OKC Thunder begin preparations for Orlando Summer League while the brain trust is sure to be invested in Vegas activity as well.
With only three teams still alive in the playoffs and the NBA set to begin June 1, the spotlight begins to shift to a busy offseason schedule. Teams are currently conducting pre draft workouts heading toward the June 22 draft. The free agency moratorium will begin immediately afterward with Summer League closely behind.
CBA approved 2-way contract changes dynamic of Summer League
The first of three Summer League events tips off in Orlando with the OKC Thunder once again featuring their summer roster at this tourney. Although the Thunder elected to not participate in the larger Vegas event, the OKC brain trust will be invested in the action occurring there none-the-less.
Consider players like Yogi Ferrell, Fred VanVleet, Alan Williams and Johnathan Simmons all undrafted players who made impressions at Summer League events. These players either impressed enough to land contracts directly with the varsity squad or D-League signings. This season, with the new CBA approved 2-way contracts the Summer Leagues are sure to draw even greater attention.
OKC Thunder Summer League Roster:
Most of the roster will be filled out following draft night, but there are definitive members confirmed. From the varsity team Semaj Christon and Domantas Sabonis will suit up as will Josh Huestis who spent the majority of his time with the D-League affiliate, Oklahoma City Blues.
A logical addition is the OKC Blues All-NBA D-League center Dakari Johnson. With Andre Roberson and Taj Gibson both free agents forwards Boubacar Moungoro, and Kameron Woods will likely also make the squad. And, with Semaj Christon never claiming outright ownership of the back up point guard role Daniel Hamilton, Alex Caruso and Dez Wells could all be invited too.
Over and above these players watch for undrafted prospects and other D-League players to fill out the roster.
Participants:
Host team the Orlando Magic will put two squads on the court. Joining the OKC Thunder as the only other western team, the Dallas Mavericks. The other five participating teams are the Charlotte Hornets, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat and New York Knicks. Of the 8 franchises attending, all but the Thunder and Pacers will be selecting from the lottery and presumably arrive with their drafted players in tow.
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The Magic have been active this offseason hiring an entirely new management team. First they added GM Jeff Weltman from the Toronto Raptors as the new Team President and Head of Basketball Operations. Weltman brought in Bucks GM John Hammond who makes a lateral move.
That in itself should foster lots of activity of the Summer League.
OKC Thunder Game Schedule:
July 1: OKC Thunder play Detroit at 5 p.m. EST
July 3: Thunder play New York Knicks at 1:00 p.m. EST
July 4: Thunder play Charlotte Hornets at 1:00 p.m. EST
July 5: Thunder play Dallas Mavericks at 1:00 p.m. EST
Depending on where the squad finish will determine who they play in the championship round on July 6.
The nba.com has full details o the event.
Two other Summer Leagues occur with Utah‘s smaller event (July 3-6) featuring just 4 teams including the host Jazz, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and San Antonio Spurs. The event lasts over just 4 with games on 3 days.
The big event in Vegas runs July 7-17 featuring 24 teams including all 4 from the Jazz event as will two teams from the Orlando tourney (Dallas and Miami). Unlike previous years no D-League All-Star team will participate this season.