Each summer for 18 days in July, the NBA hosts their summer league. Most of the time the “stars” do not participate in the summer league, but it does provide great game opportunities for some of the youngsters getting started in the league. We will preview one of the leagues, and when the others conclude we will give you an update of them, as well.

The first league held July 7th-11th in Orlando and the RDV Sportsplex has concluded.

The Bulls, Pacers, Heat, Nets, Sonics, and Magic all participated in the league. With games being held everyday the league actually did vote for summer league all tournament teams.

The first team consisted of Russell Westbrook of Oklahoma City, Courtney Lee of Orlando, Jeff Green of Oklahoma City, Michael Beasley of Miami, and Brook Lopez of New Jersey. The second team saw Mario Chalmers of Miami, Earl Calloway of Indiana, Jaycee Carroll of New Jersey, Chris Douglas Roberts of New Jersey and Marcin Gortat of Orlando. Each team got a chance to play each of the other teams in the league, and most of the newest draft picks were involved.

Chicago went 2-3, by beating Indiana and Orlando, and falling to Oklahoma City, Miami, and New Jersey. Indiana went 2-3 during the week with wins over Oklahoma City and Miami, and losses to Chicago, New Jersey, and Orlando. Miami also went 2-3, by beating Chicago and New Jersey and dropping games to Indiana, Oklahoma City and Miami. New Jersey went 4-1, beating Orlando, they fell to Miami, then won three straight against Oklahoma City, Chicago and Indiana. Oklahoma City went 3-2 with losses to Indiana and New Jersey, and beating Chicago, Miami, and Orlando. And lastly, Orlando went 2-3 as well, with wins over Indiana and Miami and losses to Chicago, Oklahoma City and Miami.  

Last season, with the same teams in the league, with the exception of Charlotte in and Oklahoma City out these players starred in the league: J.J Redick, Marcus Williams, Tyrus Thomas, Thabo Sefolosha, and Mario Gortat made the first time. While Chris Quinn, Hassan Adams, Jared Dudley, James Augustine, and Jermareo Davidson made the second team.

While the summer leagues do not always imply who is going to have a star career in the league, and who is not, it gives a great opportunity for coaches in GM’s to get a look at a few of the youngsters who are dying for playing time. While stats are kept, coaches and scouts do not always look at the stats to determine the success of a player. They look for the intangibles, and a few things that could help in the long run, away from stats.

The NBA Summer League in Vegas will conclude Sunday July 20th, while the Rocky Mountain Revue will conclude July 25th. We will have updates after each.

Stay tuned!

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