Harrison Ingram was the North Carolina Tar Heels’ lone 2024 NBA Draftee, but he wasn’t the only former UNC standout to suit up in early NBA Summer League action.
Ingram was joined by Leaky Black, now a member of the Charlotte Hornets, in the California Classic Summer League. This 3-day league started on Saturday, July 6 with a game between Ingram’s San Antonio Spurs and Black’s Hornets, continued the next day with the Spurs and Kings, then ends today with the Spurs facing China’s national team.
The Salt Lake City Summer League kicked off over the weekend, with Cormac Ryan’s Oklahoma City Thunder facing Tony Bradley’s Philadelphia 76ers. Armando Bacot’s Utah Jazz also played the Memphis Grizzlies, but Bacot didn’t see action.
None of these guys are guaranteed a roster spot, but Ingram and Black are the most likely to stay in the NBA. Ryan and Bacot are both on Exhibit 10 contracts, which aren’t guaranteed contracts, while Bradley isn’t even officially listed on Philly’s depth chart.
Ingram, Black and Ryan have already played. Bradley and Bacot have yet to see the court. Garrison Brooks, the sixth former Tar Heel in Summer League, doesn’t start playing with the Chicago Bulls until Saturday, July 13.
We’ll bring you additional coverage when Bradley, Bacot and Brooks finally see the court, but for now, let’s take a quick look at Ingram, Ryan and Black’s early performances.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 27: Harrison Ingram speaks to the media after being selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the 48th pick during the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft at ESPN Seaport District Studios on June 27, 2024 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Ingram started each of his first two Summer League games, scoring 14 points on 6-of-19 shooting and a 1-of-2 mark from the free throw line. He also pulled down 11 rebounds and dished out three assists.
San Antonio isn’t expected to be a contender by any means this season, but the additions of Ingram and NBA veteran Chris Paul – combined with 2023 top NBA Draft Pick Victor Wembanyama – should help it come closer to a Play-In Tournament spot.
Ingram recorded a double-double on Tuesday night.
Apr 3, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Leaky Black (12) passes the ball up court against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Leaky Black and his Charlotte teammates delivered Ingram’s Spurs a 97-65 whooping on Saturday, July 6.
Black earned the start, stuffing the star sheet with five points (2-of-2 shooting, 1-of-1 on free throws), five rebounds, an assist and a steal.
Black bounced between the Hornets and their G-League Affiliate Greensboro Swarm last year. Where will he start the regular season in 2024?
Mar 9, 2024; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Cormac Ryan (3) reacts to hitting a three-point shot during the second half against the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Tar Heels won 84-79. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Cormac scored six points on an off-night – 2-of-11 from the field (both 3-pointers) – grabbed four rebounds and dished out an assist on Monday, July 8 in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 102-92 loss to Tony Bradley’s Philadelphia 76ers.
It’s good to see Ryan score his first NBA points, but with the deep, young roster in OKC, I see Ryan’s path to a roster spot as very difficult.
Ryan followed that up with 8 points on Tuesday night.
Mar 28, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Armando Bacot (5) shoots against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the second half in the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Armando Bacot did not play in the Utah Jazz’ 97-95 overtime win on Monday, July 8 over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Utah played the Thunder on Tuesday, July 9, but Bacot did not start the game. He did get some playing time in the game, however. It was his first action of the Summer.
Jul 11, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) attempts to score a layup against Portland Trail Blazers forward Jabari Walker (34) and center Ibou Badji (41) during the second half at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
The Las Vegas Summer League, which is the most widely-followed summer action among NBA fans, begins on Friday, July 12.
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Publish date : 2024-07-10 09:00:00
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