The lockout has put the NBA offseason calendar on hold. But it hasn’t stopped basketball from being played. Last weekend, DeMarcus Cousins put in work in the Drew League vs. Goodman League showdown. And just yesterday, Jimmer Fredette announced a two-game exhibition showcase in Utah featuring some of his fellow 2011 draft-mates.
Now Impact Basketball in Las Vegas is planning to put together a pros-only league that may include three members of the Kings. Hoopsworld’s Alex Kennedy speculates that Isaiah Thomas, Tyreke Evans and J.J. Hickson, who’ve all trained at Impact’s facilities in Vegas, could participate.
Joe Abunassar, the founder and head trainer of Impact Basketball, confirmed that the league will kick off in mid-September, likely during the week following Labor Day. Two games will be played each day and the league is expected to last at least two weeks long. There is a possibility that the games will be streamed online.
“It will start in September, with two games a day,” Jared Dudley told HOOPSWORLD. “There will be a blend of all-stars, veterans and rookies. We’ll play by NBA rules – have a 24-second shot clock and everything. You heard of the Drew League and Goodman League, but the difference with this league is that it’s not a pro-am. There will just be NBA pros. It really gets guys ready for the NBA season. I’m excited every summer because at Impact, you only can get better. Now, the games are there to put what you learn into action on the court.”
Kennedy also mentions a dozen other high-profile pros who might possibly participate, including Chauncey Billups, Paul Pierce, John Wall, Ron Artest and Kevin Garnett.
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