2022 NBA Summer League: Detroit Pistons Have One of the Brightest Outlooks in the League
- The 2022 NBA 2K23 Summer League kicks off on July 7
- All 32 teams compete with rosters consisting of the league’s most exciting young talent
- California, Utah, and Vegas play host to the summer’s most competitive basketball event
The NBA Summer League is a competition organized and executed by the National Basketball Association. All 32 teams in the league compose rosters made up of current players, G-League affiliate players, as well free agents in an attempt to gauge talent for their own rosters.
There are three locations for the NBA Summer League: California, Utah, and Las Vegas. While the Utah and California Summer Leagues only host 4 teams each, the Las Vegas Summer League consists of all 30 teams.
Fans have seen the NBA Summer League rise in popularity, with this year’s installment looking to be one of the most exciting in history.
2022 NBA Summer League Odds
The NBA Summer League is a very difficult competition to predict. Due to the flexibility of rosters, lack of experience, and short schedule, teams that boast continuity between the team’s main roster and summer league roster tend to find success.
Champion | DraftKings Odds |
BKN Nets | +700 BET HERE |
OKC Thunder | +750 BET HERE |
PHI 76ers | +1100 BET HERE |
MEM Grizzlies | +1100 BET HERE |
DET Pistons | +1100 BET HERE |
POR Trail Blazers | +1300 BET HERE |
CHA Hornets | +1300 BET HERE |
HOU Rockets | +1400 BET HERE |
NO Pelicans | +1500 BET HERE |
IND Pacers | +1600 BET HERE |
LA Lakers | +2000 BET HERE |
SA Spurs | +2200 BET HERE |
NY Knicks | +2800 BET HERE |
MIA Heat | +2800 BET HERE |
DAL Mavericks | +2800 BET HERE |
ATL Hawks | +2800 BET HERE |
TOR Raptors | +3000 BET HERE |
ORL Magic | +3000 BET HERE |
LA Clippers | +3000 BET HERE |
SAC Kings | +3500 BET HERE |
MIL Bucks | +3500 BET HERE |
GS Warriors | +4000 BET HERE |
DEN Nuggets | +4000 BET HERE |
BOS Celtics | +4000 BET HERE |
UTA Jazz | +5000 BET HERE |
WAS Wizards | +6000 BET HERE |
PHO Suns | +6000 BET HERE |
MIN Timberwolves | +6000 BET HERE |
CHI Bulls | +6000 BET HERE |
CLE Cavaliers | +6000 BET HERE |
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2022 Vegas Summer League Picks
When selecting teams to bet on in the NBA Summer League, it is always best to take on teams with experience. The following are teams to watch.
Golden State Warriors (+4000)
JK was EVERYWHERE tonight 🎬 pic.twitter.com/c8UY31kln0
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 15, 2022
Key Players: James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody
The Golden State Warriors have shown through their early offseason that they are looking for their young players to step up. Jonathan Kuminga will participate in his second Summer League, while James Wiseman will use it to continue his rehabilitation from knee surgery.
Detroit Pistons (+1100)
A friendly reminder that Cade Cunningham ranked amongst rookies:
#1 Total Clutch Points (65 points)
#1 Clutch Field Goals (25 FGM) pic.twitter.com/zZQwJIK0jb
— Jack Kelly (@jack_kelly_313) July 5, 2022
Key Players: Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart
After a fantastic opening to the offseason, the Detroit Pistons suddenly have one of the brightest outlooks in the league. Their Summer League roster is stacked with exciting new rookies, as well as impactful players from their main roster. The inclusion of Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart makes them a very threatening side.
Toronto Raptors (+3000)
The rookies went off tonight to lead the @raptors905 to a huge 131-126 OT victory and into the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight year! 👏
💪 Justin Champagnie: 27 PTS (team-high)
💪 Dalano Banton: 23 PTS, 11 REB, 5 AST pic.twitter.com/A0weUc6NXo— NBA G League (@nbagleague) April 8, 2022
Key Players: Armoni Brooks, Rodions Kurucs, Christian Koloko, Justin Champagnie
The Toronto Raptors are an interesting case in this year’s Summer League. While Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes won’t participate, they still boast an impressive mix of both league and G-League experience. Christian Koloko is their 7-1 rookie project, but the likes of DJ Wilson, Rodions Kurucs, and Armoni Brooks can provide some game-changing experience.
