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ESPN Senior Writer- Co-author, Pro Basketball Prospectus series
- Formerly a consultant with the Indiana Pacers
- Developed WARP rating and SCHOENE system
What should fans and teams be looking for from the most interesting prospects at the Las Vegas Summer League?
The 11-day event will feature all 30 teams in the NBA, and also will include entries from China and Croatia. Each team will play at least five games, and as many as seven, with eight teams qualifying for the tournament round. Summer league will culminate with a championship game on July 15.
NBA Insiders Kevin Pelton and Mike Schmitz go team-by-team, giving one player to watch and why.
More: Summer league daily: Your guide to Las Vegas
Atlanta Hawks
De'Andre Hunter | Small Forward
Technically, Hunter won't join the Hawks until his rights are traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the New Orleans Pelicans and then to Atlanta as part of a pair of deals that can't be completed until Saturday's end to the NBA moratorium on player movement. Fortunately for the Hawks, they don't begin play until Saturday, which should allow the No. 4 overall pick to take part. Atlanta will be without No. 10 pick Cam Reddish, who recently underwent surgery to repair a core muscle injury. -- Pelton
Boston Celtics
Tacko Fall | Center
Sure, 2018 first-round pick Robert Williams is the most likely Celtics summer leaguer to play a role in 2019-20 after the departure of centers Aron Baynes and Al Horford. And Boston will have four draftees in Las Vegas: first-rounders Romeo Langford and Grant Williams and second-rounders Carsen Edwards and Tremont Waters.
However, this is about players to watch, and that describes the 7-foot-6 Fall. He stole the show during UCF's matchup with Duke and No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson during the NCAA tournament, and fans who were surprised Fall went undrafted will want to see how his skills translate in summer league. -- Pelton
Brooklyn Nets
Dzanan Musa | Small Forward
Musa, a native of Bosnia-Herzegovina, ranked eighth in my consensus projections for the 2018 draft and third in the stats-only version of the model based on his strong play at age 18 in the Adriatic League. Taken 29th overall by the Nets, Musa played just 39 minutes as a rookie, in part because of a shoulder injury that sidelined him more than a month. With Brooklyn's timetable for competing accelerated after Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving committed to come as free agents, this is an important time for Musa to cement himself as part of the team's future with a strong summer performance. -- Pelton
Charlotte Hornets
Miles Bridges | Small Forward
After he was left off the All-Rookie teams, Bridges tweeted that he didn't deserve to make it and vowed that "next year will be different." With Charlotte's two leading scorers (Kemba Walker and Jeremy Lamb) both agreeing to sign elsewhere in free agency, the Hornets will need someone else to step up. Bridges -- who didn't actually play as poorly as a rookie as he made it sound -- will have that opportunity. Leading Charlotte's summer team will allow him to work on creating more of his own offense. -- Pelton
Chicago Bulls
Coby White | Point Guard
Set to add veteran point guard Tomas Satoransky in a sign-and-trade deal, the Bulls won't need their lottery pick to start from Day 1. Still, Satoransky's ability to play either guard spot gives White the chance to win a starting job if he proves a quicker NBA study than expected. His well-rounded offensive game should make White one of the more entertaining players to watch in Las Vegas. -- Pelton
Cleveland Cavaliers
Dylan Windler | Small Forward
With the Cavaliers' other two first-round picks, No. 5 overall selection Darius Garland and 30th pick Kevin Porter Jr., sitting out summer league for precautionary reasons, No. 26 pick Windler has taken center stage. The Belmont product debuted in impressive fashion in the Salt Lake City Summer League with 19 points on 8-of-14 shooting in his opening game, but totaled just 12 over the next two as he shot 3-of-11 from the field. -- Pelton
Dallas Mavericks
Cam Payne | Point Guard
It has been a tough few years for the former lottery pick, who needs a huge summer league showing to prove that he belongs on an NBA roster next season. Otherwise, it might be time to start exploring his overseas market. In addition to Payne, I'll be watching Mavs second-round pick Isaiah Roby. While he needs to get tougher, the 6-8 forward has the feel, defensive versatility and shooting potential teams covet. -- Schmitz
Denver Nuggets
Terence Davis | Shooting Guard
