The NBA Summer League is over for another year, but not before some standout performances from some of the NBL’s current and former stars. 

Pete Hooley was there every step of the way and put the focus on four players who caught the eye.

Luke Travers

Melbourne United/Cleveland Cavaliers

The Melbourne United star continues to push his case for an NBA deal, after originally being drafted at pick 56 by Cleveland in 2022.

It seems a matter of when, not if he gets his opportunity in the States.

The game: 10 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals (July 15 v Milwaukee)
Tournament averages: 8.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists in 23 minutes

“He probably did exactly what he did last year … a little bit of everything.

“He did exactly what the Cavs wanted to see. They want to see him offensively get a little bit more aggressive and knocking down the three ball, but cutting off the ball defensively ... he's in the gaps, he's meeting people at the rim where he's blocked Bronny James, but also getting out in transition, making really good decisions.

“It was good to see him play four games after he sat out the first game with a hamstring issue ... and that really bothered him throughout the whole week, speaking to him and seeing him getting all the work on pre-game, but he stuck it out and did everything he could.” - Pete Hooley

AJ Johnson

Illawarra Hawks/Milwaukee Bucks

Despite playing limited minutes at the Illawarra Hawks, NBA teams could clearly see the potential of Johnson as a long-term play, drafted with the 23rd overall pick to the Milwaukee Bucks, 

The game: 22 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks (July 17 v Los Angeles Clippers)
Tournament averages: 11.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists in 22 minutes

“I was pleasantly surprised with how well AJ played.

“He shot the ball with confidence. 

“He was really on the front foot aggressively, getting downhill, finishing at the rim. He had some nice moments. 

“He was shooting the three ball as well ... probably relied a little too much on the three at times, but found a way to really be a number one or two option on a Milwaukee team that lost every game.

“They (the Bucks) had some players who were fighting for contracts and were shot-heavy, so for AJ to 11 (points), 3 (rebounds) and 3 (assists) for the week, it was a real positive.” 

Ariel Hukporti

Melbourne United/New York Knicks

The former United big man was taken with the 58th overall pick at the NBA Draft, joining the New York Knicks. 

The game: 11 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block (July 18 v Sacramento)
Tournament averages: 8.4 points, 7.2 rebounds. 1.2 assists in 19 minutes

“When there's a backup and a third-string center spot available at the Knicks, I think he showed exactly why they drafted him.

“He was banging bodies and was getting alley-oops once the point guard started throwing it in the air.

He finished at the rim, put down some thunderous dunks, had a nice presence defensively, to go with a double-double … he should have had a couple of double-doubles.”

Bobi Klintman

Cairns Taipans/Detroit Pistons

The former Next Star and Cairns Taipan was drafted with the 37th overall selection at the recent NBA Draft, landing with the Detroit Pistons. 

The game: 18 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal (July 16 v Houston)
Tournament averages: 11.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists in 29 minutes

“I thought Bobby was excellent throughout the week. He found a way to impact nearly every single game.

“He had one game where he struggled to put the ball in the hole, but still made an impact with double-digit rebounds.

“He got out on the break in transition, finished above the rim and found a way. 

“To really stand out in a team that had the number four pick, Ron Holland was really impressive.

“I said it in the NBL season, his size and frame was going to translate well to the NBA court and he showed that.”