The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League is winding down, and as the dust settles, it's time to take a closer look at the standout performances and notable moments that emerged from this year’s showcase. The 2024 draft class, mixed with second-year players and other hopeful talents, took to the court with aspirations of making a mark ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season.
Top Draft Picks Under the Spotlight
The Houston Rockets secured a major asset with their No. 3 overall pick, Reed Sheppard. Justifying his draft position, Sheppard averaged 20 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds over four games. His stellar performance has not only turned heads but also put the Rockets in an advantageous position as they build their roster for the upcoming season.
On the other hand, Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick, faced a rough patch as he struggled to find his rhythm, including a game where he shot 0 of 15 from the floor. Despite averaging just 5.5 points per game, Sarr's potential remains clear to see, and he will be aiming to bounce back stronger.
Mixed Results for Top Selections
The Atlanta Hawks' top overall pick, Zaccharie Risacher, had a limited showing with just two games under his belt. However, he demonstrated efficiency, shooting 11 of 27 from the field. Meanwhile, Ron Holland, picked No. 5 by the Detroit Pistons, had struggles of his own, particularly from beyond the arc where he finished 4 of 17 in three-point shooting.
The Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, also faced challenges, going 1 of 10 from three-point range across three games, though he averaged a respectable 9.0 points per game. The Portland Trail Blazers’ No. 7 pick, Donovan Clingan, contributed markedly on defense, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in under 26 minutes per game, in addition to sinking three three-point shots during the league.
Emerging Talents
Rob Dillingham, the Minnesota Timberwolves' No. 8 pick, had a standout moment with a team-high 25 points and 12 assists in a game against the Magic. His dynamic play has certainly made him a player to watch.
New talent was also found in Matas Buzelis, the Chicago Bulls' No. 11 pick, who played in five games. His performance against the Warriors, where he scored 28 points, grabbed five rebounds, and made two steals, highlighted his potential impact on both ends of the floor.
Memphis Grizzlies' No. 9 pick, Zach Edey, had a promising start at the Salt Lake City Summer League, recording 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks before suffering an ankle injury against the Pelicans. His physical presence and defensive prowess were evident until the unfortunate setback.
Injuries and Absences
While the summer league was a stage for many to showcase their skills, some touted talents were notably absent due to injuries. Nikola Topić of the Oklahoma City Thunder did not participate because of a torn ACL and Devin Carter of the Sacramento Kings was sidelined following shoulder surgery. Their absence was felt, and fans will be eager to see their return to the court.
Young Prospects Show Promise
Carlton Carrington, the No. 14 pick by the Washington Wizards, delivered a notable performance with 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Bucks. Turning just 19 recently, Carrington’s game maturity indicates a bright future ahead.
For the Utah Jazz, No. 10 pick Cody Williams participated in seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues, showing impressive efficiency by shooting 73.9% on shots in the paint. His ability to convert high-percentage shots makes him a valuable asset for the Jazz.
Stephon Castle had a noteworthy run, playing one game during the Las Vegas Summer League and three in the California Classic. In his solo Las Vegas outing, Castle tallied 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers, indicating his ability to step up in big moments.
As the summer exhibitions come to a close, the performances during these games have offered exciting glimpses into the skill sets and potentials of the NBA's newest players. Whether it's maintaining peak performance or overcoming early struggles, these athletes have shown that they are ready to embark on the journey to solidify their places in the league.