2023 NBA Summer League TV Guide
2023 NBA Summer League TV Guide
The 2023 NBA Summer League TV Guide is here to give you a breakdown of every NBA Roster and specific players to watch out for
“NBA Summer League is nature’s most powerful aphrodisiac”
- Chaz Reingold
IT’S TIME.
Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen to the 2023 NBA Summer League Viewer’s TV Guide. Over the years, this has become one of my favorite things to put together for basketball fans around the world.
Summer League is simply heaven on earth for basketball fans. It’s the equivalent of a “music festival” for NBA diehards. If you haven’t made the trip to Las Vegas for basketball nirvana, I couldn’t recommend the event more. This has become a mandatory trip for me personally, just as a fan of the sport of basketball. Now with the No Ceilings crew, there has never been a better “excuse” to travel to Vegas and take in live hoops until my brain turns into mush.
Let me get you up to speed before you take on this beast of a piece. Below is a breakdown of every NBA roster that is heading to Las Vegas. You’ll see some recognition of the incoming 2023 NBA draft selections, as well as some “notables” to monitor moving forward. I’ve also made it a point to spotlight one player that will be an interesting name to watch out for in Las Vegas.
All rosters mentioned are from NBA teams' social media accounts & NBA.com.
This year’s Summer League showing in Las Vegas has the potential to be an all-timer. Not only is there going to be an exciting assortment of rookies but there’s also a plethora of “sophomores” who are eager to showcase the improvements in their games.
* An important note to point out. Plenty of Summer League rosters can change at the snap of a finger. There are some trades that are in the process of being finalized, so be on the look for updates to some rosters. I will do my best to update any potential moves throughout the process. Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Cason Wallace, for example, has yet to be listed on the roster while waiting for the 2023 NBA draft day trade to be processed (such a fun tradition). But there are plenty of other trades that could see some “late” additions to other rosters.
Welcome to the 2023 NBA Summer League TV Guide.
Atlanta Hawks
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
Kobe Bufkin (15th)
Mouhamed Gueye (39th)
Seth Lundy (46th)
Notables:
Mfiondu Kabengele
Yves Pons
David Singleton
AJ Griffin
Tyson Etienne
Keep An Eye On:
AJ Griffin
Summary: The Atlanta Hawks kick off our Summer League preview and should have plenty of names that should warrant attention from basketball fans. Atlanta added an intriguing piece to their roster in Michigan Wolverines freshman guard Kobe Bufkin. One of the top risers throughout the 2023 NBA draft cycle, Bufkin is oozing with upside as a versatile threat in the backcourt. He’s an intelligent guard who can make an impact on both sides of the floor and is oozing with upside.
Atlanta added an intriguing developmental piece in the second round in Washington State big man Mouhamed Gueye. He’s got some sensational mobility for a big man and can be a force when everything is clicking. Gueye will need some time to become more consistent, but he’s going to be a fun one to monitor in terms of development. Adding former Penn State bucket-getter Seth Lundy in the second round was a potentially underrated addition as well. Lundy is a big body wing that knows how to put the ball in the basket. He’s got the chance to stick with a strong showing.
Mfiondu Kabengele impressed during last year’s Summer League and found himself spending the majority of the 2022-23 season in the G League with the Maine Celtics. He’s an energetic big who isn’t afraid to do some damage around the basket. He averaged 19.1 points and 10.4 rebounds in 42 games in the G League.
Tyson Etienne has shown the potential to be a microwave scorer. He played 47 games in the G League with the College Park Skyhawks, averaging 17.1 points per game while shooting 33.6% from three.
The name to watch out for is second-year wing, AJ Griffin. After some impressive flashes during his rookie season, Griffin will be a player that is preparing for a potentially big sophomore year.
Boston Celtics
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
Jordan Walsh (38th)
Notables:
Jay Scrubb
Mychal Mulder
Udoka Azubuike
Justin Champagnie
Vincent Valerio-Bodon
Dalano Banton* (Updated to Roster)
Keep An Eye On:
JD Davison
Summary: It’s been an interesting offseason for the Boston Celtics with the swing for Kristaps Porzingis. In terms of the Summer League roster, there are still some interesting names to pay attention to moving forward. After trading Marcus Smart, the Celtics found themselves picking up a first-round pick in the 2023 NBA draft.
Boston elected to trade back and pick up some future draft capital before targeting Arkansas freshman wing Jordan Walsh. A versatile asset on the wing, Walsh will need some time to come around on the offensive side of the ball, but his best skill is something that the Celtics will have a desire for. Walsh has the upside to be a versatile defensive asset. He’s laterally explosive and has great length to switch onto multiple positions.
Jay Scrubb is a familiar face who spent the 2022-23 season in the G League, averaging 22.8 points per game while shooting 47.1% from the field. He will need to showcase some more efficiency from deep. Udoka Azubuike will be another familiar name, after being a former first-round selection in the 2020 NBA draft. Justin Champagnie will be another name to watch, after earning a call-up to the Celtics in the second half of the season. He spent the majority of the year with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, averaging 19.5 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.
The wildcard to keep an eye on is JD Davison. An athletic guard with great explosiveness, Davison spent the 2022-23 season with the Maine Celtics of the G League. He averaged 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game and will need a strong Summer League showing to earn a potential roster spot.
Free agent addition Dalano Banton has reportedly been a late addition to Boston’s Summer League roster. Banton signed a two-year deal with the Celtics this offseason, giving the team a jumbo-sized playmaking guard with upside. He spent the 2022-23 season with the Toronto Raptors, averaging 4.6 points and 1.2 assists per game in 31 games.
Brooklyn Nets
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
Noah Clowney (21st)
Dariq Whitehead (22nd)
Jalen Wilson (51st)
Notables:
David Duke Jr.
RaiQuan Gray
Adonis Arms
Kennedy Chandler
Jordan Hall
Keep An Eye On:
Kennedy Chandler
Summary: Should be another exciting Summer League roster for the Brooklyn Nets. Shouldn’t come as much surprise as Dariq Whitehead isn’t officially on the roster, as he’s recovering from a previous surgery. Brooklyn will be patient with Whitehead throughout his rookie year to get him back to full health and he’s going to be oozing with upside.
Noah Clowney will draw plenty of buzz for this team in Summer League and it’s going to be some valuable playing time for the young big man. Clowney showcased some intriguing flashes throughout his freshman season with Alabama. He’s a versatile big man who pops on the defensive side of the floor. Clowney will have his growing pains, as most rookies do, but he’s going to have the upside to be a strong developmental piece for Brooklyn moving forward.
Don’t overlook second-round selection, Jalen Wilson. The versatile forward had a strong year for the Kansas Jayhawks, averaging 20.1 points per game. Wilson will be on a mission to send a statement and has the chance to stick on this roster, especially with a strong Summer League showing.
David Duke Jr. put up 23.0 points per game last year in the G League with shooting splits of 47/32/80. RaiQuan Gray will be another familiar name to monitor after he averaged 15.4 points and 7.6 rebounds last year in the G League. Jordan Hall spent the majority of his rookie year with the Austin Spurs and has some playmaking upside.
The wildcard here is point guard Kennedy Chandler, who was shockingly released from the Memphis Grizzlies last year. Chandler is lightning in a bottle despite being undersized and will be eager to prove himself at Summer League.
