After taking a year off because of the lockout, the NBA Summer Pro League returns to Las Vegas. A record 24 teams are competing in a 60-game schedule July 13-22 at the Thomas & Mack Center and the Cox Pavilion on the campus of the University of Nevada Las Vegas.
The summer league will showcase several of the first-round picks in the NBA draft, including No. 1 overall selection Anthony Davis, No. 2 pick Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and No. 5 pick Thomas Robinson. The action tips off at 1 p.m. PT, Friday, July 13, with the Atlanta Hawks playing the Washington Wizards in the first of four scheduled games that day at Cox Pavilion. Other teams participating in opening day action include the Charlotte Bobcats, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings and Toronto Raptors. Gatorade will support the summer league and serve as an Associate Partner. NBA TV will televise all 60 games, including 39 live from both the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion.
“NBA Summer League provides fans from around the league the unique opportunity to see some of the NBA’s brightest young stars competing in one location in a family-friendly environment,” said Gail Hunter, NBA senior vice president of events and attractions.
Exciting games featuring the NBA’s newest talent have always been a staple at NBA Summer League. Six of the last seven NBA Rookie of the Year Award winners have joined their teams in Las Vegas including: Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets, 2005-06), Brandon Roy (Portland Trail Blazers, 2006-07), Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City, 2007-08), Tyreke Evans (Sacramento, 2009-10), Blake Griffin (L.A. Clippers, 2010-11) and Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers 2011-12).
Additional teams participating in the event include the Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors. The Boston Celtics and Bobcats, who have not participated in the event since 2007 and 2008, respectively, will make their returns to Las Vegas this year.
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