Cleveland Cavaliers win the 2023 NBA Summer League

The first three days of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas were sold out, with fans from all 30 teams filling UNLV's Thomas & Mack Centre to see the rookies and rising stars compete. During the 11-day tournament, 140,000 people attended, and the Cleveland Cavaliers won the final by defeating the Houston Rockets, 99-78. Victor Wembanyama, the No. 1 choice in the draught, played only two games, with his second game eclipsing his debut. After being selected with the 20th choice in the NBA Draft on June 22, Rockets guard Cam Whitmore was named MVP.

The Cavaliers are the Summer League champions, their first since a tournament system was adopted in 2013. Second-year forward Isaiah Mobley was awarded the game's MVP after scoring 28 points (12-for-20 from the floor), grabbing 11 rebounds, and dishing out three assists. Mobley, the older brother of Cavs centre Evan Mobley, was selected 49th overall in the 2022 draught. The 6-8 forward had a tremendous tournament, leading Cleveland to the title game in the final minutes against Brooklyn, scoring 27 points and adding seven rebounds, five assists, and two blocks. Mobley needed to show something after being passed up for Summer League All-Tournament honours.

The Cavs are expected to do great things with their new youthful core and older veterans. Cleveland has a decent mix of veterans and young prospects, which may make the club seem exciting next season.

Nate Hinton led the Rockets with an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double, and Summer League MVP Cam Whitmore ended with 14 points despite taking 17 shots. Trevor Hudgins finished with 13 points and seven assists, while Fletcher Magee added 10 points off the bench.

Cover Credit - NBAofficial