The Joys Of NBA Summer League, Part 2

The Golden State Warriors finished with the event’s best record, winning all five of their games. Six other teams boasted a record of 4-1.

Because there are so many days and so many games per day, one person can only watch so much basketball. Granted, that is a good problem to have. It becomes difficult, however, to watch every single team. I did not even come close.

Thankfully, I was able to watch the Houston Rockets, who were filled with exciting rookies, including but not limited to the No. 12, 16 and 18 overall picks in the 2012 NBA Draft. Let’s start with Jeremy Lamb, who left the University of Connecticut after his sophomore season. The incredibly lanky guard looked good offensively despite the fact that he’ll need to put on a lot more muscle. He was definitely not shy from the floor, taking all kinds of shots regardless of difficulty level. Lamb showcased a silky smooth jumper, as well as an ability to get to the rim. Although he averaged 20 points per game on 47.6 percent shooting, it is clear that Lamb will have to improve his shot selection. Read more >>

The Joys of NBA Summer League

The Las Vegas Summer League began in 2004 with six NBA teams playing a total of 13 games.

It was a humble start, to be sure. By 2005, the event had expanded to 15 teams, but the NBA would not attach its name to the proceedings until 2007. The following summer, EA Sports signed on as a sponsor. Big time!

Just a little more than a week ago, I visited the NBA Summer League for three days. Each day eclipsed 100 degrees, but the scorching heat took nothing away from my experience. I had an amazing time losing my summer league virginity.

Just eight years after the league had been introduced, 24 teams now took part in the festivities, including 23 NBA teams and a D-League select team.

This year, 10 days of basketball were scheduled from Friday, July 13 to Sunday, July 22. Two arenas housed the games, each of which was located on UNLV’s campus. The setup was convenient with two games typically occurring at once. Cox Pavilion, the more intimate of the two arenas, was located just across the concourse from the Thomas & Mack Center. Cox is so small that regardless of where fans were seated, they could hear the players communicate on the court. In turn, the players could hear cheers and jeers from the crowd. Read more >>