Basketball Never Stops

The summer is often a dead zone for NBA fans — outside of some free agency drama and Summer League action, there isn't much basketball content to be consumed. This year, however has proven a bit different, as stars across the association have participated in Pro-Am leagues. We haven't seen this level of NBA engagement in summer hoops since the legendary lockout of 2011 🐍

• The biggest name, of course, was the King himself, who pulled up to the Drew League along with DeMar DeRozan & Montrezl Harrell

• Trae Young and John Collins also linked up at the Drew, and then joined new teammate Dejounte Murray at the CrawsOver

Murray brought the juiciest summer hoops content this past weekend, when he took an on-court feud with No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero straight to social media. For context, this is what happened before the IG stories 👇

Banchero has been balling out all summer, and Murray didn't like the incoming rookie's confidence. Let's see how Paolo stacks up in the ROTY odds for next season 👇

2022-23 Rookie of the Year Odds (subject to change)

• Paolo Banchero, ORL: +300 (bet $100, win $300)

• Chet Holmgren, OKC: +375

• Keegan Murray, SAC: +600

• Jabari Smith, HOU: +650

• Jaden Ivey, DET: +700

The King x The Drew

The Drew League is considered by many to be the gold standard of Pro-Am leagues. That reputation has only grown this summer, thanks to a number of standout performances from the pros. LeBron stole the show when he teamed up with DeMar DeRozan on July 17th 🔥

• Bron dominated with 42 points and 16 boards

• DeRozan also dropped 30, and the pair of stars combined for some insane highlights 👀

LeBron and DeMar weren't the only stars to turn heads at the Drew, as a number of big time names flocked to LA. Trae Young and John Collins struggled in a losing effort (more on them in a minute), but it was notable players not on NBA rosters who stole the show 🙌

• NBA hopeful LiAngelo Ball scorched the nets for 52 points

• Isaiah Thomas showed he can still get buckets, draining 7 threes in a 45-point performance 💦

Let's just say LeBron put the Drew League back on the map with a summer showing for the ages 🧭

Atlanta's Big Three

Despite no NBA team, Seattle has established itself as one of the hotspots of summer hoops. Pros like Isaiah Thomas and Jamal Crawford have carved out this reputation behind their leagues and events 💪

• Trae Young and John Collins teamed up with Seattle native and new Hawk Dejounte Murray, looking for redemption after their Drew League disappointment

• Atlanta's new Big Three showed out, combining for 103 points 😳

Murray has been one of the most talked-about players this offseason, largely due to his Pro-Am appearances and vocal advocacy for NBA players taking part in summer ball. Over the weekend, Dejounte brought an unusual amount of intensity at Isaiah Thomas' Zeke-End tournament 👀

• His beef with Magic rookie Paolo Banchero went viral, as the two traded jabs on and off the court

• Things got heated when Murray took issue with some contact 🍿

All I can say is that I'm definitely circling any Magic vs. Hawks games on my calendar this year. As for Atlanta, they have high hopes this season with the addition of Dejounte. They finished 43-39 in 2021-22, but Vegas has increased their win total in 2022-23 🍑

Atlanta Hawks Regular Season Wins 2022-23 (subject to change)

• Over 45.5 Wins: -110

• Under 45.5 Wins: -110

For My Parlay Gurus

I think Paolo's ability to get under your skin speaks to his preternatural talent, and I'm bullish on his already stout ROTY odds. I would pair that bet with the Magic's over on wins, but since the NBA is still a couple months away, I've made a WNBA parlay for you tonight. Take a look 👇

• Storm +4.5 vs. Sky: -110

• Aces -10.5 vs. Dream: -106

$100 on this bet would win you $271 — if we hit, make sure you email justin.schnell@itsovertime.com for a chance to win up to $100*. Many will enter, only some will win 😉

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