Teams have specific requirements for rookies, like appearances on social media or introductory dinnersNBAE/GETTY IMAGES
The NBA Summer League wrapped up last night in Las Vegas and rookies in attendance over the 10 days were required to "fulfill a variety of professional obligations, ranging from mandatory interviews with some of the 1,000 or so credentialed media members to meetings with representatives from various vendors," according to Sam Gordon of the LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL. Teams also have their "own specific requirements" for rookies, like "appearances on social media platforms or introductory dinners with corporate partners at various Las Vegas restaurants." Trail Blazers assistant coach Jim Moran said, "When you leave the court, you’ve got an image you’ve got to uphold and I think our guys, being in an environment like this, it really helps them understand there are a lot of eyes on you." Gordon noted the Summer League is also "crucial for the various brands" on site to "establish connections with players, their managers and agents." Among the "handful of vendors stationed inside the depths of Cox Pavilion" throughout the tournament were Pixelgun Studios, which provides graphics for NBA2K, EA Sports and Panini. With the Summer League now in the books, rookies will "leave Las Vegas with an idea of what life as a professional is like" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 7/14).
INTERNATIONAL FLAIR: In N.Y., Scott Cacciola notes the Croatian national team participated in the Summer League this month after the NBA invited them along with a national team from China, giving the players an opportunity to "gain invaluable experience ahead of Olympic qualifying next year." The Croatian team was "sticking to a budget" in Las Vegas. Instead of "renting out a conference room at the hotel for pregame film sessions," the players gathered inside coach Veljko Mrsic’s room and "crowded around a laptop." They also "ate every meal for two weeks at the Palms Casino Resort’s all-you-can-eat buffet" (N.Y. TIMES, 7/16).
