{"id":788515,"date":"2026-07-08T15:48:20","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T15:48:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/788515\/"},"modified":"2026-07-08T15:48:20","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T15:48:20","slug":"starting-5-slc-summer-league-wraps-up-as-las-vegas-looms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/788515\/","title":{"rendered":"Starting 5: SLC Summer League wraps up as Las Vegas looms"},"content":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n

The Jazz defeated the Thunder, 103-69. The Jazz finish the SLC Summer league 3-0 while the Thunder fall to 0-3.<\/p>\n

Last flight out of Utah.<\/p>\n

Atlanta\u2019s Jacob Toppin put a pin in Salt Lake City\u2019s summer slate with this floating oop throwdown.<\/p>\n

\"Henri<\/p>\n

5 STORIES IN TODAY\u2019S EDITION \ud83c\udfc0<\/p>\n

Hawks Flying High: Atlanta completes strong Salt Lake circuit with win over Grizz<\/p>\n

Pitch Perfect: Jazz dominate, finish 3-0 to wrap SLC Summer League<\/p>\n

Summer Slams: A few of the best highlight-reel plays from SLC and the Cali Classic<\/p>\n

First Look: NBA 2026 Summer League, featuring all 30 teams, opens tomorrow in Vegas<\/p>\n

Lowry Retires: Six-time All-Star signs one-day contract to retire as a Raptor<\/p>\n

BUT FIRST \u2026<\/p>\n

\"Tuesday's<\/p>\n

Tuesday brought more offseason news, as deals and moves continue to be made official\u2026<\/p>\n

Reports<\/a>: Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers reach deal for 4-year extension
\nReports<\/a>: Khris Middleton, Wizards agree on 3-year deal via a sign-and-trade involving five other teams
\nOne of those teams? The Memphis Grizzlies, who reportedly agree to acquire D\u2019Angelo Russell and future Draft picks from the Wizards
\nAlso involved? The Bucks, who reportedly agree to acquire Caris LeVert and two future Draft picks in exchange for sending Taurean Prince and Gary Harris to the Pistons
\nVisit the Free Agency Hub<\/a> for the latest reports, signings and official deals<\/p>\n

Brunson On The Mend: Reigning Finals MVP Jalen Brunson has undergone surgery<\/a> on his shooting wrist and is expected to return to basketball activities this summer.<\/p>\n

The 2026 NBA Summer League<\/a> begins tomorrow in Las Vegas with a seven-game slate<\/a>, highlighted by a potential matchup between No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa and No. 2 pick Darryn Peterson, as the Wizards face the Jazz (9 ET, ESPN).<\/p>\n

The PlayStation NBA Creator Cup<\/a> also tips off Thursday in Vegas, as top hoops creators and influencers take the floor in a fan-favorite 5v5 showdown on the NBA App, NBA YouTube and NBA Facebook (8:30 PT).<\/p>\n

1. HAWKS HANDLE GRIZZLIES BEFORE HEADING TO VEGAS<\/p>\n

\"Devon<\/p>\n

A familiar name, an unsung hero and a skilled second-rounder.<\/p>\n

On the final night of action from Salt Lake City, Atlanta\u2019s summer roster powered up for its highest-scoring four quarters of the circuit.<\/p>\n

Hawks 96, Grizzlies 82: Without their first-round picks Kingston Flemings Jr. (No. 8) and Zuby Ejiofor (No. 23), Atlanta rode undrafted Rookie Devon Higgs\u2019 game-high 22 points<\/a> to clear a Memphis squad without No. 3 overall pick Cameron Boozer. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Early Takeoff: Atlanta\u2019s Jacob Toppin scored 9 of his 14 points \u2013 including this bouncy oop finish<\/a> from Henri Veesaar \u2013 in the 1st quarter, where the Hawks used an early 13-0 run to separate for good
\nFlock Firepower: Atlanta used double-digit scoring performances from six of its 10 active players to lead by as many as 19<\/p>\n

\u201cWe all just play with heart,\u201d Higgs said of Atlanta\u2019s summer squad. \u201cWe all come out here, we all have fun, as we just get it done.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Henri<\/p>\n

Tall Talent: Hawks 7-foot second-round pick Veesaar (11 pts, 5 reb, 4 ast) flexed his all-around game, striking from deep<\/a> and punishing in the paint<\/a> on the run
\nMemphis\u2019 Standout: Guard Brendan Hausen stepped up for 15 2nd-half points to finish with a team-high 21
\nStep One Complete: Flemings and the Hawks finish the Salt Lake City circuit 2-1, their only loss coming in OT to 3\u20130 Utah, while Boozer\u2019s Grizz wrap up 1-2<\/p>\n

Up next, Atlanta and Memphis head to Las Vegas for 2026 NBA Summer League, with the Hawks meeting the Spurs on Day 1 (Thursday, 4:30 ET, ESPN2), and the Grizzlies opening against the Bulls on Friday (8 ET, Prime).<\/p>\n

