The Las Vegas Summer League tips off on Friday, promising nearly two weeks of enticing basketball action, featuring both seasoned players and fresh faces from the recent 2024 NBA Draft. The spotlight will be on the defending summer league champions, the Cleveland Cavaliers, as they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in their opening game.
Opening Day Excitement
Fans can look forward to a packed schedule with seven games set to take place on the first day. The event, which follows the California Classic and the Salt Lake City Summer League, is expected to showcase high-level competition and budding talent on the court.
Rising Stars from the 2024 NBA Draft
Among the new talent, top-2 picks from the 2024 NBA Draft, Zacharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks and Alex Sarr of the Washington Wizards, are drawing considerable attention. Their performances in the summer league will be closely watched as indicators of their potential for the upcoming NBA season.
Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, will also be in action, adding to the excitement surrounding the event.
Bronny James: A Name to Watch
Bronny James, despite a slow start in his summer league debut at the California Classic, remains a focal point. He finished 3-of-12 from the field across two games, with a particularly quiet game against Miami where he attempted only three shots in the first half. However, James made his presence felt on the defensive end and in playmaking, contributing seven rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and two steals.
The Los Angeles Lakers, featuring Bronny James, are set to face the Houston Rockets on Friday. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if James can bounce back and deliver a more impactful performance.
Second Appearances and Noteworthy Performances
Several players are making their return for a second summer league stint. This list includes noteworthy names like Bronny James, Dalton Knecht, Stephon Castle, Zach Edey, and Cody Williams. Zach Edey, in particular, impressed during his first summer league game by posting a stat line of 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks in 33 minutes against Utah.
Dillon Jones also delivered a solid performance by scoring 21 points and grabbing seven rebounds in a game against the Utah Jazz, while Jaylen Wells made headlines by scoring 27 points and hitting a game-winning shot against the 76ers.
Notable Trades and Player Movements
The summer league is not just about the rookies; it also serves as a platform to observe veterans and recent trades. Steven Adams, who was dealt by the Memphis Grizzlies at the deadline, and Jonas Valanciunas, now with the Washington Wizards, are among those whose performances will be keenly followed.
In addition to the top picks, Jamal Shead, selected 45th in the 2024 NBA Draft, will also be showcasing his skills. Meanwhile, fans of college basketball will recognize names like Rob Dillingham from Kentucky and Yves Missi from Baylor, who are all set to make their summer league debuts.
As the Las Vegas Summer League kicks off, basketball enthusiasts are in for a treat with a blend of emerging talent and seasoned players. The event promises to deliver high-energy games and memorable moments, setting the stage for an exciting NBA season ahead.