Summer League 2023 Preview: The Best Games to Watch

The Players of Tomorrow Take the Court For the First Time as NBA Players: Here's the Matchups to Look Out For!

With the 2023 Draft madness behind us, that means Summer League is on the horizon, with the players taking the court for the first time representing an NBA organization across their chest.

The 2023 NBA Draft came with many storylines between numerous prospects, whether it be former AAU teammates taking the court for the first time together since high school or prospects that just shared a locker room this year. These stories make this 2023 NBA Summer League one to watch in particular. And even if you don't find any of these potential matchups fascinating, don't worry because almost every prospect in this class can pique anyone's interest. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy watching your team's star of tomorrow!

Here are the matchups for NBA Summer League 2023 that are ones to keep an eye on:

PS - I will have weekly Summer League Recaps so stay tuned!

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Matchups to Watch

Matchup - San Antonio Spurs vs. Washington Wizards

When - Tuesday, July 11 at 10:30 PM ET

Channel - NBA T.V.

This matchup is the main one that I have circled on my calendar. Victor Wembanyama might be a no-show for Summer League, considering his emphasis on preparing for his Rookie Season following his recent back-out of the Fiba World Cup this August. Still, I'm hopeful we'll see him face off against his former teammate, Bilal Coulibaly. Fresh off of an LNB Pro A league finals run, the former Mets 92 teammates should be in top form and ready to compete against one another. Even if Wembanyama was advised not to participate in Summer League, I find it hard to believe he would be watching this one, especially from the sidelines.

As for Coulibaly, he's a captivating young player to follow this summer as new Wizards GM Will Dawkins has said that Coulibaly will be given the green light with the ball in his hands, so tracking his development will be essential for those who love all things NBA. Remember, Coulibaly has phenomenal flashes on the ball going back to this past season in the Espoirs U21 league. For a deeper dive into Coulibaly, check out my Pre-Draft breakdown of him here. 

Watch out for these two young Frenchmen in their first step as they rise through the ranks of the NBA!

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Matchup - Houston Rockets vs. Detroit Pistons

When - Sunday, July 9 at 6:00 PM ET

Channel - ESPN2

Another matchup that is an obvious one to point out is the matchup between the Thompson Twins. The brothers from the Bay have been on this basketball journey for a long time now, and July 9th is the official day when they'll cross paths as members of different teams.

Amen's Rockets should be a fun team to watch this Summer League, with Cam Whitmore also in the mix as a result of a Draft Day fall. As for Ausar, we know what he's capable of, but the real thing to watch over these next couple of weeks is how his shooting has progressed in the past few months, as the ability to play an effective off-ball role will be essential to how big of a leap the Pistons can take this year. For Amen, that shouldn't be as much of a problem as he will get Day 1 reps on the ball, but it is something to gauge with a long-term lens.

Lastly, this doesn't have to do with the twins but keep an eye out for Cam Whitmore, who presumably will have a chip on his shoulder with something to prove over the next few weeks. Time will tell if all those teams that passed on him will regret their choice.

Keep an out for this matchup in the coming weeks but most importantly, enjoy the basketball that is coming!

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Matchup - Utah Jazz vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

When - Monday, July 10 at 10 PM ET

Channel - ESPNU

The last matchup that intrigued me has to be my favorite draft class, the Utah Jazz vs. one of the more fascinating and funky prospects in a while in Leonard Miller and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Jazz's Hendricks, George, and Sensabaugh were some of my favorite prospects during this 2023 Draft cycle, leading me to crave more from them this summer. Hendricks should fit seamlessly this summer while drawing less attention (undeservingly). Still, George and Sensabaugh are two big-time shot-makers, so watch out, as I wouldn't be surprised if one of them ends up as one of the headliners of this year's NBA Summer League.

On the flip side, 6'10" Canadian Forward Leonard Miller should be a player that pops on your screen in a few weeks. I wrote about Miller here about a week ago and was fascinated by his journey. Like many of these prospects nowadays, they start off short before hitting a growth spurt, leading them to retain all their guard skills, leaving a raw yet captivating prospect.

This matchup may be off your radar, but I would put it on there as this game has some of the best talents of the coming years. Turn on your T.V. the night of the 10th; I promise you'll be entertained!

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Wrap-Up

The NBA Summer League matchups for 2023 are shaping up to be thrilling and full of intrigue. From former teammates facing off to promising prospects showcasing their skills, there's no shortage of storylines to follow. One must-watch game is the San Antonio Spurs versus the Washington Wizards, where the potential showdown between Victor Wembanyama and Bilal Coulibaly, former teammates, promises an exciting clash. Coulibaly's development under the Wizards' new GM makes him a captivating player to track. Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets versus the Detroit Pistons game brings the Thompson Twins, Amen, and Ausar, face to face as members of different teams. Keep an eye on Ausar's shooting progression and the hungry Cam Whitmore, who aims to prove his detractors wrong. Finally, the Utah Jazz versus the Minnesota Timberwolves matchup presents a chance to witness the talents of the Jazz's Hendricks, George, and Sensabaugh, while Leonard Miller's unique journey and impressive skills make him a player to watch. Don't miss this exciting NBA Summer League action—it's bound to entertain and give us a glimpse of the league's future stars!