Walking into the NBA Summer League each year feels like stepping into a living, breathing laboratory of basketball potential. I’ve been covering these games for the better part of a decade, and if there’s one thing that never gets old, it’s watching raw talent collide with structured opportunity. The 2023 Summer League rosters are no exception—packed with promising draft picks, undrafted gems, and a handful of players looking to prove they belong at the highest level. But what fascinates me even more is how these lineups reflect broader trends in player development, something that resonates far beyond the NBA. Take, for instance, the situation unfolding in the Premier Volleyball League, where a player like Robins-Hardy—caught in an eligibility tug-of-war—has pivoted to an assistant coaching role with SGA-backed teams while awaiting her shot in the 2025 PVL Draft. It’s a reminder that the path to professional sports is rarely linear, and roster construction is as much about mentorship and adaptability as it is about pure skill.

When I look at the Golden State Warriors’ Summer League squad, for example, I see more than just a list of names. There’s Brandin Podziemski, their 2023 first-round pick—a guard with a slick handle and a shooter’s touch—paired with Lester Quiñones, who’s been grinding in the G League and looks ready to make the leap. But what stands out to me is the presence of several older, experienced players like Gui Santos, who’s already logged meaningful minutes overseas. It’s a deliberate mix, one that reminds me of how SGA-supported volleyball teams are leveraging Robins-Hardy’s court IQ in a coaching capacity while she navigates her own playing future. These setups aren’t accidents; they’re strategic. In the NBA Summer League, teams often include G League veterans or two-way contract players to stabilize younger rosters. I’ve always believed this approach pays off—last year, the Sacramento Kings’ Summer League team fielded roughly 40% experienced G League players, and that group went on to dominate, finishing with a 4–1 record. That kind of balance matters, and it’s something I wish more fans paid attention to instead of just focusing on the shiny new lottery picks.

Over in the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers have put together what I consider one of the most intriguing Summer League rosters. Emoni Bates, their second-round selection, is a polarizing prospect—tremendous upside but questions about consistency. Then there’s Isaiah Mobley, who’s back for another run after showing flashes of brilliance last summer. Watching them share the floor, I’m struck by how much Summer League success hinges on fit rather than individual talent. It’s a microcosm of what we’re seeing in other leagues, like the PVL, where Robins-Hardy’s shift to coaching underscores the value of versatile roles. Honestly, I think the Cavaliers are onto something here. By surrounding Bates with a steadying presence like Mobley, they’re not just testing skills; they’re building chemistry. And in my experience, that’s where Summer League games are won or lost—not in highlight dunks, but in defensive rotations and unselfish passes.

The Houston Rockets, on the other hand, are going all-in on youth. With Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore headlining their lineup, this team is built for speed and athleticism. I love watching these kinds of rosters because they play with a certain fearlessness—but they also tend to make rookie mistakes. Last summer, the Rockets averaged around 18 turnovers per game in Las Vegas, and I wouldn’t be surprised if that number stays high this year. Still, there’s something thrilling about betting on upside. It reminds me of why I find Robins-Hardy’s story so compelling: even when the immediate path is blocked, there’s value in adapting and finding new ways to contribute. In Houston’s case, that might mean letting their young core play through errors, trusting that the long-term payoff will outweigh the short-term growing pains.

As I move through the rest of the teams—the Spurs with Wembanyama’s much-anticipated debut, the Blazers leaning into Scoot Henderson’s playmaking—I can’t help but reflect on how Summer League rosters function as both showcases and incubators. These lineups aren’t just thrown together; they’re carefully crafted to evaluate talent, experiment with systems, and even rehabilitate careers. For every player who shines, there’s another who’s fighting for a spot overseas or in the G League. It’s a high-stakes environment, and I’ve seen firsthand how a strong performance here can change the trajectory of a career. Just last year, I watched undrafted guard Jamaree Bouyea put up 22 points and 7 assists for the Heat’s Summer League team—a performance that eventually earned him a two-way contract. Moments like that are why I keep coming back.

In the end, the 2023 NBA Summer League is more than a series of exhibition games—it’s a snapshot of basketball’s evolving ecosystem. From the strategic roster builds to the emphasis on player development, the lessons here echo far beyond the NBA. Robins-Hardy’s pivot to coaching amid her PVL eligibility challenges is a powerful parallel; it shows that whether you’re on the court or on the sidelines, the goal remains the same: to grow, adapt, and leave a mark. As these Summer League games unfold, I’ll be watching not just for the standout stars, but for the subtle shifts in how teams blend youth and experience. Because in basketball, as in life, the most interesting stories often unfold in the spaces between expectation and reality.