NBA Summer League 2016: Dates, Times, TV Schedule, Live Stream and More
The NBA summer leagues might not feature the game's biggest stars, but there is plenty to keep an eye on throughout the month of July.
While the leagues in Utah and Orlando are just finishing up, the main attraction in Las Vegas is set to begin Friday, giving the majority of teams a chance to enter the competition. While scores are kept, the bigger advantage for organizations is to evaluate the talent on their rosters.
From a player's perspective, this is a chance to improve through extra playing time that might not be available during the regular season. For those undrafted players without guaranteed contracts, this could be an opportunity to prove they are worthy of roster spots.
There are tons of storylines in each league, so make sure you get a chance to follow each of the remaining contests over the next few weeks.
Note: All games in every league can be streamed online using WatchESPN.
Utah Summer League
| July 7 | Boston vs. San Antonio | 7 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 7 | Philadelphia vs. Utah | 9 p.m. | NBA TV |
Although there are just four teams in this league, there are a handful of interesting players throughout these squads.
The Boston Celtics fans want to see what No. 3 draft pick Jaylen Brown can do, as well as a long list of picks from this summer. The Utah Jazz are watching the progression of Trey Lyles, among others. However, the biggest name in town is No. 1 pick Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers.
While Simmons was unable to finish his first game because of muscle cramps, he is already showing just what makes him such a highly touted prospect. Philadelphia Summer League coach Billy Lange explained what he sees in the forward, per Kareem Copeland of the Associated Press (via NBA.com):
"Passing, ball-handling, confidence, communication, swagger, enthusiasm, love for teammates. It wasn't about him. I said that yesterday, that was the first thing I noticed. He was just excited to be 19 years old and around a bunch of guys and put that logo on his chest.
He's a basketball player. He's a really good basketball player. ... Anyone that's watched enough basketball sees a skill-set there that's really exciting.
"
Whether he returns to action for his final game in Utah or he waits to get back on track in Las Vegas, Simmons has the type of versatile skill set you don't want to miss.
Orlando Summer League
| July 7 | Dallas vs. Orlando Blue | 1 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 7 | Los Angeles Clippers vs. Orlando White | 3 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 7 | Detroit vs. Miami | 5 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 8 | 5th Place vs. 6th Place | 8 a.m. | NBA TV |
| July 8 | 3rd Place vs. 4th Place | 10 a.m. | NBA TV |
| July 8 | 1st Place vs. 2nd Place | Noon | NBA TV |
| July 8 | 7th Place vs. 8th Place | 2 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 8 | 9th Place vs. 10th Place | 4 p.m. | NBA TV |
There are 10 teams in the Orlando Summer League, including two from the Orlando Magic. While each team has something to feel good about after a few days in Florida, the two most dominant to this point have been the Detroit Pistons and Miami Heat.
The Pistons are 3-0 and have seen big contributions from a pair of players they are expecting big things from this season: Stanley Johnson and Henry Ellenson.
Johnson was the No. 8 pick in the 2015 draft and had a solid rookie season, averaging 8.1 points per game mostly off the bench. However, he needs to pick up his efficiency if he wants a bigger role, something he still hasn't shown in the summer league.
Meanwhile, Ellenson has made his presence known to this point with 12 points per game. He is hoping to become one of the biggest steals in the 2016 draft after falling to Detroit at No. 18 overall.
The Heat are relying on a pair of second-year wings to carry their summer team with Josh Richardson and Justise Winslow leading the way. Both showed plenty of potential during their first seasons but are hoping to take a major leap in year two.
Although the teams will compete for first place, the players likely care more about showing what they can do on an individual level.
