The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League is winding down, offering fans and analysts a promising glimpse at the league's future stars. The 2024 draft class, alongside a mix of second-year players and hopeful talents, took to the court with aspirations of carving out their places in the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season. Here’s a detailed look at the standout performances and stories from this year’s summer league.
Rookies in the Spotlight
Leading the highlights was Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Sheppard showcased his scoring prowess, averaging an impressive 20 points per game while also contributing 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds over four games. His dynamic play has Rockets fans excited about what's to come.
On the other hand, the No. 2 overall pick, Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr, had a mixed outing. Sarr struggled significantly in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers, shooting a dismal 0 of 15 from the floor. Despite this setback, he managed to average 5.5 points per game during his summer league stint.
Zaccharie Risacher, the top overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks, played only two games but displayed a balanced performance by finishing 11 of 27 from the field. His brief appearances were enough to give Hawks fans a taste of his potential.
A Mix of Triumphs and Struggles
Not every top prospect had a smooth summer league. Ron Holland, the Detroit Pistons' No. 5 pick, had a tough time finding his range from beyond the arc, finishing 4 of 17 in three-point shooting. Similarly, Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, struggled with his shooting, going 1 of 10 from beyond the arc across three games, where he averaged 9.0 points per game.
On a brighter note, Donovan Clingan, the No. 7 pick by the Portland Trail Blazers, excelled defensively, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. He even managed to show his range by making three three-pointers during the league.
Unexpected Standouts
The Summer League also saw some unexpected standout performances. Rob Dillingham, the No. 8 pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves, posted a team-high 25 points and 12 assists in a game against the Magic, showcasing his playmaking abilities.
Another notable performance came from Matas Buzelis, the Chicago Bulls' No. 11 pick. Buzelis played in five games, with his standout performance coming against the Warriors, where he scored 28 points, grabbed five rebounds, and made two steals.
Injuries and Absentees
Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game, and the Summer League was no exception. Zach Edey, the No. 9 pick by the Memphis Grizzlies, suffered an ankle injury against the Pelicans. Before his injury, he had shown promise in the Salt Lake City Summer League, recording 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks.
Two other first-round picks, Nikola Topić of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Devin Carter of the Sacramento Kings, did not participate due to injuries. Topić was sidelined by a torn ACL, while Carter was recovering from shoulder surgery.
Glancing Across the Draft Board
Other rookies also made their mark. Carlton Carrington, selected at No. 14 by the Washington Wizards, grabbed attention with his all-around game, recording 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Bucks. The fact that Carrington recently turned 19 only adds to the excitement surrounding his future.
Utah Jazz's No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, played in seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues. He displayed remarkable efficiency around the rim, shooting an impressive 73.9% on shots in the paint.
Lastly, Stephon Castle made a brief yet impactful appearance, playing one game during the Las Vegas Summer League and three in the California Classic. In his solo Las Vegas outing, Castle tallied 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers, showcasing his potential to contribute at a high level.
The Las Vegas Summer League serves as a precursor to the NBA season, providing a valuable platform for young players to demonstrate their capabilities and earn roster spots. As the event concludes, fans and teams alike are left eagerly anticipating the 2024-25 NBA season, with many rookie stories just beginning to unfold.