When and where to watch former Purdue basketball players in NBA Summer League
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WEST LAFAYETTE – The NBA Summer League should have the attention of Purdue fans this month.
Five former Boilermakers – Jaden Ivey, Sasha Stefanovic, Trevion Williams, Vince Edwards, and Dakota Mathias – are on NBA rosters. Most of the games will be played in Las Vegas.
What to watch for:
Jaden Ivey
Team: Detroit
How acquired: No. 5 pick in last month’s draft.
Jersey number: 23
The skinny: As the team’s top draft pick, curious about how much Ivey plays but Chet Holmgren – the No. 2 selection overall by Oklahoma City – logged 24 minutes and totaled 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists and six blocks in Tuesday’s win. It appears the stars will play and play a lot during the summer. It gives Ivey a chance to mesh with Cade Cunningham, last year’s No. 1 overall pick, in the backcourt.
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Games in Las Vegas: Thursday vs. Portland (midnight, ESPN); Saturday vs. Washington (6 p.m., ESPN2); July 12 vs. Indiana (9 p.m., NBATV); July 14 vs. Cleveland (5:30 p.m., NBATV).
Sasha Stefanovic
Team: San Antonio
How acquired: Undrafted free agent
Jersey number: 55
The skinny: The Crown Point native will be looking to leave a strong impression on the team’s front office. If Stefanovic can find open looks and bring other elements, it’s possible he can catch the attention of San Antonio or maybe another team. He’s one of 12 rookies on the roster and minutes are probably going to be limited but Stefanovic will need to make the most of his playing time. Stefanovic and Spurs head coach Greg Popovich are both from Northwest Indiana.
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Games in Las Vegas: Friday vs. Cleveland (5 p.m., NBATV); Sunday vs. Golden State (7:30 p.m., NBATV); July 11 vs. Houston (7 p.m., ESPN); July 14 vs. Atlanta (4 p.m., ESPN2)
Trevion Williams
Team: Boston
How acquired: Undrafted free agent
Jersey number: 50
Summer League head coach Ben Sullivan says that Trevion Williams' passing has really stood out. Sullivan says Williams is "such a willing passer" and that his vision and ability to see the floor is high-level for a big man.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) July 7, 2022
The skinny: Williams was disappointed he wasn’t drafted in the second round but should be motivated to showcase his skills and talent. With only 11 players on the roster, minutes shouldn’t be a problem for the 6-foot-10 big man with perimeter skills. Williams’ passing is clearly a strength but how cute he gets will be interesting to watch. If he stays simple, Williams should experience success. Williams certainly has to take advantage of this opportunity and not waste a single minute of playing time in hopes of sticking with a team.
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Games: Saturday vs. Miami (5:30 p.m., NBATV; July 11 vs. Milwaukee (8 p.m., NBATV); July 12 vs. Golden State (8 p.m., ESPN2); July 14 vs. Memphis (3:30 p.m., NBATV).
Vince Edwards
Team: New York Knicks
How acquired: Played last season in G-League
Jersey number: 26
The skinny: Edwards was a second-round pick in the 2018 draft by Utah and was traded to Houston where he appeared in two games. He’s played four seasons with four different teams in the G-League, most recently with the Iowa Wolves. He averaged a career-high 15.1 points and 6.5 rebounds last season. Edwards must lean on his experience to remain a viable option in the future.
Games in Las Vegas: Friday vs. Golden State (8 p.m., ESPN2); Sunday vs. Chicago (5 p.m., ESPN2); July 11 vs. Portland (11 p.m., ESPN2); July 14 vs. Orlando (7:30 p.m., NBATV)
Dakota Mathias
Team: Memphis
How acquired: Played last season in G-League
Jersey number: 31
The skinny: Has appeared in 14 career NBA games, including six last season with the Grizzlies. Was a member of the Texas Legends of the G-League until February when he was waived. Memphis started summer league action Tuesday in Salt Lake City with a victory over Philadelphia. Mathias totaled 10 points, three assists and two rebounds in 16 minutes. He made 4 of 5 field goals, including a pair of 3-pointers. He added 11 points and eight rebounds in 22 minutes off the bench during Wednesday's loss to Oklahoma City. Has enough experience and his versatility is an asset to any team. The Grizzlies also playUtah before moving to Las Vegas.
Games in Las Vegas: Saturday vs. Los Angeles Clippers (9:30 p.m., NBATV); Sunday vs. Minnesota (9 p.m., ESPNU); July 12 vs. Brooklyn (6 p.m., ESPNU); July 14 vs. Boston (3:30 p.m., NBATV)
Mike Carmin covers Purdue sports for the Journal & Courier. Email mcarmin@gannett.com and follow on Twitter and Instagram @carmin_jc
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: NBA Summer League: When and where to watch former Purdue players