Charlotte Hornets
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
Brandon Miller (2nd)
Nick Smith Jr. (27th)
James Nnaji (31st)
Amari Bailey (41st)
Notables:
Bryce McGowens
Leaky Black
Kai Jones
Kobi Simmons
Xavier Sneed
James Bouknight
Keep An Eye On:
James Bouknight
Summary: Charlotte is going to have a gauntlet of a roster that features plenty of intriguing names to keep an eye on. First, let’s start with the “new guys.” Brandon Miller is going to get the spotlight, especially after the Hornets decided to take the talented wing over G League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson. He will be tested immediately, as the Hornets are set to take on Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs on the first day in Las Vegas. Miller has the tools to be an offensive force at the next level. He’s a dangerous threat from the outside but has some fantastic playmaking ability as well that should be unlocked with NBA spacing.
It will be fascinating to see what Nick Smith Jr. can do as well in Summer League, especially after a shaky 2022-23 NCAA season. Expectations should be tempered for NSJ, and Hornets fans will want to just see Smith take steps forward in each outing throughout these games. Smith is a smooth shooting guard from the outside, but he will take some time to find his groove when it comes to the other aspects of his game. Charlotte added another talented big man in international center James Nnaji. He’s still just 18 years old but is a force on the defensive side of the ball. Nnaji will need time, as he’s extremely raw offensively, but he’s an intriguing addition for the Hornets.
Amari Bailey finished the 2022-23 season on a high note and looks to be a potential steal at where Charlotte landed him in the draft. On a crowded roster, Bailey will need to hit the ground running to earn a spot in the rotation but his versatility could be enticing.
Bryce McGowens was impressive throughout his rookie year with the Greensboro Swarm, averaging 22.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. After being selected 40th in the 2022 NBA Draft, McGowens will be looking to showcase his improvement in order to earn a spot in the rotation this season. Plenty of eyes will be watching James Bouknight in his third Summer League. It’s been a rough couple of years for Bouknight, but he has the talent to send a statement this year and get back on track. Kai Jones will be another name that could set the gym on fire with some of his high-flying antics.
Chicago Bulls
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
Julian Phillips (35th)
Notables:
Adama Sanogo
Daniel Oturu
Justin Lewis
Jontay Porter
Dalen Terry
Keep An Eye On:
Dalen Terry
Summary: Chicago has a couple of names that I’m personally fascinated to see this year in Las Vegas. The Bulls headed into the 2023 NBA draft without a selection but were aggressive in trading up to select Tennessee freshman forward Julian Phillips. There’s a chance that this could be a potential steal for the Bulls down the road, but Phillips will need time to develop. He’s a versatile defensive asset who I believe has some more offensive game than he was able to showcase during his only season with the Volunteers. A lengthy wing with athleticism and raw tools, Summer League should be great for Phillips to get some valuable playing reps.
Justin Lewis continues to be a name that I have my eye on. He surprisingly went undrafted and looked to land in a fantastic spot with the Bulls. Lewis suffered a torn ACL last year and will be looking to bounce back with a strong Summer League showing. He’s a wildcard to keep an eye on. UConn big man Adama Sanogo impressed during the 2022-23 NCAA season and will be another name to monitor closely. Despite being undersized, Sanogo has a versatile game that could earn him a spot on a roster, especially with his developing outside shot.
The one to watch out for is second-year guard Dalen Terry. He’s going to be a name that should be mentioned on plenty of breakout lists for sophomores in the NBA. Terry is a versatile piece that was going to take some time to find his groove after being selected 18th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft. With the Bulls expected to be without Lonzo Ball for this year, Terry has a big opportunity to cement himself as a potential player that deserves a serious uptick in minutes for the 2023-24 season.
Cleveland Cavaliers
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
Emoni Bates (49th)
Notables:
Craig Porter Jr.
Sharife Cooper
Khalifa Diop
Sam Merrill
Isaiah Mobley
Luke Travers
Keep An Eye On:
Craig Porter Jr.
Summary: Cleveland has a roster that is going to feature a plethora of familiar names. The first one we got to talk about is Emoni Bates. After a rollercoaster of a collegiate career, Bates showed his offensive upside during the 2022-23 NCAA season with Eastern Michigan. He’s going to draw plenty of attention at Summer League, but Bates will have to showcase an improved shot selection and versatility in order to carve out a roster spot.
Sharife Cooper has found himself getting plenty of G League run over the last two seasons. During the 2022-23 season with the Cleveland Charge, Cooper averaged 21.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game while shooting 31.6% from three. Khalifa Diop was selected with the 39th pick in the 2022 NBA draft and spent the 2022-23 season with Gran Canaria, averaging 7.9 points and 4.9 rebounds in 19.7 minutes per game. Luke Travers flashed last year during Summer League with the Cavaliers and is coming off another year in the NBL where he averaged 9.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game.
Sam Merrill will be a wildcard to keep an eye on. He spent the 2022-23 season with the Canton Charge and averaged 18.4 points per game while shooting 44.1% from downtown. Keep an eye on Craig Porter Jr. who was signed to a two-way contract right after the 2023 NBA draft. The Wichita State product put up 13.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game last year while shooting 36.3% from downtown.
Dallas Mavericks
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
Dereck Lively II (12th)
Olivier-Maxence Prosper (24th)
Notables:
Jaden Hardy
Mike Miles Jr.
A.J. Lawson
Jordan Walker
McKinley Wright IV
Keep An Eye On:
Jaden Hardy
Summary: The Dallas Mavericks should have plenty of talent that will draw some excitement from the Summer League crowd. Let’s first start with Dereck Lively II. If Lively takes and hits a three in his first game, that sound you hear will be all Draft diehards laughing hysterically. Lively was the former top recruit coming out of high school and looked like a completely different player in the second half of his freshman season. He’s going to need some time to find his groove, but the defensive upside is sensational.
Dallas traded back into the first round to target Marquette forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper, who was one of the most popular names throughout the pre-draft process. OMP will be a fascinating one to monitor, as he has the tools defensively to be a versatile piece for this Mavericks organization. He could need some time to get the offense to come around consistently, but OMP plays with energy and great effort.
Jaden Hardy will be one of the most exciting “sophomores” to keep an eye on at Summer League. After a strong Summer League showing last year, Hardy showed some intriguing flashes throughout the regular season with the Mavericks. He’s got the opportunity to earn some consistent minutes this year for Dallas and another strong Summer League would be just what the Mavericks want to see.
A.J. Lawson impressed last year in Las Vegas, earning himself a two-way contract. He’s a sneaky one to keep an eye on. Mike Miles Jr. is the wildcard to keep an eye on. Miles is a dawg and could be a name that puts up some impressive performances in Las Vegas. Don’t rule out McKinley Wright IV and Jordan “Jelly” Walker as well.
Denver Nuggets
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
Julian Strawther (29th)
Jalen Pickett (32nd)
Hunter Tyson (37th)
Notables:
Peyton Watson
Collin Gillespie
Ismael Kamagate
Aamir Simms
Cassius Stanley
Keep An Eye On:
Peyton Watson
Summary: The defending champion Denver Nuggets are going to have a Summer League roster that features some names who are eager to make a statement as potential contributors next year. Let’s start with the fresh meat. Gonzaga wing Julian Strawther has the potential to be a strong addition to this roster. Strawther developed into a dangerous weapon from downtown last year for the Bulldogs and isn’t afraid to do damage on the boards. If the defensive side of the ball can reach another level, Strawther has the potential to be a welcomed addition alongside Christian Braun in the rotation.
