Las Vegas Summer League Kicks Off
The NBA’s summer circuit descended on Las Vegas this week, bringing together emerging talent from across the league in a high‑stakes showcase. Among the participants were three Iowa alumni who caught the eye of scouts and fans alike.
Payton Sandfort, the sharpshooting guard from the Hawkeyes, posted 12 points, five rebounds and a couple of steals, while fellow Hawkeye Josh Dix contributed 11 points and a steal of his own. Both players are on the Oklahoma City Thunder’s roster and helped the team fall just short against the Dallas Mavericks, losing 97‑87.
The Thunder’s other Iowa product, forward Bennett Stirtz, was listed as inactive for the game, a decision that left the team without his services but did not hinder their overall performance.
Meanwhile, Memphis Grizzlies prospect Brendan Hausen saw limited minutes, logging just two minutes on the court without scoring, but his defensive presence helped the Grizzlies secure a dominant 96‑64 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, clinching a semifinal berth.
The Grizzlies will now face off in the semifinals on Saturday, July 18, a matchup that promises to test the mettle of the young squad. Their earlier win over Atlanta highlighted a balanced attack and a defensive scheme that forced the Hawks into a 32‑point deficit.
Across the board, the summer league serves as a proving ground for players on the fringe of NBA rotation, and the performances of Sandfort, Dix and Hausen underscore the depth of talent emerging from college programs. Fans can expect more competitive games as the tournament progresses toward its final stages.