Michael Porter Jr. was the clear draw before being ruled out with a knee strain, so attention turns to Ole Miss bucket-getter Davis. The 6-4 scoring guard turned in an impressive pre-draft process despite not hearing his name called on June 20. His aggressive scoring mentality and shot-making are built for summer league, and he figures to help his NBA standing with a strong showing in Vegas. -- Schmitz
Detroit Pistons
Sekou Doumbouya | Power Forward
The first player drafted who did not play college basketball, Doumbouya is more of a mystery for fans who were unlikely to see him play for Limoges CSP. The 6-9 combo forward is also, at age 18, the youngest player drafted since the NBA's age limit went into effect in 2006. So it will be interesting to see how well he fares against older competition that is more athletic than what he faced in France. -- Pelton
Golden State Warriors
Alen Smailagic | Power Forward
One of the draft's more unique stories, the Warriors went to extreme lengths to acquire the 6-10 big man, dating all the way back to 2016. The Golden State brass has been tracking Smailagic for more than three years now, following him closely in Serbia, trading to acquire his rights in the 2018 G League draft, sitting him out during the annual G League Showcase to hide him from NBA decision-makers, and eventually shutting him down in Serbia during the pre-draft process to ensure no other teams were in position to draft him. The Warriors even moved up to No. 39 on draft night to select him, so within NBA circles there's a lot of intrigue surrounding whether the 18-year-old, who averaged 8.9 points in 17.1 minutes in 49 Santa Cruz Warriors games last season, is worth all the effort Golden State put in to make sure he landed in the Bay Area.
As a player, think poor man's Henry Ellenson. I'd expect the inexperienced Smailagic to spend another season in the G League, but a breakout showing could improve his chances of seeing the floor for a Warriors team that lacks depth. -- Schmitz
Warriors' summer league roster
Houston Rockets
William McDowell-White | Point Guard
It has been a windy road for the 6-5 Aussie point guard, who was once a highly sought-after high school recruit before dealing with academic eligibility issues and bouncing around from Fresno State to Australia to Germany. Although his cerebral game isn't exactly built for the summer league style, McDowell-White's size and tremendous feel for the game have long made him a prospect worth tracking. He's expected to spend the season in the G League with Rio Grande Valley on an exhibit 10 contract; he could remind scouts why he was highly touted in the past with a strong showing in Vegas. -- Schmitz
Indiana Pacers
Brian Bowen II | Small Forward
For the past two years, Bowen has been better known as "Player 10" in the FBI's investigation of corruption in college basketball. Alleged payments to Bowen's family related to his commitment to Louisville meant he was never eligible to play in the NCAA, sitting out the 2017-18 season before spending the past year playing for the NBL's Sydney Kings as the first player in the Australian league's Next Stars program. Bowen went undrafted in June but signed a two-way deal for the Pacers. For American fans, his Vegas debut will be the first time to see him play a competitive game in person since he was named co-MVP of the 2017 Jordan Brand Classic. -- Pelton
LA Clippers
Jerome Robinson | Shooting Guard
One of the more disappointing lottery picks last season, Robinson is in need of a big summer league showing to remind the Clippers why they selected him 13th over a handful of intriguing prospects. With the addition of Landry Shamet -- a souped-up version of Robinson in a lot of ways -- it remains to be seen just how much upward mobility there is for the former Boston College guard with LA, but a strong Vegas showing could open up more opportunities. -- Schmitz
Clippers' summer league roster
Los Angeles Lakers
Zach Norvell | Shooting Guard
Already with a summer league game winner under his belt, Norvell has the shot-making ability to pop off for a big game or two in Vegas. With the Lakers' lacking depth and shooting, the former Gonzaga veteran could play his way into spot minutes with continued summer league success, as his maturity and shooting should be attractive to LeBron James and company. Norvell is currently on a two-way contract. Also keep an eye on Jordan Caroline, a physical defender and aggressive rebounder in the PJ Tucker mold. -- Schmitz
Memphis Grizzlies
John Konchar | Shooting Guard
