The NBA officially announced the dates for 2023 summer league, an event expected to be headlined by presumed top-two picks Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, along with the rest of the league, will participate in the summer event from July 7-17 in Las Vegas.
NBA Summer League is set to take place July 7-17 in Las Vegas. pic.twitter.com/VQonlEE6i5
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 28, 2023
The Thunder own the eighth-best lottery odds and have a realistic shot to climb as high as fifth in the lottery. They trail the Orlando Magic by three games with 21 games left to go.
The Thunder also own swap rights with the LA Clippers, meaning they could their pick if it’s better than OKC’s. Considering the Clippers will likely make the playoffs, that likely will not happen.
The Thunder will ultimately find out where they’re selecting in the draft on May 16 when the 2023 draft lottery results are known.
In terms of sophomore players who could participate in summer league, Chet Holmgren’s availability is up in the air.
The Thunder ruled Holmgren out for the entire 2022-23 regular season, but his status for 2023 summer league is unknown. By the time summer league starts, it’ll be nearly 11 months since Holmgren suffered his Lisfranc injury.
If Holmgren does play, it’ll be the first time he’s played in a professional game since last year’s summer league, which was highlighted by a dominating debut.
Ousmane Dieng and Jaylin Williams are likely safe bets to play in a handful of summer league games. Considering how productive Jalen Williams has been this season, he might’ve already outgrown summer league participation.
Regardless of who participates, it’ll be a fun 10-day experience for Thunder fans as summer league will provide the first glimpses of OKC’s newest members.
