WITH the NBA Summer League kicking off for 2023, there have been a few notable appearances from some of the strongest players in the NBL.

Given the competition is only for the NBA’s rookies, players outside of the league are brought in to fill out the rosters as undrafted prospects are given the opportunity to prove themselves at the top level and earn a contract.

The NBL’s biggest names are often called upon given their experience playing tough professional basketball, and some of Australia’s guns are already catching the eye with some solid performances.

Some players such as DJ Hogg found themselves with plenty of court time. Hogg started for the Toronto Raptors earlier in the fixture, and although he was moved to the bench, the forward was still able to have an impact. Against the Cavaliers yesterday, Hogg had 11 points in just 16 minutes of play, firing from behind the arc and attacking downhill and drawing contact.

In that same game, Hogg faced off against young gun and draftee Luke Travers, who was suiting up for the team that selected him last year in the Cleveland Cavaliers. Although that game was one of his quieter outings, the talented youngster caught the eye a couple of days earlier against the Brooklyn Nets. Travers posted 13 points, six rebounds and four blocks in the four-point win, showing how dangerous he can be on both ends and putting plenty of pressure on the Cavaliers to sign him to a contract.

Meanwhile, there have been a few rumblings surrounding a potential NBL return for star big man Duop Reath, who departed after a strong campaign with the Illawarra Hawks, and he has done no wrong in the Summer League. For the Portland Trail Blazers, Reath posted 13 points (5/7 FG) and nine rebounds against the Spurs, spending a bit of time in the paint next to star prodigy Victor Wembanyama. At the very least, it seems likely Reath has played himself into the Boomers team for the upcoming 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Speaking of former NBL players, recent draftee and 2022/23 Next Star Rayan Rupert has also been getting some court time for the Trail Blazers. While he has not posted the biggest numbers, it is evident that his game can convert to the NBA, and he will only get better as his development continues.

Reigning NBL MVP Xavier Cooks is continuing to impact with the Washington Wizards, recently starting in their Summer League matchup against the Pacers, and produced 11 points, seven boards and two assists in 20 minutes of play. Cooks’ motor continues to be his biggest weapon, generating plenty of offence in transition thanks to his hard running after the change of possession.

While the likes of Dejan Vasiljevic and Sam Waardenberg are yet to see any court time, they may get their opportunity later in the tournament as sides look to put their recent draftees on ice ahead of preparations for the 2022/23 regular season, so even more NBL stars should be making their mark in the coming days.