The 2024 NBA Summer League kicked off this past Saturday with a few teams hitting the court to showcase their young talent. The Summer League MVP award, which has been handed out since 2006, is always a highly anticipated honor for up-and-coming players looking to make a name for themselves. However, there have been a few instances where there was no MVP named due to circumstances beyond the players’ control – such as the lockout in 2011 and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In both 2012 and 2021, co-MVPs were named to share the spotlight.
As we look back at the history of the Summer League MVP award, we can see that it has been a launching pad for many successful NBA careers. A total of 18 players have been honored with this prestigious title, and some of them have gone on to achieve great things in the league. One of the most recent winners, Cam Whitmore, is already making waves in his rookie season and could potentially join the ranks of former MVPs who have excelled in the NBA.
One standout example is Blake Griffin, who was the first overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. Griffin is widely regarded as one of the best players in the history of the Los Angeles Clippers, where he spent 13 seasons and earned six All-Star selections. With career averages of 19.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, Griffin’s impact on the court speaks for itself.
Another player who turned his Summer League MVP success into a stellar NBA career is John Wall, the first overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. Wall made five consecutive All-Star appearances from 2013-14 to 2017-18 and even garnered MVP consideration in the 2016-17 season. His dynamic playmaking and leadership qualities have solidified his place among the league’s top point guards.
While not every Summer League MVP goes on to become a superstar, there are still many who carve out solid careers in the NBA. Jonas Valanciunas, selected fifth overall in the 2011 NBA Draft, has been a consistent force in the paint, averaging double figures in rebounding for four straight seasons. With career averages of 13.4 points and 9.5 rebounds, Valanciunas may not receive the same accolades as some of his peers, but his contributions on the court are invaluable.
Josh Hart, drafted 30th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, is another example of a player who has made the most of his opportunities. Despite being undersized at six-foot-four, Hart has become a standout rebounder, averaging between 7.2 and 8.3 boards per game over the last four seasons. His hustle and tenacity make him a valuable asset to any team he plays for, proving that success in the NBA is not always about accolades, but rather hard work and determination.
As we continue to watch the 2024 NBA Summer League unfold, we will undoubtedly see more young stars emerge and showcase their talents on the big stage. The MVP award is just the beginning for these players, and the potential for greatness is always within reach for those who are willing to put in the work. The Summer League is where dreams are born and careers are made, and we can’t wait to see who will be the next player to turn their MVP honor into a lasting legacy in the NBA.
