THE NBL is continuing to grow on the world stage, and that is demonstrated by the competition’s presence in the NBA Summer League this season.

The Summer League is the NBA’s pre-season competition, highlighting some of the best and brightest young players in the league. Given the fact that a lot of the NBA’s more experienced players do not participate, players from all over the world are brought in to fill out the rosters.

The NBL has had a number of players hit the court in the Summer League over the past decade, but 2023 has seen an even larger group of current and former players find spots on NBA rosters for the pre-season tournament.

Obviously, there are a fair few draftees that will be suiting up for their respective sides, with the likes of Luke Travers (Cleveland Cavaliers), and Ousmane Dieng (Oklahoma City Thunder) looking to impress for the teams that took a chance on them last year. Xavier Cooks enters his second season with the Washington Wizards and will be looking to catch the eye in the Summer League in a bid to increase his court time.

Having recently been selected by the Indiana Pacers in the 2023 NBA Draft, Aussie Mojave King will hit the hardwood for the team for the first time in the Summer League. Following an eye-catching campaign in the G-League, King has his first opportunity to make his mark for the Pacers this week.

The same can be said for former NBL Next Star Rayan Rupert, who was acquired by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 43rd pick. Rupert has proven himself in the NBL as a starter for the New Zealand Breakers, and can contribute as a defensive wing with the capability to get downhill and shoot over his direct opponent.

Current NBL players Keanu Pinder (Phoenix Suns), DJ Hogg (Toronto Raptors) and Sam Waardenberg (Minnesota Timberwolves) will be looking to give themselves the best opportunity to earn a spot on an NBA list as well. Star big man Jo Lual Acuil was set to play for the Portland Trail Blazers, but will instead miss through injury.

An interesting one is Kai Sotto, who once again found himself unlucky and without an NBA contract at the end of the draft. The 20-year-old will be suiting up for the Orlando Magic, eager to prove himself to the team and potentially earn a lifeline with an impressive Summer League campaign.

The California Classic and Salt Lake Summer League kick off today on July 4, before the main event begins in Las Vegas on July 8.

NBL players in the Summer League (past and present)

Brian Bowen – Minnesota Timberwolves
Xavier Cooks – Washington Wizards
Jaylin Galloway – Minnesota Timberwolves
DJ Hogg – Toronto Raptors
Jo Lual-Acuil Jr – Portland Trail Blazers
Keanu Pinder – Phoenix Suns
Rayan Rupert – Portland Trail Blazers
Kai Sotto – Orlando Magic
Luke Travers – Cleveland Cavaliers
Sam Waardenburg – Minnesota Timberwolves
Ousmane Dieng – Oklahoma City Thunder
Justin Robinson – Charlotte Hornets
Dejan Vasiljevic – Washington Wizards
Duop Reath – Portland Trail Blazers
Mojave King – Indiana Pacers
Makur Maker – Philadelphia 76ers
Barry Brown Jr.– Phoenix Suns
Dyson Daniels – New Orleans Pelicans
Hugo Besson – Milwaukee Bucks
Brady Manek – Atlanta Hawks