Michigan Basketball: How to watch former Wolverines in Summer League
For Michigan basketball fans that can’t get enough of the four recent Wolverines, well there’s plenty more to see with the Las Vegas Summer League.
It’s definitely a great time to be a Michigan basketball fan right now. First, Franz Wagner came off the board in the top-10 at #8 to the Orlando Magic. That makes nine first-round draft picks since 2013 for the Wolverines.
Although there was quite a wait after, Isaiah Livers finally heard his name called at pick 42 to the Detroit Pistons.
Although Chaundee Brown and Mike Smith didn’t get drafted, they were both still signed to contracts with the Lakers and Bucks, respectively.
The great thing about not getting drafted is that a lot of teams come calling directly after the draft concludes and want your services. Brown and Smith could choose what team they wanted to play for, which gives them the best chance to make their roster. I’m sure Brown and Smith had a lot of suitors, especially Brown.
Realistically, if Brown and/or Smith makes the NBA roster (at least for a few games) one of them might win a championship next season because the Bucks and Lakers are stacked, something Franz and Isaiah are probably at least a little bit envious of because the Magic and Pistons aren’t quite that good, yet.
Anyways, the next stop on the post-draft train is the NBA Summer League. It will be in Las Vegas again this year. This is a chance for NBA draftees and UDFA’s (undrafted free agents) to get on a roster and showcase their skills in live action to a national tv audience.
It will be especially important for Brown and Smith to show up and show out during the Vegas Summer League. In order to earn a training camp invite (while competing against other UDFA guys in the same situation), these two will need to really take advantage of the opportunity and play well.
The Vegas Summer League runs from August 8th-17th at the Thomas and Mack Center and the Cox Pavilion. ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNU, and NBATV will showcase all 30 teams throughout the nine days. Every NBA team is guaranteed to play at least four games, with the top two teams advancing to the championship game.
Franz Wagner-Orlando Magic
Monday, August 9th- ORL vs. GSW (5 PM EST on NBATV)
Wednesday, August 11th- CLE vs. ORL (3 PM EST on ESPN 2)
Thursday, August 12th- ORL vs. BOS (4 PM EST on ESPN 2)
Sunday, August 15th- ORL vs. HOU (5 PM EST on NBATV)
Isaiah Livers-Detroit Pistons
Sunday, August 8th- OKC vs. DET (5:30 PM EST on ESPN 2)
Tuesday, August 10th- DET vs HOU (6 PM EST on ESPN)
Friday, August 13th- NYK vs. DET (5 PM EST on NBATV)
Saturday, August 14th- DET vs. LAL (7 PM EST on ESPN 2)
Chaundee Brown-Los Angeles Lakers
Sunday, August 8th- LAL vs. PHO (7:30 PM EST on ESPN 2)
Wednesday, August 11th- NYK vs. LAL (7 PM EST on ESPN 2)
Friday, August 13th- LAL vs. LAC (7 PM EST on NBATV)
Saturday, August 14- DET vs. LAL (7 PM EST on ESPN 2)
Mike Smith-Milwaukee Bucks
Monday, August 9th- LAC vs. MIL (6 PM EST on ESPNU)
Wednesday, August 11th- MIL vs. BKN (1 PM EST on ESPN 2)
Friday, August 13th-MIN vs. MIL (1 PM EST on NBATV)
Sunday, August 15th- MIL vs. WAS (1 PM EST on NBATV)
Next. Top 10 Michigan point guards of all time. dark
Good luck to all of the former Michigan alumni!!!