Title: Summer League: Who and what you need to know about the Vegas Raptors
Date: June 28, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I broke down the Raptors’ Summer League roster with what people need to know (and, to be honest, probably don’t need to know) about all 15 players.
For years, I’ve said my favorite event to cover every season was Las Vegas Summer League. It’s such a weird and wonderful week-plus of seeing prized rookies, watching players on the cusp of the league and forgotten names fight it out for roster spots and contracts. It’s seeing league alumni (including Jamario Moon and his deep collection of throwback jerseys), convening with other writers and to generally soaking up basketball esoterica in 100-degree weather.
I have to amend that this year. I prefer covering an NBA championship to covering Summer League. I’m sorry, ultra-niche basketball friends. My annual Vegas trip is now just the thing I look forward to second-most.
And it’s soon. There has been pretty much no let up since the Raptors celebrated a championship, and in just over a week they’ll begin their Summer League schedule. I realize that for some, Summer League will feel too soon or less important or both coming off of a title, but it’s important to recognize that the tournament usually has implications for the roster in the year ahead. Allow us a quick look back:
Blake Murphy Sports Writing 