Penn State guard Jalen Pickett was a box score-stuffing machine during the 2022-23 NCAA season. He averaged 17.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game with shooting splits of 50/38/76. The rumor was that Pickett was extremely impressive during some workouts throughout the pre-draft process. He’s a sneaky candidate to watch out for in Las Vegas. Clemson forward Hunter Tyson impressed teams with his outside shooting and will be an interesting one to watch out for. He’s coming off a year that saw him average 15.3 points and 9.6 rebounds while shooting 40.5% from downtown.
Collin Gillespie will be a familiar name to some diehard college hoops fans out there. He impressed last year in Summer League but suffered an injury that forced him to miss the entire season. Ismael Kamagate was drafted 46th by the Denver Nuggets in the 2022 NBA draft. He spent the last season overseas and averaged 9.9 points and 7.5 rebounds in 22.1 minutes per game.
The one to watch out for is Peyton Watson. Denver’s 30th overall selection in the 2022 NBA draft, Watson has been buzzing as a potential breakout candidate for this Nuggets team. With a strong showing in Summer League, Watson could be ready to roll as another weapon for the defending champs.
Detroit Pistons
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
Ausar Thompson (5th)
Marcus Sasser (25th)
Notables:
Jalen Duren
Jaden Ivey
Isaiah Livers
Jared Rhoden
James Wiseman
Tosan Evbuomwan
Malcolm Cazalon
Gabriele Procida? (Late Add?)
Keep An Eye On:
Jaden Ivey
Summary: WAGON ALERT! The Detroit Pistons are going to feature one of the most stacked rosters in Summer League. While there are a number of big names on this roster, it’s always important to remember that NBA teams could look to shut down some of these players early. Let’s start with the rookies. Plenty of eyes will be watching closely to see how Overtime Elite wing Ausar Thompson holds up in Las Vegas. Detroit invested in Ausar after selecting him as the fifth overall selection. Ausar has the versatility to potentially be a sensational addition to this roster, especially if his shot continues to come around.
Houston guard Marcus Sasser will be ready to send a statement with his play in Las Vegas. Sasser is fearless and has the potential to put up some big numbers in Vegas. He should get plenty of run as the team's floor general this summer. Big man Jalen Duren finds himself on the roster after an impressive rookie campaign. Time will tell just how much the 2022 13th overall selection will play, but Duren is another name that is preparing for a potential second-year leap.
James Wiseman also finds himself on the roster, after being acquired via trade last year. Wiseman showcased some flashes with the Pistons in the second half of the year and should be motivated heading into a potential contract year. Keep an eye on Isaiah Livers, who could be a name that starts to finally find his groove. Livers has the tools to develop into a potential asset on this roster and this will be a big Summer for him.
The one to watch out for is Jaden Ivey. Detroit is preparing for a potentially massive year from franchise star Cade Cunningham. If Ivey is prepared to take the next step, it could provide to be a serious development for their backcourt of the future. Ivey impressed throughout his rookie year and could be a name that could get shut down early with a couple of impressive outings. International wing Gabriele Procida, who was selected 36th in the 2022 NBA draft, is not on the roster but has been seen in Las Vegas with the team. He’s still under contract overseas, but perhaps he could be a late add to the Pistons roster.
Golden State Warriors
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
Brandin Podziemski (19th)
Trayce Jackson-Davis (57th)
Notables:
Yuri Collins
Reggie Perry
Kendric Davis
Gui Santos
Lester Quinones
Keep An Eye On:
Trayce Jackson-Davis
Summary: The Golden State Warriors have made plenty of headlines with a number of moves throughout the offseason. Newly promoted GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. has been aggressive to get this roster back into contention in the Western Conference. It was an impressive 2023 draft haul for Dunleavy, as Golden State added a pair of players who should fit beautifully with this roster.
The first is Santa Clara guard Brandin Podziemski. “Air Podz” is a feisty combo guard who is coming off a sensational year for the Broncos. He was one of the biggest risers throughout the entire 2023 draft cycle after averaging 19.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 43.8% from three. With a stacked backcourt already, Podziemski won’t be called upon to be thrown into the fire early. But he’s a name that could impress in Summer League and won’t back down from a challenge.
One of my personal favorite fits of the entire 2023 NBA draft was Indiana big man Trayce Jackson-Davis landing in Golden State. TJD was one of the most dominant players in college basketball last year and took tremendous strides forward with his playmaking ability. Despite the lack of an outside shot, TJD has the tools to be a perfect addition to Golden State’s roster. He’s an athletic rim runner who can offer rim protection and playmaking chops. He will want to send a message in Vegas.
Yuri Collins was a dime-throwing machine for Saint Louis last year, averaging 11.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 10.1 assists per game. Although undersized, Memphis guard Kendric Davis knows how to put the ball in the basket in a hurry. He averaged 21.9 points and 5.4 assists per game last year and is a wildcard to watch out for. Lester Quinones spent the last year in the G League with the Santa Cruz Warriors and put up some big numbers. He averaged 20.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game while shooting 37.5% from three. He’s another sleeper to keep an eye on.
Houston Rockets
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
Amen Thompson (4th)
Cam Whitmore (20th)
Notables:
Tari Eason
Nate Hinton
Jabari Smith Jr
Jalen Lecque
Jermaine Samuels Jr.
Jay Huff
Keep An Eye On:
Jabari Smith Jr.
Summary: The Houston Rockets were one of the biggest winners from the 2023 NBA draft. After an impressive offseason of adding some valuable veteran pieces to this roster, Houston will be hoping to take a big step forward in the 2023-24 season.
One of the top attractions at Las Vegas, besides the No Ceilings team at the craps table, will be the 4th overall selection, Amen Thompson. The combination of athleticism and explosiveness is going to be one of the most entertaining developments from Vegas for the next couple of weeks. Amen spent the last couple of years with the Overtime Elite and landed in a perfect spot with the Rockets. The outside shot will be the question moving forward, but Amen should put up plenty of highlights in Summer League.
Houston found a potential steal with Villanova freshman forward Cam Whitmore falling to 20. Whitmore was viewed as a potential top-5 selection before slipping due to medical concerns. There are going to be some growing pains with Whitmore, but Houston won’t rush the issue. He’s going to be another outstanding talent to develop, with some horrifying power when attacking the lane. If Whitmore can get the shot falling early, he will be on a mission to send a message to the rest of the NBA.
Tari Eason will be a name to watch closely, as he’s going to need a big offseason to earn some consistent minutes in a suddenly crowded roster. Nate Hinton has continued to impress in the G League, as he continues to battle to earn a spot on an NBA roster. He averaged 13.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 39.1% from three with the Cleveland Charge last year.
Jermaine Samuels Jr. is a sleeper to watch out for, even with other teams monitoring potential additions for their rosters. The former Villanova product spent the 2022-23 season with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, averaging 15.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists while shooting 66.5% from the field.
The name to watch out for is second-year forward Jabari Smith Jr. After being selected third overall in the 2022 NBA draft, Jabari showcased some impressive strides in development during the second half of the 2022-23 season. He’s another candidate to take a big step forward in his second season, which will give the Rockets another dangerous boost.
Indiana Pacers
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
Jarace Walker (8th)
Ben Sheppard (26th)
Mojave King (47th)
Isaiah Wong (55th)
Notables:
Bennedict Mathurin
Kendall Brown
Andrew Nembhard
Isaiah Jackson
Oscar Tshiebwe
Keep An Eye On:
Bennedict Mathurin
Summary: WAGON ALERT! Going to be awesome to see what this Indiana Pacers roster can do in Las Vegas. Indiana is quickly trending in the right direction and the Front Office has done a fantastic job of putting the pieces of the puzzle together over the years. With a strong haul in Free Agency well, Indiana could be a team that should compete in the Eastern Conference.
