The NBA is not in business right now. But that doesn’t mean NBA players are not getting their reps in. Summer time is when some of the brightest stars in the league perform in smaller basketball tournaments. Considering the talent level at these events, these players usually go off on huge scoring binges.
Here are some of the best performances by NBA players at these summer basketball tournaments.
Stanley Johnson:
Johnson was one of the brightest rookies in a season filled with them last year. The Detroit Pistons small forward showed high-level defense and enough potential on offense. In just one year, Johnson showed to everyone that he could be a great 3-and-D player, if not more, in the future.
Johnson appeared at the Drew League where he dropped a cool 46 points with production from everywhere on the court:
Andre Drummond:
Johnson’s Pistons teammate Andre Drummond also made a few appearances at the Drew League. Between some post ups, some defense, some high-flying dunks, and a pass thrown deep into the stands, Drummond was more than entertaining:
Paul George:
Paul George had a fantastic season in 2015-16. After missing the majority of the previous year with a broken leg, George returned to star status. The Indiana Pacers forward led his team to the playoffs. His strong return led to other players voting him as the Comeback Player of the Year in the NBPA Players’ Voice Awards.
George is not ready to rest after his spectacular season, however. The forward appeared at the Seattle Pro-Am and put up 40 points. He cemented his performance with a monstrous 360 dunk.
Jamal Crawford:
One of the masterminds behind the Seattle Pro-Am, Crawford is always a lock to show up to these events. Crawford’s handling ability as well as his shooting make him a dominant and entertaining force at all times.
He initiated the Seattle Pro-Am with his signature ball-handling. But later, Crawford turned into a summer tournament killer, dropping 44 points and hitting a game-winner in week three.
Jabari Parker:
Parker returned to the court after suffering a torn ACL in his rookie season. The Bucks forward had his ups and downs but finished the year strong.
His summer performance was the ultimate show of strength, however, as he dunked on the same poor soul twice in a row:
Zach LaVine:
No summer tournament recap would be complete without Zach LaVine. The Wolves guard joined Crawford at the Seattle Pro-Am. Like he’s done over and over again in his NBA career, LaVine put on a show for the crowd:
Aaron Gordon:
LaVine’s Dunk Contest rival, Aaron Gordon had some tricks of his own. The Orlando Magic forward showed up to the San Francisco Pro-Am where he added some deft ball-handling to his high-flying act.
