NBA SUMMER LEAGUE

The 2010 NBA draft is now over and it’s time for the draftees, reserves and unsigned free-agents to strut their wares in the various summer leagues with the hopes of being invited to the training camp in October and a possible crack in the regular season roster. 

The 2010 NBA summer league kicks off with the Orlando league on July 5-9 while the Las Vegas league is scheduled from July 9-18. The Charlotte Bobcats, Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, New Jersey Nets and Philadelphia 76ers are entered in the Orlando leg. The Vegas league entries are 22 NBA teams plus a D-League selection.

InsideHoops.com mentioned the importance of the NBA Summer League not only for the hopefuls but to NBA teams as well.

“NBA summer leagues feature NBA teams but instead of regular season rosters, summer league rosters are typically a mix of the team's rookies, some of their younger bench players, and various unsigned players who are looking for exposure. The main benefit for fans (as well as media outlets like InsideHoops.com) is to get a closer look at the top rookies and how they play against competition that is below regular NBA level but far above college.

In NBA summer league play wins-losses don't really matter. These aren't regular season rosters. It's really all about the individual player performances. Some of these players are fighting to prove themselves worthy of more playing time once the regular season rolls around. Others just want more experience. But a lot of NBA summer league players are jobless. These dudes need a contract. And they'll do whatever it takes.”