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Before we get into all the Summer League action in Vegas over the past couple days, we need to give you a huge thank you to all the Enjoyers who showed out at the Numbers on the Board live show with Gilbert Arenas! Appreciate every one of you! 💙🏀

Today’s Lineup

Summer League Standouts

• Bates Believer rise up! Emoni Bates may not be the generation-defining talent many thought when he was gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated back in high school, but we love to see that he’s still getting buckets. The former 2nd round pock dropped an efficient 18 in the Cavs Sunday night W over Milwaukee

• It’s taken exactly one game for all of us to start thinking the same thing — how in the world did Matas Buzelis fall to #! The Bulls first-rounder looked every bit the confident scorer that was advertised, silencing the doubters with 28 points, four made threes, and an absolutely audacious slam over two defenders. 😮‍💨

• Going up against a Rockets team that’s been the talk of the town early in Summer League, the Pistons were really impressive in their win on Monday. Second-round pick Bobi Klintman (18 PTS, 4 3PM) was looking exactly like the versatile floor-spacing big Detroit needs at PF, but it was undrafted Daniss Jenkins who made the biggest impression. The two-way guard out of Saint Johns was a BEAST on both ends, dropping a game-high 26. 💪

• While his monster poster in a Blazers win over the Sixers might have been the highlight of the night on Monday, we want the highlight all the little things Donovan Clingan has been doing. The giant out of UConn has already blocked 13 (!!) shots in his first three games and is making things easier for his teammates with great screens and some really intelligent passing out of the post.

• Tidjane Salaun might be considered the rawest player drafted in the lottery this year, but he’s already showing signs of promise. The French forward dropped an efficient double-double in just 18 minutes during Charlotte’s win over Denver, including this sweet coast-to-coast and-one. 🔥

• And finally, if you’re looking for the MVP of last nights games, look no further than the Nets Jalen Wilson. Last years 51st pick went off in a 21-point comeback over Brooklyns crosstown rivals, dropping 15 of his 27 points in the 4th including the dagger to ice it. 🥶

Other Hoops Updates

USA escapes Australia 96-92 in tough exhibition challenge 💪

Up by 18 with less than nine minutes left in the 4th, the US were on the fast-track to picking up a morale-boosting blowout W against fellow medal contender Australia — until they weren’t.

Team USA still went on to secure the win, but the Aussies made a late nail-biting push led by Josh Giddey (17 PTS, 7 AST) and Jock Landale (20 PTS, 7 REB) who helped their squad dominate the paint all night despite going up against some of the best bigs in the world.

But at the end of the day a W’s a W! Anthony Edwards (14 PTS) and Devin Booker (17 PTS) showed off their scoring chops, but the real MVP was without a doubt Anthony Davis (17 PTS, 14 REB). AD seems tailor-made to dominate with FIBA rules, and he’s making a serious case to take Joel Embiids starting spot…

Two Eastern Conference contenders add guard depth 💹

Gary Trent Jr - Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Trent Jr. reunites with his former teammate Damian Lillard halfway across the country! The former Duke guard provides an immediate scoring spark off the Buck’s bench while bringing a bit of much-needed defense tenacity. With only minimum contracts the Bucks front office still COOKED, snagging GTJ, Delon Wrightand Taurean Prince.

Cam Payne - New York Knicks

Like the Knicks need any more depth. Cam Payne joins the Knick’s bevy of bench options as a veteran PG who can space the floor, run the offense when Jalen Brunson sits, and be a general pest to opposing teams. Plus we get the return of this iconic duo from Phoenix.

Three in the Key

Signing Off

Thanks for reading! Let’s end today's newsletter by remembering the late great Joe “Jellybean” Bryant. Father of Kobe and a talented baller in his own right, he was an essential part of hoops history who will not be forgotten. Rest in peace. 🙏🕊️

-Spencer Poole