Home/NBA

via Getty

via Getty

The Summer League has grown massively in popularity. It’s no longer a forgotten pre-season tradition. In fact, top NBA stars and legends have been showing up to support the young prospects. From Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Stephen Curry, several of the sport’s brightest stars have graced the Vegas crowd this year. A few factors have contributed to the league’s meteoric rise in popularity. And no, the answer is not Victor Wembanyama!

First, it gives fans a chance to see rising stars up close and personal. Secondly, teams get to use the Summer League to scout potential new members. And one such player might be on the rise.

European undrafted star catches 2016 champion’s eye

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Frankie Ferrari, the talented Italian point guard, has been making waves in the NBA Summer League as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite going undrafted in 2019, Ferrari has seized the opportunity to showcase his skills on a bigger stage. He recently attracted comments from a former teammate of LeBron James, suggesting that he might be going from undrafted to unforgettable!

via Imago

During the first quarter of a Summer League contest between the Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Lakers, former Cavs player Richard Jefferson praised Ferrari for his outstanding play.? In the postgame interview, the interviewer remarked, “This man absolutely fanned out over you,” while pointing the 27-year-old to Jefferson.

Also read: 48 Hours After Partying With Michael Jordan and Samul L. Jackson, Magic Johnson Runs Into $850 Million Rich Artist During His Italy Vacation

It’s a testament to his ability to wow casual observers as well as NBA veterans. A reporter asked Ferrari if he would be interested in trading jerseys with Jefferson after the game, informing him of Jefferson’s high compliments.

He must have a Ferrari jersey,” the reporter added.

Ferrari’s talents and influence on the court have been recognized by Jefferson. ?

This gesture further underscores the recognition and respect Frankie Ferrari has earned during his time in the Summer League, as he continues to make a name for himself and leave a lasting impression on the basketball community.

The Summer League: a launchpad for emerging talent?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Many NBA players, including Kyle Kuzma, Hassan Whiteside, Austin Reaves and Fred VanVleet have credited the NBA Summer League with helping them earn permanent roster positions.

These athletes showed their adaptability and potential to make significant contributions during the Summer League. And they eventually received their reward for it.

Watch this story:Whats Next for Gervonta Davis After Being Released from Jail?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Each of these athletes was able to grab the eye of an NBA club, make the team’s roster, and eventually find success in the NBA thanks to the opportunity presented by the Summer League.?

At 27 years old, Ferrari is already up there in age. But the NBA has proven that age is nothing but a number. From the King‘s ability to seemingly counteract time to Andre Ingram’s inspiring late debut. In the words of Kevin Garnett, “Anything is possible!”