WITH the National Basketball League (NBL) in the midst of its offseason, many of the competition’s stars are putting their names in lights at the 2024 NBA Summer League.
The Summer League a preseason tournament which allows recent draftees and those hoping for a spot on an NBA list for the upcoming season. NBL players are often extended invites to the tournament, and some have even booked a spot in the world’s best basketball competition after impressing.
Recent Aussie draftee Johnny Furphy has been impressing since day one where he posted 12 points and four rebounds for the Indiana Pacers. He then backed it up with 18 points and seven boards a couple of days later, and 18 points and eight rebounds yesterday as he looks to establish himself as a member of an exciting Pacers roster.
Speaking of recent draftees, big man Ariel Hukporti was taken with the final pick of the 2024 NBA Draft and has been suiting up for the New York Knicks, and posted a double-double earlier today of 11 points and 10 rebounds against the Kings.
In that match, he faced off against former United teammate Jo Lual-Acuil, who has been playing exceptionally well for Sacramento’s Summer League side. Although not signed to an NBA contract yet, the big man has been doing his best to impress and will be gathering some attention.
In his first three games in the NBA Summer League, Lual-Acuil posted 48 points, 23 rebounds and four blocks, showing just what he has to offer at the top level, and has the size and finishing ability to play against the best.
Finally, Cleveland Cavalier Luke Travers has been catching the eye for his side at the Summer League as well. Although he may not put up as many numbers in the points column as others, Travers can still stuff the stat sheet and has certainly been in impressive for the side that drafted him a couple of years ago.
Earlier today, he posted eight points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks, in a clear demonstration of what he is capable of doing if given the minutes at NBA level.
Former NBL Next Star and recent number-two pick Alexandre Sarr has found the going tough to start his time at NBA level. He recently posted zero points on 0/15 shooting from the field, in a performance that caught a lot of criticism. However, his time with the Perth Wildcats has demonstrated the quality of player he is and could be in the future, so he should bounce back in no time.
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