2. HOST JAZZ COMPLETE 3-0 RUN IN SALT LAKE CITY<\/p>\n

\"Jonas<\/p>\n

No Darryn Peterson, no problem.<\/p>\n

Without the No. 2 overall pick on Tuesday, the Jazz wrapped up their Summer League hosting duties with a circuit-best third win for an undefeated finish.<\/p>\n

Jazz 103, Thunder 69: Six Utah players scored in double figures, led by G-Leaguer Jonas Aidoo\u2019s big night (16 pts, 14 reb, 4 blk), as the Jazz pounded the paint for a 46-28 advantage inside and led by as many as 37 points. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cHe belongs in the league\u201d: Former Jazz big man and current broadcaster Thurl Bailey praised Aidoo \u2013 who played for the Hornets\u2019 Greensboro Swarm last season \u2013\u00a0at the half, already up to 10 points, 11 boards and three blocks
\nHosts Heat Up: Utah was up by 16 at that point, following a 42-25 run to close out the 1st half. The Jazz then outscored the Thunder 50-32 in the 2nd half
\nMax Manuevers: Jazz undrafted Rookie Max Abmas showcased his handles<\/a> and weaved in-and-out<\/a> of traffic on his way to highlights, 15 points and six assists
\nThunder Scoring Twins: OKC also went without first-round Draft picks Aday Mara (No. 12 overall) and Bennett Stirtz (No. 16 overall), getting 16 points and four 3s apiece from Josh Dix and Steven Ashworth<\/p>\n

\"Max<\/p>\n

Utah\u2019s undefeated summer squad got a bench visit from Jazz star Keyonte George, who\u2019s particularly excited to add Peterson to the regular-season mix.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust how fast he picks up on things,\u201d George said when asked what impresses him most about the No. 2 overall pick. \u201cObviously we know the ability that he has, the shot making, all the different tools \u2026\u201d
\n\u201cYou know it\u2019s gonna be fun \u2026 to play in a tandem, for sure,\u201d George said.<\/p>\n

Looking ahead, the Jazz aim to continue their unbeaten start to the summer Thursday in Las Vegas against AJ Dybantsa and the Wizards (9 ET, ESPN), while OKC begins its Vegas slate Friday against the Lakers (10 ET, Prime).<\/p>\n

3. A HANDFUL OF TOP HIGHLIGHTS FROM CALI & SALT LAKE CITY<\/p>\n

Darryn Peterson\u2019s eye-popping scoring displays.<\/p>\n

Yaxel Lendeborg\u2019s perfect shooting debut.<\/p>\n

Game-winners and even a sudden-death 2OT<\/a> decider.<\/p>\n

Summer Leaguers brought their best to Salt Lake City and the California Classic. Here are a few of the high-flying plays to note from the start of summer hoops. | Four Takeaways from SLC & Cali<\/a><\/p>\n

\"[<\/p>\n

California Classic, July 6 | The Heat\u2019s Tre White went skywalking along the baseline against Warriors Gold<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

California Classic, July 6 | The Nets\u2019 No. 6 overall pick, Mikel Brown Jr., with the moves and the airborne, no-look wraparound assist for 3<\/p>\n

\"Lajae<\/p>\n

California Classic, July 5 | Warriors\u2019 second round pick Lajae Jones gets level with the rim for the transition oop around the defense<\/p>\n

\"Anton<\/p>\n

California Classic, July 5 | Before winning the game with his sudden-death tip-in in double-OT, the Lakers\u2019 Anton Watson provided the poster of the summer so far, losing his headband on the and-1<\/p>\n

\"Cody<\/p>\n

Salt Lake City, July 4 | Not to be outdone, Utah\u2019s Cody Williams cruised through Atlanta\u2019s defense for this windmill postery, July 4 | Not to be outdone, Utah\u2019s Cody Williams cruised through Atlanta\u2019s defense for this windmill poster<\/p>\n

4. UP NEXT: 2026 NBA SUMMER LEAGUE IN VEGAS<\/p>\n

\"Las<\/p>\n

We\u2019re just one day away from tipoff at the 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.<\/p>\n

All 30 teams will participate in the event for the eighth straight year in a showcase of the NBA\u2019s next generation, featuring 76 games over 11 days.<\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s rookies getting their first taste of NBA competition, sophomores looking to take the next step or unsigned players hoping to earn a training camp invite, NBA Summer League is a proving ground for some of the best young talent in the world.<\/p>\n

The Format: Each team will play at least five games, with the top four teams advancing to the Playoffs, capped by the championship game on July 19 (9 ET, ESPN)
\nHow To Watch: All games will air across ESPN platforms (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU) and Prime<\/p>\n

The NBA Summer League has a rich history of showcasing future NBA stars. Former participants include seven active Kia NBA MVPs and the last five Finals MVPs.<\/p>\n

