The first week of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas has set the stage for an intriguing lead-up to the 2024 NBA draft. Among the rising stars looking to make their mark, the rookies have undoubtedly stolen the show, dispelling any prior notion that this could be a weak draft class.
Standout Performances
Several players have demonstrated their immense potential early on. Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Matas Buzelis, and Bub Carrington all delivered standout performances on Day 1. Among these promising talents, Reed Sheppard has particularly impressed both fans and NBA executives with his innate feel for the game and unwavering confidence.
"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," remarked one NBA executive, underlining Sheppard's rapid development.
Veterans and Younger Prospects Step Up
Not only the rookies but also older players like Dalton Knecht, Tristan da Silva, and Terrence Shannon Jr. have shown they are more than prepared for the big stage. Additionally, younger long-term prospects such as Tidjane Salaun, Cody Williams, and Kel'el Ware have demonstrated a level of readiness that exceeded expectations.
Ron Holland II, a prominent figure in this draft class, voiced his frustration over the criticism aimed at it. "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 II asserted.
Mixed Showings and Perseverance
Despite the high level of competition, not all players have had smooth sailing. Bronny James, representing the Lakers against notable teams such as the Rockets, Celtics, and Hawks, has experienced mixed results. Nonetheless, James's perseverance has been evident, culminating in some notable performances. Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized, "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 added his perspective, stating, "No one can withstand the scrutiny he is under," highlighting the unique pressures that come with Bronny James's high profile.
Team Dynamics and Developments
Outside of individual performances, team dynamics and transactions have also highlighted the Summer League's first week. The LA Clippers and Paul George failed to come to terms on a contract extension, leading to George signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Clippers had offered George a deal starting at around $60 million for two years but without a no-trade clause, emphasizing their desire 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."
Injury Setback
A significant setback arose with DaRon Holmes II suffering a torn Achilles during summer league play, which will sideline him for the upcoming season. Holmes II, the 22nd overall pick in the draft, had shown promising stats, averaging 20.4 points and 8.5 rebounds at Dayton.
Draft Format Praise
Amidst these developments, the new two-day draft format introduced this year has garnered positive feedback from NBA executives. The additional time between rounds allowed teams to regroup after the first night, making more informed decisions and exploring various trade scenarios. One executive noted, "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."
Another executive added, "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, performances in Las Vegas will keep shaping opinions about the 2024 draft class, leaving NBA enthusiasts eagerly anticipating future developments. The early displays of talent and the ongoing saga of contracts and team strategies ensure that the narrative remains as dynamic and compelling as ever.