The NBA Summer League in Las Vegas has once again proven to be a pivotal stage for aspiring young talents. The first week has highlighted the immense potential of numerous rookies, setting the stage for what promises to be an intriguing lead-up to the 2024 NBA draft.
While early assessments labeled this year's draft class as potentially weak, many young players have risen to the occasion, challenging those preconceived notions. Their performances suggest that this class might be more competitive than initially thought.
Standout Performances in the Summer League
Day 1 of the Summer League saw several rookies delivering remarkable performances. Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Matas Buzelis, and Bub Carrington were among the names that stood out. Reed Sheppard, in particular, has been a revelation with his exceptional feel for the game and unshakable confidence. "Reed Sheppard, for example, has blown me away with his feel for the game and confidence. These guys are different players now than they were in March," noted one NBA executive.
Older rookies like Dalton Knecht, Tristan da Silva, and Terrence Shannon Jr. demonstrated their readiness and ability to make an impact. Additionally, younger, longer-term prospects such as Tidjane Salaun, Cody Williams, and Kel'el Ware showed a surprising level of readiness, further challenging the initial skepticism surrounding this draft class.
Ron Holland II's Response to Criticism
Ron Holland II didn't hold back his frustration regarding the negative opinions of this draft class. "It definitely makes me mad that people would say that. But we go out here and play the game of basketball and just show everybody, show the whole world why we really want [to be] the best competitive class," he remarked. His sentiments reflect the collective desire of these rookies to prove their critics wrong.
Bronny James' Mixed Showing
Bronny James, son of NBA legend LeBron James, had a mixed showing in the Summer League, playing for the Lakers against the Rockets, Celtics, and Hawks. Despite facing challenges, he showcased perseverance, ending his games with notable performances. Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized the team's long-term plans for Bronny, stating, "He is a development player. That's how we're looking at Bronny. He's certainly going to spend time with the Lakers. He will spend time as well in the G League." This developmental approach indicates the Lakers' commitment to nurturing his talent over time.
A Western Conference scout acknowledged the pressure on Bronny, saying, "No one can withstand the scrutiny he is under." Indeed, the spotlight on him is immense, but his performances hint at a promising future.
Contract Talks and Player Movements
Off the court, significant developments have occurred with notable players. The LA Clippers and Paul George were unable to agree on a contract extension, leading to his signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Clippers had offered George a deal starting at around $60 million for two years, lacking a no-trade clause. The discussions fell through as the Clippers prioritized future cap flexibility. Clippers president Lawrence Frank explained, "Team building is completely different when your best players are in their 30s and with the second apron. What happens is all the team-building tools are completely stripped away and you're stuck."
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets have expressed interest in acquiring Russell Westbrook as a veteran backup point guard, a move that could add depth and experience to their roster.
Injuries and Their Impact
Injuries have also played a role in shaping the Summer League narrative. DaRon Holmes II suffered a torn Achilles, sidelining him for the upcoming season. Holmes, the 22nd overall pick in the draft, had impressive college stats, averaging 20.4 points and 8.5 rebounds at Dayton.
Positive Feedback for New Draft Format
The introduction of a new two-day draft format has received positive feedback from NBA executives. This additional time allowed teams to regroup after the first night, leading to better decisions and numerous trade scenarios. One executive praised the process, saying, "Having the ability to regroup after the first night and then meet most of the following day created a great process for our group in determining our next moves." Another executive highlighted the importance of this approach in the current financial landscape, "This is how billion-dollar businesses like ours should be operated. Especially in this new world of staring down the second apron with tens of millions of dollars in potential luxury tax implications on the line."
As the Summer League continues to unfold, the performances in Las Vegas will undoubtedly influence opinions about the 2024 draft class. For now, these young talents have set a promising tone for what's to come.