It seems like a few cash-strapped teams might answer this one with “No” this summer. It’s not really a necessity, more like another development and marketing tool for the league and the teams. Showcasing the freshly drafted rookies, giving assistant coaches a chance to be in charge of a team, evaluating players for training camp (though the percentage of undrafted guys who make it is rather small), etc.

There isn’t that much of a difference between a summer league game and scrimmaging at your local gym with nba talent. Of course, there comes a point where a player has to actually play in meaningful games. I just don’t really think 5 summer league games or 10 mpg during the season is going to make or break a player….

and I think the answer of how valuable it is comes on a team to team basis. I think for veteran teams who are getting late picks and what not it is probably not of the biggest concern, but for a team that is young and still looking to plug holes and see their recent players in a competitive setting under team control then it becomes more important.

It sounds like this is a cost cutting measure rather than a basketball decision and that seems worrisome for the long term health of the franchise. If the Clippers can empty out the change purse and field a summer league team than it is probably not the most expensive thing in the world. If this came from an established, quality franchise then it would be thought provoking, but at this point it seems like ridiculous penny pinching.

where they can showcase their talents for other NBA teams, the D-league or Europe.