The Summer Sixers have gotten off to a hot start in the desert, winning their first two games against Detroit and Indiana. Two more wins and they’ll be on their way to the Summer League semifinals, in search of the organization’s first Summer League title since Hollis Thompson and Casper Ware were doing their thing in Orlando back in 2014.
Encouragingly in the big picture sense, this squad’s success has been led by the two Sixers under standard NBA contracts. Rookie guard Labaron Philon has averaged
21.0 points and 6.5 assists across the two games, and despite some inefficiencies inside the arc, is very much looking the part of a three-level scorer. Meanwhile, second-year big man Johni Broome is also averaging 21.0 points per game, along with 12.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. I understand the notion of wanting to see Broome do it against NBA-level competition, but you can only play the opponent in front of you, so it’s at least an encouraging sign for a better sophomore season from the 2025 35th overall pick.
The Houston Rockets are 1-1 in Las Vegas, topping Denver in their opener before losing to the Raptors. Here’s a look at Houston’s group for Summer League action:
Bruce Thornton is a guy to keep an eye on this afternoon. The 31st overall pick out of Ohio State exploded for 27 points in the opener against Denver, and chipped in 17 points and five steals against the Raptors. 6-foot-6 guard Quadir Copeland is on a two-way contract with Houston after going undrafted out of NC State.
We’ve seen a pair of entertaining games so far from the Summer Sixers. Let’s hope TJ Dileo has the guys ready to play once again to keep the undefeated stretch in Vegas intact.
Game Details
When: July 14, 4:00 p.m. ET
Where: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia Plus, Prime Video
Follow: @LibertyBallers
