NEW YORK, July 2 -- NBA SummerHoops, a series of eight NBA summer league games featuring NBA rookies, free agents and other players, will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN2 beginning Tuesday, July 17, with the series' tip-off game. The televised games will be live doubleheaders on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The University of Massachusetts at Boston and Salt Lake Community College in Utah will host the games for the second consecutive year. Talent will be announced at a later date.

Following is the entire television schedule (subject to change; all times Eastern):

  • Tuesday, July 17: Indiana 65, San Antonio 61 (ESPN2)
  • Tuesday, July 17: Celtics 73, Wizards 57 (ESPN)
  • Thursday, July 19: Philadelphia 82, Milwaukee 73 (ESPN2)
  • Thursday, July 19: New Jersey 73, Knicks 65 (ESPN2)
  • Tuesday, July 24: Portland 86, Cleveland 72
  • Tuesday, July 24: Denver 67, Utah 64
  • Thursday, July 26: Phoenix vs. Toronto, 2 p.m. (ESPN2)**
  • Thursday, July 26: Houston vs. Utah, 10 p.m. (ESPN2)**

    "This slate of summer league games allows us to showcase some of the world's best aspiring basketball players to NBA enthusiasts during the offseason," said Gregg Winik, Executive Vice President of Programming and Executive Producer, NBA Entertainment. "ESPN has been an excellent partner in SummerHoops and other ventures, helping to broaden the reach of basketball around the globe."

    "NBA SummerHoops adds to the impressive slate of ESPN's live basketball programming, and extends our global relationship with the NBA, which includes NBA programming across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic, ESPN Radio, ESPN International, and ESPN.com," said Will Staeger, director, brand management, ESPN. "The NBA SummerHoops games provide our viewers with an all-access scouting pass that allows them to learn what it takes for players to make the cut in pro ball. The games should appeal to the die-hard fans who crave NBA basketball during the league's offseason."

    Coaches from the National Basketball Development League (NBDL) -- the NBA's minor league set to debut in November 2001 -- will be on hand at SummerHoops and will be featured in off-court interviews during ESPN broadcasts. In an agreement announced earlier this year, a combined 24 NBDL games will be broadcast on ESPN and ESPN2 during the upcoming season. NBA coaches and staff in attendance at SummerHoops will also be highlighted during telecasts.

    * Games played at University of Massachusetts at Boston
    ** Games played at Salt Lake Community College in Utah