NFL
By: Randall Slifer
I was able to attend the NBA Summer League for the first time this year. On my way to Las Vegas, I was trying to compare the NBA Summer League to similar events in other sports (Not including college). The closest thing I could think of is the college football bowl games. Senior Bowl, Shrine Bowl, HBCU Legacy Bowl, etc. These are a group of talented individuals vying for a starting roster spot, with eyes on them for multiple reasons. You have analysts, scouts, and general managers all there to network and analyze the prospects. The football bowl games are far nerdier. The fans are much more prominent in the NBA Summer League. There are many reasons to attend the NBA Summer League, even if you don’t watch the NBA to its fullest. The experience alone has many layers to it, and it shouldn’t fit Vegas, but it certainly does.
The NBA Summer League is at the Thomas & Mack Center on the UNLV Campus. Inside, there are two courts, the Thomas & Mack Center and the Pavilion. Each game is staggered around the day, so two games do not begin at the same time. There are seven games in one day, and you can catch a significant amount of every game while being in a gym for eight hours. Being able to see Cooper Flagg at 1:00, Bronny James at 5:30, and Yang Hansen at 7:30 all in one day is pretty cool. The Pavilion is a small gym that feels like a larger high school gym, and the crowd is there to discuss the game and find like-minded team fans, as every single team is represented. Fans make sure to announce if there is a high-profile NBA star in the Pavilion, especially if you are watching from the other court. The throwback jerseys are plentiful, and they had incredible merch for sale. The vibes were high, and people from every walk of life were talking to each other, sharing stories. Sports carry beautiful weight when you gain unspoken camaraderie just being at an event.
Circling back to all walks of life, the NBA Summer League is important for many people in business, while also being open to the public. The NBA Summer League does not have assigned seating due to the number of games played in one day and the varying sizes of the stadiums. The entire arena is a nonstop hub of activity, filled with fans, agents, coaches, players, sports networks, and many others. There is a good chance you will have conversations with a stranger they have ties to the organization. We were fortunate to chat with reporters, parents, players, and agents while just watching basketball. NBA Stars make their way to the games to watch their team play, and there is no primary VIP treatment; they are friendly with the crowds. Some NBA stars will sign for a little bit and have a lot of fun with it. Kids will be able to buy basketballs at the arena and fill them up with autographs by the weekend. Some players leave through the same door we do, and they enjoy the initial fandom they receive after just being drafted. My wife and I took our son to Vegas to go to the Summer League. My son was able to have a conversation with Jordan Walsh about being an Arkansas Razorback fan and was able to tell him he watched him as a Hog. That is an experience he will never forget.
The competition is worthy as these brand-new draft picks are also playing against 2nd and 3rd-year players. Everyone is trying to get a spot on a roster any way they can. There are different motives for each team during the Summer League, so you’d best not bet on these games (I did). Teams will guarantee roster spots for some impactful players, will change the game plan to give him experience, and try things he may need to grow on.
Some teams will be fighting for roster spots, and competition and effort will be turned up past 100%. Regardless of any team’s agenda, there are top-notch dunks, blocks, shots, and handles you wind up seeing while in a gym for six or more hours. While the fans are there for the game of basketball and not their team, the whole crowd appreciates the nice moves together. I suppose the only caveat of attending the NBA Summer League is having the patience to spend that much time in a gym. It was very easy for my son and me.
There are many things to like about the NBA Summer League. It is in the center of the summer in early July. It is in Las Vegas, right near the strip. Go take a vacation to Las Vegas, and while you’re doing that, go watch some basketball. You can spend as much time as you want in the gym, and then enjoy any entertainment of your choice. It did spark more enjoyment for the sport and is a simple, fun way to stay current with the NBA, as you get to see rookies firsthand. The camaraderie is endless, and it is genuinely a great time. If it gets any bigger, it might lose its stigma. For now, it will be a yearly tradition.
