Now that the NBA Draft 2018 has concluded, the next step in the process for rookies is the NBA Summer League. Each summer, teams send their younger stars and other veterans to gain valuable experience in games. The summer Basketball games will feature all 30 teams and take place in Sacramento, Utah, and Las Vegas in July. However, at least a few of the latest draft lottery picks look like they won't be participating.

Doncic likely to sit out

The NBA website recently reported that the Dallas Mavericks will hold their new rookie, Luka Doncic, out of the summer league competition.

The website cited ESPN's Tim MacMahon, who brought the news from a Mavs source. Reportedly, the team is taking into account Doncic's lengthy EuroLeague season and trying not to "overwork" their new prospect.

It appears to be a smart protective measure, based on how much praise Doncic has received coming into the league. He was drafted at No. 3 this past Thursday (June 21) in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. However, the Dallas Mavs drafted Trae Young at No.

5 and then traded him to Atlanta for Doncic. Now, the international star will bring his skill set to the NBA, but fans will have to wait until possibly the preseason to see those skills in the US' pro league.

Porter Jr. is 'unsure' about summer league

One of the biggest risks in the recent NBA draft was Missouri's Michael Porter Jr., even though he's considered a major talent.

Still, he sat out most of his freshman season this past year for Mizzou, due to a back issue and surgery. That issue carried over into the NBA, causing his draft stock to drop. The Denver Nuggets were the team to finally take a gamble on Porter Jr. in the draft. However, his status for the summer league and the upcoming season is unclear right now.

The Undefeated's Marc J. Spears reported that Denver Nuggets president Josh Kroenke said he was "uncertain" if Michael Porter Jr. would play in the summer league, or in the upcoming season. While that's bad news on its face, it's also becoming something of the norm with NBA teams as they look to make sure their prospects are healthy.

Philadelphia has been setting the recent example. After having Joel Embiid out for most of his first two seasons, he's turned into a major star. Ben Simmons was supposed to be a rookie two seasons ago, but sat out his first season and participated this past season. He hasn't started out too badly after being sidelined.

Summer League brings risks

While some teams use the NBA Summer League games to evaluate their newest additions or returning players, it brings risks.

Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball were both a part of last summer's games for the Sixers and Lakers, respectively, but each ended up having some injury woes. So, while many teams will audition their latest draft picks, it may be in limited amounts of time.

As far as the situations with Luka Doncic and Michael Porter Jr. go, the Mavs and Nuggets seem like they're making the right calls. There's no reason to jeopardize a player's future in the league, especially when it's the regular season and playoff games that count the most. Dallas and Denver are banking on these players being healthy as future contributors to their success.

The NBA Summer League tips off in Las Vegas on Friday, July 6, with plenty of other players set to bring their best to Cox Pavilion and the Thomas & Mack Arena.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED