The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League, a showcase of emerging talent, concluded with the Miami Heat securing the title on Monday night. The nearly two-week event offered a glimpse of the league’s future stars, some of whom delivered standout performances that would be the envy of seasoned pros.
Summer League MVP: Jalen Wilson
Among those who shone brightest was Jalen Wilson from the Brooklyn Nets, who was named the NBA's Summer League MVP. Wilson delivered across five games, posting an impressive average of 21.8 points. His all-round contribution earned him a spot on the second-team all-summer league, solidifying his status as one of the noteworthy players in the league's summer spectacle.
Wilson's rookie season stats of 5.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists over 43 games had already shown promise, but his summer league performance took his game to a new level.
Remarkable Performances: Jordan Miller’s Scoring Prowess
Jordan Miller of the Los Angeles Clippers also turned heads with his scoring ability. Miller averaged a staggering 25.4 points over five games. His standout moment came against the Denver Nuggets, where he notched a 36-point explosion, shooting an impressive 52.9% from the floor. His accuracy from beyond the arc was equally notable, sinking eight out of 20 attempts. Miller’s remarkable consistency and scoring efficiency made him a player to watch.
Scotty Pippen Jr: Consistency and Versatility
Scotty Pippen Jr. showcased his versatility by recording impressive stats across various games. Notably, he scored 29 points in the title game loss to the Miami Heat. Earlier, he bagged a triple-double with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a victory over the Clippers. Pippen's performance highlighted his ability to influence the game in multiple facets, a trait highly valued in today’s NBA.
Other Notable Talents
The league also witnessed commendable contributions from several other emerging stars. Reed Sheppard was noteworthy with his defensive prowess, tallying 11 steals in four games. Despite his modest shooting from beyond the arc, hitting 5 of 18, his defensive tenacity made him stand out.
Dalton Knecht carried the banner for the Los Angeles Lakers, while Alex Sarr, averaging 5.5 points in four games for the Washington Wizards, showed glimpses of potential. Carlton Carrington, too, left a strong impression with a game where he recorded 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Bucks. As one source noted, "There could be a world where Carrington has the best rookie season of any of his Wizards teammates -- including No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr."
Rising Stars: Kel'el Ware and Donovan Clingan
Kel'el Ware was another standout, scoring 21 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in the title game. Ware’s consistency was noteworthy as he scored at least 11 points in all eight summer league games, including those at the California Classic.
Meanwhile, Donovan Clingan's defensive abilities did not go unnoticed. Averaging 8.8 rebounds and an impressive 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game, Clingan was a force in the paint. His ability to make three 3-pointers also showcased his versatility.
Impactful Contributions: Matas Buzelis and GG Jackson
Matas Buzelis was a steady scorer, delivering double digits consistently in his five games in Vegas. His performance against the Warriors, scoring 28 points, five rebounds, and two steals, underscored his scoring capability.
Similarly impactful was GG Jackson, who recorded 28 points, nine rebounds, and two steals in the title game loss to Miami. Both players demonstrated their potential to become future stars.
Consistent Performance: Tristan da Silva
Tristan da Silva showcased his all-around game by averaging 17.7 points, five rebounds, three assists, and 1.3 steals over three games. His shooting efficiency, evidenced by a 60.7% field goal rate and a 58.8% success rate from beyond the arc, highlighted his scoring prowess and efficiency.
Overall, the Las Vegas Summer League offered valuable insights into the league's emerging talent pool. While the Miami Heat clinched the title, the various individual performances were a reminder of the depth and potential that the NBA's next generation holds. From standout scorers like Jordan Miller to versatile contributors like Scotty Pippen Jr., the future of the league looks promising.