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NBA Summer League Champions by Year
The Las Vegas NBA Summer League has been occurring since 2004, but it wasn’t until 2013 that a formal champion was named for the event. While the competitive structure has changed through the years, we’ve seen certain teams rise to the top.
Year | League | Champion | Score | Runner-Up | Championship MVP |
2013 | Vegas | Golden State Warriors | 91-77 | Phoenix Suns | Ian Clark |
2014 | Vegas | Sacramento Kings | 77-68 | Houston Rockets | Ray McCallum Jr. |
2015 | Vegas | San Antonio Spurs | 93-90 | Phoenix Suns | Jonathon Simmons |
2016 | Vegas | Chicago Bulls | 84-82 (OT) | Minnesota Timberwolves | Jerian Grant |
2017 | Vegas | Los Angeles Lakers | 110-98 | Portland Trail Blazers | Kyle Kuzma |
2018 | Vegas | Portland Trail Blazers | 91-73 | Los Angeles Lakers | K.J. McDaniels |
2019 | Vegas | Memphis Grizzlies | 95-92 | Minnesota Timberwolves | Brandon Clarke |
2020 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
2021 | Vegas | Sacramento Kings | 100-67 | Boston Celtics | Louis King |
NBA Vegas Summer League MVPs by Year
The NBA Summer League, despite not always having a competitive format that crowned a champion, has always celebrated its best-performing player. Those players receive the NBA Vegas Summer League MVP award!
Year | Player | Position | Team | College (Team)/Country |
2006 | Randy Foye | SG | Minnesota Timberwolves | Villanova/USA |
2007 | Nate Robinson | PG | New York Knicks | Washington/USA |
2008 | Jerryd Bayless* | PG | Portland Trail Blazers | Arizona/USA |
2009 | Blake Griffin | PF | LA Clippers | Oklahoma/USA |
2010 | John Wall | PG | Washington Wizards | Kentucky/USA |
2012 | Damian Lillard** | PG | Portland Trail Blazers | Weber State/USA |
2012 | Josh Selby** | PG | Memphis Grizzlies | Kansas/USA |
2013 | Jonas Valanciunas | C | Toronto Raptors | Lietuvos rytas Vilnius/Lithuania |
2014 | Glen Rice Jr. | SG | Washington Wizards | Georgia Tech/USA |
2015 | Kyle Anderson | SF | San Antonio Spurs | UCLA/USA |
2016 | Tyus Jones | PG | Minnesota Timberwolves | Duke/USA |
2017 | Lonzo Ball | PG | Los Angeles Lakers | UCLA/USA |
2018 | Josh Hart | SG | Los Angeles Lakers | Villanova/USA |
2019 | Brandon Clarke | PF | Memphis Grizzlies | Gonzaga/Canada |
2021 | Davion Mitchell** | PG | Sacramento Kings | Baylor/USA |
2021 | Cameron Thomas** | SG | Brooklyn Nets | LSU/USA-Japan |
* Awarded to the top rookie performer.
** Players shared the award as Co-MVPs.
Frequently Asked Questions About NBA Summer League
What is the Summer League Format?
The NBA summer league will feature a total of 75 games over 11 days. Each team will play a total of five games. Between the dates of July 7-15, each team will play four games. The top two teams from the first four matches will compete in the Summer League Championship Game on July 17.
How are NBA Summer League Rosters Decided?
NBA Summer League rosters exist separate from a team’s regular-season roster. While there is some degree of continuity for team rosters, the majority of players will be free agents.
Expect a team’s top young talent, rookies and sophomores, to participate in the Summer League. Along with players who are a part of their team’s G-League affiliate roster.
Most importantly, the Summer League will be the first showcase for the 2022 NBA Draft Class. Expect the likes of Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, and Jabari Smith Jr. to be the stars of the summer showcase.
How to Watch the 2022 NBA Summer League
The California-based Summer League will occur between the dates of July 5 and July 7.
The Utah-based Summer League will also occur between the dates of July 5 and July 7.
The Vegas Summer League is the longest summer tournament, running from July 7 to July 17.
The NBA Summer League will be nationally televised on NBA TV, ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU. They will also be accessible via affiliated streaming options.
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Christian Jope
Christian Jope is a writer, social media strategist, and data analyst. A Queen’s University Alumni, Christian is an author and social media strategist with Raptors Cage, while also working closely with MLSE and Canada Basketball through community-driven events.
Email: [email protected]