The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League is drawing to a close, and the future stars of the league have showcased their talents, hoping to solidify their places in the 2024-25 NBA season. The summer league featured a blend of rookies from the 2024 draft class, second-year players, and hopefuls vying for recognition.
Top Picks and Performances
The Houston Rockets’ guard Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, left a notable impression. Averaging 20 points per game, along with 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds over four games, Sheppard demonstrated why he was a top-three selection. His consistent performance has certainly put him on the radar for the upcoming season.
Washington Wizards' forward Alex Sarr, selected as the No. 2 overall pick, faced a challenging time on the court with a game lowlighted by a 0 for 15 shooting record. Despite this struggle, Sarr managed to average 5.5 points per game during his stint. The Wizards will be watching closely, hoping for improvement as the season progresses.
Zaccharie Risacher, the top overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks, had a brief showing in the summer league, participating in only two games but finishing with 11 of 27 from the field. His limited time on the court leaves much to be seen, but the Hawks have placed significant trust in his potential.
Meanwhile, Ron Holland, the Detroit Pistons' No. 5 pick, faced difficulties in his shooting, specifically from beyond the arc, finishing 4 of 17 in three-point attempts. Charlotte Hornets’ No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, also struggled with his long-range shooting, going 1 of 10 from beyond the arc across three games. Despite these challenges, he managed to average 9.0 points per game.
Notable Contributions
The Portland Trail Blazers’ Donovan Clingan, selected at No. 7, made a significant impact with his defensive prowess, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. His ability to stretch the floor was also on display as he made three three-pointers during the league. His performance will be crucial for the Trail Blazers as they build their roster.
For the Minnesota Timberwolves, No. 8 pick Rob Dillingham emerged as a standout performer, posting a team-high 25 points and 12 assists in a game against the Magic. His ability to lead and score could be a valuable asset to the Timberwolves moving forward.
The Chicago Bulls' No. 11 pick, Matas Buzelis, played in five games, with his highlight being a game against the Warriors where he scored 28 points, grabbed five rebounds, and made two steals. This performance underscored his scoring potential and defensive capabilities.
Zach Edey, the Memphis Grizzlies' No. 9 pick, had an unfortunate turn of events, suffering an ankle injury against the Pelicans. Before his injury, Edey had recorded 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks during the Salt Lake City Summer League, showcasing his ability to dominate the paint.
Absentee Players and Rising Stars
Several notable prospects missed the summer league entirely due to injuries. Nikola Topić of the Oklahoma City Thunder was absent due to a torn ACL, and Devin Carter of the Sacramento Kings was sidelined following shoulder surgery.
Carlton Carrington, the Washington Wizards’ No. 14 pick who recently turned 19, made his mark by recording 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Bucks. His all-around performance has likely increased the Wizards’ optimism about his development.
The Utah Jazz's No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, was another key player in the summer league. Participating in seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues, Williams displayed impressive efficiency, shooting 73.9% on shots in the paint.
Stephon Castle, whose summer league participation included one game during the Las Vegas Summer League and three in the California Classic, tallied 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers in his solo Las Vegas outing. Castle’s performance suggests he could be a versatile contributor in the league.
As the summer league winds down, these emerging talents have demonstrated their potential and areas for development. The anticipation now shifts to the regular season, where these young players will strive to translate their summer performances into impactful roles on their respective NBA teams.