LAS VEGAS – If you ever wanted to meet an NBA legend, current star, or future superstar, you have the opportunity.
The first-ever NBA Con, a three-day event that ends on Sunday at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, offers fans a unique cultural experience and is held in conjunction with the NBA Summer League.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Isiah Thomas, Trae Young, Tyrese Halliburton, Anthony Edwards, Scott Henderson, Keegan Murray, and of course Victor Wimpanyama were just some of the NBA players past and present who took part on Saturday.
And if you’re into art, music, fashion, podcasts, interactive basketball workouts, and on-court opportunities, the event has you covered. Do you want to own a piece of NBA history? It features limited edition apparel and collectibles, which include sections of purchasable NBA stadiums.
“NBA Con is for every fan,” said Joey Graziano, head of event strategy and development for the NBA. “It combines our players and fans’ passion for the game with their genuine interests off the field to create unique experiences that only NBA fandom can achieve.”
But the NBA legend and first pick of the year was the main attraction on Saturday afternoon.
In a session moderated by Thomas, former Pistons greats, Abdul-Jabbar and Wimpanyama discussed the state of the game and what it would look like in the future.
When Thomas asked him how the game had changed, Abdul-Jabbar did not hesitate to say that the “wildness” on the court was never what it used to be.
“That’s good for you,” Abdul-Jabbar said, looking at Wimpanyama.
Abdul-Jabbar also mentioned how the style of the game and the players have changed.
“We were overcoached. … I wanted to bring in the ball (like Wimpanyama did in the opening game of the Summer League) but I wasn’t allowed to. If I had, I would have had splinters in my ass (from sitting on the bench)”.
Abdul-Jabbar told Wimpanyama not to forget the players who paved the way.
“I am grateful to the men who came before me,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “Oscar Robertson, Bill Russell. … Did you hear about the Cleveland Summit? I was there with Muhammad Ali. … You will have the opportunity to meet people like that and make a difference.
“You may find it hard to believe, but the guys had to work in car dealerships in the summer just to get extra money,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “Isn’t that crazy?”
Wembanyama would focus on the former NBA champ whenever he spoke. Like a child listening to his father, Wimpanyama shook his head up and down when Abdul-Jabbar gave advice, which included saving and investing money.
“In 20 years’ time, you’ll be glad I told you, too,” Abdul-Jabbar said.
Wimpanyama wasn’t overwhelmed by the moment, his first few weeks in the league or his lackluster offensive performance in the San Antonio Spurs’ Summer League opener Friday night.
“I have a responsibility towards all the young fans,” Wimpanyama said. “The best way to give back for all the love you’ve received is to win rings.”
Every Tottenham fan present cheered loudly.
Abdul-Jabbar and Thomas also emphasized the positives of Wimpanyama’s opening match.
“Do you know how hard it is to block five shots in a game?” Thomas asked several times, glancing at Wimpanyama (who had five in Friday’s game) and then the crowd.
Abdul-Jabbar agreed, saying, “Your teammates will be glad to have you.”
For Sunday event tickets, visit NBACon.com or NBAEvents.com. Admission starts at $30 for kids and $60 for adults with other MVP packages being more expensive. And even if you’re attending the summer league games, there’s a free shuttle between the Thomas & Mack Center and Mandalay Bay that leaves each location every 30 minutes from noon to 8pm on Sundays.
(Top photo by Victor Wimpanyama, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Isiah Thomas: Tom O’Connor/NBAE via Getty Images)