UCLA Basketball: Bruins Alum 'Name to Watch' in NBA Summer League

Ricardo Sandoval | Jul 8, 2024

Jul 11, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Amari Bailey (17) shoots the ball against Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Rayan Rupert (72) during the second half at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports / Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

Many young men will look to make a name for themselves in the upcoming 2024 Las Vegas Summer League. Summer league gives those who are scratching and clawing for a shit in the NBA the opportunity to showcase what they can do in front of many scouts all over the league.

It's an excellent opportunity for those looking for their nitch in the NBA or the right team to play for. It varies for many, and one former Bruin who fits that narrative is a guard, Amari Bailey.

Bailey will participate in his second Summer League, and he was listed as a name to watch for as the games commence on July 12.

Amari Bailey is a name to watch. 2023 2nd round pick by Charlotte Hornets. Played 65 minutes as a rookie on a two-way contract. Went to Sierra Canyon, only 20 years old. Played on a good UCLA team as a shooting guard but I bet he gets a look at point guard. 6'3", 6'7" wingspan pic.twitter.com/jSjtyREuJ0

— Law Murray 🛝 (@LawMurrayTheNU) July 7, 2024

The former five-star recruit has yet to find his groove in the NBA. Bailey will enter his second year in the league after being selected by the Charlotte Hornets in the second round for the 2023 NBA Draft with the 41st overall pick. Bailey made his NBA debut last season, but he only played in 10 games, averaging 2.3 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 0.7 assists while shooting 33.3 percent from the field.

The former Bruin has had a tough time, and the hope is that this year's Summer League will help him tremendously. The 6-foot-3 guard was named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team and a McDonald's All-American in 2022. Bailey has yet to reach the heights he was projected to in the NBA. We'll see if Bailey can turn things around this summer.

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