NBA summer league 2023: News, schedule and scenes

Notable players in their summer league debuts

Victor Wembanyama made his summer league debut on July 7 against the Charlotte Hornets and Brandon Miller. Wembanyama has been one of the most talked about prospects in recent NBA history. Ahead of his first game, here are some of the other notable players to make their summer league debuts.

Kobe Bryant -- July 13, 1996

Not quite the summer league as it is known today, Bryant scored 27 points in his debut at the Summer Pro League in 1996 against the Detroit Pistons. The Lakers lost 123-113, but after the game, Alvin Gentry said of Bryant, "I have never seen a better player at his age at his position."

LeBron James -- July 8, 2003

After going No. 1 overall in the 2003 NBA draft and coming straight out of high school, James had plenty of hype. In his debut, James finished with 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists in a 27-point victory against the Orlando Magic.

Kevin Durant -- July 6, 2007

Kevin Durant recorded 18 points, one rebound and zero assists in his debut with the Seattle SuperSonics. The Dallas Mavericks won the game 77-66 as Durant shot only 5-of-17 from the field.

Derrick Rose -- July 7, 2008

In a battle between the top-two picks from the 2008 NBA draft, Derrick Rose had 10 points and four assists in his debut with the Chicago Bulls.

Blake Griffin -- July 13, 2009

After winning the Wooden Award, AP Player of the Year and Naismith Player of the Year in his sophomore season at Oklahoma. Griffin declared for the NBA draft and was taken with the top selection by the LA Clippers.

In his debut, Griffin recorded 27 points on 11-of-15 shooting, along with 12 rebounds. Griffin went on to win the summer league MVP.

Lonzo Ball -- July 7, 2017

There was plenty of buzz prior to Lonzo Ball's first game with the Los Angeles Lakers as the No. 2 pick out of UCLA. He struggled in his debut in a loss to the LA Clippers, recording five points on 2-of-15 shooting (1-11 on three-pointers), along with five assists.

Ball rebounded quickly, recording two triple-doubles and 36 points in another contest during summer league. Over the past 20 seasons, Ball is the only player with multiple triple-doubles at Las Vegas summer league. He also won the summer league MVP.

Zion Williamson -- July 5, 2019

It was not a long debut for Williamson, but it was certainly memorable in a New Orleans Pelicans win against the New York Knicks. Williamson scored 11 points in nine minutes before leaving with an injury, highlighted by his steal against Kevin Knox which led to a dunk. The game was also cut short due to an earthquake.

Victor Wembanyama -- July 7, 2023

In the most anticipated debut since at least Zion Williamson, Wembanyama shot just 2-for-13 from the field, scoring nine points in 27 minutes while also contributing eight rebounds and five blocks in San Antonio's 76-68 win.

-- Matt Williams, ESPN Stats & Information

Salt Lake City Summer League

Delta Center; Salt Lake City, Utah

(All times EST)

July 3