Houston freshman forward Jarace Walker is going to be a dream fit for this organization. Walker is a versatile piece on both sides of the floor with a sensational feel for the game. He’s oozing with upside and just teased fans with his playmaking ability during the 2022-23 season. Walker’s “fit” for this team could be sensational. He might not be a player who puts up game-high scoring numbers in Vegas, but his impact on the team will be high.
Belmont sharpshooter Ben Sheppard was lighting it up throughout the 2022-23 NCAA season and was a big riser throughout the pre-draft process. Sheppard could become an intriguing floor spacer early on for the Pacers as a rookie, especially with his strong feel and underrated defensive game.
Mojave King is going to be an interesting developmental piece to monitor. He’s got some upside and pops on tape with his ability to make plays. If King can unlock some consistency, he could be a nice find. The wildcard for the 2023 draft haul is Miami guard Isaiah Wong. I expected Wong to come off the board earlier, so I think there could be some good value here. Wong has freakish lateral explosiveness and can do some damage in the lane.
Andrew Nembhard was an outstanding get for the Pacers in the 2022 NBA draft and looks to be poised to take another step in his development. With Tyrese Haliburton signing a max extension (and letting us know with an elite Tweet), Nembhard could be trending toward becoming a sensational sixth-man asset for the future. Don’t forget about talented big man Isaiah Jackson as well, who will be eager to earn extended minutes on this roster for the regular season.
The one to watch out for is Bennedict Mathurin who was sensational in his rookie season. Mathurin has the tools to be a bucket-getting machine for the Pacers. He’s going to be one of the top breakout candidates in the NBA for his second year, even after some awesome showings as a rookie.
Los Angeles Clippers
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
Kobe Brown (30th)
Jordan Miller (48th)
Notables:
Moussa Diabate
Jason Preston
Brodric Thomas
Bryson Williams
Keep An Eye On:
Kobe Brown
Summary: Where’s James Harden? Jokes aside, going to be some interesting names to keep an eye on for the Los Angeles Clippers at Summer League.
Missouri forward Kobe Brown is coming off a tremendous year for the Tigers. Brown played a wide range of roles for Missouri last year and will hang his hat on versatility moving forward. He averaged 15.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game while shooting 55.3% from the field and an eye-opening 45.5% from three. If the three-point shot is legit then Brown has the potential to be a legit asset for the Clippers.
Miami wing Jordan Miller was one of my favorite sleepers heading into the 2023 NBA draft. I think there’s a chance that the Clippers could have found one in the second round. Miller might need some time to find his groove, but he’s got the versatility to be an intelligent piece for this roster. He should get plenty of run on this roster for Summer League. Even if Miller spends some time in the G League he could be a name that doesn’t stay there for long.
Moussa Diabate will be another name to watch out for. After being selected 43rd in the 2022 NBA draft, Diabate spent the year in the G League with the Ontario Clippers. He averaged 16.7 points and 11.8 rebounds per game with Ontario. Keep an eye on Jason Preston as well who also spend the year with Ontario last year. He averaged 15.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game in the G League last year while shooting 48.6% from the field and 37.9% from three.
Los Angeles Lakers
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
Jalen Hood-Schifino (17th)
Maxwell Lewis (40th)
Notables:
Colin Castleton
Alex Fudge
D’Moi Hodge
Max Christie
Scottie Pippen Jr.
Sacha Killeya-Jones
Cole Swider
Keep An Eye On:
Max Christie
Summary: An entertaining Summer League roster for the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers have been active this offseason, bringing in a number of veteran pieces. That means that there’s going to be some competition with this Summer League squad to earn a spot with the big club.
Los Angeles had a heck of a 2023 NBA draft haul. The one to watch is Jalen Hood-Schifino. The talented combo guard has great size and has some impressive stretches of play with Indiana during his freshman season. Hood-Schifino has a crafty game and can do some damage in the midrange. He works to get to his spots on the floor and if the outside shot comes along, the Lakers could have found a real talent.
Personally, I was a bit shocked to see Pepperdine wing Maxwell Lewis fall to 40. But I think the Lakers could have found gold if they stress patience with Lewis. During his first 15 games of the 2022-23 NCAA season, Lewis was averaging 19.4 points and 5.9 rebounds while shooting 54.0% from the field, 43.8% from three, and 84.9% from the line. He’s a late bloomer who showcased some serious offensive weaponry. If the Lakers let him develop and don’t rush the process, “Mad Max” has the tools to be a tremendous get down the road.
Colin Castleton will be a sleeper to watch out for. He’s very skilled for a big man and has a better outside shot than the numbers might suggest. Don’t forget about Missouri guard D’Moi Hodge as well, who can light it up from deep in a hurry. Florida forward Alex Fudge is raw and is going to need time, but he’s shown flashes of scary defensive upside.
The name to watch here is Max Christie. After being selected 35th in the 2022 NBA draft, Christie played 17 games in the G League with the South Bay Lakers, averaging 14.5 points per game while shooting 36.4% from deep. He showed some flashes in the regular season to end the year and is a sneaky candidate to take a big leap this year. Christie has a smooth shooting stroke and can really get after it defensively. If the shot starts to click, he could be a wildcard rotation asset for this team.
Memphis Grizzlies
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
Gregory “GG” Jackson II (45th)
Tarik Biberovic (56th)
Notables:
Kenneth Lofton Jr.
Jake LaRavia
Joel Ayayi
Jacob Gilyard
David Roddy
Vince Williams Jr.
Keep An Eye On:
Jake LaRavia
Summary: The Memphis Grizzlies should feature a pretty underrated roster heading into Las Vegas that should offer some fascinating storylines. One of the biggest names that will draw the attention of draft fans is South Carolina freshman forward Gregory “GG” Jackson II. After reclassifying to enroll at South Carolina a year early, Jackson showcased some serious offensive upside throughout the 2022-23 NCAA season. A rough pre-draft process saw him fall to the middle of the second round, but Jackson has the upside to be tremendous value if the Grizzlies can be patient. He’s one of the youngest players in the entire 2023 class and will need to become a consistent player if he wants to unlock his potential.
The Grizzlies took Tarik Biberovic with the 56th selection which resulted in various draft sickos quickly dropping their jaw on the floor. He spent the last year in Turkey with Fenerbahce and averaged 4.5 points per game in 13.1 minutes. He’s expected to be stashed but my head might explode if he drops 20 in a Summer League game.
There are some exciting “returners” to pay close attention to for this Grizzlies roster. The obvious one we got to talk about is the big fella, Kenneth Lofton Jr. After going undrafted, Lofton spent the year in the G League with the Memphis Hustle. He was named the 2022-23 NBA G League Rookie of the Year after averaging 20.2 points and 10.5 rebounds in 17 games for the Hustle.
Vince Williams Jr. is another one that should be interesting to watch out for. He’s a versatile guard who spent some time with the Hustle last year, averaging 17.9 points and 8.0 rebounds in eight games. Jacob Gilyard is lightning in a bottle despite being undersized and averaged an impressive 8.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game with the Hustle last year with shooting splits of 42/41/92. David Roddy will also be a fun one to monitor. The former 23rd overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft is a big-bodied guard who should be a name who could take a step forward this year.
