It is the dog days of summer, which means there are not many sports happening outside of Major League Baseball, which is still in its regular season. Football is still over a month away, but basketball fans have something to watch as the NBA Summer League started its season this past Friday. The league serves the purpose of letting rookies get their feet wet or to let other young players get some run to show either their squad or another what they have to offer in hopes of earning a way onto the floor. All 30 teams will play at least five games between July 10th and July 17th, and Mississippi State fans have three former Bulldogs to keep track of: Tolu Smith, Garrison Brooks, and Cameron Matthews, who have all been in action this summer already.
Smith spent four seasons in maroon and white, and during his time as a Bulldog, he was known as a double-double machine. He finished his career with 34 double-doubles, and well, not much has changed for the Bay St Louis, Mississippi native. Smith plays for the Detroit Pistons, and they played on opening day against the New York Knicks, and the former Bulldog drew the start. He racked up 16 points, two assists, two blocks, and 11 rebounds in 26 minutes while going 6-11 from the floor and helped lead the Pistons to a 104-86 win over the Knicks. Brooks also plays for the Pistons, but he did not see action in the opening game.
Matthews, or "Mook," spent five years in the maroon and white and is one of the few Bulldogs to make the NCAA Tournament three times. The Olive Branch, Mississippi native’s progression was impressive, and it was a reason why the Houston Rockets decided to see what he had. Matthews drew the start for the Rockets in the opening game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Matthews played 20 minutes, grabbed three rebounds, got two steals, got an assist, and racked up four personal fouls. The Rockets narrowly lost to the Clippers 95-92.
On the second day of action, the former Bulldogs would face each other as the Rockets and Pistons tangled up today. Before the game tipped off the Rockets announced the official signing of Matthews. He played 28 minutes in his second game and was 0-6 from the field, but he did make a free throw, grab five rebounds, and got an assist and a block. Smith led the Pistons to a 98-83 win as he grabbed a dozen boards, had four assists, and blocked two shots while scoring 15 points. Once again, Brooks did not see any action.
Matthews and the Rockets will be back in action tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. as they will take on the Atlanta Hawks. The game can be found on NBA TV or ESPN+. Brooks and Smith will get a day off before their next game as they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on July 15th at 3:30; the game can be found on NBA TV or ESPN+