The first week of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas has offered a tantalizing glimpse into the future of basketball, showcasing the promising talents of young athletes eager to make an impact in the 2024 NBA draft. Initially perceived as a potentially weak draft class, many rookies have forcefully dispelled that notion with standout performances.
Among the most impressive on Day 1 were Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Matas Buzelis, and Bub Carrington. Reed Sheppard, in particular, has been a revelation, with one NBA executive marveling, "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."
The summer league has also proven a stage for older rookies like Dalton Knecht, Tristan da Silva, and Terrence Shannon Jr., who displayed their readiness for professional play. Younger prospects with a longer developmental timeline, such as Tidjane Salaun, Cody Williams, and Kel'el Ware, surprised many with their advanced readiness. This promising display has been significant in changing the narrative surrounding their potential.
Among the emerging voices, Ron Holland II has openly expressed his frustration with the criticism directed at the 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," Holland stated, emphasizing the collective determination of the players to prove their worth.
The journey of Bronny James in the summer league has been closely observed, especially given the spotlight that follows him. Representing the Lakers against the Rockets, Celtics, and Hawks, James had a mixed showing but ultimately demonstrated resilience with notable performances. Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized the long-term developmental plans for Bronny James: "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." One Western Conference scout noted the immense scrutiny James faces: "No one can withstand the scrutiny he is under."
Transfer Talk and Injuries
Off the court, the basketball world was abuzz with the news of Paul George and the LA Clippers' failed contract extension negotiations. George has since signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Clippers reportedly offered George a two-year deal starting at around $60 million but without a no-trade clause, aiming to maintain future cap flexibility. As Clippers president Lawrence Frank pointed out, "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." This move marks a significant shift for the Clippers, who now need to rethink their strategic plans moving forward.
The Denver Nuggets are also in the mix, reportedly eyeing Russell Westbrook as a veteran backup point guard, which would add depth and experience to their roster. Meanwhile, DaRon Holmes II faced a setback after suffering a torn Achilles during summer league play, sidelining him for the upcoming season. Holmes, who was the 22nd overall pick in the draft, had impressive stats during his college tenure at Dayton, averaging 20.4 points and 8.5 rebounds.
Positive Feedback on New Draft Format
Another notable development is the NBA's new two-day draft format, which has received positive feedback from executives. The additional time allowed teams to regroup after the first night, leading to more strategic decisions and a flurry of trade scenarios. "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," said one executive. However, some front office members felt that more time was needed during the second round.
The consensus among executives is that this new format supports better internal and external conversations, leading to more informed decision-making. Another executive underscored the importance of this change in the current financial landscape, saying, "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, these performances and decisions will undoubtedly impact the outlook on the 2024 draft class. With young talent consistently showcasing their skills and teams maneuvering through strategic changes, the NBA's future looks as competitive and unpredictable as ever.