The one to watch out for is Jake LaRavia. He’s a name that could be seeing an uptick in minutes for the Grizzlies roster this year with a strong Summer League. LaRavia is a skilled forward who could become a welcomed addition to the rotation. He averaged 17.8 points and 4.6 rebounds last year in 17 games with the Memphis Hustle.
Miami Heat
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (18th)
Notables:
Jamaree Bouyea
Nikola Jovic
Alondes Williams
Drew Peterson
Justin Powell
Orlando Robinson
Keep An Eye On:
Alondes Williams
Summary: The Miami Heat have done a sensational job over the years of finding contributors for their roster. That includes surveying the undrafted free agent market to find some fascinating pieces. There are some names on this roster that are oozing with the potential to be some fantastic “fits” for this Heat organization moving forward. First, let’s start out with the new draft selection.
UCLA wing Jaime Jaquez Jr. couldn’t have landed in a better spot. Jaquez was one of the top “plug-and-play” candidates for the 2023 NBA draft class. He was a rapid riser throughout the pre-draft process after reports suggested that Jaquez was “dominant” in workouts. He has some of the best footwork of the entire draft class and is a crafty wing who stands out with his versatility.
Serbian wing Nikola Jovic was selected with the 27th pick in the 2022 NBA draft and will be one to monitor in his second Summer League. He played in seven games with the Sioux Falls Skyforce last year, averaging 12.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 34.5% from deep.
Jamaree Bouyea could be a sleeper to watch out for. After going undrafted last year, Bouyea spent the year with Sioux Falls, averaging 18.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game. Orlando Robinson is another sleeper, as the talented big man could be trying to send a statement for a roster spot. He only played in six games in the G League but averaged 18.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game.
A pair of undrafted free agents for the 2023 NBA draft are going to be fascinating names to watch out for with Miami. Washington State guard Justin Powell could be the next “developmental” talent for Miami to try to unlock. He’s a versatile shooter who shot 42.6% from three on 5.3 attempts per game last year. The other is former USC wing, Drew Peterson. At 6’9”, Peterson has great size for a wing but is crafty and can do some damage all over the court. He averaged 13.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game last year while shooting 35.8% from three. Watch out for those two.
The wildcard to keep a close eye on is former Wake Forest floor general Alondes Williams. After going undrafted, Williams played 35 games in the G League with the Long Island Nets, averaging 12.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. He should get plenty of run with the Heat Summer League roster and can turn some heads with his playmaking ability.
Milwaukee Bucks
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
Andre Jackson Jr. (36th)
Chris Livingston (58th)
Notables:
Drew Timme
Tacko Fall
Jazian Gortman
Marjon Beauchamp
Hugo Besson
Omari Moore
Iverson Molinar
Nico Mannion
Keep An Eye On:
MarJon Beauchamp
Summary: My goodness. What a roster. There’s a lot to unfold here. So buckle up basketball fans. The Milwaukee Bucks added a pair of second-round selections with some intriguing upside. The first is UConn wing Andre Jackson Jr. One of the best athletes in the 2023 NBA draft class, Jackson is an agent of chaos on the court. He’s a fascinating talent, as he can be an absolute game-wrecker with his ability to impact the game. The shot will always be his knock, but Jackson has a knack for knowing how to make game-changing plays.
Former Kentucky Wildcats forward Chris Livingston was a popular name heading into the 2022-23 NCAA season. After a disappointing year, Livingston decided to keep his name in the 2023 NBA draft. He’s got the upside to be a strong connecting piece, especially if he regains his form from his high school days. Livingston might not offer star upside, but he has the potential to be a strong rotation asset on a roster.
TACKO FALL IS BACK. An often “fan favorite” at Summer League, Fall will be back to try to earn a spot on a roster, and should be exciting. Gonzaga big man Drew Timme also finds himself on the Bucks roster. He was one of the most productive centers in college basketball throughout his career and offers some intriguing versatility. It will be interesting to see if he can stand out on both sides of the floor.
Iverson Molinar is a sleeper to keep an eye on. After going undrafted in 2022, Molinar spent the year in the G League with the Wisconsin Herd. He averaged 9.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game in just 21.0 minutes. Former San Jose State product Omari Moore had some fans going into the 2023 NBA draft despite going undrafted. He’s an athletic wing with some intriguing upside that could be a fun developmental project for the Bucks.
An extreme wildcard to keep an eye on is Nico Mannion. After an intriguing collegiate career at Arizona, Mannion had a shaky rookie year in the NBA before some setbacks. He spent the last year with Virtus Bologna and averaged 10.5 points and 3.3 assists per game in 26 games in the LBA.
Two names to keep an eye on. 2022 NBA draft 24th overall selection MarJon Beauchamp has the potential to take a big step forward in his second year. He showed some flashes for the Bucks last year and could earn some more minutes in the rotation with a strong Summer League showing. Jabari Parker was expected to be back on the roster, but recently was announced will no longer be playing due to a family matter.
Minnesota Timberwolves
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
Leonard Miller (33rd)
Jaylen Clark (53rd)
Notables:
Feron Hunt
Josh Minott
Wendell Moore Jr.
Matteo Spagnolo
Trevion Williams
Kok Yat
Keep An Eye On:
Leonard Miller
Summary: The Minnesota Timberwolves will have a Summer League roster that features some really exciting tools to develop for this organization. Personally, I’ve started to love the vision that Tim Connelly is putting together for this franchise. While plenty will point at the Rudy Gobert “swing”, Connelly has done a strong job of adding some versatile pieces to groom with scary upside.
G League Ignite forward Leonard Miller was a favorite amongst draft fans. Minnesota was aggressive in moving up to acquire Miller and he’s going to be a fascinating one to watch out for. Miller had one of the best years of any 2023 NBA draft prospect when it comes to the growth he took with his development. There’s still some rawness to his game, but he’s got the tools to be a unique weapon down the road. He averaged 16.9 points and 10.1 rebounds per game in 38 games with the Ignite.
UCLA wing Jaylen Clark has the potential to be an absolute steal of value at 53rd overall. Clark suffered an Achilles injury during the second half of the 2022-23 NCAA season, so the Timberwolves could look to play it safe. He was named the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year and is an absolute demon on the defensive side of the ball. Clark knows his strengths and is a strong cutter and player who can make an impact in a number of different areas. Even if he takes some time to find his groove, he’s going to be a fun piece for this organization down the road.
Feron Hunt impressed during Summer League last year and spent the 2022-23 season in the G League, mainly with the Birmingham Squadron. He’s an absolute freak of an athlete and if the shot comes around, he can earn a roster spot. Hunt averaged 14.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game in 46 games.
2022 NBA draft 26th overall selection Wendell Moore Jr. will be another name to watch out for. Moore played just 13 games in the G League with the Iowa Wolves, averaging 18.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. He will be eager to take a step forward and earn a spot in the rotation this year. 2022 NBA draft second-round pick Josh Minott was a pleasant surprise during Summer League last year. He played in 20 games with the Iowa Wolves last year, averaging 19.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 36.2% from three.
Keep an eye on 2022 NBA draft 50th overall pick Matteo Spangolo. The international guard spent the last year overseas, averaging 12.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game in 24.8 minutes.
New Orleans Pelicans
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
Jordan Hawkins (14th)
Notables:
Dyson Daniels
E.J. Liddell
Dereon Seabron
Karlo Matkovic
Landers Nolley II
Keep An Eye On:
E.J. Liddell
Summary: The Pelicans roster might not immediately have you in your feelings, but it’s got the potential to be an underrated team to watch. Despite rumors of trying to trade up, New Orleans stayed put and added dangerous sharpshooter Jordan Hawkins. He is coming off a strong season for the NCAA champion UConn Huskies and will be a bucket-getting machine for the Pelicans. Hawkins has the upside to develop some versatility as an offensive threat, making him an exciting talent to watch in Las Vegas.
