Travers one step closer to sealing NBA spot with Cavaliers

Luke Travers is the last Australian standing in the NBA Summer League after his Cleveland Cavaliers stamped their ticket into the final with an overtime win against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday (AEST).

Heading into the pre-season tournament for the second time, the Perth product had his eyes on one of two final two-way spots on the Cleveland squad’s roster.

In the starting five for the semi-final against the Nets, the 21-year-old posted 11 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and four blocks in a great individual contribution from just under 35 minutes of court time.

At halftime the score was locked up at 45-45 and at the final buzzer nothing could separate the sides, sending the game to overtime with the scoreboard 94-94.

In Summer League rules the winner in overtime is the first to seven points greater than the final regulation score, 101 on this occasion.

The Ohio outfit took the game 102-99, stamping their ticket into the final on Tuesday.

That clash will be against the Houston Rockets, who won the other semi-final against the Utah Jazz 115-101.

The final sets up a clash of styles between a team that loves to score and another that takes great pride in its rebound game.

While the Rockets average 109 points per game, the Cavaliers are going at 45.2 rebounds per game.

For Travers it will be his final chance to work out with the Cavaliers and showcase what he could offer them this season.

After being the 56th pick in the 2022 NBA draft by the Cavs, he had his first stint in Summer League where he averaged 9.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game.

Fresh off signing a three-year deal with Melbourne United, current $4.50 favourites to win this season’s NBL Championship title, he is sure to have some tough decisions to make off his Summer League performances.

The pre-season tournament has become a breeding ground for NBL players looking to make the NBA, while NBL teams often use it for scouting imports to fill out their rosters.

This year’s edition showcased one of the largest contingents from the Australian league with 17 current and former NBL stars out to impress the 30 NBA teams.

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