What is the Las Vegas Summer League?
With the Las Vegas Summer League starting July 7, let’s learn a little bit about the NBA’s top summer competition.
The Las Vegas Summer League started in 2004, with six teams – including the Phoenix Suns. With a roster headlined by former sun, Leandro Barbosa, Phoenix was one of the first NBA squads to take advantage of the developmental opportunities a summer league provides. At the end of the week, the Suns were the only team to go undefeated in the competition, with a 3-0 record.
Before it was called the “NBA Summer League”, the tournament was branded as the “Reebok Vegas Summer League” for the 2004 and 2005 offseasons and the “Toshiba Vegas Summer League” in 2006. Seeing the success and growth of the tournament, the NBA decided to officially attach its name to it in 2007.
Since the Las Vegas Summer League’s inaugural year, the tournament has greatly expanded. The 2017 edition will have 67 games played from July 7-17, by a record 24 teams, up one from last year’s total. All games will be held at the Cox Pavilion and the Thomas and Mack Center.
So, what’s the big deal about the summer league?
Technically, it’s a meaningless tournament with no real prestige. While some may think of it that way, this tournament does have real, tangible value. Its true value lies in development. It lies in playing time, in experience and increasing chemistry. Smart players recognize this and take advantage of the opportunity to improve.
Last year’s Summer League saw the Suns finish 2-1 in their seeding games before losing to the Timberwolves in the semi-finals. But, even more important than winning is development. 2016’s squad was headlined by many of Phoenix’s young, growing players, who clearly benefited from the added game time.
In Vegas, Devin Booker put the entire league on notice. In his two games, he dominated, averaging 26.0 points, good for second in the entire field. Next, there is Tyler Ulis, probably the most surprising performer for the Suns. Over his fantastic summer 2016 campaign, Ulis averaged 14.5 points and 6.3 assists per game. He even knocked down a game winning three in the quarter-finals. You can re-live the season’s first game-winner here. Moving towards the front-court, Marquese Chriss and Alan Williams both looked raw, but had exciting performances, while Dragan Bender struggled to show his true potential.
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This year’s squad will have a few carry-overs from last year’s team mixed in with a lot of new faces. Chriss and Bender will headline the group, alongside Josh Jackson, Davon Reed, and Derick Jones Jr. Unfortunately for the Suns, both Tyler Ulis and Alec Peters will miss this year’s Las Vegas Summer League with injuries. A full list of the team can be found here.