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Memphis Grizzlies’ Summer League Play to Provide Sneak Peek

By Christian Dudley

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 16: Kobi Simmons #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2017 Summer League Semifinals on July 16, 2017 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 16: Kobi Simmons #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2017 Summer League Semifinals on July 16, 2017 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 16: Kobi Simmons #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2017 Summer League Semifinals on July 16, 2017 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 16: Kobi Simmons #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2017 Summer League Semifinals on July 16, 2017 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

One day after the Draft Lottery, the Memphis Grizzlies announced that the team will be participating in two of the NBA’s summer leagues.

It’s almost that time, Grizz Nation.

No, not the NBA Draft. However, the Draft will play a major role in this.

It is the NBA Summer League — perhaps the closest thing to a literal Christmas in July for NBA fans.

Each year, the league toys with their summer league schedules, from exhibition games in Orlando to Las Vegas and to Salt Lake City, the most recent host city.

There will not be as many teams participating in the Utah Summer League as in years’ pasts. However, the format is intriguing and fun. This helps keep fans’ interest in the otherwise meaningless games as they scout some of the best young prospects in all of basketball.

The Memphis Grizzlies posted the official announcement on Wednesday, one day after they learned of their 2018 NBA Draft position.

Looking in-depth at the Memphis Grizzlies’ Utah Summer League schedule, on July 2nd, an epic battle is sure to ensue. Memphis’ fourth overall pick will face off with the Atlanta Hawks’ third overall pick.

Bagley versus Bamba? Jackson Jr versus Porter Jr?

The possibilities right now are endless with the incredible depth of the upcoming draft. There are sure to be great viewing audiences for the summer league games and it will help the dog days of July to pass by quickly.

The especially good news for Grizz fans is that the squad will transition to the Vegas Summer League immediately following the games in Utah. It will be an action-packed July, which should somewhat make up for Memphis not making a playoff appearance in 2018.

These games will show the improvements made by Grizzly youngsters Kobi Simmons, Ivan Rabb, Myke Henry, and more. Memphis should be a favorite to win one or both of the summer leagues being as they have a handful of guys that played big minutes in the past NBA regular season. Those experiences will begin to pay off, and should continue to do so into the new season. Plus, the Grizzlies’ draft picks will join the mayhem.

Do not expect Dillon Brooks to participate in Summer League action after his stellar rookie season. He more than proved that he belongs in the league and is now a key component of the franchise. Regardless, there will be plenty of talented Grizzlies to watch in July. It will be a telling sign for what kind of season the 2018-19 Memphis Grizzlies will produce.

Go Grizz! 

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