After being selected with the 8th overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, second-year guard Dyson Daniels will find himself back for year two in Las Vegas. Daniels showcased some intriguing flashes throughout his rookie year and could be a name that is preparing for a big second year. If the offense starts to take another step forward, Daniels is going to become a serious piece of the Pelicans roster.
Dereon Seabron spent the 2022-23 season in the G League with the Birmingham Squadron. In 44 games, Seabron averaged 16.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. Keep an eye on former Cincinnati wing Landers Nolley II. He’s got the tools to entice as a potential 3-and-D asset with some time and is coming off a strong year that saw him average 16.8 points per game on shooting splits of 44/41/75.
The name to watch out for is E.J. Liddell. After an impressive year at Ohio State, Liddell slipped in the 2022 NBA draft before going 42nd overall. An unfortunate ACL injury resulted in him missing the 2022-23 season. He’s an offensive force with great feel and footwork and is going to be one of the top “sleepers” to watch out for in Las Vegas.
New York Knicks
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
None
Notables:
Trevor Keels
Jaylen Martin
Charlie Brown Jr.
Michael Foster
Jalen Harris
DaQuan Jeffries
Keep An Eye On:
Trevor Keels
Summary: The New York Knicks didn’t have a selection in the 2023 NBA draft after acquiring Josh Hart last year. It’s a move that Knicks fans are probably more than happy with. This Summer League roster is going to feature plenty of wildcards, but there are some names to keep an eye on.
Former Duke Blue Devils guard Trevor Keels was selected with the 42nd pick in the 2022 NBA draft. Still just 19 years old, Keels will be an interesting name to watch throughout Summer League. He has the upside to become an intriguing two-way talent for the Knicks and will have the opportunity to showcase his skills in Las Vegas. Keels spent the 2022-23 season in the G League with the Westchester Knicks, averaging 13.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 41.3% from the field in 37 games.
Jaylen Martin spent that last year with the Overtime Elite, averaging 14.0 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Jalen Harris will be a name to keep an eye on. He spent some time with the Toronto Raptors last year, averaging 7.4 points per game in 13 games. Former G League Ignite big man Michael Foster Jr. spent the last year with the Delaware Blue Coats, averaging 13.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game in 41 games. Charlie Brown Jr. is another player who has flashed in the G League over the years and could be a sleeper in Vegas.
DaQuan Jeffries has flashed before at Summer League and continues to grind to earn a spot on an NBA roster. He played in 36 games in the G League last year with the Westchester Knicks, averaging 19.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game while shooting 34.6% from three.
Oklahoma City Thunder
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
Cason Wallace (10th)
Keyontae Johnson (50th)
Notables:
Chet Holmgren
Jared Butler
Ousmane Dieng
Tre Mann
Jahmi’us Ramsey
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
Jalen Williams
Jaylin Williams
Zhaire Smith
Keep An Eye On:
Chet Holmgren
Summary: WAGON ALERT! It’s been another awesome offseason for the Oklahoma City Thunder. OKC is going to be a popular favorite to make some noise in the Western Conference next year. But the Thunder are going to have another exciting Summer League roster with PLENTY of talent to monitor.
OKC moved up to acquire Kentucky Wildcats freshman guard Cason Wallace with the 10th overall selection. Wallace is a gamer. He’s a versatile guard who is a violent point-of-attack defender and he can play the game with great feel and overall poise. If the three-point shot continues to develop, the Thunder are going to have a heck of a piece for the foreseeable future.
Kansas State forward Keyontae Johnson was an interesting addition for the Thunder in the second round. Johnson is a dawg on the floor and is a physically empowering force to deal with. He’s a name that could find a way to stick on this roster, as he has the versatility to be an impactful piece.
Year two of the Ousmane Dieng experience is upon us. It’s going to be one of the top storylines of Summer League as Dieng is coming off his first full offseason in the NBA. Dieng has the upside to be a heck of an asset for OKC and he showed some flashes throughout his rookie season. He played in 20 games last year in the G League with the Oklahoma City Blue, averaging 16.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 34.6% from deep.
Jalen Williams finds himself on the Thunder Summer League roster as well. “J-Dub” was one of the top rookies in the NBA during the 2022-23 season and will be preparing for a potentially big sophomore season. He could find himself on the top of the “shut him down early” list for Summer League. UPDATE. After one game, OKC has shut down J-Dub for the rest of Utah Summer League. Chances are he might not suit up in Vegas either (he’s shown more than enough.)
Jaylin Williams and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl will be a pair of young rotation pieces to keep an eye on. They will be battling to earn consistent minutes in this stacked roster this year. An absolute wildcard to watch out for is Jared Butler. The former talented Baylor guard spent the last year in the G League, mainly with the Grand Rapids Gold. He averaged 17.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game in 45 games while shooting 45.6% from the field and 40.1% from three.
He’s Back. Chet Holmgren finds himself on the Summer League roster for the Thunder. The 2022 NBA draft second overall selection will be one of the top names to watch this Summer. Time will tell just how much the Thunder are wanting to play Chet. Holmgren missed the last year with a foot injury, but he should be in the running for Rookie of the Year this year.
Orlando Magic
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
Anthony Black (6th)
Jett Howard (11th)
Notables:
Caleb Houstan
Tyger Campbell
Quinndary Weatherspoon
D.J. Wilson
Elijah Huges
Kai Sotto
Keep An Eye On:
Jett Howard
Summary: The Orlando Magic are building something folks. Orlando has started to put the pieces of the puzzle together and is inching towards becoming a team on the rise in the Eastern Conference. Orlando was aimed with two selections in the 2023 NBA draft lottery this year and added a pair of fascinating talents.
The first is former Arkansas floor general, Anthony Black. One of the top playmaking guards in the 2023 NBA draft, Black has the two-way upside to be a potential franchise floor general for the Magic. If the outside shot comes around, Black will be a versatile weapon on both sides of the ball.
Orlando added a dangerous shooting asset in former Michigan Wolverines freshman wing Jett Howard. He was buzzing throughout the first half of the 2022-23 NCAA season with his ability to light it up from outside. Howard played through a pair of ankle injuries throughout the year. He could be a big-time addition for the Magic with his catch-and-shoot ability, especially on the move.
Caleb Houstan flashed during last year’s Summer League play after being selected 32nd overall in the 2022 NBA draft. With a strong showing in Vegas, Houstan could be another interesting addition to the rotation moving forward. He played in 12 games in the G League with the Lakeland Magic, averaging 16.3 points and 5.0 rebounds per game while shooting 36.6% from three.
The Kai Sotto army is ready to roll and he should draw plenty of attention from the Las Vegas crowd. He played with the Adelaide 36ers last year, averaging 6.8 points and 4.5 rebounds in 12.9 minutes.
Philadelphia 76ers
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
None
Notables:
Jaden Springer
Ricky Council IV
Terquavion Smith
Azuolas Tubelis
Marcus Bagley
Hyunjung Lee
Filip Petrusev
Greg Brown III
Louis King
Keep An Eye On:
Jaden Springer
Summary: Despite not having a draft pick in the 2023 NBA draft, the Philadelphia 76ers were extremely aggressive in attacking the UDFA market. Pairing those names with some interesting returners, the 76ers will have an interesting roster to track in Las Vegas.
