People who doubt the importance of the NBA Summer League should have been watching Wednesday night’s game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Memphis Grizzlies.
It was a game that shows how young, up-and-coming players can prove their hunger and desire to play in the game.
It can give teams – and fans – a new perspective on some of the prospective athletes who could shape the league for years to come.
Oh Kenny Lofton Jr has had enough. pic.twitter.com/SVDZNG5Qvf
— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) July 6, 2022
Case in point: Kenny Lofton Jr. of the Grizzlies.
He had a big night on Wednesday, accumulating 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists.
In less than one minute on the court, Memphis fans were elated to see Lofton push his way past Chet Holmgren to the bucket, then run back down court to steal the ball away, before making his way back to the three-point line to score a trey.
Lofton was there to make a difference and that’s exactly what he did.
The Love For Lofton
Lofton went undrafted last month but secured a two-way contract with the Grizzlies.
It’s very likely that he will need some time developing in the G League before he can make his way into normal rotation for Memphis.
If he keeps playing as he did on Wednesday night, a future contract with the team is all but assured.
Imagine someone like Lofton playing alongside Ja Morant, Dillon Brooks, Jaren Jackson Jr. and the rest of the squad.
The young player is built like a tank and moves like one at times too.
He looks more like a football player than a basketball star, which means he could cause all sorts of problems for the rest of the league.
Keep your eye on Lofton: he has something to prove and is already doing so.
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