Phoenix Suns' Jared Dudley finds NBA-quality games in Las Vegas 'series'

Dudley said he and 40 to 60 other NBA players will participate in a "Competitive Training Series," starting Monday and running through a Sept. 23 championship game at Impact near the Las Vegas Strip. The series, intentionally not called a league for contract purposes, will feature three to four games daily that will be open to the public with ticket proceeds going to charity. Impact plans to stream the games live.

"It's something for guys to work out and improve their games," Dudley said. "Usually, you go back to your teams in September, lift and play. We already have 30-40 players here working out. You train all day and then we open it to the public for games. It'll be like summer league. You'll have by far the most pros here of any league."

Dudley said the field of players will include Stephen Curry, Chauncey Billups, Al Harrington, John Wall, Zach Randolph, Stephen Jackson, Tayshaun Prince, Jermaine O'Neal, Austin Daye, DeMar DeRozan,Kyle Lowry, Eric Maynor and J.J. Hickson. Dudley said he is trying to recruit teammates Channing Frye, Josh Childress and Aaron Brooks to also play in the officiated series.

"You get an actual game feel," Dudley said, comparing it to other summer leagues that don't have NBA big men. "Instead of having to finish in the lane against LeBron James, I'll be finishing against Jermaine O'Neal."

Dudley has three-hour sessions at Impact six days a week in the off-season for shooting, playing games and lifting weights. The clientele, such as Rudy Gay last week, challenges him as he aspires to start next season for Phoenix. A slot could be open at off-guard with the Suns expected to waive Vince Carter once a collective-bargaining agreement is set, if not come up with a creative trade alternative for him.

"My mind-set is to come in and compete to start unless they bring in an All-Star player," Dudley said.