The 2024 California Classic NBA Summer League offered fans an early taste of rising talent and seasoned veterans, spread across two iconic venues in Sacramento's Golden 1 Center and San Francisco's Chase Center. The four-day event featured a mix of competition and promising individual performances, showcasing the future of the NBA.
Rising Stars in the Spotlight
Highlighting the Sacramento proceedings were the Kings, Hornets, Spurs, and an international twist with the Chinese National Team participating in a round-robin format. Leading the charge for the San Antonio Spurs was Stephon Castle, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Castle's all-around game was on full display, accumulating 18 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals in his final performance of the event. His readiness for the main Summer League event in Las Vegas was palpable.
Displaying both versatility and confidence, 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. 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."
Despite his stellar showing, the Spurs faced stiff competition, and Castle’s efforts now pivot towards preparing for the prestigious Las Vegas showcase.
Absentees and Veterans
Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets dealt with the absence of their No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaün, who was sidelined due to a minor laceration near his knee. The injury deprived fans of witnessing what could have been an intriguing matchup with Castle and other top talents.
The Spurs also bolstered their roster with the addition of seasoned veterans Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, lending a balanced mix of youthful energy and experienced leadership to the squad.
Ellis Shines Amidst Challenges
On the other hand, Keon Ellis emerged as a surprising top performer, scoring 30 points in a narrow loss to the Golden State Warriors. His accuracy and increasing confidence were evident, despite Sacramento's ultimate struggle to secure a win at Golden 1 Center.
Ellis, who had a shooting accuracy of 41.7% on 3-pointers last season, proved he could carry the offensive load, effectively filling the gap left by some of the absent players.
California Enthralls in Final Showdowns
The excitement continued as San Francisco's Chase Center hosted a secondary Kings summer league team, alongside teams from the Warriors, Heat, and Lakers. The crowning moment came as the Warriors clinched a thrilling 91-90 victory over Sacramento, securing the inaugural "Mitch Richmond Trophy" in the Battle of NorCal Summer League game. The high-stakes final captured the competitive spirit that defines the Summer League.
Bronny James' Rollercoaster Ride
Amidst the young emerging talents, all eyes were on Bronny James, playing for the Lakers in San Francisco. James experienced mixed fortunes throughout the event, with knee swelling causing him to miss the game against the Warriors. Despite this setback, he managed to contribute in multiple facets of the game against Miami, registering three points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Over the course of the event, Bronny amassed a respectable seven rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and two steals, signaling his potential and resilience.
Knecht’s Mixed Performance
Another player under the spotlight was Knecht, whose performance saw moments of brilliance tempered by inconsistency. Shooting 13-of-43 (30.2%) from the floor and hitting 4-of-15 (26.7%) from beyond the arc, Knecht's scoring capabilities flashed notably during a 20-point game against the Heat. His fluctuating performance will be an area of focus as he too prepares for Las Vegas.
The California Classic, now in its sixth year, continues to be a vital platform for emerging basketball talents and a prelude to the broader NBA Summer League competitions. As the fans and players move from California to the next stage in Las Vegas, the excitement and anticipation surrounding these young athletes remain as high as ever.