Sacramento Kings highlight NBA California Classic Summer League
By Logan Struck
It is now June, so the busy NBA offseason is quickly approaching. While the NBA Finals are beginning, the other 28 teams are looking toward next season. The 2023-24 season will kick off with the NBA Summer League, which features the fifth annual California Classic Summer League. This “summer basketball celebration” will feature six NBA teams playing six games on July 3rd and July 5th, all played in the Sacramento Kings’ home Golden 1 Center.
The six teams participating are the Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and Miami Heat, with this year including the San Antonio Spurs and Charlotte Hornets, who hold the number one and number two overall picks in the 2023 NBA Draft, respectively. While it is questionable if the consensus 1st overall pick, Victor Wembanyama, will participate in any Summer League games, his debut would come in Sacramento.
The Sacramento Kings Summer League roster is unknown and will likely only feature a few players on this year’s roster.
Standout Kings rookie, Keegan Murray, won the 2022 Summer League MVP.
But Murray will most likely not appear in the 2023 Summer League. The Kings have three draft picks, the 24th overall pick, and two second-rounders. All three drafted players will likely play in the California Classic, giving all fans a glimpse of what the rookies offer.
Like all Summer League games, the California Classic games will have modified rules. These games will consist of 10-minute quarters and have some interesting rules regarding fouls. Players stay in the game after receiving six personal fouls and are not dismissed until they reach 10, giving all players a chance to showcase their skill since that is what Summer League is about. A team does not enter the bonus until 10 team fouls are committed in a quarter, as they do not want games to be slowed down due to free throws. Lastly, teams receive only two timeouts per half because they do not want the game slowed down, similar to the bonus rule.
The Sacramento Kings hosting the California Classic Summer League allows them to give the fans a great experience, as the first games of the 2023 Summer League are played in the Golden 1 Center.
