4 NBA Summer League Teams Basketball Fans Will Love to Watch
By Max Scoli
NBA Summer League is a time of bliss for basketball fanatics. It is the only chance to watch proper professional ball from July to early October, and gives fans a glimpse at the stars of the future as they gather to represent their organizations-- in many cases for the first time. With that in mind, let's identify the most readily watchable teams that will compete this year.
1. New York Knicks
The New York Knicks have two new and exciting prospects in Big Ten Freshman of the Year Ignas Brazdeikis and Duke phenom RJ Barrett, who are expected to be contributors right out of the gate. Both players are crafty and play with an attitude, making the Summer League the perfect environment for them to flourish. In addition, the Knicks will also have Allonzo Tier, Kevin Knox, and NBA All-Rookie Second Team honoree Mitchell Robinson on their roster fresh of their rookie seasons. If that isn't enough talent for you, they also bring Amir Hinton, the nation's leading scorer in Division II.
2. New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans have Zion Williamson. They also have Zion Williamson. Did I mention they have Zion Williamson? This year's No. 1 overall pick is the most hyped prospect certainly since Anthony Davis, and perhaps since LeBron James. The entire basketball universe will finally get to see "Zanos" play as a professional at this year's Summer League, where we won't just get to see him dunking on chumps, but also figuring out how to fit in defensively and play off the ball.
3. Boston Celtics
Danny Ainge has outdone himself once again. Boston's Summer League roster is composed of several college standouts, including first-rounder Romeo Langford, the 7-foot-7 unit known as Tacko Fall, and consensus second-team All-American honoree Carsen Edwards. Two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year Robert "Time Lord" Williams will also return for his second Summer League appearance with the Celtics, furthering his status as a fan favorite.
4. Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks also have a couple of standouts fresh out of the NCAA ranks in Luke Maye and Fletcher Magee. Maye was a star at UNC, earning All-ACC second team honors after he averaged 14.9 points and 10.4 rebounds in his senior season. As for Magee, he broke the all-time record for three-point field goals made on March 21, running his total all the way up to 509. He also won the Lou Henson Award for being the season's most outstanding mid-major men's basketball player.