The #NBASummerLeague kicked off in Las Vegas on Friday, July 11, 2014 and clearly there was quite a buzz surrounding Cox Pavilion as the day drew closer to 3:30pm. The time designated for a matchup between #1 pick Andrew Wiggins and #2 Jabari Parker (Cavs v Bucks).
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| Jordan Clarkson looked good |
Upon arrival to the venue(s) it was quickly learned that tickets were not available. This was a surprise to many and quickly the exterior "tent" filled up with some disappointed fans that either wanted to see the Lakers finish up or see the #1 v #2 game. Alternative measures went quickly into action. I went quickly online and "Bob" went to the front door to inquire about the idea of getting in. A fan was found to be leaving, that was not coming back to the Arena, and a "ticket" was secured!
There was one fan in particular that had just flown in from Baltimore, Maryland who, needless to say, was surprised that the event was sold out. He also lucked out and made it in.
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Did Wiggins/ Jabari meet expectations?
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So, we enter the arena as the Lakers were finishing up half 2. It was FULL! I ran into Thomas Scott, Byron Scott's son, who coaches the Los Angeles D-Fenders and asked him who he thought did well for the Lakers in the first half. No words were spoken. His look said it all. There were already people standing around the upper areas behind the top row of either side of the stadium. We ended up finding one of those spots and THOSE filled up too. We made it through the tip off and several minutes into the game, when a "yellow-jaket," aka "security usher" escorted approximately 100-150 people or more out of the Pavilion. Quickly, the mood changed as people were now fully aware that they would not be able to see Wiggins/Parker.
There were definitely some fans that were pretty upset by either getting escorted from the game or not making it in AT ALL after paying for their ticket. Can you say "Refund?"
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| Paul Allen was here! |
I asked Warren LeGarie, who created the NBA Summer League, if he had ever run into an over-populated venue like that before. He said it was similar when Jeremy Lin played (2010). Mr. LeGarie introduced me to Paul Allen, owner of the Portland Trailblazers. He asked me how I was enjoying myself. I grinned ear-to-ear. He said that it is their goal to create the ultimate FAN experience. I think they achieved that goal!
We moseyed on over to Thomas & Mack for GSW v Cha.
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At 5-7" Kiwi stands tall on Defense
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Josh Davis, for Charlotte, really impressed with his overall activity on both ends of the floor. In 29 minues he had 14 pts, on 6-8 FG, had 16 RBs, 1 St and 1 Blk. Meanwhile, Lottery pick Noah Vonleh looked like a child amongst men as his footwork and hands were absolutely horrible. The stat line validates: 32 min, 0 pts, 0-13 FG, 6RB, 3Blk, 5PF, 3 TO.
Kiwi Gardner may only have seen just over 3 minutes of play but he held the game's leading scorer to nil during that stretch. Mr. Gardner displayed some of the best defense of any guard in the Summer League.
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| It was tough seeing these two former Lakers elsewhere |
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| Shabazz was fun to watch but does he have consistent game? |
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| How is Jeanie, Phil? |
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LaVine may end up being on VINE more than anyone w his spectacular dunks. Dee Bost is guarding the young guard out of UCLA here
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Photos and Story_ @CBigUpps
