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NBA loud links: 2016 NBA Summer League awards and recap; Team USA Olympic camp opens

A recap of Las Vegas Summer League 2016, plus Team USA opens Olympic training camp.

By joshua broom
/ new
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League is the annual stage upon which roster hopefuls, young stars, and celebrated rookies shine. Each July, pursuant to the previous season's end, NBA connoisseurs' basketball palates are whetted in anticipation of their franchises' future prospects. This summer, a handful of promising rookies and young veterans provided a scintillating glimpse into round-ball's crystal ball.

While the Chicago Bulls' summer squad capped the showcase with a rousing 84-82 overtime triumph against Minnesota, prior to Monday night's championship thriller, the NBA announced its 2016 All-Summer League selections. Though rising Timberwolves guard Tyus Jones nabbed MVP honors; highly-touted recent draft picks Ben Simmons, Jaylen Brown and Thon Maker stole the show.

Here's a quick look at the players who made the most of their time in the desert.

All-NBA Summer League First Team:

  • Tyus Jones (Minnesota Timberwolves)
  • Jordan McRae (Cleveland Cavaliers)
  • Bobby Portis (Chicago Bulls)
  • Ben Simmons (Philadelphia 76'ers)
  • Alan Williams (Phoenix Suns)
All-NBA Summer League Second Team:
As mentioned, Summer League is an opportunity for rookies, young stars and borderline talent to display their wares. However, extra emphasis is placed upon the performances of those just drafted. The creme de la creme of 2016's entering class is as follows:

Ben Simmons: Number-one overall pick Ben Simmons wowed spectators with a blend of size, strength and transcendent court vision. It appears the former LSU standout will be running Philly's offense from the point-forward for years to come.

Jaylen Brown: Meanwhile, Brown (16 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.8 SPG), 2016's number-three selection, overcame a slow start to finish the tournament in strong fashion. Brown's athleticism and length is NBA-ready.

Finally, Thon Maker (10th overall) and Tyler Ulis (34th overall) put forth excellent showings. Ulis' impressive run may have earned the undersized second-round selection an extended early-season look from Phoenix.

With 2016's NBA Summer League wrapped up, here are other headlines making waves around the association.

Valentine's Day In July!

Chicago's 2016 first-round draft pick, Denzel Valentine, nailed a memorable overtime game winner to give Chicago a Las Vegas Summer League title.

Wade Confidant Chris Paul Isn't Surprised About Flash's Decision To Sign With Chicago.

What Chris Paul and Dwayne Wade spoke about concerning Wade's relocation to the "windy city."

Golden State Adds Depth Up Front By Re-Signing Veteran Anderson Varejo.

Per league sources, the NBA's new super-force has replenished its coffers by re-upping Varejo to an undisclosed deal.

Team USA Opens Olympic Camp With Plenty Of New Additions.

Monday, USA's 12-man Olympic roster officially opened camp for this summer's gold-medal hunt.

After signing Abrines, Oklahoma City Rescinds Qualifying Offer To Dion Waiters.

Per The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski, Waiters is now an unrestricted free agent. Has his time in OKC come to an end?






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