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Maurice Sutton was last spotted suiting up for the Tulsa 66ers in the NBA's Developmental League. The 6'11" center has now been announced as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder's roster for the Orlando Summer League.
Playing in Tulsa obviously helped Sutton to get on the Thunder's radar, and as a nearly-seven-footer he is a player who is very likely to get a fair chance to earn a spot on a team. The summer leagues aren't a lock for players to make it, however, and the Thunder are likely just kicking the tires on a number of prospects when deciding who to invite for the summer. That said, a strong performance against some of the drafted players in attendance could make the difference -- as it did for Maalik Wayns.
He is one of three 66ers that OKC is bringing to Florida.
Unlike the Las Vegas summer league, the eastern version is not open to the public, but media and some Magic season ticket holders will be allowed to get in.
Each team will be scheduled to play five games with the two best teams ending in a championship game. Last summer, the Thunder overcame the Rockets for the Orlando title.
In addition to Oklahoma City and hosts Orlando Magic, the league will be filled with teams fielded by the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, Memphis Grizzlies and Philadelphia 76ers. Teams normally scout both their own players and the un-signed players on other rosters as well, which would allow Sutton to get himself in front of at least one third of the league's executives during the next week.
Orlando summer league games begin tomorrow (July 5th) and run through July 11th.