The NBA Finals may be done, but the season is far from over. The purpose of the summer leagues is to help teams develop their rookies and other young players. It is also an opportunity for players who do not have a contract to showcase their skills and compete for a job. Kidzworld gives you the scoop on all of the NBA Summer Leagues!
Summer League - Vegas Summer League
The Basics - July 6-15; Cox Pavilion; Las Vegas, Nevada.Teams - Celtics, 76ers, Sonics, Trailblazers, Bucks, Clippers, Lakers, Suns, Spurs, Hornets, Knicks, Wizards, Mavericks, Warriors, Pistons, Cavaliers, Kings, Nuggets, Grizzlies, Rockets, Chinese National Team.
The Lowdown - Ever since the summer league went to Vegas in 2004, it has become the popular destination for teams and fans. This year the Vegas Summer League is hosting a record 20 NBA teams as well as the Chinese National Team. In the league's nine days, there will be plenty of NBA stars who will drop by to watch. Last year LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Shawn Marion and Stephon Marbury were among the notables. Some of the players to keep an eye on are of course top picks Greg Oden and Kevin Durant. A lot of people are also going to want to see the Bucks' top pick Yi Jianlian, who will be playing for the Chinese National Team. NBA veterans Yao Ming and Nate Robinson will also be playing.
Summer League - Rocky Mountain Revue
The Basics - July 13-20; Lifetime Activities Center; Salt Lake City, UT.Teams - Jazz, 76ers, Spurs, Bulls, Hawks, Sonics.
The Lowdown - Now in it's 23rd year, the Rocky Mountain Revue is the NBA's oldest summer league. But since the Vegas Summer League came around three years ago, the Revue is no longer the premier summer league. In the past, the Revue has gone from a dozen teams to just six this year. It is hard to compete with Vegas - after all, Utah is not exactly the most desirable summer location. But the Revue is not going anywhere in the near future. Some of the game's best players got their start in the Revue like Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki and Tony Parker. This year there are few players to watch out for at the Rocky Mountain Revue.
Summer League - Pepsi Pro Summer League
The Basics - July 9 -13; RDV Sportsplex; Orlando, Florida.Teams - Bulls, Magic, Heat, Nets, Pacers, Bobcats.
The Lowdown - The Pepsi Pro Summer League is different from the other summer leagues because it does not allow fans. Everybody in attendance are either coaches, scouts or members of the press. This is the second year of the league's existence. Among the notable players competing are Joakim Noah, the Nets' Marcus Williams and Adam Morrison of the Bobcats.
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