With the 2019 NBA Las Vegas Summer League coming to a close this upcoming Monday, teams are starting to make their final selections as to who will make the training camp roster. This year more than most in recent memory, a lot of second round and undrafted rookies made their mark during this year’s summer league play. With all 30 teams in Las Vegas this year for the first time the opportunity to make an NBA roster has increased for all these young men exponentially.
Summer League is the final chance to make an impression on either the team they are playing on any other NBA or international squad.
Orlando is represented well this year as several players from Central Florida including BJ Taylor, Chad Brown, Tacko Fall, Aubrey Dawkins, and AJ Davis have each found themselves on a summer league roster. While BJ, Chad, and AJ have struggled to get much playing time, Aubrey Dawkins and specifically Tacko Fall have made a name for themselves and look likely to make a roster.
BJ and Chad had the unique opportunity of playing with the Orlando Magic while AJ Davis, who is the son of former center Antonio Davis played with the Philadelphia 76ers. While it doesn’t look likely they will remain with their current teams, they are on teams radars for the G-league and possible two way contracts. Dawkins played for the New Orleans Pelicans and continued to show his versatility and overall basketball IQ which was on display during the NCAA tournament. Tacko Fall has become one of the biggest storylines during the summer league. His 7”7 height and wingspan are the longest record in NBA history. It is no secret he has unique size that translates well to the NBA. The biggest questions that surround Tacko come down to his skill set and whether or not a team is willing to take on the project of developing him.
Orlando’s roster seems to be filled, and with last years two way player Amile Jefferson lighting it up in Summer League it is more likely they will get a chance to play in the G league or even overseas. Still with Orlando’s recent playoff run and the fact all of these local players are beginning to make a name for themselves, the future is bright for basketball in Central Florida once again!
Magic Time 