Utah Jazz: Summer league roster news; Stockton, Team USA stunned
By Ryan Aston
The Utah Jazz have revealed their roster for summer league play, which tips off next week. Also — David Stockton and USA Basketball lose in shocking fashion.
While the pro hoops world is about to go topsy-turvy thanks to the Association’s free agent frenzy, NBA Summer League action is also fast-approaching. On Thursday, the Utah Jazz announced their roster for summer play, which begins on July 2 in Salt Lake City.
They key player to watch will be Grayson Allen, Utah’s pick at No. 21 in the 2018 NBA Draft. And, for his part, the former Duke star is hyped to suit up for his new squad.
Said Allen —
"“I’m excited to get to work preparing for Summer League and to get out on the court and wear the Jazz jersey across my chest. I think big things are coming.”"
Last summer, Donovan Mitchell exploded onto the NBA scene with standout summer league performance. While I wouldn’t bank on Allen matching Mitchell’s incredible efforts, I expect him to play well offensively, showing off his ability to shoot, penetrate and/or find the open man, while working hard on the defensive end.
Several Jazzmen will be joining the rookie on the roster, including 2017 first-rounder Tony Bradley, who is angling for his first real shot at sticking with the main roster after spending the majority of his own rookie campaign with the G-League’s Salt Lake City Stars.
Others players who spent time with the Jazz last season include Erik McCree, Georges Niang and Naz Mitrou-Long. Here’s the full roster, via Jazz PR —
Stockton, Team USA stunned by Mexico
One player who seemingly won’t be with the Jazz for summer league is point guard David Stockton, who is currently with USA Basketball as they resume FIBA World Cup qualification.
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Unfortunately, Stockton and Team USA came up against a buzzsaw in Mexico on Thursday.
Playing in front of a hostile crowd at Gimnasio Olímpico Juan de la Barrera in Mexico City, the American fell into an 18-0 hole to start the game and trailed by 21 after the first quarter. They would cut the lead to two by the second half, but ultimately fell 78-70.
Stockton scored 10 points in the game, adding three rebounds, two assists and a steal in 27 minutes of play. However, he made just 4-of-12 shots; as a whole, Team USA hit just 38 percent of their attempts for the night.
Team USA is now 4-1 in qualification. Next up for them is a bout with Cuba on July 1 in Havana.