They’re having a nice summer

Five years ago, ex-NBA point guard Avery Johnson was told that Denver’s Nikoloz Tskitishvili was scoring big in the Las Vegas Summer League. Without hesitation, Johnson responded, “Well, that’s summer league."

Johnson’s words eventually spoke volumes, as Tskitishvili became one of the NBA’s biggest busts.

While it’s just summer league, it’s hard not to pay attention to what two of the Warriors’ promising forwards did in Vegas last week. Anthony Morrow scored 47 points (a Vegas Summer League record) in one game, after teammate Anthony Randolph had scored 42 in another.

“One thing about me and [Randolph] is we have it in perspective,’’ Morrow said. “It’s great competition. But we know that the NBA is another level. We are not hyped about this. We are going to just keep working and bring that play into camp.’’

At just 205 pounds at the time, the 6-foot-10-inch Randolph was skilled and athletic but too weak to compete at a high level as a rookie last season out of LSU. At just 19 years old, he averaged 7.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 17.9 minutes per game. He has gained close to 10 pounds of muscle, and an inch in height.

Randolph set a record by averaging 26.8 points in four Vegas Summer League games, surpassing Tskitishvili’s 25.7 in 2004.

“I told my teammates and coaches before the game that I felt really good,’’ Randolph said. “I never thought I’d score 42 points. But I’m glad it happened in a game we won. Winning is all that matters, even in summer league.’’

The fact that Morrow is making headlines is remarkable considering how he came into the NBA. The 6-5, 210-pounder wasn’t even mentioned in the 2008 NBA Draft Guide, and went undrafted out of Georgia Tech that year. The Warriors, however, were intrigued and signed him July 25, 2008.

In his first start, he scored 37 points and grabbed 11 rebounds against the Clippers. The Charlotte, N.C., native went on to quietly lead the NBA in 3-point percentage (.467), becoming the first rookie and Warrior to do so. Morrow finished last season averaging 10.1 points and 3 rebounds in 22.6 minutes, starting 17 of 67 games.

Last week, Morrow scored 47 points in a 104-84 win over New Orleans.

“When I was at 32 points, [Randolph] was like, ‘Get the record,’ ’’ said Morrow. “I wanted to get the win, first and foremost.’’

Forgotten in the Morrow and Randolph hoopla in Las Vegas was the play of Warriors heralded rookie guard Stephen Curry. The former Davidson star averaged 17.4 points, but shot just 32.5 percent from the field in five games.

Remember the exciting, young Clippers squad eight years ago that included Elton Brand, Lamar Odom, Corey Maggette, Quentin Richardson, Darius Miles, Michael Olowokandi, and Keyon Dooling, and won 39 games? Expect the Warriors to be like that next season. Their rotation is likely to include veterans Maggette, Stephen Jackson, and Ronny Turiaf, and a long list of players 25 and under in Morrow, Randolph, Curry, Andris Biedrins, Monta Ellis, guard Kelenna Azubuike, and forward Brandan Wright. Golden State is also trying to land another veteran (Amare Stoudemire?).

The run-and-gun Warriors averaged 108.6 points per game last season (second in the NBA). Celtics guard Rajon Rondo said Oracle Arena, the Warriors’ home, is the most intimidating place to play in the NBA because of the wild fans. The Warriors averaged close to 19,000 fans last season despite winning just 29 games.

With the likes of Morrow, Randolph, and Curry, Golden State will be one of the most fun teams to watch next season. But summer league is not the regular season. That said, the future of a franchise that has been to the playoffs only once since 1995 looks promising.

“Hopefully, I’ll continue to improve and it translates into the regular season,’’ Randolph said. “I’m going to stay hungry.’’

Said Morrow, “We’re still learning about getting through the NBA. But [summer league] was a huge boost for our confidence.’’

Herren on a hot streak

In less than two months since a Globe story chronicled his great rise and hard fall in basketball and life, ex-Celtics guard Chris Herren has gone from being unemployed to a very busy basketball instructor.

