NBA Summer League returns to Thomas & Mack July 13-22

NBA Summer League returns to action July 13-22 at the Thomas & Mack Center and the Cox Pavilion on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Launched in 2004 as the Las Vegas Summer League, the inaugural event featured six NBA teams (Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns and Washington Wizards) playing a 13-game slate. The NBA joined forces with the original event organizers in 2007, and the summer showcase has expanded exponentially since its inception.

During the most recent competition in 2010, 22 NBA teams, including 11 playoff teams, competed in a 58-game schedule that featured 10 of the top 14 picks in the 2010 NBA Draft.

Fans that weren't able to experience the action in person were able to tune into NBA TV or log on to NBA.com and see every play, including Jeremy Lin's breakout performance for the Dallas Mavericks. Matched up against John Wall and the Washington Wizards on July 15, 2010, Lin scored 11 of his 13 points in the fourth quarter as the Mavericks mounted a furious comeback after trailing from the opening buzzer, to come within six points of victory, before falling, 88-82.

Landry Fields, Lin's current backcourt mate with the New York Knicks, arrived in Las Vegas two summers ago as an unheralded second-round pick (39th overall) in the 2010 NBA Draft. In five games, Fields averaged 15.6 points and 4.8 rebounds, then went on to earn NBA All-Rookie First Team honors, appearing in all 82 games (81 starts) for the Knicks, averaging 9.7 points and 6.4 rebounds.

Exciting games featuring the NBA's newest talent have always been a staple at NBA Summer League. Five of the last six NBA Rookie of the Year award winners have joined their teams in Las Vegas: Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets, 2005-06), Brandon Roy (Portland Trail Blazers, 2006-07), Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder, 2007-08), Tyreke Evans (Sacramento Kings, 2009-10) and Blake Griffin (L.A. Clippers, 2010-11).

Other league highlights include the participation of the Chinese National team in 2007, which marked the first international team to participate in the league and the NBA Development League Select team's participation in 2009 and 2010 events.

Tickets for the 2012 NBA Summer League will go on sale June 1. Fans will be able to purchase tickets by calling 739-FANS, logging on to UNLVtickets.com or visiting any UNLV ticket outlet.