The NBA Summer League 2021 is upon us. Our Orlando Magic begin their involvement tonight, being seen as an important step in the team’s growth.
THE NBA SUMMER LEAGUE 2021 – WHAT IS SUMMER LEAGUE AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Summer League is an NBA competition held annually now in Las Vegas. All 30 NBA teams will participate and a total of 75 games will be played.
The annual tournament is a chance for teams to try out different line-ups and prospects away from the regular season but in a competitive situation. It is primarily an opportunity for rookies, second year and G-League affiliate players to develop their game. Roster’s will often include older players who a team have invited onto their roster. This could literally be anyone but is usually someone who went undrafted or plays in a different league (i.e European).
Each team will play a total of five games. All team’s play four games between August 8th and 15th.
The top two teams from their first four games will play in the Championship Game on August 17th. Seeding for the Championship Game will be determined by winning percentage (I’ll come to the tiebreakers in a minute).
The 28 teams not playing in the Championship Game will play a fifth game on either August 16th or 17th. Consolation games are determined by various factors, including team rivalries, broadcast interest and other scheduling considerations.
THE TIEBREAKERS
Below is the NBA‘s explanation of the tiebreaker rules applied to decide the two teams progressing to the Championship Game.
IF TWO TEAMS ARE TIED:
In the case of a tie in preliminary round records involving only two teams, the following criteria (in order) will be utilized:
Head-to-head matchup: The team that won the game between the two teams in the preliminary round, if applicable, receives the higher seed.
Point differential: The team with the greater point differential receives the higher seed.
Random drawing: The higher seed shall be determined by a “coin flip.”
IF MORE THAN TWO TEAMS ARE TIED:
In the case of a tie in preliminary round records involving more than two teams, the following criteria (in order) will be utilized:
Point differential: The team with the greater point differential receives the higher seed.
Random drawing: The higher seed shall be determined by a “coin flip.”
THE NBA SUMMER LEAGUE 2021 – THE MAGIC SCHEDULE
Orlando initially have 4 games to decide how far the team progress in the competition. The fixtures are below and are all listed with the U.K tip times:
9th August 2021 – @ Golden State Warriors (1:00am)
11th August 2021 – Vs Cleveland Cavaliers (11:00pm)
12th August 2021 – @ Boston Celtics (12:00am)
15th August 2021 – @ Houston Rockets (1:00am)
THE NBA SUMMER LEAGUE 2021 – THE MAGIC ROSTER
A strong Orlando Magic squad has been assembled to play in Vegas.
Training for Summer League has been coached by Orlando’s new Head Coach; Jamahl Mosely. He will also coach some initial games. The Coach sees this year’s Summer League as an early opportunity for his young core to gain chemistry and to build a relationship with him. This stance was reinforced by the attendance of Mo Bamba at the training sessions for the event. Mo as a fourth year player will not be taking part in any games but has seized the opportunity offered to work with the new coach and some of the young squad.
NAMES TO WATCH
Cole Anthony and RJ Hampton: Entering their second year in the NBA this will however be their first experience of Summer League. Due to the COVID pandemic Summer League 2020 was cancelled and preseason shortened, therefore this will be valuable experience for both in their growth.
Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner: Both the Magic’s rookies are included. For them this will be a first experience of a more NBA level competition.
Ignas Brazdeikis: He was part of the Magic squad during the back end of last season, bringing energy and aggression whenever he was given playing time.
Also present are members of the Lakeland Magic, including Jon Teske, Justin Jackson and Tahjere McCall.
There are also two interesting sleeper prospects to take note of:
Janis Timma has been on the Magic’s books since 2015 after acquiring his rights in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies had picked him at number 60 in the 2013 NBA Draft. He has been playing in Europe and the Latvian national team. He is tough defensive wing, aged 29 with a strong shooting game.
Amar Sylla went undrafted but has experience of playing in Europe. He can create his own shot and is strong on defence. At 6ft 9 he this athletic 19 year old plays the power forward or centre position.
HOW CAN I WATCH THE NBA SUMMER LEAGUE 2021
Coverage in the U.K is through an active NBA League Pass subscription. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR NBA LEAGUE PASS UK
