Nellie-A.I. train wreck wouldn't be nearly as fun.

* It's pretty clear the Warriors need at least one more big man, particularly one who can score near the basket. They've denied rumors of a trade for Phoenix's Amare Stoudemire, but man, he'd be wonderful in this system. But that's not gonna happen. Too bad for the Warriors -- especially since former lottery pick Brandan Wright appears to have run out of chances.

* I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, "With everything that's going on in Vegas, Amico has decided to write about Adam Morrison and the Warriors? How do I cancel my free subscription?"

* OK, I promise this is my final thought on the Warriors, but keep an eye on Cartier Martin. He's a forward who played well at Kansas State a few years back and hasn't been able to latch on with an NBA team. But he's making a strong case in Vegas to be invited to some training camp somewhere -- averaging 20.5 points in the first two games.

* Martin's problem is he's a bit undersized for a power forward (6-foot-7 on a good day), but I like how he plays with an edge and refuses to back down in the paint.

* Forward DeJuan Blair (Pitt) has also impressed, looking like he stands a good chance to turn into a second-round steal for San Antonio. And with Tim Duncan and Antonio McDyess being the only other power forward-types in front of him, well, Blair's young legs could be a welcome addition off the bench.

* And don't look now, but Dallas may have found a little help in its backcourt in French point guard Rodrigue Beaubois. He's displayed steadiness, confidence and an ability to hit perimeter shots. Minutes won't be easy to come by with Jason Kidd, Jason Terry and Jose Barea already manning the guard spots -- but it may not be so easy to keep Beaubois off the court, either.

* I also really like what I've seen from shooting guard Marcus Thornton of New Orleans, a second-round pick out of nearby LSU. It was surprising to see Thornton slip to the second round, simply because there weren't many guys with his outside stroke late in the draft. Interestingly, Thornton will be battling for time with another guy who fits that description -- first-round pick Wayne Ellington.

Sam Amico is the editor of Pro Basketball News. He can be reached at amico@probasketballnews.com.