–10 PLAYOFF TEAMS INCLUDING NBA CHAMPION LAKERS SET TO COMPETE–
NEW YORK, June 22, 2009 – Twenty-one NBA teams, including the 2009 NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers, will compete in this year’s NBA Summer League presented by EA SPORTS in a 55-game schedule that was announced today. A team of NBA Development League Select players will also participate in the action taking place at the Thomas & Mack Center and the COX Pavilion on the campus of the University of Nevada Las Vegas July 10-19.
The showdown in the desert will tip off on Friday, July 10, with four games scheduled at COX Pavilion. Teams slated for action on opening day include the Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings and Toronto Raptors.
“NBA Summer League provides incoming rookies an opportunity to begin the acclimation process to the NBA while also giving teams the chance to evaluate free agents and provide further training for veteran players.†said Stu Jackson, Executive Vice President of NBA Basketball Operations.
This year’s action could include 24 of the 30 first round picks from the 2009 NBA Draft, which will be held June 25, including the Los Angeles Clippers’, Memphis Grizzlies’ and Oklahoma City Thunder selections — the first, second and third picks, respectively. NBA stars who have participated in recent NBA Summer League presented by EA Sports action include Memphis’ O.J. Mayo (2008), Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant (2007), Portland’s Brandon Roy (2006), New Orleans’ Chris Paul (2005) and Orlando’s Jameer Nelson (2004).
“NBA Summer League is a great opportunity for fans to get an up-close and personal look at the league’s newest stars in a family-friendly atmosphere,†said Gail Hunter, NBA Senior Vice President of Events and Attractions.
Joining the above-mentioned teams scheduled to appear in Vegas this summer are the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Hornets, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs and Washington Wizards.
Tickets for the 2009 NBA Summer League Presented by EA SPORTS are on sale and can be purchased by calling 702-739-FANS, through UNLVtickets.com or by visiting the Thomas & Mack Center Box Office and UNLV Ticket Outlets. All general admission tickets are $25 for the day, Seniors and children (3-12) are $15 for the day and children two years & under are admitted free of charge.