Las Vegas Summer League
| July 8 | Milwaukee vs. Cleveland | 6 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 8 | Atlanta vs. Houston | 8 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 8 | Sacramento vs. Toronto | 10 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 8 | NBA D-League vs. Memphis | 6:30 p.m. | - |
| July 8 | Minnesota vs. Denver | 8:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| July 8 | Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans | 10:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| July 9 | Phoenix vs. Portland | 4 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 9 | Boston vs. Chicago | 6 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 9 | Denver vs. Memphis | 8 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 9 | Dallas vs. Miami | 10 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 9 | Cleveland vs. Brooklyn | 4:30 p.m. | - |
| July 9 | Washington vs. Utah | 6:30 p.m. | - |
| July 9 | Philadelphia vs. Los Angeles Lakers | 8:30 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| July 9 | San Antonio vs. Golden State | 10:30 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| July 10 | Atlanta vs. Washington | 4 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 10 | Minnesota vs. Toronto | 6 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 10 | Utah vs. New Orleans | 8 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 10 | San Antonio vs. Portland | 10 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 10 | Milwaukee vs. NBA D-League | 4:30 p.m. | - |
| July 10 | Houston vs. Sacramento | 6:30 p.m. | - |
| July 10 | Chicago vs. Philadelphia | 8:30 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| July 10 | Phoenix vs. Boston | 10:30 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| July 11 | Milwaukee vs. Memphis | 4 p.m. | - |
| July 11 | Houston vs. NBA D-League | 6 p.m. | - |
| July 11 | Miami vs. Denver | 8 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| July 11 | Sacramento vs. New Orleans | 10 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| July 11 | Brooklyn vs. Atlanta | 4:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 11 | Toronto vs. Dallas | 6:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 11 | Cleveland vs. Minnesota | 8:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 11 | Golden State vs. Los Angeles Lakers | 10:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 12 | Washington vs. Brooklyn | 4 p.m. | - |
| July 12 | Boston vs. Dallas | 6 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| July 12 | San Antonio vs. Chicago | 8 p.m. | ESPN |
| July 12 | Portland vs. Utah | 4:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 12 | Miami vs. Phoenix | 6:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 12 | Philadelphia vs. Golden State | 8:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 13 | TBD Playoff Game | 4 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 13 | TBD Playoff Game | 6 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 13 | TBD Playoff Game | 8 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 13 | TBD Playoff Game | 10 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 13 | TBD Playoff Game | 4:30 p.m. | - |
| July 13 | TBD Playoff Game | 6:30 p.m. | - |
| July 13 | TBD Playoff Game | 8:30 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| July 13 | TBD Playoff Game | 10:30 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| July 14 | TBD Playoff Game | 4 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| July 14 | TBD Playoff Game | 6 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| July 14 | TBD Playoff Game | 8 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| July 14 | TBD Playoff Game | 10 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| July 14 | TBD Playoff Game | 4:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 14 | TBD Playoff Game | 6:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 14 | TBD Playoff Game | 8:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 14 | TBD Playoff Game | 10:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 15 | TBD Playoff Game | 4 p.m. | - |
| July 15 | TBD Playoff Game | 6 p.m. | - |
| July 15 | TBD Playoff Game | 8 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| July 15 | TBD Playoff Game | 10 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| July 15 | TBD Playoff Game | 4:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 15 | TBD Playoff Game | 6:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 15 | TBD Playoff Game | 8:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 15 | TBD Playoff Game | 10:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| July 16 | Quarterfinals | 4 p.m. | ESPNU |
| July 16 | Quarterfinals | 6 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| July 16 | Quarterfinals | 8 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| July 16 | Quarterfinals | 10 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| July 17 | Semifinals | 6 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| July 17 | Semifinals | 8 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| July 18 | Championship Game | 9 p.m. | ESPN2 |
This is obviously the biggest league with the most in-depth schedule, featuring 24 teams competing for a championship. Of course, much more important than the title is seeing the young players develop.
One organization that is likely expecting a lot from its squad is the Los Angeles Lakers, featuring up-and-coming stars in D'Angelo Russell and Brandon Ingram. As Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official website noted, the duo is already developing a chemistry together:
Julius Randle is also getting some extra work in, even if he doesn't play in the games, per Mike Bresnahan of TWC SportsNet:
Add in intriguing prospects such as Larry Nance Jr., Ivica Zubac and others, and the Lakers are a major team to watch. This will especially be true on Saturday, when they take on the 76ers and Simmons.
The Phoenix Suns are another team with an interesting roster heading into the competition. Devin Booker showed he can get it done at a high level last year, but incoming rookies Marquese Chriss, Dragan Bender and Tyler Ulis will be joining him. We don't know what to expect from any of these players, but the upside is tremendous.
The aforementioned Brown is a big story for the Celtics, though there should be just as much interest in watching James Young, Guerschon Yabusele, Demetrius Jackson, Ben Bentil, R.J. Hunter, Terry Rozier, Jordan Mickey and anyone else not only looking to earn a spot on the roster, but a place in the suddenly deep rotation.
All of these men know how to play basketball, and aside from France's Yabusele, all have made a name for themselves at the college level. The question is which ones can step up and show they can make an impact in the NBA.
These stories and more will ensure an interesting two weeks from Las Vegas.
Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for year-round sports analysis.
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