Summer League: In Session
A quick look at who’s trying to get (back) in the L.
During the regular season, only the most gifted and desirable players get to suit up for NBA franchises. Most players—even some with greater skill than some NBA bench players—are relegated to the D-League or to leagues across the ocean. The Summer League is different though.
Summertime provides an opportunity for talented but flawed players, or talented but just plain overlooked players, to be seen and scouted by both NBA teams and European teams alike. For guys who went undrafted a few weeks ago or for those players in their mid-20s recently home from a season overseas, the summer leagues are the showcases they’ve been waiting for.
With money tight—even in NBA circles—there are only two NBA-affiliated leagues taking place this summer, the first one being in Orlando and the later, and larger, one taking place in Vegas
. This means fewer teams and players will be able to take advantage of the forums provided by these showcases. Nonetheless, games will be played and players will be scouted. You’ll hear and see plenty of those players. So I figured I’d skip out on those guys—the ones that are always on your radar. Instead, I put together a list of some of the more interesting names on summer rosters across the League. (I didn’t list which of the two summer leagues they’re on that roster for. Sorry.)
Boston Celtics
Mike Sweetney: A former-Knick, Bull and top draft pick, Sweetney is looking to land back in the League after eating his way out of it. The former-Georgetown star may not have a chance to make the Celt’s roster (especially after they signed Rasheed Wallace today), but if he dropped some weight, worked on his game and is ready to put in work, somebody may be willing to give him another chance.
Robert Swift: Near the end of the Sonics’ stay in Seattle, the front office made a habit of drafting centers who didn’t pan out. Swift, a high school star at the time of his drafting, may be the biggest bust of them all. Boston paid and tried unsuccessfully to play another big bust, Patrick O’Bryant, last year. Swift may be their resurrection project this summer.
Denver Nuggets
Coby Karl: The cancer survivor and Boise State grad has been bouncing around the NBA and Euroleagues for a few years now. The 6-5 player has some serious skill and would fit in nicely as the 12th man on a team. But most importantly, Coby is George’s son. This summer should provide a nice chance for father to coach son and son to further his pro resume. (He’ll be playing for the Celtics in Orlando first though.)
Milwaukee Bucks
Dominic James: Before the broken leg this season, before the disappointing last few seasons at Marquette, James was once viewed as the Allen Iverson of the future. Short (under 5-11), quick to the hoop (ala Iverson) and lacking a consistent J (AI again), James had a knack for making the big play. Once as big a prospect as Brandon Jennings, James will now have to back him up on this summer. In the process, maybe he’ll prove to someone, here or across the Pond, that he is a pro-caliber player.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Bobby Brown: I didn’t just put him here because of his name, but because of his game. He is both a big-time and a creative scorer. Enjoy watching him this summer; he’ll probably be playing overseas next season.
Ben Woodside: You may not know his name, but if you watched the NCAA Tournament you know his game. Leading North Dakota State to their first Tourney berth ever, this offense wizard exploded against Kansas, scoring 37 scintillating points. While the 5-11 guard probably won’t make an NBA roster, boy is he fun to watch play.
New York Knicks
Morris Almond: His stint in Utah didn’t really work o
ut for him. Lacking roster spots and time on the court, Almond never got a fair shot with the Jazz. He’ll have a shot to make some shots this summer for the Knicks. Maybe that will end with him still in the L. Maybe not.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Shaun Livingston: “Peoria’s Finest” and a SLAM favorite, Shaun will play for the Thunder this coming season if all goes well for him this summer. This will be the first chance to watch him play extended minutes in a while. If watching him is anything like it used to be, enjoy.
Richard Roby: Once touted as a lottery caliber talent, Roby has fallen and fallen hard. The 6-5 guard has the blood (he’s Kenyon Martin’s half-brother) and the offense (he averages over 15 ppg throughout his college career) for the League. Does he have the head and the heart? This summer will give him a chance to answer those questions.
D.J. White and Robert Vaden: Former teammates at IU, these two rejoin forces this summer.
Orlando Magic
Levance Fields: Funny that the Magic have him; he reminds me a little of Jameer, both in the way he plays and carries himself. Whether he survives the summer and lands in the NBA next season or ends up playing overseas, Fields will be playing for pay for a long, long time.
Phoenix Suns
Alando Tucker: It’s usually not a good sign when guys going into their third year as still playing summer league ball. In Tucker’s case, it may be time to cut back on the rhyming and focus more on hoops.
Portland Trail Blazers
David Padgett: Six years ago, Padgett started off his college career as a hot prospect for the Kansas Jayhawks. After transferring to play at Louisville, the 6-11 center made a name for himself based on hard work and gutty play. Injuries hit him, though, and they hit him hard. While he may never get the chance to suit up for a regular season game, Padgett has earned the right to wear an NBA uni—even if it is just a summer league pinny.
San Antonio Spurs
Jack McClinton: An amazing shooter out of U of Miami, the undersized 2-guard has a real shot at playing in the League this season. Just maybe not for the Spurs.
Toronto Raptors
Quincy Douby: Sacramento made this sharp shooter their No. 1 draft pick a few years back. That was a mistake. But for the Raptors, Douby will be one hell of a summer league player—and may even be on their regular season roster.
Smush Parker: Do I really have to write anything? This speaks for itself.
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That dude was the Bulls best low post player for like 2 seasons when he got his fat-@ss off the bench. Nice jurnaround J, face up game, 1 dribble spin moves and a short hook.
He was too big down low to just push over, and he held his position well. They had Chandler and Curry at that stage, and Tyson was long enough to cover for Sweetney (who’s only like 6′8 or so).
I LOVE (no homo) the Summer League commentators Gerard. They’re awesome.
Wasn’t MacClinton the annoying winner of the NCAA 3point contest in 09? Wow, that guy is on another level with his “showmanship”
Is 2 years removed from beating cancer.
A shorter Shannon Brown? He was hella fun to watch!
I would pay to see Dajuan Wagner, Will Conroy, James White, Dominque James and Marcus Haislip play in the summer league!
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