The California Classic, an NBA Summer League event, once again showcased the talent and excitement of up-and-coming basketball stars. Held over four action-packed days at Sacramento's Golden 1 Center and San Francisco's Chase Center, the event featured a mix of NBA teams and even an international presence in the form of the Chinese National Team.
At the Golden 1 Center, the Sacramento-hosted Kings, Hornets, Spurs, and the Chinese National Team engaged in a round-robin competition. One of the standout performers was Stephon Castle, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, representing the San Antonio Spurs. Castle capped off his summer league stint with an impressive stat line: 18 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals in his final game. Reflecting on his performance, Castle remarked, "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."
Looking ahead, Castle is preparing for the main Summer League event in Las Vegas, where he will have another opportunity to showcase his abilities on a larger stage.
Elsewhere, the Hornets faced a minor setback with their No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaün, who was sidelined due to a minor laceration near his knee. Despite his absence, the Hornets continued to compete with vigor but faced tough competitors throughout the event.
Standout Performances and New Additions
Keon Ellis delivered a memorable performance, scoring 30 points in a loss to the Warriors. Ellis, known for his exceptional 3-point shooting accuracy, which stood at 41.7% last season, continued to be a bright spot for his team. Over in San Francisco, the Chase Center played host to a second Kings summer league team, along with teams from the Warriors, Heat, and Lakers.
The excitement reached its peak when the Warriors narrowly edged out Sacramento with a 91-90 victory in the final game at Chase Center. This win secured the Warriors the inaugural "Mitch Richmond Trophy" in the Battle of NorCal Summer League game, adding a new piece of silverware to their collection.
Bronny James' Contributions
Bronny James, playing for the Lakers in San Francisco, had a mixed outing. He missed the game against the Warriors due to knee swelling but showcased his versatility and potential in other games. James managed to score three points, grab five rebounds, dish out three assists, and make two steals against Miami. Over the entire event, he accumulated a total of seven rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and two steals, highlighting his all-around contribution on the court.
Shooting Stats and the Spurs' New Veterans
An area of concern was Knecht's shooting performance. Knecht shot 13-of-43 (30.2%) from the floor and 4-of-15 (26.7%) from beyond the arc. Despite his struggles with consistency, he managed to score 20 points in the game against the Heat, showing flashes of his scoring ability.
The Spurs, keen on bolstering their roster, added seasoned veterans Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes. Their experience and leadership are expected to play a crucial role in guiding the young Spurs team through the developmental stages of the summer league and beyond.
As the California Classic concluded its sixth year, it continued to provide a platform for young players to hone their skills and make a mark in the competitive world of professional basketball. The event not only highlighted individual talents but also brought together teams and fans, enriching the NBA Summer League experience.