Kelly Targeting Import Guards at NBA Summer League

As pre-season creeps closer and with two import spots remaining on the roster, Phoenix head coach Mike Kelly and CEO Tommy Greer have made the trip to Las Vegas for NBA Summer League.

NBA teams will trial different summer rosters over the 10-day tournament, which can include rookies, sophomores, NBL-listed players, and G League players.

"Our main focus while at Summer League is recruiting the best talent available to us. Building relationships with agencies, NBA teams and the broader international basketball community and connecting with ownership," said Greer.

Kelly is excited to be on the ground in Vegas to see some of the talent he has had his eyes on in the flesh as the NBL to NBA pathway for players strengthens each year.

"There's a lot that goes into signing players. Although a lot of time is put into watching a player's film, it's even more important to find out about them as people. We try to find out as much information about players as possible so we can make a good decision," Kelly commented. 

"I think the NBL has always had a great mix of imports, but I think people's interest in our league is at an all-time high. The NBL is definitely a pathway to the NBA, and people are excited by that."

(Kelly is excited to see the talent in Summer League as he scouts potential imports for the upcoming season and beyond.)

"Being on the ground and at the coal face of the Summer League where players and agents are making decisions (in the moment) is critical to ensuring we give ourselves the best opportunity to secure the best possible talent for the roster," Greer added.

With the local roster near completion and a plethora of forwards to choose from, import guards are the focus for Kelly to help balance his side and add flexibility to the line-up on both ends of the floor.

"We are looking at guards. It's important that the players we bring in add to and complement the group. I think it's essential that we continue to build our defence and add shooting and someone that will help run the offence," Kelly said.

(Greer and Kelly will catch up with Phoenix ownership group led by Romie Chaudhari (centre) while in Las Vegas.)

Kelly and Greer will also meet up with members of the US based Phoenix ownership group led by Romie Chaudhari to continue building the Phoenix reputation globally.

"We are an internationally owned franchise, and Summer League provides a great opportunity to connect with our ownership group in a setting where they can provide great value through high-level introductions and connections which can help with recruiting," Greer commented.

"I had a good conversation on the phone with Romie. He knows everything that's going on with the team. I'm looking forward to getting to know the whole ownership group and hearing their thoughts," said Kelly.

Stay tuned via Phoenix socials and website for updates from Summer League when they come to hand.

Phoenix Media (06/07/23)