Fans got a tease of an NBA game last weekend. Nearly 600 people packed Nicoson Hall at the University of Indianapolis for an opportunity to see NBA stars with Indiana ties Zach Randolph, Gordon Hayward, Eric Gordon, Mike Conley and Jeff Teague, along with John Wall from the Washington Wizards, DeMarcus Cousins with the Sacramento Kings and Jeff Green of the Boston Celtics in the Ball For It All Classic.
The game was part of a fascinating offseason of summer league games that have become an alternative for players and fans since the NBA locked out its players in July. Carlos Knox, organizer of the Indy Pro Am league that features Gordon, Randolph and George Hill along with Miles Rawles, organizer of the Goodman League that includes players Wall and Kevin Durant put together the classic. The Indy Pro Am league has been playing its games at IUPUI.
“I respect the NBA,” Knox said. “I’m hoping they can get a deal done soon but this is a great way to end the summer for (Indianapolis).”
A deal to put NBA players back in arenas took a serious blow last week when the league canceled training camp and 43 preseason games, including three Indiana Pacers games.
“I’m nervous about the season but I’m just trying to keep my mind focused on working out and trying to get better,” said Wall. “It’s tough knowing that we’re not going to have training camp. The way things are moving it looks like the season isn’t going to start on time.”
Sports agent Mike Conley Sr., who attended the game and represents his son, Mike Conley (Memphis Grizzlies) and Teague (Atlanta Hawks), said he advised his clients a couple years beforehand that a lockout was possible and to save money.
“We wanted them to be prepared and not have any hardships,” he said. “Now, the concern is working out. The hardest part about working out is knowing what kind of condition you should be in and when because you don’t want to peak too soon. You want to be ready when the time comes.”
Conley said while watching the game he noticed that some of the players were in “decent shape, but not game shape.”
“The main thing is to be in shape and stay healthy,” he said. “The season will come when it comes. I think there will be a season and I’m optimistic that it will be on time.”
In the meantime, summer league games have been beneficial in several ways. It has allowed fans to watch NBA-type games at low cost, players have been able to be seen in their community as well as stay in shape running up and down a gym with fellow players.
“It’s a great way to stay in shape and pros get to play with other pros,” said Randolph. “All we can do is let those in charge of the situation, handle the situation.”