Since the story ran May 31, Herren has heard from such former teammates as Antonio McDyess, Rafer Alston, Nick Van Exel, and George McCloud, has been approached about a book project based on his life, and has been asked to do speaking engagements. The Fall River native also now has a basketball school called “Hoop Dreams with Chris Herren,’’ which is attended regularly by 30 kids.

“I was repossessing vehicles and I stopped two weeks before the article ran due to a possibly suspended license,’’ Herren said. “I was waiting to see what would happen. Waiting for the court date. For me, if you do the right thing, things happen. I believe in that. I believe in karma. It’s amazing.

“My wife and I look at each other and say, ‘How did this happen?’ I gave up a repossessing job, to nothing, to having a full-time job teaching basketball with kids.’’

Herren had mentioned in the article that he was interested in working with kids. Soon after, one kid arrived, and word of mouth has led to a larger turnout.

The instruction takes place Monday through Saturday at St. Philomena School in Portsmouth, R.I., and the Bank Street Armory in Fall River. For more information, call 401-243-8575 or visit ahoopdream.com.

“It’s definitely a full-time job,’’ said Herren. “The coolest thing about it is the driving situation. St. Philomena is five minutes away from home, which means my kids are only five minutes away. My kids are always there and my [eldest] son, Chris, is there shooting.’’

Etc.

Baby watch

According to an NBA source, at least three teams have approached the Celtics about a sign-and-trade deal for restricted free agent forward Glen Davis, but the Green have yet to show interest in such a move. With that in mind, a team would likely need to use most of its midlevel exception in order to sign “Big Baby’’ to an offer sheet. And if so, Boston would have seven days to match.

One NBA general manager said Friday he expects Davis to be among the next group of free agents to be signed. Others mentioned included Lakers forward Lamar Odom, Spurs forward-center Drew Gooden, and possibly Denver forward Linas Kleiza.

Semih-endorsement

New Raptors forward Hedo Turkoglu believes fellow Turkish player Semih Erden will eventually make the Celtics’ roster.

The Celtics drafted Erden, who turns 23 July 28, with the 60th pick in 2008. The 6-foot-11-inch, 240-pounder played for Fenerbahce Ulker of the Turkish league last season and is expected to try to make the Celtics in 2010-11. Turkoglu said he speaks to his national team teammate regularly to offer encouragement.

“He’s long, he’s [nearly] 7-foot,’’ said Turkoglu, while playing for the Magic in the NBA Finals. “I hope he comes. He’s young. I wish I could see more Turkish players here representing themself, their family, and the country, too. I know he got drafted by Boston. Hopefully, he’ll make the decision when he thinks he’s ready and asserts himself.

“I think he has a chance to make this league. There are not a lot of big bodies in this league right now. He’s young and he’s lucky that he’s playing in [a high level in] Europe right now at that age. All he needs to do is come out and see if he is ready or not. That’s the only way you can find out because that’s what I did when I was 20. I said, ‘This is my time to see where I’m at and if I’m good enough.’ I’m good enough to be here.’’

Not done yet

Scot Pollard is still hoping to return to the NBA after missing the 2008-09 season, according to the Lawrence (Kan.) Journal World. The 34-year-old played in only 22 games during the Celtics’ 2007-08 championship season because of ankle injuries that required surgery. The newspaper also reported that Pollard is up to 290 pounds, 12 more than his last playing weight. Thanks to weight training, though, he is “in very good shape, not NBA shape, but I could be quickly.’’

“Physically, I feel great,’’ he said. “It’s great to wake up every day without knee, ankle problems, like past years. It’s the same story. The right offer would entice me. I will not go try out for a team.’’

Going camping

Ex-Boston College star Jared Dudley hasn’t forgotten New England despite playing in Phoenix now, and being from San Diego. For the second straight year, the Suns forward is hosting a boys’ basketball camp (Grades 4-10), tomorrow through Friday, at Mass Premier Courts in Foxborough . . . Keep an eye on former UMass standout Gary Forbes, who averaged 18.5 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals in his first two Las Vegas Summer League games with the NBA D-League select team.

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