The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League is winding down, serving as a crucial proving ground for numerous emerging talents. The 2024 draft class, highlighted by a blend of second-year players and hopeful prospects, has showcased their skills, hoping to secure their places in the 2024-25 NBA season.
Rising Stars and Notable Performances
A standout from the summer league has been Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard, who was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Sheppard demonstrated excellent form, averaging 20 points per game, along with 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds over four games. His impressive performance has left a lasting impression and raised expectations for his rookie season.
On the other hand, the No. 2 overall pick, Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr, had a challenging outing. Sarr notably struggled with his shooting, going 0 of 15 from the floor in one game and averaging just 5.5 points per game during his summer league stint, raising some early concerns about his readiness for the upcoming season.
Zaccharie Risacher, the top overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks, had a mixed showing, playing only two games and recording an 11 of 27 shooting performance from the field. While his time on the court was limited, his scoring potential is evident, and the Hawks will be hoping for more consistency as the season progresses.
Key Picks and Their Journey
The Detroit Pistons' No. 5 pick, Ron Holland, displayed promising skills but faced difficulties with his three-point shooting, finishing 4 of 17 from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, similarly struggled with his long-range shots, going 1 of 10 from three-point range across three games while averaging 9.0 points per game.
Portland Trail Blazers' No. 7 pick, Donovan Clingan, made a significant impact defensively, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. Clingan also managed to make three three-pointers during the league, highlighting his versatility.
Rob Dillingham, selected No. 8 by the Minnesota Timberwolves, delivered a standout performance with a team-high 25 points and 12 assists in a game against the Magic. His playmaking abilities and scoring potency have marked him as a player to watch.
Injuries and Other Setbacks
Not all players had a smooth ride. Zach Edey, the No. 9 pick by the Memphis Grizzlies, suffered an ankle injury against the Pelicans but not before showcasing his skills with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks during the Salt Lake City Summer League. His injury has put a temporary pause on his development, but his Summer League performance suggests a high ceiling. Meanwhile, Nikola Topić of the Oklahoma City Thunder was unable to participate due to a torn ACL, and Devin Carter of the Sacramento Kings missed out owing to shoulder surgery.
Additional Standouts
Utah Jazz's No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, showed remarkable efficiency, playing in seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues and shooting a notable 73.9% on shots in the paint. His play was crucial in the Jazz's summer outings and bodes well for the upcoming season.
Stephon Castle made a notable appearance, 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, giving a glimpse of his potential impact on the court.
Young Prospects Making Their Mark
Chicago Bulls' No. 11 pick, Matas Buzelis, played in five games and had a stellar performance scoring 28 points, grabbing five rebounds, and making two steals against the Warriors. His summer league stint has provided valuable experience and a platform to build on.
Carlton Carrington, the No. 14 pick by the Washington Wizards, also caught attention by recently turning 19 and recording 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Bucks. His all-around performance highlights his potential as a future star.
As the Las Vegas Summer League concludes its run, it has provided crucial insights into the emerging talent heading into the 2024-25 NBA season. While some prospects have firmly established their promise, others have areas to improve. The experience gained here will undoubtedly shape their NBA journeys, and fans eagerly await their progress and contributions to their respective teams.