The Drew League has seen some of the best players in NBA history participate in its games, and that tradition has continued this summer.
Fans of the pro-am league, which was established in 1973, have witnessed the performances of superstars such as Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and LeBron James, who made his Drew League return this year. The four-time NBA MVP electrified the crowd and brought an incredible amount of energy to King Drew Magnet High School in Los Angeles.
"Just to see the kids out there being able to see LeBron James come play in Compton, like, you cannot beat that," DeMar DeRozan, who played on the same team as James, said during a recent appearance on Draymond Green's podcast. "The atmosphere was one of a kind. It was special, a couple moments where I just looked around.
"You see kids, just the smiles and the excitement on their faces. That's something that they're gonna remember forever, and that's what it's all about."
"Just to see the kids out there being able to see @KingJames come play in Compton, you cannot beat that"
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) July 28, 2022
—@DeMar_DeRozan speaks with @Money23Green on the significance of LeBron playing at the Drew League pic.twitter.com/ekn4vLu221
But James isn't the only one who has made a pit stop at the Drew League. Here's a rundown of the stars who have made appearances in Drew League games this year.
MORE: Here are the NBA players we most want to see in the Drew League
Tracking NBA players at Drew League
LeBron James and DeMar DeRozan (July 16)
DeRozan is a Drew League veteran, but James hadn't participated in Drew League competition since 2011. He didn't disappoint in his return, leading the MMV Cheaters to a 104-102 win over Black Pearl Elite.
James totaled 42 points, 16 rebounds and four steals. DeRozan scored 30 points and grabbed 14 rebounds.
Trae Young and John Collins (July 23)
Young and Collins brought their chemistry to the Drew League a week after James and DeRozan joined forces. The Hawks teammates provided plenty of entertainment with Black Pearl Elite, but they didn't get a win, falling to the Citi Team Blazers by a final score of 103-100.
Young finished with 22 points, seven assists and seven steals. Collins added 16 points and 12 rebounds.
Isaiah Thomas (July 30)
Thomas pulled up to the Drew League and reminded everyone he can still get buckets.
The two-time All-Star was up to his usual tricks, pouring in 45 points and dishing out five assists in Ghost's 103-85 win over All In.
Isaiah Thomas put on a show in the @DrewLeague today, FILLING IT UP with 45 PTS!@isaiahthomas: 45 PTS, 5 AST, 7 3PM pic.twitter.com/HueDTvOqay
— NBA (@NBA) July 31, 2022
Paul George (TBD)
During a July 27 Twitch stream, George revealed that he plans on returning to the Drew League for the first time since 2014.
"Be on the lookout. I'll be in the Drew League," George said. "I'll pop up one of these weekends in the Drew."
Paul George announcing his return to the Drew League during a Twitch stream 🔥 pic.twitter.com/9yQBmYej9A
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) July 28, 2022
The Athletic's Law Murray reported that George could take the floor at some point in August.
Drew League schedule
Here is the full Drew League schedule for this weekend:
Week 8 of #TheDrew tips off Saturday.
— Drew League (@DrewLeague) July 29, 2022
🗓 Here’s a look at the full schedule.
All games will be streamed live on the @NBA app! 📲 pic.twitter.com/gMtOf2sGXp
How to watch Drew League games
- Live streams: NBA.com | NBA app | Caffeine TV app
Basketball fans can stream Drew League games via NBA.com, the NBA app or the Caffeine TV app. On the day of games, NBA.com and NBA app pages will be updated with links to live streams. (If you are using the NBA app, you can find Drew League streams under the games tab.)
The NBA will also share full replays of games and highlights on its various platforms.
