The Las Vegas Summer League is set to commence on Friday, marking the beginning of nearly two weeks of basketball action. The marquee event will feature numerous exciting matchups and the return of several young stars looking to make their mark.
Opening Night Showdown
The defending summer league champion Cleveland Cavaliers will open the event by facing the Minnesota Timberwolves. This game will set the tone for what promises to be an electrifying start to the league.
In total, seven games are scheduled for the opening day of the Las Vegas Summer League, ensuring that fans will have no shortage of basketball to enjoy right from the get-go.
Top Draft Picks Set to Debut
The Las Vegas Summer League follows the California Classic and the Salt Lake City Summer League, where some of the top prospects from the 2024 NBA Draft made their debuts. Now, all eyes will be on the newest additions to the NBA as they continue to showcase their talents.
Highlighting the opening night is the matchup between the Atlanta Hawks’ Zacharie Risacher and the Washington Wizards’ Alex Sarr. This highly anticipated game features a showdown between the top-2 picks from the 2024 NBA Draft. Risacher, selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Hawks, will be looking to display his capabilities against Sarr, the No. 2 pick who declined a predraft workout with Atlanta and was subsequently chosen by the Wizards.
Bronny James Continues to Develop
Bronny James, son of NBA legend LeBron James, will also be under the spotlight. Although James had a slow start in his summer league debut, his development remains a focal point. In his first summer league game, his shooting performance was shaky. Across two games in the California Classic, James finished just 3-of-12 from the floor, attempting only three shots—all in the first half—during the final game against Miami. Despite these struggles, he still contributed significantly with seven rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and two steals.
James and the Los Angeles Lakers will face off against No. 3 pick Reed Sheppard and the Houston Rockets in the fourth game on Friday, a matchup that could provide James the opportunity to bounce back and showcase his potential.
Returning Names and Rising Stars
Several notable players are making their second summer league appearances, including Los Angeles Lakers guards Dalton Knecht and Bronny James, San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle, Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey, and Utah Jazz forward Cody Williams. Their experience from previous outings could prove invaluable as they look to solidify their positions within their respective teams.
Particularly interesting will be the performance of Zach Edey, the two-time reigning Naismith College Player of the Year. Drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies with the No. 9 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Edey had a strong start in his summer league debut, finishing with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks in 33 minutes against Utah. His presence on the court will be crucial for the Grizzlies, especially in the absence of Steven Adams, who was dealt by the team at the deadline.
Other Noteworthy Performances
Among other players, Dillon Jones made a significant impact earlier this week, scoring 21 points and grabbing seven rebounds against the Utah Jazz. Meanwhile, Jaylen Wells delivered a standout performance with 27 points and a game-winning shot against the 76ers.
Fans will also be keeping an eye on Jamal Shead, the No. 45 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, and Rob Dillingham, who played one season with Kentucky. Additionally, Yves Missi, who played for Baylor, will look to demonstrate his skills during the league.
Finally, Jonas Valanciunas, now with the Washington Wizards, adds another layer of intrigue and veteran presence to the event.
As the Las Vegas Summer League kicks off, basketball enthusiasts can look forward to riveting games, breakout performances, and the emergence of future NBA stars. The stage is set for these young talents to make their mark, and the excitement in the air is palpable.