Mike Moore runs a high school recruiting service called Moore Management out of Southern California. He also runs the OC Pride, one of the top AAU basketball teams in that state.
He also thinks Las Vegas is ready for the NBA.
Moore is on the side of the league expanding into Southern Nevada, as was most at the NBA Summer League when inquired about the potential move on Friday.
“Las Vegas is the perfect fit for a team,” Moore said. “It could be like Detroit, where all the professional teams are within (shouting distance) of each other. Would be the same here. I think the city would support it.”
You know the deal by now: The timeline of trying to make a decision on expansion is year’s end. Las Vegas and Seattle are the two markets being considered. There haven’t been any votes taken by owners.
But that hasn’t stopped many from having an opinion on if Las Vegas should be granted a franchise.
Scott is a basketball fan and passionate follower of the Michigan State Spartans, so he likes defense and rebounding. He also believes it would be a mistake for the league to land here, or anywhere if it means expanding.
“I just think too many teams dilute the talent of the league,” he said. “You watch (Summer League) and it’s sloppy. I know they haven’t played much together, but they’re not hitting (many shots). I come for the defense. That’s my vibe. I know this is like the minor leagues, where it’s about development, but (expansion) would just dilute the talent in (the NBA).”
It was different for Henry Domercant, Summer League coach of the Chicago Bulls.
“We’ve seen the success of the WNBA’s Aces,” he said. “I think this is definitely one of those cities that would be good to have an NBA team. With the energy and atmosphere here, it would be a positive thing.
“I love the league. I’m all for expansion. It gives more players an opportunity. This market is also well known. It’s a tourist attraction. An NBA team would only add to that.”
The Summer League in its 22nd season will set records this year for attendance and merchandise and social media engagements. Basketball interest is higher than ever here.
Rowland hails from Colorado and is on the side of those who think expansion is a good idea.
“If they want to fully capitalize on the (game’s growth), like they say they do, they should be in Las Vegas,” he said. “It makes too much sense. I can’t see where it would ever hurt them. Las Vegas is expanding. Players come and go but fans love their teams. It’s what keeps franchises going, and that would happen with a team here.”
Wilson shut down
Another one of the main faces in Summer League was shut down on Friday.
Caleb Wilson, the fourth overall pick of the Bulls in the recent NBA Draft and a star of Summer League, didn’t play in the team’s consolation game loss against Cleveland.
There were few if any better players the last week than Wilson, who averaged 23.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in four games.
He also shot 50 percent from the field, including 42 percent from 3-point range.
Wilson spoke out earlier after stars like No. 1 overall pick A.J. Dybantsa of the Wizards and others were shut down earlier in Summer League.
“I feel like I’m different than all of them,” Wilson told reporters. “I can’t say they don’t enjoy basketball. But I enjoy basketball. Like, I love this. … So, I’m going to play as much as I can. As much as my team will let me. I’m not the type to go away from a game because I don’t feel good because I know in the NBA I’m not going to feel good some games. As long as I don’t have an injury or something wrong with me, I’m going to play every time because people come from all over the world to see me play. So, I don’t want to let them down, too.”
Contact Ed Graney at egraney@reviewjournal.com. Follow @edgraney on X.
