If you are a Michigan State fan bored in the middle of July, you must watch the former Michigan State Basketball players participating in the NBA Summer League. Some are playing in their first Summer League games trying to make the team like Gabe Brown, some have started playoff games like Xavier Tillman. Regardless, Spartan fans should tune in and support their former players.
Max Christie Bets on Himself
Christie entered the 2022 NBA draft after a shaky season despite many Michigan State fans believing that he was not yet ready. He bet on himself and the Los Angeles Lakers selected him with the 35th pick. Unfortunately, Christie is off to a tough start in the Summer League as he went 1-of-7 from 3-point range and 6-of-24 overall from the field in three summer league games. However, people are starting to notice that Christie has the potential to be an excellent defender. If his shots start falling, he will have a chance to crack the Lakers depleted roster. He next plays on:
Sunday: 9:30 p.m. vs. Charlotte (NBA TV)
Tuesday: 11 p.m. vs. L.A. Clippers (NBA TV)
July 15: 11 p.m. vs. New Orleans (ESPN2)
Although this ended in a foul, given the fact that Moses Moody has been bullying every Laker today, this is extremely impressive defense from Max Christie to hold his own and keep Moody in front. pic.twitter.com/8k2bGMtgkr
— Aram Cannuscio (@AC__Hoops) July 4, 2022
Xavier Tillman Looks to Improve on His First Two Years
Tillman, a 2020 second-round pick, was a fan favorite at Michigan State and quickly became a fan favorite with the Memphis Grizzlies, playing alongside star Ja Morant. Tillman opened Summer League with 16 points (6-11 shooting), three rebounds, four assists, and one block in 25 minutes with a win over the 76ers. Then, he finished with 10 points (5-15), 14 rebounds, four assists, and one steal in 29 minutes in the win over the Jazz. Last, Tillman finished with 6 points (3-7), 2 rebounds, and 1 assist in 20 minutes in a loss to the Clippers.
Tillman next plays on:
Sunday: 9 p.m. vs. Minnesota (ESPNU)
Tuesday: 6 p.m. vs. Brooklyn (ESPNU)
July 14: 3:30 p.m. vs. Boston (NBA TV)
Watch the clip below from the official NBA Twitter account.
Xavier Tillman comes flying down the lane
GRIZZLIES/CLIPPERS Live Now on @NBATV pic.twitter.com/HmbXxx2XlM
— NBA (@NBA) July 10, 2022
Cassius Winston Attempts to Secure a Roster Spot
Winston, two time All-American and 2020 second round pick, recently signed with Philadelphia in hopes of making the full roster when the season starts. He has so far has participated in two of three Summer League games. Winston opened with four points (2-3), one steal, one rebound and eight assists with no turnovers in 18 minutes in the loss to Tillman’s Memphis team. He scored 11 points (2-10), four rebounds, one steal and six assists the following day. Winston next plays on:
Sunday: 3:30 p.m. vs. Brooklyn (NBA TV)
July 13: 9 p.m. vs. Miami (ESPNU)
July 15: 6 p.m. vs. Denver (NBA TV)
Look at this pass by Winston!
Cassius Winston with the cross-court dish!
📺: ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/qY6siJNkH7
— NBA (@NBA) July 7, 2022
Marcus Bingham Shows Potential
Bingham, went undrafted last month after four years with Michigan State, and then joined the Dallas Mavericks for Summer League. He scored two points, and missed two three pointers in his first ever game. But, he also had team high five rebounds, grabbed two steals, and had an assist in 17 minutes. Bingham needs to become a better scorer, but it appears he will show the NBA that he can be an elite rebounder and rim protector. Look at the clip below of Bingham with a nice block. He next plays on:
Monday: 10 p.m. vs. Utah (NBA TV)
Tuesday: 10 p.m. vs. Phoenix (ESPN2)
July 14: 7 p.m. vs. Milwaukee (ESPNU)
. @marcusbingham0 with the chase down pin! #NBA2k23SummerLeague | @NBA pic.twitter.com/eJr4E9l652
— NBA Summer League (@NBASummerLeague) July 8, 2022
Gabe Brown Needs Time to Shine
After an underwhelming year at Michigan State, Brown went undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft, and needs to shine at Summer League to make a roster. Unfortunately, it does not appear his team is giving him an opportunity to do so. Brown only played in one Summer League game so far; Oklahoma City’s win over the Jazz. Brown played under 5 minutes and went 0-for-2 from the field with one rebound. He did not play by coach’s decision the next two nights. He will need to make a huge impression the next time he sees the court. Brown next plays on:
Monday: 9 p.m. vs. Orlando (ESPN)
July 13: 8 p.m. vs Sacramento (NBA TV)
July 15: 7 p.m. vs. Golden State (ESPN)
Aaron Henry Has Yet to Play
Henry went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft, and then signed a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, splitting time with their G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats. Henry was waived by the 76ers and joined Cleveland Cavaliers. He did not play in the Cavs first Summer League game do to a coach’s decision. It is unclear if he will play in the remaining games listed below.
Sunday: 7 p.m. vs. Denver (ESPNU)
July 13: 5 p.m. vs. Charlotte (ESPNU)
July 14: 5:30 p.m. vs. Detroit (NBA TV)
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