Kevin Durant: 2007 Summer League \u27a1\ufe0f 2014 Kia NBA MVP
\nStephen Curry: 2009 \u27a1\ufe0f 2015 & 2016
\nRussell Westbrook: 2009 \u27a1\ufe0f 2017
\nJames Harden: 2009 \u27a1\ufe0f 2018
\nGiannis Antetokounmpo: 2014 \u27a1\ufe0f 2019 & 2020
\nNikola Joki\u0107: 2015 \u27a1\ufe0f 2021, 2022 & 2024
\nShai Gilgeous-Alexander: 2018 \u27a1\ufe0f 2025 & 2026<\/p>\n

\"AJ<\/p>\n

Now, a new wave of talent takes center stage, led by the much-anticipated 2026 NBA Draft class.<\/p>\n

It all begins with a seven-game slate on Thursday<\/a>, headlined by a showdown between No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa and No. 2 pick Darryn Peterson, as the Wizards face the Jazz (9 ET, ESPN).<\/p>\n

Dybantsa\u2019s Debut: An explosive 6-foot-9 wing, Dybantsa led Division I in scoring last year as a freshman at BYU. He\u2019ll now get his first taste of NBA action with Peterson \u2013 another gifted scorer \u2013 on the other side
\nDP Dazzling: Peterson\u2019s takeover ability was on full display in Salt Lake City, with games of 28 and 25 points in his two outings, including a slew of highlight buckets<\/a>
\nMore Top-5 Debuts: After the top-two showdown, the Clippers\u2019 No. 5 overall pick, Keaton Wagler, is slated to debut against No. 7 pick Darius Acuff Jr. and the Kings (11 ET, ESPN), while Chicago\u2019s No. 4 overall pick, Caleb Wilson, could see his first action on Friday as the Bulls face No. 3 pick Cam Boozer and the Grizzlies (8 ET, Prime)<\/p>\n

\"Creator<\/p>\n

The PlayStation NBA Creator Cup<\/a> also gets underway Thursday in Las Vegas, as some of the biggest names in basketball and digital culture square off in a 5v5 showdown (8:30 PT, NBA App\/NBA YouTube\/NBA Facebook).<\/p>\n

The Squads: With a combined social following of 125+ million, this year\u2019s Creator Cup roster features some of the most influential names in basketball and gaming content, with Pierre Andresen and Darrick Miller of Enjoy Basketball serving as coaches
\nDon\u2019t Miss Out: The fan-favorite exhibition takes place at The Pavilion at UNLV, with tickets including admission to seven NBA Summer League games \u2013 grab yours now<\/a>!<\/p>\n

5. KYLE LOWRY RETIRES A RAPTOR<\/p>\n

\"Kyle<\/p>\n

The day couldn\u2019t have been more fitting. It was July 7 \u2014 7\/7 on the calendar.<\/p>\n

From 2012-21, Kyle Lowry donned No. 7 in Toronto, becoming a legend in the city and helping to secure the franchise\u2019s lone championship in 2019.<\/p>\n

Tuesday, the six-time All-Star signed a one-day contract to retire with the Raptors, who will raise that No. 7 jersey to the rafters of Scotiabank Arena this season.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re playing for a whole country and who you are doesn\u2019t just show up in one place \u2014 it shows up in every place,\u201d Lowry said. \u201cIt\u2019s hard to explain, but it\u2019s just an amazing place to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

Franchise Icon: Lowry ranks 1st all-time in franchise history in assists, steals and 3-pointers made. He\u2019s also 2nd in points and games played
\nRise To Stardom: After a trade from Houston to Toronto in 2012, the point guard earned six straight All-Star selections from 2015-20 and was All-NBA Third Team in 2016
\nCrowned: Alongside Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and Kia Most Improved Player of the Year Pascal Siakam, Lowry\u2019s Raptors defeated the Warriors, 4-2, in the 2019 NBA Finals<\/p>\n

\"Kyle<\/p>\n

The last 2 1\/2 seasons of his career were spent with the 76ers \u2014 his hometown team. His final contract was signed with the team he spent the most time with, and in the city he considers home.<\/p>\n

Olivia Chow, the mayor of Toronto, declared Tuesday \u201cKyle Lowry Day.\u201d Every July 7 for years to come will honor him.<\/p>\n

\u201cKyle Lowry holds a special place in Toronto\u2019s story,\u201d Chow wrote. \u201cOn Kyle Lowry Day, we thank him for the years he gave to the Raptors, the memories he created for fans and the role he played in the growth of basketball in Toronto and across Canada.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Beginning: In the 2006 NBA Draft, the Grizzlies selected Lowry out of Villanova with the No. 24 overall pick. He was named All-Big East Second Team as a sophomore
\nThe End: He retires as one of just 12 players in league history to play 20 or more seasons, and one of two point guards to do so, alongside Chris Paul (2005-26)<\/p>\n

\u201cHe played a brand of basketball that very few in the NBA have matched,\u201d said Raptors general manager Bobby Webster. \u201cEvery possession for him was life and death.\u201d<\/p>\n

Want to share\u00a0Starting\u00a05\u00a0with a friend?\u00a0Send them this link<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Shape the Starting 5.\u00a0\u00a0Email us here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t have the NBA App? Download it here<\/a>.<\/p>\n