Rhode Island-linked players dot the NBA Summer League rosters
Cole Swider is about to have some company.
Rhode Island’s connections to the NBA Summer League will grow considerably as of Thursday. Las Vegas will play host to a 10-day stretch of games at multiple venues, and a host of notable players are set to take part.
Swider already has three games under his belt with the Los Angeles Lakers. He averaged 11.3 points and 3.7 rebounds while shooting 60% from 3-point range in three games at the California Classic. Swider hit for double figures while Los Angeles won its first two contests against the Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors.
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Cole Swider signed with the Lakers
The Lakers signed Swider to a two-way contract after his lone season at Syracuse. The Portsmouth native was a breakout player for the Orange after struggling to secure a regular role in three seasons with Villanova. His size at 6 feet 9 inches and ability to stretch the floor from the wing makes Swider a worthwhile risk on an NBA roster.
David Duke Jr. joins the Brooklyn Nets
Fellow state native David Duke Jr. will be on a roster with the Brooklyn Nets. The former Classical High and Providence College star played 22 games in his rookie season with Brooklyn and could be in line for an expanded role in 2022-23. Duke split time with the Nets and their G League affiliate at Long Island — his 18 points and 14 rebounds against the Orlando Magic on Dec. 18 was certainly a highlight.
Kris Dunn with the Wizards; A.J. Reeves with the Celtics; Justin Minaya with the Hornets
Three other Friars are on Summer League rosters — Kris Dunn with the Washington Wizards, A.J. Reeves with the Boston Celtics and Justin Minaya with the Charlotte Hornets. Dunn is the veteran of the group, fresh off his sixth season in the NBA with the Portland Trail Blazers. The 28-year-old has played in just 18 games over the last two years, limited by a host of injuries.
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Reeves and Minaya helped power Providence to a first regular-season Big East title and a Sweet 16 berth in the NCAA Tournament. Reeves is a Roxbury native — the Celtics are the home team for the shooting guard. Minaya gave the Friars their defensive edge by locking up opposing shooting guards and wing players.
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Tamenang Choh and coach Stephen Silas, Houston Rockets
Multiyear Brown captain Tamenang Choh is on the roster with the Houston Rockets. He finished inside the top 11 all-time with the Bears in scoring, rebounding and assists through five strong years on campus. Choh will play for a fellow alum in Las Vegas — Stephen Silas is the Rockets coach, a Boston native and guard at Brown from 1992-96
Jeff Dowtin, Toronto Raptors
Jeff Dowtin will start his next NBA chapter with the Toronto Raptors. The former University of Rhode Island guard appeared in nine games with three different organizations during the 2021-22 season. Dowtin was a four-year star with the Rams, leading them to a pair of NCAA Tournament berths in his first two seasons.
NBA Summer League 2022: Full schedule, TV info, how to watch top draft picks
bkoch@providencejournal.com
On Twitter: @BillKoch25
Thursday, July 7
Rockets vs. Magic, 10 p.m. (ESPN)
Friday, July 8
Hornets vs. Pacers, 6 p.m. (ESPN 2)
Nets vs. Bucks, 7 p.m. (NBA TV)
Lakers vs. Suns, 10 p.m. (ESPN2)
Saturday, July 9
Raptors vs. 76ers, 3:30 p.m. (NBA TV)
Celtics vs. Heat, 5:30 p.m. (NBA TV)
Wizards vs. Pistons, 6 p.m. (ESPN 2)
Rockets vs. Thunder, 8 p.m. (ESPN 2)
Sunday, July 10
Nets vs. 76ers, 3:30 p.m. (NBA TV)
Wizards vs. Suns, 5:30 p.m. (NBA TV)
Hornets vs. Lakers, 9:30 p.m. (NBA TV)
Monday, July 11
Rockets vs. Spurs, 7 p.m. (ESPN)
Celtics vs. Bucks, 8 p.m. (NBA TV)
Tuesday, July 12
Raptors vs. Bulls, 5 p.m. (NBA TV)
Nets vs. Grizzlies, 6:30 p.m. (ESPN 2)
Celtics vs. Warriors, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Lakers vs. Clippers, 11 p.m. (NBA TV)
Wednesday, July 13
Hornets vs. Cavaliers, 5 p.m. (ESPNU)
Wizards vs. Pelicans, 6 p.m. (NBA TV)
Raptors vs. Jazz, 7 p.m. (ESPN 2)
Thursday, July 14
Celtics vs. Grizzlies, 3:30 p.m. (NBA TV)
Hornets vs. Bulls, 6 p.m. (ESPN 2)
Rockets vs. Trail Blazers, 9:30 p.m. (NBA TV)
Nets vs. Timberwolves, 10 p.m. (ESPN)
Friday, July 15
Wizards vs. Pacers, 9 p.m. (ESPN 2)
Raptors vs. Heat, 10 p.m. (NBA TV)
Lakers vs. Pelicans, 11 p.m. (ESPN 2)
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: NBA Summer League 2022 players with RI ties, Providence basketball