A Jonathan Givony sleeper special dating back to October 2017, Konchar is the type of high-IQ, skilled guard likely to stick in the NBA for a long time. An analytics darling out of Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne, the 6-5 guard (6-8 wingspan) plays a cerebral style as a ball-mover, occasional shot-maker and instinctual defender. Although only on a two-way contract, the 23-year-old Konchar could play his way into the Grizzlies' rotation this season and is an intriguing fit alongside Ja Morant. -- Schmitz
Grizzlies' summer league roster
Miami Heat
Tyler Herro | Shooting Guard
Herro, the last pick of this year's lottery after a single season at Kentucky, is the centerpiece of Miami's summer team. He scored 38 points in two games in the California Classic, albeit with middling efficiency. After shooting 5-of-10 beyond the arc in his debut, Herro went 2-of-11 in the other game he played and 7-of-21 from the field overall. To crack the Heat's rotation as a rookie, Herro will have to score more efficiently. -- Pelton
Milwaukee Bucks
Sterling Brown | Shooting Guard
Without any 2019 draft picks after trading their first-rounder in a money-saving deal, the Bucks' roster is highlighted by two-year veterans Brown and D.J. Wilson, both of whom played rotation roles at times last season. A sign-and-trade sending Malcolm Brogdon to Indiana will provide an opening for Brown to win the starting job at shooting guard he held during the first round of this year's playoffs. Having proven he can succeed in a 3-and-D role, Brown will probably get a chance to work on creating his own shot. Brogdon's ability to drive against hard closeouts is something Milwaukee now lacks. -- Pelton
Minnesota Timberwolves
Keita Bates-Diop | Small Forward
With Jarrett Culver's status up in the air due to the timing of Minnesota's draft-night trade, we turn to the Wolves' 2018 picks, Josh Okogie and Bates-Diop. While we know what Okogie brings as an energy defender and slasher who is experienced enough to have a huge showing, Bates-Diop is a little less proven. He showed glimpses last season given his length and versatility, and could win over Minnesota's new general manager with his play in Vegas. -- Schmitz
New Orleans Pelicans
Zion Williamson | Power Forward
The clear summer league headliner, Williamson figures to electrify Vegas with his tomahawk slams and athletic feats. But for all the hype and fanfare surrounding him, there are still a few Zion-centric questions worth digging in on during summer league. What type of shape will he be in? How will his 3-ball look from the NBA line? Will the Pelicans use him as a big in a small-ball lineup or more on the wing?
For the NBA draft hipster die-hards burned out on Zionmania, keep an eye on New Orleans' two-way player, Zylan Cheatham, who has the physical profile, athleticism, defensive versatility and playmaking ability at 6-7 to carve out a role in the NBA. -- Schmitz
Pelicans' summer league roster
New York Knicks
RJ Barrett | Shooting Guard
The most anticipated matchup in Las Vegas will pit Barrett against his roommate at Duke, Williamson, on Friday night in a battle of the top two draft picks who are in action during the summer league. A strong performance by Barrett in that game and throughout the week will help console Knicks fans, who saw their team strike out with superstar free agents and opt to instead sign role players to short-term deals. -- Pelton
Oklahoma City Thunder
Luguentz Dort | Shooting Guard
Projected as a late first-round pick for the majority of the season, Dort shockingly went undrafted, landing in Oklahoma City on a two-way contract. The 6-4, big-bodied Canadian guard has the open-court play, downhill physicality and aggressive defense built for summer league. The reigning Pac-12 freshman of the year, Dort -- although still a developing shooter and decision-maker -- figures to prove to NBA teams that they made a mistake passing on him on draft night. He projects as an instant-impact defender who can check three positions at the next level -- Schmitz
Thunder's summer league roster
Orlando Magic
Mo Bamba | Center
Though he's on the Magic's roster, it's unclear how much Bamba will play in summer league, if at all. Nonetheless, with first-round pick Chuma Okeke sidelined following ACL surgery, Bamba is far and away the biggest name who could play for Orlando. Bamba's uneven rookie campaign came to a premature conclusion at the end of January due to a stress fracture in his left tibia that required surgery. Since then, Bamba has been busy in the weight room, telling reporters he has added about 20 pounds from last year's listed weight of 221. Hopefully we'll get to see how that translates in Las Vegas. -- Pelton
Philadelphia 76ers
Matisse Thybulle | Shooting Guard
