The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League is winding down, leaving basketball enthusiasts with much to digest ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season. Featuring a blend of the 2024 draft class, second-year players, and hopeful talents, the Summer League has been a showcase for burgeoning stars vying to make their mark.
Top Picks Under the Spotlight
Among the standout performers was Houston Rockets' guard Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Sheppard lived up to his billing, averaging 20 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds over four games. His consistent performance highlighted his potential to be a significant contributor in the regular season.
Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr, who was selected second overall, experienced a more tumultuous outing. Although he had a notable game where he shot 0 of 15 from the floor, he averaged 5.5 points per game during his summer league stint. The highs and lows of his performance suggest he may need time to adjust but possesses undeniable potential.
Meanwhile, Zaccharie Risacher, the top overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks, had a brief but impactful presence. Playing just two games, he finished 11 of 27 from the field, providing a glimpse of his scoring ability despite limited action.
Mixed Performances Across the Board
Ron Holland, the fifth pick by the Detroit Pistons, showcased his shooting skills, finishing 4 of 17 in three-point attempts. However, it was clear he was still finding his rhythm from beyond the arc. Similarly, the Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, struggled with his long-range shooting, going 1 of 10 from three-point range across three games while averaging 9.0 points per game.
Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers' No. 7 pick, made his presence felt in the paint, averaging an impressive 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. His defensive prowess and three successful three-pointers signaled his versatility on the court.
Breakout Stars and Setbacks
Rob Dillingham of the Minnesota Timberwolves lit up the stat sheet with a team-high 25 points and 12 assists in a game against the Orlando Magic, showcasing his potential as a scoring and playmaking threat. On the other hand, Memphis Grizzlies' No. 9 pick, Zach Edey, suffered an ankle injury, curtailing his performance. Nonetheless, he posted solid numbers with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks during the Salt Lake City Summer League before the setback.
For the Chicago Bulls, No. 11 pick Matas Buzelis demonstrated his all-around game. In five outings, he particularly stood out with 28 points, five rebounds, and two steals against the Golden State Warriors.
Unfortunate Absences
Some players were unable to participate in the Summer League due to injuries. Nikola Topić of the Oklahoma City Thunder was sidelined with a torn ACL, while Sacramento Kings' Devin Carter missed out following shoulder surgery. These absences were keenly felt as both players look forward to making their marks once fully recovered.
Young Talents Making Waves
Carlton Carrington, who recently turned 19, was picked at No. 14 by the Washington Wizards and made the most of his opportunity by recording an impressive stat line of 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Milwaukee Bucks. His youthful energy and versatility were on full display.
Utah Jazz's No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, had a busy schedule, playing in seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues. He showcased efficiency, notably shooting 73.9% on shots in the paint, indicating his effective scoring ability in close.
Lastly, Stephon Castle played across both the Las Vegas Summer League and the California Classic, turning heads with his performance in his sole Las Vegas game. Castle tallied 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers, demonstrating his scoring and playmaking flair.
With the Summer League concluding, these young players have set the stage for what promises to be an exciting 2024-25 NBA season. The mix of standout performances and valuable learning experiences has whetted the appetite of basketball fans eagerly awaiting to see how these rising stars will translate their summer success into the regular season.