The NBA Summer League: A Comprehensive Guide to 2024
The NBA Summer League has once again returned to Las Vegas, igniting the city with the thrill and excitement of basketball. This year’s tournament, which began over the weekend, has already turned heads, particularly focusing on the 2024 Championship-winning Boston Celtics. The Celtics are currently holding a 1-1 record after a win against the Los Angeles Lakers, and all eyes are on their star rookie, Bronny James, who is just beginning his journey with the team.
An Overview of the NBA Summer League
The NBA Summer League is an annual event that showcases the talents of incoming rookies and second-year players. This 11-day tournament features 30 NBA teams, each playing four games between July 12 and July 19. Following these games, the top four teams will advance to the playoffs, culminating in two semifinal games on July 21 and a championship game on July 22. Teams that do not make it to the playoffs will play a fifth game on either July 20 or July 21.
Key Players to Watch
This year’s tournament is particularly exciting due to the presence of some of the top draft picks from 2024. Highlighted players include:
– Zaccharie Risacher, the power forward for the Atlanta Hawks who was the first overall pick.
– Alex Sarr, playing for the Washington Wizards, who secured the second overall draft position.
Tournament Schedule and Broadcast Information
The games are scheduled to run every day this week, with a detailed schedule laid out through Friday, July 19. Semifinals will be organized based on the standings at the end of the week. Here’s a quick overview:
Date: July 12-22
Location: Thomas & Mack Center and the Pavilion in Las Vegas, NV
TV Channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN3, NBA TV
Streaming: ESPN+, Fubo, Sling, DirecTV, and League Pass (blackouts apply)
Tuesday, July 16
– Indiana Pacers vs. Phoenix Suns, 4 p.m. (ESPNU, ESPN+)
– New York Knicks vs. Brooklyn Nets, 4:30 p.m. (ESPN+, NBA TV)
– Charlotte Hornets vs. Denver Nuggets, 6 p.m. (ESPN2, ESPN+)
– Chicago Bulls vs. Detroit Pistons, 6:30 p.m. (ESPN+, NBA TV)
– Philadelphia 76ers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, 8 p.m. (ESPN2, ESPN+)
– Washington Wizards vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN+, NBA TV)
– LA Clippers vs. Milwaukee Bucks, 10 p.m. (ESPN2, ESPN+)
– New Orleans Pelicans vs. San Antonio Spurs, 10:30 p.m. (ESPN+, NBA TV)
Wednesday, July 17
– Miami Heat vs. Dallas Mavericks, 3 p.m. (ESPN2, ESPN+)
– Sacramento Kings vs. New York Knicks, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN+, NBA TV)
– Toronto Raptors vs. Utah Jazz, 5 p.m. (ESPN2, ESPN+)
– Boston Celtics vs. Charlotte Hornets, 5:30 p.m. (ESPN+, NBA TV)
– Memphis Grizzlies vs. Orlando Magic, 7 p.m. (ESPN+, ESPN3)
– Phoenix Suns vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 8 p.m. (ESPN+, NBA TV)
– Los Angeles Lakers vs. Atlanta Hawks, 9:30 p.m. (ESPN, ESPN+)
– Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, 10 p.m. (ESPN+, NBA TV)
Thursday, July 18
– Indiana Pacers vs. Denver Nuggets, 4:30 p.m. (ESPN2, ESPN+)
– Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Pelicans, 6 p.m. (ESPN+, NBA TV)
– Washington Wizards vs. Sacramento Kings, 7 p.m. (ESPN, ESPN+)
– Orlando Magic vs. Brooklyn Nets, 8 p.m. (ESPN+, NBA TV)
– Los Angeles Lakers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, 9 p.m. (ESPN, ESPN+)
– LA Clippers vs. Utah Jazz, 10 p.m. (ESPN+, NBA TV)
– Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Houston Rockets, 11 p.m. (ESPN, ESPN+)
Friday, July 19
– Milwaukee Bucks vs. Phoenix Suns, 4 p.m. (ESPN+, NBA TV)
– Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics, 4:30 p.m. (ESPNU, ESPN+)
– Atlanta Hawks vs. Chicago Bulls, 6 p.m. (ESPN+, NBA TV)
– New York Knicks vs. Detroit Pistons, 7 p.m. (ESPN, ESPN+)
– Philadelphia 76ers vs. San Antonio Spurs, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN+, NBA TV)
– Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat, 9 p.m. (ESPN+, ESPN3)
– Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 10:30 p.m. (ESPN+, NBA TV)
– Portland Trail Blazers vs. Charlotte Hornets, 11 p.m. (ESPN2, ESPN+)
How to Watch the Games
The majority of Summer League games will air on ESPN and its affiliate networks—ESPN2, ESPN3, and ESPNU. These games can be accessed via your cable provider or through streaming services like Fubo, Sling, Hulu with Live TV, or DirecTV. The most comprehensive way to watch every single game is through ESPN+, where all games will be streamed. For those who may miss a live game, staying updated with Summer League coverage, standings, and highlights is essential to keep track of which rookies are making waves.
The Rookies in the Spotlight
The 2024 NBA Draft brought in a fresh wave of talent, and several rookies are making notable impressions during the Summer League.
Bronny James: The Star Rookie
Bronny James, the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, joined the Lakers’ roster with a four-year, $7.9 million contract. Despite the high expectations, Bronny’s performance has had its ups and downs. He didn’t have the breakthrough performance many fans were hoping for, but there is still much anticipation surrounding his future in the league. Bronny, wearing “James Jr.” on his jersey, has the unique opportunity to potentially play alongside his father, LeBron James, an occurrence rare in professional sports history.
Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr
Other rookies making headlines include Zaccharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks and Alex Sarr of the Washington Wizards. As the first and second overall picks, respectively, both players have shown promising skills and are expected to have significant impacts on their teams.
Game Highlights and Performances
The Summer League has already delivered some memorable moments and standout performances. One notable game saw Dalton Knecht score 20 points and grab nine rebounds, showcasing his potential as a rising star.
Team USA and WNBA Insights
In addition to the NBA Summer League, discussions around Team USA men’s basketball, WNBA midseason awards, and recent trades add to the basketball buzz. Analysts like Vincent Goodwill and Isis “Ice” Young have provided insights and recaps on these topics, enriching the overall narrative of the summer basketball scene.
FAQs About the NBA Summer League
What is the NBA Summer League?
The NBA Summer League is an annual tournament featuring incoming rookies and second-year players from all 30 NBA teams. It provides a platform for these players to showcase their talents and secure their spots on the team rosters.
Where is the NBA Summer League held?
The tournament is held in Las Vegas, NV, at the Thomas & Mack Center and the Pavilion.
How can I watch the NBA Summer League?
Games are broadcast on ESPN networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN3) and NBA TV. They can also be streamed on ESPN+, Fubo, Sling, DirecTV, and League Pass, though local blackouts may apply.
Who are the standout players in the 2024 NBA Summer League?
Key players include Bronny James of the Boston Celtics, Zaccharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks, and Alex Sarr of the Washington Wizards.
When do the playoffs for the Summer League begin?
The playoffs begin on July 21 with two semifinal games, followed by the championship game on July 22.
Conclusion
The NBA Summer League is a thrilling event that offers a glimpse into the future of basketball. With a mix of top draft picks, promising rookies, and seasoned second-year players, the tournament is brimming with potential and excitement. Whether you are a die-hard basketball fan or a casual viewer, the Summer League provides an engaging spectacle that showcases the next generation of NBA stars. Stay tuned to see which rookies will rise to the top and make their mark in the league.