NC State sophomore guard Terquavion Smith was a bit of a shocker to go undrafted. After an impressive freshman season and 2022 NBA draft combine performance, Smith decided to return to the Wolfpack for his sophomore year. He took strong strides as a playmaker, finishing the year with averages of 17.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 33.6% from three.
Arkansas wing Ricky Council IV is another name to watch out for. He’s a tough-minded guard who does his damage in the midrange. If Council can continue to develop his outside shot, he could be a name that sticks down the road. Arizona big man Azuolas Tubelis was a force throughout his collegiate career with the Wildcats. He will have to prove that his game can stick at the next level, but he’s a crafty big man with touch around the basket.
The name to watch is Jaden Springer. After being selected with the 28th pick in the 2021 NBA draft, Springer has been developing his game over the years. He played in 30 games in the G League last year with the Delaware Blue Coats, averaging 18.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.3 steals per game. Still just 20 years old, Springer has been rumored to be expected to take on a bigger role for the 76ers this year. He will be a sneaky candidate to watch closely in Summer League.
Phoenix Suns
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
Toumani Camara (52nd)
Notables:
Marcus Carr
Jordan Goodwin
Trey Jemison
Keanu Pinder
Grant Sherfield
Isaiah Todd
Keep An Eye On:
Toumani Camara
Summary: Going to be a bit of a wild roster for the Phoenix Suns heading into Summer League, but there are some players on this roster that could prove to be potential names that could stick with the team. Phoenix added Dayton forward Toumani Camara with the 52nd pick in the 2023 NBA draft. Camara was a versatile piece for the Flyers last year, averaging 13.9 points and 8.6 rebounds per game with shooting splits of 54/36/66. He’s going to be the one to keep an eye on, as he could cement himself with a strong Summer League showing.
Trey Jemison is another name to watch out for. He finished with 9.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game last year for UAB in just 25.2 minutes. Oklahoma guard Grant Sherfield should have the potential to put up some big scoring outputs on this roster. He finished last year with 15.9 points per game while shooting 39.4% from downtown. I’ll be excited to see what Jordan Goodwin can do with this Summer League team, as he’s been a player who is trying to stick on a roster. Goodwin has spent some time in the G League but also was on the Wizards roster last year, averaging 6.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game in 17.8 minutes.
Isaiah Todd will be another name to monitor closely. After being selected 31st in the 2021 NBA draft, Todd has spent the last two years in the G League. In his last season with the Capital City GoGo, Todd averaged 7.4 points and 3.2 rebounds in 24.0 minutes. The wildcard here is Keanu Pinder, who has been solid with his play overseas. Pinder is a high-energy rebounding presence who could have a legit shot of earning a spot on this roster.
Portland Trail Blazers
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
Scoot Henderson (3rd)
Kris Murray (23rd)
Rayan Rupert (43rd)
Notables:
Keon Johnson
Shaedon Sharpe
Jabari Walker
Ibou Badji
Michael Devoe
John Butler Jr.
Keep An Eye On:
Shaedon Sharpe
Summary: POTENTIAL WAGON ALERT! What a roster the Portland Trail Blazers are going to have going into Las Vegas. Let’s talk about Scoot Henderson. All eyes will be on Henderson as one of the top attractions in Las Vegas. While the Damian Lillard news will continue to hover, fans will be eager to get a look at Henderson in Vegas. He’s worth all of the hype folks, as Henderson has the tools to be a sensational addition to the Blazers organization moving forward. Scoot will be ready to send a statement. That’s just how he’s wired.
Kris Murray will be a name that will start to get the excitement of Trail Blazers fans in a hurry. He’s going to be one of the popular “wait, he has how many points?” players during each game. Rayan Rupert was a heck of an addition for Portland in the second round. He will show some rawness offensively, but the defensive side of the ball is going to be where he pops early on.
Shaedon Sharpe folks. It’s going to be one of the top storylines when it comes to sophomores playing at Summer League. Sharpe is going to be one of the top breakout candidates in the NBA heading into his second season. He should be ready to roll and could also be high on the “shutdown” list if he puts up an impressive showing early.
After some impressive showings during his rookie season, don’t forget about 2022 second-round draft pick Jabari Walker. He’s got the tools to take another step forward this year and could be a nice rotation piece for Portland. Keon Johnson and John Butler Jr. are two wildcards to monitor. Keon has freakish athleticism and Butler should be a name that Draft fans remember all too well.
Sacramento Kings
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
Colby Jones (34th)
Jalen Slawson (54th)
Notables:
Kessler Edwards
Keon Ellis
Keegan Murray
Neemias Queta
Justyn Mutts
Jake Stephens
Keep An Eye On:
Keegan Murray
Summary: LIGHT THE BEAM! Sacramento Kings fans will have a completely different mentality heading into Summer League this year compared to other years. The Kings are going to be ready to roll and GM Monte McNair continues to do a phenomenal job of adding pieces to this roster. The Kings got a pair of underrated players in the 2023 NBA draft who will be intriguing ones to watch this Summer.
Xavier wing Colby Jones was much higher on my personal board and I believe he could be a heck of a find for this Kings organization. Jones is a mature player on the court who understands his limitations and works to get efficient shots. He’s a tough-minded defender and it wouldn’t surprise me if he finds a way to earn a spot in the Kings rotation.
Jalen Slawson was an efficient force for Furman during the 2022-23 NCAA season. He’s a highly intelligent player who stands out with his playmaking ability and two-way upside. If Slawson can get his shot down on a consistent basis, he could be another intriguing piece to watch out for.
KEEGAN MURRAY. Plenty of Kings fans were shocked to see Murray on the Summer League roster. It’s a friendly reminder that NBA teams want their rising young talent to at least get some reps in the Summer. Murray will be at the top of the “shut him down early” list. I would assume the Kings might play Murray in a game or two in the California Classic, potentially even getting shut down before Vegas.
Keep your eyes on Keon Ellis, Neemias Queta, and Kessler Edwards. All should be eager to prove themselves with another strong offseason. Justyn Mutts and Jake Stephens are also going to be some wildcards to keep close attention to.
San Antonio Spurs
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
Victor Wembanyama (1st)
Sidy Cissoko (44th)
Notables:
Sir’ Jabari Rice
Dominick Barlow
Charles Bediako
Justin Gorham
Julian Champagnie
Keep An Eye On:
Malaki Branham
Blake Wesley
Summary: The countdown is on until basketball fans get to see Victor Wembanyama take the court for the San Antonio Spurs in Summer League. San Antonio released its Summer League roster for the California Classic with Wembanyama not listed. It’s not a surprise, as Wembanyama is expected to only suit up for the team's games in Las Vegas. He’s had a lengthy season and the Spurs will be extra careful with their newly prized big man. Victor will draw plenty of buzz, especially with the team set to face Brandon Miller and the Charlotte Hornets on Day 1 in Las Vegas.
I’ll be excited to see what Sidy Cissoko can do for the Spurs throughout Summer League. He took tremendous strides forward throughout the 2022-23 season with the G League Ignite. Cissoko still has some rawness to his game offensively, but the playmaking flashes and desire to attack the basket with bad intentions are awesome. If the shot can come around on a consistent level, Cissoko will be a heck of a piece for the Spurs to continue to develop.
