The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League is winding down, showcasing the emerging talents and hopefuls aiming to make their mark in the forthcoming 2024-25 NBA season. The summer league provided a platform where both rookies from the 2024 draft class and second-year players demonstrated their skills and potential, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.
Top Picks in Focus
Reed Sheppard, the Houston Rockets guard and No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, emerged as a standout performer. Sheppard averaged an impressive 20 points per game, along with 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds over four games. His consistent performance underlines the potential the Rockets saw in him, setting a high bar for his first season.
Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr, the second overall pick, had a mixed outing. Sarr struggled in one game where he went 0-for-15 from the floor, bringing his summer league average to 5.5 points per game. While his scoring was underwhelming, it’s essential to remember that summer league stats don't always translate directly to the regular season.
Zaccharie Risacher, selected first overall by the Atlanta Hawks, had a limited appearance, featuring in only two games. He managed to shoot 11 of 27 from the field, giving a glimpse of his capabilities despite the small sample size.
Mid to Late First-Round Picks
Among the mid-first round selections, Ron Holland, the Detroit Pistons' No. 5 pick, showed promise but struggled with his three-point shooting, finishing 4 of 17 from beyond the arc. Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, also found it challenging from deep, going 1 of 10 over three games but still managing to average 9.0 points per game.
Portland Trail Blazers’ fans witnessed a robust performance from their No. 7 pick, Donovan Clingan. Clingan showcased his defensive prowess, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game, while also making three three-pointers during the league.
Rob Dillingham, drafted eighth by the Minnesota Timberwolves, posted a notable performance with a team-high 25 points and 12 assists in a game against the Orlando Magic, indicating his potential as a key playmaker.
Noteworthy Performances
Matas Buzelis, the Chicago Bulls' No. 11 pick, left a significant mark in his summer league stint, particularly in a standout game against the Warriors where he scored 28 points, grabbed five rebounds, and made two steals. His consistency across five games signals a promising talent for the Bulls' future.
Zach Edey, picked ninth by the Memphis Grizzlies, had an eventful summer league. Despite suffering an ankle injury against the Pelicans, Edey had earlier showcased his potential with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks during the Salt Lake City Summer League. Such performances highlight his possible impact on both ends of the floor once he's fully recovered.
Cody Williams of the Utah Jazz, selected tenth, featured in seven games across the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues. Williams stood out with his efficient scoring, shooting 73.9% on shots in the paint, indicating his ability to find and convert high-percentage opportunities.
Injury Reports
The summer league also had its share of unfortunate injuries. Nikola Topić of the Oklahoma City Thunder missed the action due to a torn ACL, while Devin Carter of the Sacramento Kings was sidelined following shoulder surgery. These setbacks are significant as both players were expected to contribute meaningfully, and their recoveries will be closely monitored.
Carlton Carrington, the 14th pick by the Washington Wizards, displayed his all-around game with a stat line that included 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Bucks. The young guard, who just turned 19, will be an interesting player to follow as he develops his game further.
Up-and-Coming Talents
The Las Vegas Summer League provided clarity on the potential future stars of the NBA. Stephon Castle, who appeared in one game during the Vegas stint and three in the California Classic, had a notable performance with 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers in his solo Las Vegas game.
As the summer league concludes, the focus will shift to training camps and preseason preparations. These budding stars will transition from showcasing their skills in the summer league to making a notable impact as they step onto the court for the 2024-25 NBA season, bringing their summer league experiences and lessons learned along the way.