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5 players to watch at 2019 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas

By Daniel Lubofsky

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 26: Allonzo Trier #14 and Mitchell Robinson #26 of the New York Knicks wait to rebound during the first half of the game against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden on February 26, 2019 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 26: Allonzo Trier #14 and Mitchell Robinson #26 of the New York Knicks wait to rebound during the first half of the game against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden on February 26, 2019 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

With the annual Las Vegas NBA Summer League almost here, it’s important for fans to know what to watch for in the coming days.

The NBA has done a tremendous job of developing into a nonstop, 365-days-a-year event. Rarely if ever is the league not a part of the daily news cycle. Coverage of the draft and free agency have been stretched out long before they actually occur, but one such event that’s seemed to take on the biggest new fanbase is the annual NBA Summer League.

A tournament-like set of games designated for recent draft picks and NBA-hopefuls, Summer League wasn’t more than an afterthought not that long ago. Now, it’s considered a 10-day spectacle where fans and media members all flock to Las Vegas for a slight glimpse at some of the best the future has to offer.

Technically, Summer League actually began on July 1 in both Sacramento and Utah, whereas those set to play in Vegas won’t tip off until the fireworks have simmered down on the fifth. The two locations certainly bring some buzz, but with just eight teams participating, compared to all 30 in Vegas — as well as teams from China and Croatia — there’s just no comparison.

As exciting as it may be to watch these young talents light it up, however, each performance, no matter where it may end up on the grading scale, should be taken with a grain of salt. We’ve seen fantastic Summer League performers go on to crash and burn in the NBA, while others just take some more time to develop.

Free agency was phenomenal, with a flurry of deals being agreed upon in less than 24 hours. Most of those moves will have a large impact on the present for teams looking to compete for championships. Now, it’s time to look ahead to the future of the league, with a few players in particular that are worth keeping an eye on.