Dominick Barlow is back with the Spurs again and is coming off an impressive G League Season with the Austin Spurs that saw him average 16.1 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Julian Champagnie was just rewarded by the Spurs with a nice extension and could be a name that is making a case to earn a spot in the rotation with a strong Summer League. Sir’ Jabari Rice will most likely fake out an entire gym with some of his pump fakes.
Don’t forget about a pair of sophomores looking to send a statement in Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley. Branham was the 20th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and is oozing with offensive upside. Wesley should be a name that is ready to roll as both players are in a position to take a positive step in their development.
Toronto Raptors
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
Gradey Dick (13th)
Notables:
Markquis Nowell
David Johnson
Moses Brown
Ron Harper Jr.
RJ Nembhard
Moses Wright
Joe Wieskamp
JT Shumate
Keep An Eye On:
Gradey Dick
Summary: Another sleeper Summer League roster to keep a close eye on in Las Vegas. While Toronto might not have a roster full of “star” power, there are some names to track as potential pieces who could make a case for a spot with the big club.
The name to watch out for is former Kansas Jayhawks freshman Gradey Dick. I thought that the Raptors could be looking to add to their backcourt in the 2023 NBA draft, especially before Fred VanVleet left for the Houston Rockets. Instead, Toronto stayed put and added a potentially intriguing addition on the wing. Gradey has the tools to be a strong addition to this roster. Although he’s known for his outside shooting, Gradey is an intelligent basketball player who plays the game with swagger. He’s a smart player off the ball, who understands how to find lapses in the defense.
Former Kansas State guard Markquis Nowell finds himself on the Raptors Summer Leaguer roster. Despite being undersized, Nowell plays the game with great change of gears and can be a playmaking wizard on the court. He averaged 17.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game last year for the Wildcats.
David Johnson is another sleeper to keep an eye on. He’s spent the last two years in the G League with the Raptors 905. Johnson averaged 9.3 points and 2.8 assists per game last year in 20.2 minutes. Moses Wright has flashed at Summer League before and will be looking to stick on a roster for the upcoming season. He spent the last year in the CBA, averaging 12.0 points per game in 49 games.
Joe Wieskamp was the 41st pick in the 2021 NBA draft and has spent the majority of his career in the G League. He spent time with both the Wisconsin Herd and Raptors 905 last year, averaging 15.5 points per game while shooting 39.7% from three-point range. Don’t sleep on RJ Nembhard, who has flashed at Summer League before. He averaged 12.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game in 10 games last year with the Motor City Cruise.
Utah Jazz
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
Taylor Hendricks (9th)
Keyonte George (16th)
Brice Sensabaugh (28th)
Notables:
Luka Samanic
Taevion Kinsley
Micah Potter
Joey Hauser
Vernon Carey Jr.
Keep An Eye On:
Ochai Agbaji
Summary: The Utah Jazz were one of the pleasant surprises of the 2022-23 NBA regular season. Now heading into Summer League, Utah has some intriguing talent to monitor. The first name to keep an eye on is UCF forward, Taylor Hendricks. Going back to his days with the Boston Celtics, Danny Ainge has done a great job of demonstrating patience with allowing young talent to develop with time. Hendricks is coming off a sensational freshman year for UCF and has the tools to be an intriguing addition early on in his career. He’s a high-upside defensive prospect with a smooth shooting stroke from outside. If Hendricks can continue to develop his offensive versatility throughout the early stages of his career, he’s going to be a heck of a get for this organization.
The one I’m most excited about for this Summer League roster is Keyonte George. After seeing George in person, the eye test had me convinced that he's going to be more efficient at the next level. Keyonte is a bucket-getting machine but showcased some outstanding playmaking chops throughout his freshman year at Baylor. If the percentages can level out, George will be a unique weapon for the Jazz to build with.
Brice Sensabaugh was a heck of a get for the Jazz with the 28th pick. He fell a bit in the process due to some worries about his knee, but Utah will be patient with getting him healthy. Although listed on the roster, Sensabaugh sat out first practices while recovering from his surgery, so it will be interesting if we see him take the court. Sensabaugh is an offensive force with impressive tough-shot-making ability as he showcased at Ohio State. The defensive side of the ball is going to need to take some strides before he earns a spot in the rotation.
Luka Samanic and Vernon Carey Jr. are familiar names who have been producing in the G League and are hoping to stick on the roster. Taevion Kinsey has the athleticism to set the gym on fire with his desire to play above the rim.
The name to keep an eye on closely is sophomore leap candidate Ochai Agbaji. After being selected 14th overall in the 2022 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Agbaji was traded to the Jazz in the Donovan Mitchell trade. He finished the 2022-23 season strong, averaging 16.0 points per game in his last seven games. He should be on many breakout candidate lists for a second-year leap.
Washington Wizards
2023 NBA Draft Selections:
Bilal Coulibaly (7th)
Tristan Vukcevic (42nd)
Notables:
Johnny Davis
Quenton Jackson
Osun Osunniyi
Jules Bernard
Xavier Cooks
Donovan Williams
Ryan Rollins *
Patrick Baldwin Jr.*
Keep An Eye On:
Johnny Davis
Ryan Rollins & Patrick Baldwin Jr. * (if added after trade becomes official)
Summary: The Washington Wizards have been active with their “rebuild” heading into the 2023-24 season. After putting together a new Front Office, the Wizards shipped out superstar Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns. That means that the Wizards are officially looking to build their team for the future. Because of it, there will be plenty of intriguing names to watch out for on this Summer League roster.
The first is international wing Bilal Coulibaly. Washington was aggressive in targeting Coulibaly, trading up one spot to secure the talented wing. Coulibaly was the hottest name in the 2023 NBA draft, seeing his stock soar into the top 10 on draft night. He’s going to require some patience, but the former Metropolitans 92 product has some fascinating foundational skills to develop. The Wizards would be wise to allow Coulibaly to get as much playing time and reps as possible. He glides around the court and is just realizing how dangerous he can be as a player. If the shot can continue to develop, Coulibaly could be a good one to build with for this organization.
Quenton Jackson will be a sleeper to monitor. He spent the 2022-23 season in the G League with the Capital City Go-Go, averaging 13.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 51.8% from the field. Jules Bernard also will be a popular sleeper. He’s a crafty wing going back to his collegiate days at UCLA. Bernard spent the 2022-23 season in the G League, averaging 13.6 points per game while shooting 32.4% from three.
The name to watch out for is Johnny Davis. After being selected 10th overall in the 2022 NBA draft, Davis came in with some lofty expectations. He struggled throughout his rookie year, but Davis has shown that he can take big leaps in his progression throughout his basketball career. He will be one of the top names to watch out for in Vegas, as Davis will be eager to send a statement. He started to showcase some improved confidence at the end of the 2022-23 NBA season, averaging 17.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game in his last five games. The shot and efficiency will need to come around, but Davis is still a talent that can take a sophomore leap.
Keep an eye on newly acquired pieces Ryan Rollins and Patrick Baldwin Jr. With various trades waiting to be finalized, Rollins and Baldwin were acquired in the Jordan Poole deal. That could mean they could be potential late additions to the Summer League roster. Rollins has the tools to be a sensational get for this Wizards roster, as he has the upside to be a dangerous offensive guard. Baldwin spent 20 games in the G League with the Santa Cruz Warriors last year, averaging 12.8 points per game while shooting 33.8% from downtown.
Jalen Pickett is an American basketball player. He was born on February 19, 1999, in Rochester, New York. Pickett gained prominence as a standout collegiate player during his time at Siena College.
https://cbnowledge.com/jalen-pickett-net-worth/