Few pro-am basketball organizations carry the extent of star energy because the Drew League. The Los Angeles-based summer time hoops league options high-level competitors from a group {of professional} and newbie gamers. The circuit has seen loads of big-name NBA ballers since its institution in 1973.
Brooklyn Nets ahead Kevin Durant, Los Angeles Clippers ahead Paul George and Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden are among the many gamers who thrilled spectators prior to now with excellent performances. The outstanding expertise has additionally introduced out notable celebrities to look at courtside.
Extra NBA athletes have laced up their kicks for the Drew League this yr, and the motion hasn’t disillusioned. From long-awaited returns to younger stars placing on a present, the hardwood motion in L.A. has been electrifying.
Here is a take a look at a number of the NBA stars who’ve performed within the Drew League this summer time:
DeMar DeRozan — Aug. 6
DeRozan made his second Drew League look of the summer time Saturday alongside Bulls teammate Patrick Williams. They helped the MMV Cheaters battle again from 19 down in opposition to Younger Citi to win 102-94. DeRozan was named participant of the sport with 36 points and six rebounds. Williams logged a double-double with 14 factors and 14 rebounds.
Cheaters come again from an enormous deficit 102-94! @DeMar_DeRozan was participant of the sport!
— Drew League (@DrewLeague) August 7, 2022
Isaiah Thomas — July 30
Thomas, who just lately performed for the Charlotte Hornets this previous NBA season, took his abilities to the Drew League and placed on a present. He performed for Ghost, scoring 45 factors in a 103-85 victory. He confirmed off his marksmanship from deep by hitting seven 3-pointers through the recreation and likewise channeled his inside Dirk Nowitzki with a one-legged shot within the third quarter. Thomas additionally logged 5 assists and 2 rebounds.
? TURN ME UP I.T.@isaiahthomas knocks down back-to-back triples at #TheDrew
Watch the @DrewLeague Streaming Now on the NBA App: https://t.co/VUH9HSFyIk pic.twitter.com/SvgSRZxPXf
— NBA (@NBA) July 30, 2022
“Off 1 foot, wanting like Dirk Nowitzki”@isaiahthomas is powering GHOST in #TheDrew Stay Now on the NBA App: https://t.co/VUH9HSFyIk pic.twitter.com/lNAeaQHZsV
— NBA (@NBA) July 30, 2022
I.T. placing the ending touches on his 45 level recreation at #TheDrew ? pic.twitter.com/Aj0r2bpqIz
— NBA (@NBA) July 30, 2022
Thomas wasn’t the one participant from the NBA fraternity on his workforce. Former NBA ahead Corey Maggette was additionally on Ghost, and he and Thomas related for an and-one layup within the first quarter.
I.T. ? Corey Maggette
The NBA Vets hyperlink up for the and-1 connection on the NBA App: https://t.co/VUH9HSFyIk pic.twitter.com/yHG8qVnHvR
— NBA (@NBA) July 30, 2022
After the victory, Thomas took to Twitter to summarize his efficiency.
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) July 31, 2022
Trae Younger and John Collins — July 23
Younger has been itching to play within the Drew League as soon as he realized Los Angeles Lakers celebrity LeBron James and Chicago Bulls guard DeMar DeRozan participated the week earlier than. He lastly obtained his likelihood, sharing the courtroom with Atlanta Hawks teammate John Collins on the Black Pearl Elite squad.
Look who pulled as much as @DrewLeague ?
?: @NBA pic.twitter.com/RqPXUyvzaf
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) July 23, 2022
A spotlight from the duo’s outing on Saturday was a flashy alley-oop dunk from Younger to Collins. The Hawks level guard continued to entertain the gang by displaying off his dribble bundle and accuracy from 3-point vary.
Trae Younger and John Collins displaying out within the Drew League ♨️
(by way of @NBA)pic.twitter.com/6W1eQY5dvu
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 23, 2022
Trae Younger’s hesi ?
(by way of @NBA)pic.twitter.com/0b5VuNyUEA
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 24, 2022
One thing mild ?? @TheTraeYoung
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) July 23, 2022
The highlight-worthy performs weren’t sufficient, nevertheless, as Black Pearl misplaced to the Citi Staff Blazers 103-100. .
Summer season hoops ? pic.twitter.com/AOzM3zOTQi
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) July 24, 2022
What Kendrick say
” I do that for the tradition “
It is for the Love of the video games & followers for me??❄️ That ? was Lit my 2nd time round ! ? …. Until subsequent time ? pic.twitter.com/1i0YGDccsD— Trae Younger (@TheTraeYoung) July 24, 2022
LeBron James and DeMar DeRozan — July 16
After a decade-long hiatus, James made his Drew League return, teaming up with DeRozan on the MMV Cheaters. With stars like Golden State Warriors ahead Draymond Inexperienced and hip-hop artist Quavo in attendance, James and DeRozan took over.
James dazzled with 42 factors, 16 rebounds, and 4 steals, whereas DeRozan balled out with 30 factors and 14 rebounds en path to a 104-102 win over Black Pearl. Each NBA hoopers additionally introduced the aggressive edge, as James disputed a name with referees and DeRozan exchanged phrases with an opponent.
Throughout the recreation, DeRozan confirmed his chemistry with James on a candy dime that led to a dunk.
DeMar to LeBron for the THROWDOWN ‼
Watch Now on the NBA App: https://t.co/1wUvrXPTKg pic.twitter.com/GfbjaRFOnJ
— NBA (@NBA) July 16, 2022
James, who’s getting into his twentieth NBA season at 37 years outdated, confirmed he nonetheless has hops on a posterizing slam. He additionally wore his unreleased Nike LeBron 20 sneaker in a pink colorway.
Each gamers posted pictures to their social media accounts after a profitable on-court collaboration.
My canine Debo!!! @DeMar_DeRozan ✊? pic.twitter.com/Gc4P34GmUn
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 17, 2022