LAS VEGAS — A perfect storm of extenuating circumstances conspired to overshadow the on-court action at this year’s NBA Summer League: Kawhi Leonard signed with the Los Angeles Clippers on opening night, Paul George, Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul were all traded over the past 10 days, and a host of lottery picks were injured or chose not to play. On top of all that, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake stole headlines by shaking the Thomas & Mack Center.
Even so, there were plenty of memorable moments for this year’s rookie class.
Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans: The top overall pick played just nine minutes after he took a knee-to-knee blow in his debut.