Having used cap space to make over their starting lineup, the Sixers are busy filling out their bench in free agency but would love if one of their past two first-round picks on the summer roster -- Thybulle and 2018 pick Zhaire Smith -- can contribute next season. Thybulle, the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year because of his historic combination of steals and blocks in the 2-3 zone Washington coach Mike Hopkins brought with him from Syracuse, will be adjusting back to man-to-man defense in Las Vegas. -- Pelton
Phoenix Suns
Jalen Lecque | Point Guard
Maybe the most explosive athlete not named Zion Williamson slated to take the floor, Lecque -- who agreed to a four-year-deal with Phoenix -- is a physical flyer capable of turning heads in Vegas thanks to his tools and leaping ability. He has a long ways to go with his skill level, but there is some untapped upside there to keep an eye on. As far as ready-made contributors are concerned, look for Auburn guard Jared Harper to have a big showing; he holds big-game experience and is the type of player to eventually carve out a career in the NBA given his toughness, feel and shot-making. -- Schmitz
Portland Trail Blazers
Nassir Little | Small Forward
After sliding all the way to No. 25 on draft night, the former top-five high school recruit has all the motivation to set Vegas ablaze with his physical tools and athleticism. He's a prime candidate to outperform his draft stock on a Blazers team that could use long-armed wings with defensive versatility. We'll have a close eye on Little's perimeter shooting, motor and feel, as fluctuation in those areas played a big role in his down season at UNC. Little is a big-time talent with game much better suited for the NBA than college. Also keep an eye on PDX's 2018 first-rounder Anfernee Simons, who has the talent to go off for a few monster scoring nights. -- Schmitz
Sacramento Kings
Justin James | Shooting Guard
A surprising 40th overall selection on draft night after struggling at the Portsmouth invitational, the former Wyoming standout figures to receive ample opportunities to prove he was worthy of hearing his name called. James is a 6-7 shot-creator with on-ball potential. The Summer Kings aren't exactly flush with interesting names, so we'll be watching James and former Virginia standout and sharpshooter Kyle Guy. -- Schmitz
San Antonio Spurs
Lonnie Walker | Shooting Guard
One of my favorite picks outside the top 10 last season, Walker turned in an uneven rookie season marred by nagging injuries and up-and-down G League play that's typical of Spurs rookies. But Walker is a big-time talent with the tools, athleticism and shot-making versatility that the NBA covets. Walker should be poised for not only a strong showing in Vegas, but a breakout season in San Antonio alongside young backcourt running mates Derrick White and Dejounte Murray, should Walker see enough time. Also keep an eye on Spurs draft picks Keldon Johnson and Luka Samanic. -- Schmitz
Toronto Raptors
Matt Morgan | Shooting Guard
Being the defending champions typically translates into uninspiring summer rosters, and the Raptors are no exception. They have just one draft pick, Dewan Hernandez, taken 59th overall this year. So instead let's highlight Morgan, who was quietly one of the more productive players in college basketball last year. He averaged 22.2 PPG for Cornell (ever heard of it?) while shooting 51% from the field, 43% on 3-pointers and 86% on free throws. As an undersized shooting guard (he's listed at 6-2), Morgan will have a tough time making the NBA, but he's the kind of player who often thrives in Las Vegas. -- Pelton
Utah Jazz
Miye Oni | Shooting Guard
One of the draft's feel-good stories, the late-blooming Oni is the most intriguing name on Utah's roster, and his combination of tools (6-6 height, 6-11 wingspan), shooting potential, feel, competitiveness and intangibles figure to give him ample opportunities to stick in the NBA. Both at Yale and during Utah Summer League, Oni has shown the ability to get hot from the perimeter for stretches, and another sharpshooting stretch figures to improve his standing within the organization as a future 3-and-D-style wing with rotation potential down the line. -- Schmitz
Washington Wizards
Rui Hachimura | Power Forward
Hachimura's last trip to Las Vegas ended in disappointment as his Gonzaga team lost to Saint Mary's in the finals of the West Coast Conference tournament. That didn't prevent the Zags from reaching the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament or Hachimura from getting drafted in the top 10. Along with 2018 first-round pick Troy Brown Jr., who's also on the Wizards' summer roster, he's an important young prospect for a team in transition after John Wall's Achilles injury. -- Pelton