Is the NBA Summer League Predictive of Performance for NBA Rookies?
Department
Exercise Science and Sport Management
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1-2021
Abstract
Using data from 2006 to 2019, we show that performance in the NBA Summer League can be used to predict regular season performance for NBA rookies. This result is indicated by general performance (win shares) and also by individual performance measures; for example, players who score more points than anticipated in the Summer League are also more proficient scorers as NBA rookies. Our findings suggest that NBA executives and coaches should use performance in the Summer League to inform personnel decisions. This study is the first of its nature and will hopefully encourage others to investigate the NBA Summer League.
Journal Title
Journal of Sports Economics
Journal ISSN
15270025
Volume
22
Issue
2
First Page
164
Last Page
182
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1177/1527002520959138
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