The NBA Summer League is generally one of the more laid back events on the NBA calendar. Many of the players are fresh meat, getting their first taste of NBA action. While the games are certainly important to those involved, for the fans it’s a fun chance to sit back and watch some basketball.
For the next week I’ll be chronicling my time here in Las Vegas for the NBA Summer League. While many of the reports will focus on the Lakers and their opponents, I’ll try and throw a tidbit in here and there about the rest of the league.
The Lakers didn’t exactly get off to a great start, as they were smacked by the Warriors 91-50. I was trying to think of a bright spot to talk about, but honestly it was anything but puppy dogs and candy canes out there today. A lot of the loss can simply be put on lack of experience and poor shooting, but even a bad night doesn’t generally result in a 41-point roasting.
I liked what I saw from Robert Sacre, the rookie from Gonzaga. This may just be my northwest bias seeping through my L.A. sunglasses, but I think the Lakers might have found an asset here. He certainly isn’t going to be a stat-stuffer by any means, but he works hard and gives it everything he’s got. I don’t ever expect him to start for the team, in fact he’s still probably a long shot to make the opening night roster, but there’s always a need for big men that play solid defense and work their tails off.
The quote of the night belongs to DeMarcus Cousins of the Sacramento Kings. The big man sat down behind us during the end of the Lakers/Warriors game, and had a few choice words concerning the Lakers.
“I won’t ever put on a Lakers jersey,” Cousins said, laughing.
I just had to remind him that Steve Nash once said something similar. And if this whole basketball thing doesn’t work out, Cousins has himself a future analyzing basketball.
“Man, the (Charlotte) Bobcats D-League team is the same as their regular team.”
Look out, Barkley. Someone’s coming for your seat.
Overall it was a fun first day here in Vegas. Even though there are dozens of players working to secure their NBA futures, it’s a laid back atmosphere that’s fun for the whole family. Well, as long as one of the family members doesn’t cross the security lady in the visitor’s section of the stands. Trust me, that won’t end well.