The Vegas NBA Summer League tips off with Kawhi Leonard’s decision holding up several teams rookie signings. OKC Thunder makes their debut on Saturday.
Although Summer League action began at the start of the month with a duo of three-day tourneys the main event tips off today in Vegas. The OKC Thunder didn’t participate in the smaller events, however, they’ll join all 29 peers along with Team China and Team Croatia in Vegas at the NBA Summer League.
As mentioned, leading into Vegas eight teams participated in the smaller three-day events in Salt Lake City and California. Summer League and The California Classic. Joining hosts the Utah Jazz were the Memphis Grizzlies, Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs joined hosts the Utah Jazz. Likewise, the Sacramento Kings played host at The California Classic to the LA Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and Miami Heat.
Scores, statistics, and highlight videos from the Summer Salt Lake City League and California Classic can be viewed on NBA.com.
Vegas NBA Summer League:
This annual 11-day event features squads comprised of incoming rookies, existing roster sophomore talents, G-League assets, and undrafted prospects.
The tournament has grown in popularity in recent years with introductions to the new class of rookies and this year will be no exception. For fans who missed out on witnessing Zion Williamson in NCAA action, there will be ample opportunities to view this young phenomenon.
Likewise, the majority of rookies from the 2019 class will be in attendance. Opening day tips off with 20 teams playing in 10 games capped. Clearly, the main event on opening day features former Duke teammates Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett lining up as opponents.
NBA Summer League Schedule for Friday, July 5:
Note: all times are Eastern Standard Time, rookies expected to play in brackets. Some rookies aren’t listed mostly tied to the Kawhi Leonard decision as the Lakers can offer Leonard more money if he signs before the Anthony Davis trade is processed. Seven other teams are affected by the AD trade (see tweets below) which means a myriad of rookie signings and trades are intrinsically tied to this decision.
Detroit Pistons (Sekou Doumbouya, Deividas Sirvydis) vs. Team Croatia at 3:00 p.m. on NBA TV
Philadelphia 76ers (Matisse Thybulle, Marial Shayok) vs. Milwaukee Bucks at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN2
Minnesota Timberwolves (Jaylen Nowell) vs Cleveland Cavaliers (Darius Garland, Dylan Windler, Kevin Porter) at 5:00 p.m on NBA TV
Note: Jarrett Culver not listed on Wolves roster
Miami Heat (Tyler Herro) vs. Team China at 5:30 p.m. on ESPNU
Note: K.Z. Okpala is not listed on Heat roster
Dallas Mavericks (Isaiah Roby) vs. Brooklyn Nets (Nicolas Claxton, Jaylen Hands) at 7:00 p.m. on NBATV
LA Lakers (Talen Horton-Tucker) vs. Chicago Bulls (Coby White, Daniel Gafford) at 7:30 p.m on ESPN
Charlotte Hornets (P.J. Washington, Cody Martin, Jalen McDaniels) vs. Golden State Warriors (Jordan Poole, Alen Smailagic, Eric Paschall) at 9:00 p.m. on NBATV
New York Knicks (RJ Barrett, Ignas Brazdeikis) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (Zion Williamson) at 9:30 p.m. on ESPN
Note: none of Jaxson Hayes, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Marcos Louzada Silva are listed to Pelicans roster and won’t be until Kawhi Leonard makes his decision in all likelihood as the Lakers hold off processing that portion of the Anthony Davis deal but teams are supposed to have their paperwork in by Saturday, July 6th.
Orlando Magic vs. San Antonio Spurs (Keldon Johnson, Luka Samanic, Quinndary Weatherspoon)at 11:00 p.m.on NBATV
Note: Chuma Okeke is not listed on Magic roster
Phoenix Suns ( vs. Denver Nuggets at 11:30 p.m. on ESPN
Note: neither teams rookies Cameron Johnson, Ty Jerome (Suns) or Bol Bol (Nuggets) are listed on the teams rosters
NBA Summer League Tournament Structure and Details:
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Every team will play five games with the preliminary round determining the seeding for the single elimination second round.
- Opening Round runs from July 5 to July 11
- Elimination Round runs from July 12 to 15
Broadcasters, streaming services:
TV: NBA TV, ESPN, (and associates ESPN 2, ESPN U)
Streaming: Streaming: fuboTV
Location and venues:
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
Game locations: Two venues are used in Vegas including the Thomas and Mack Center and Cox Pavilion.
Make sure to check back with us tomorrow as TI preps you for the OKC Thunder NBA Summer League debut including what and who to watch for during the match.