NBA: Summer League Begins, Max Melo, Bosh Begins

Nerlens Noel starts off the 2014 NBA Summer League. Photo credit: NBA 

Today in the NBA we learned that Summer League does matter. Plus Carmelo Anthony has offers he can't refuse while Chris Bosh starts the process of being a free agent.

by +Rodney Fisher

Good Ole' Summer League

Now that the US is out of the World Cup and the fireworks of Independence Day finally go off, the NBA starts its short summer league season in Orlando. Not a big deal to some, but when you have a deep rookie class making their debut it becomes a big deal. Nerlens Noel made his debut for the first time since being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers over a year ago. He looked ready to play, pouring in 19 points in a losing effort to Victor Oladipo and the Orlando Magic. Prized point guards Marcus Smart and Shabazz Napier opened against each other, but did not look as impressive.

Impressive belonged to Detroit Pistons rookie Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. He dazzled everyone with a 26-point shooting display and six steals.

An Offer You Can't Refuse

Although Carmelo Anthony visited a total of five teams this week, only two offered him a max deal. Those two are the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks. Every other team, for good reason, insisted he take a pay cut in order to fill out roster competitively. The Lakers may have been last to come to the table, but the idea of adding Melo with some room to add another top free agent does not seem bad. He is expected to make his decision before Monday.

Bosh Options

Chris Bosh is reportedly taking LeBron James' agent meeting with other teams serious. His agent as started to make some call backs. Bosh would like to get more money, as close to max as possible, if he has to pack his bags and leave South Beach. "Sources" also say that both James and Bosh have considered pairing up together even if it is with another team. If that is the plan, then they better move fast because several teams are not going to wait long after July 10th to have talks. Pat Riley has continued to talk with free agents about joining the Heat, including Luol Deng, Pau Gasol, Shawn Marion, and Vince Carter. The goal is grab an attractive player that would keep the "Big 3" together.

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