The California Classic, an eagerly anticipated fixture in the NBA Summer League circuit, showcased emerging basketball talents and compelling competition spanning four days across dual locations in Northern California. Divided between Sacramento's Golden 1 Center and San Francisco's Chase Center, the event featured a fresh format that attracted fans and scouts alike.
Standout Talent in Sacramento
Sacramento played host to the Kings, Hornets, Spurs, and the Chinese National Team in a round-robin competition. Among the standout figures was Stephon Castle, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, who represented the San Antonio Spurs. Castle demonstrated his potential with an impressive final summer league game, logging 18 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals, setting the stage for the upcoming main Summer League event in Las Vegas.
Castle shared his versatile play style, saying, "I'm comfortable really anywhere out on the court. I will say I'm probably most comfortable on the ball, but if I play off the ball, I still feel 100% comfortable there. Just being with the kinda team that we have, I feel like we will have five guys that can dribble, pass, and shoot. The positions are out of the equation a little bit."
Notably absent from the Hornets' lineup was Tidjane Salaün, their No. 6 pick, who was sidelined due to a minor laceration near his knee. Meanwhile, the Kings’ squad was bolstered by Keon Ellis, an undrafted player from Alabama who has quickly made a name for himself. Ellis, who played with the G League team Stockton Kings during the 2022-23 season, scored an electrifying 30 points in a loss to the Warriors, reaffirming his place as a key player for Sacramento.
Action in the Bay Area
Simultaneously, San Francisco’s Chase Center hosted a second Kings summer league team alongside squads from the Warriors, Heat, and Lakers. The highlight was undoubtedly the final game between Golden State and Sacramento, a nail-biting contest that saw the Warriors edge out with a 91-90 victory, securing the inaugural "Mitch Richmond Trophy" awarded to the winner of the Battle of NorCal Summer League game.
Bronny James, son of NBA legend LeBron James, was another attraction in San Francisco, playing his second summer league game after being held out of action against the Warriors due to knee swelling. Despite a modest scoring output in his game against Miami—three points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals—Bronny showed flashes of his potential. Over the event, he accumulated seven rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and two steals, although his shooting percentage (3-of-12 from the floor) indicated there’s room for improvement.
The Lakers also spotlighted their No. 17 draft pick, Dalton Knecht. Considered a "steal" during the draft, Knecht’s performance was a testament to the Lakers' scouting acumen. He shot 13-of-43 (30.2%) from the floor and 4-of-15 (26.7%) from beyond the arc over the course of the event, culminating in a 20-point game against the Heat. Knecht's scoring ability, despite the low shooting percentages, suggests he could be a valuable contributor for the Lakers moving forward.
Emerging Stars and Veterans Join Forces
In an interesting development, the Spurs further bolstered their roster by bringing in seasoned veterans Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes. This strategic move aims to blend Castle's fresh energy with experienced leadership, potentially setting a strong foundation for the upcoming regular season.
Ellis, who had impressed during his time with the Kings last season, solidified his place in the roster with a commendable performance in the California Classic. His shooting accuracy from beyond the arc, hitting 41.7% of his 3-pointers last season, and his ability to step up when needed—particularly during Kevin Huerter's injury—make him a formidable addition to the Kings' lineup.
The sixth annual California Classic provided a preview of the promise and potential that these young players bring to their respective teams. As they prepare to transition to the larger stage of the Las Vegas NBA Summer League, the lessons learned and the experiences gained from this preliminary event are invaluable for their growth and development in the professional arena.