NBA Summer League: Know the best players in the history of the league

The Summer League can serve as a pathway to NBA stardom, although it’s not always a guarantee. Those participating in this summer’s showcase are hopeful that it will propel them towards superstardom, lacing up their sneakers with high aspirations.

For many players, the Summer League serves as a platform to establish their presence as the upcoming season approaches. Rookies and second-year players alike seize the chance to shine on the national stage. Additionally, the Summer League provides valuable playing time for those on the fringes in previous seasons, granting them an opportunity they may not have had during the regular season.

Damian Lillard
Dame Dollar preceded his Rookie of the Year campaign with a fantastic showing in the NBA Summer League. He played just four games, but that was all the Trail Blazers needed to see to know they made the right choice in the 2012 Draft. He won the MVP of the Summer League, averaging 26.5 points and five assists.

Kevin Love

There was a lot of hype around Kevin Love coming out of UCLA. He was a rebounding machine that could put up 20 points in any given game in college, so there was a lot of anticipation to see if that would translate at the next level. In his first taste of NBA action, he was a double-double machine. He didn’t win the MVP of the Summer League that year, but his 18 points and 13.5 rebounds were a good indication of what was to come in his NBA career.Anthony Morrow
Morrow played two seasons in the Summer League, one with the Miami Heat and one with the Golden State. Over those two summers, Morrow averaged 17 points and 3.7 rebounds. While those aren’t terrible numbers, they aren’t worthy of being on the top Summer League players ever. What gets Morrow on this list is the 47-point performance he had in 2009. He shot 61% from downtown in his two campaigns and went on to have a successful nine-year career in the NBA, but Morrow will always be known as a Summer League superstar.

Donovan Mitchell
Although known as a top scorer in the NBA, it was Donovan Mitchell’s defence that set him apart in the 2017 Summer League. He averaged 20 points per game, which was respectable for an up-and-coming rookie. However, his ability to pickpocket opponents was truly remarkable, with an average of six steals per game and a record-breaking eight steals in one game.

FAQs:

1. When will NBA Summer League 2023 end?
   The upcoming NBA Summer League in 2023 is scheduled to span over 11 days, commencing on July 7 and concluding on July 17. A total of 76 games will take place during this period, ensuring each team participates in a minimum of five games. The initial two days of the Summer League will feature the California Classic, held in Sacramento and San Francisco. Additionally, the Salt Lake City Summer League is set to occur from July 5 to July 7.
2. Who is the top scorer in NBA Summer League 2023?
   Up until July 9, 2023, Keyonte George holds the title of being the leading scorer in the 2023 NBA Summer League, averaging an impressive 33.0 points per game. George, a guard known for his exceptional scoring abilities, possesses the skill to generate his own shot. Additionally, despite his size, he demonstrates proficiency in rebounding and passing. While George is still developing as a player, his potential for becoming a future NBA star is evident.