There are many highlighted appearances in the 2022 Drew League events, including those of DeMar DeRozan, Isaiah Thomas, Trae Young, and legend LeBron James who came in Week 3 to Week 6. Among several pro-am leagues in the U.S., the league has become more popular over the years for star-studded appearances and interesting performances.
Drew League Week 3-6 highlights
On July 16, James returned to the league after a decade-long hiatus. He was on the MMV Cheaters, teaming up with DeRozan. They won 104-102 over the Black Pearl. The game’s atmosphere was heightened when James argued with the referees over a call.
In that game, James managed to score 42 points with four steals and 16 rebounds. Meanwhile, DeRozan collected 30 points with 14 rebounds. Observers praised the chemistry between the two players.
On July 23, Young participated in the league, playing for the Black Pearl team. He teamed up with fellow Atlanta Hawks player John Collins as they faced the Citi Team Blazers.
The Hawks duo made the Saturday game by performing a slam dunk that observers called “flashy.” They showed their 3-point range accuracy multiple times in the game too. However, the Black Pearl lost against the opponent 103-100.
On July 30, two-time NBA All-Star Thomas got the chance to play in the league for the Ghost. He partnered with former forward Corey Maggette on the team.
Thomas scored seven 3-pointers in the game. In total, he gained 45 points with two rebounds and five assists. The Ghost won the game over the All In 103-85.
On August 6, DeRozan appeared in the league for the second time. He came with his Chicago Bulls teammate Patrick Williams, representing the MMV Cheaters against the Young Citi.
Cheaters come back from a huge deficit 102-94! @DeMar_DeRozan was player of the game!
— Drew League (@DrewLeague) August 7, 2022
In this game, DeRozan was dubbed “player of the game” as he amassed 36 points and six rebounds. William recorded 14 points and 14 rebounds. The MMV Cheaters triumphed over the opponent 102-94.
The league has yet to announce the new NBA additions for the next games. Usually, the announcement is made close to the scheduled time.
Previously, reports mentioned the possibility of Kyrie Irving joining the league. However, he has not shown up in any game.
About the league
Established in 1973 by Alvin WIlls, Drew League is a Los Angeles-based pro-am basketball league held every summer during the offseason. Oris Smiley took over this nonprofit league in 1985, growing it from a six-team league to a 10-team league.
In the past, there were many star players participating in the league including Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant and Philadelphia 76ers’ James Harden. According to ESPN, the league managed to bring in prominent talents in the NBA that some public figures would come to watch the games.
This league is popular among NBA players because it keeps them fit for the next season’s games. Some players, such as DeRozan, regularly came to the league every season to perform.
The league does not only recruit NBA players, but also international players and those playing at college and high school levels.
In the past few years, Charles R. Drew Middle School’s gym has been hosting the games.