As the first week of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas draws to a close, the prospective talents for the 2024 NBA draft have started to shine, dispelling earlier criticisms of this year's rookie class being historically weak. Spectators and executives alike have been treated to display performances showcasing the readiness and potential of these young athletes.
On the opening day, a group of rookies, including Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Matas Buzelis, and Bub Carrington, made significant impressions. Reed Sheppard, in particular, has garnered attention for his intuitive feel for the game and unwavering confidence. One NBA executive highlighted Sheppard's growth, stating, "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."
Beyond just the fresh-faced rookies, some older newcomers have also showcased their preparedness for the professional stage. Dalton Knecht, Tristan da Silva, and Terrence Shannon Jr. have proven that experience can be a valuable asset, while younger, long-term prospects like Tidjane Salaun, Cody Williams, and Kel'el Ware have demonstrated more readiness than initially expected.
Not without its controversies, the NBA draft class has faced criticism, prompting Ron Holland II to voice his frustration. "It definitely makes me mad that people would say that," he remarked. "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's sentiments reflect the collective determination of this year's rookies to exceed expectations.
Among the most watched players was Bronny James, who had a mixed show in the summer league, representing the Lakers against teams like the Rockets, Celtics, and Hawks. Despite his ups and downs, Bronny showed perseverance, ending his games with notable performances. Lakers coach JJ Redick commented on the team's developmental approach for Bronny, stating, "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, "No one can withstand the scrutiny he is under," acknowledging the immense pressure Bronny faces as he carves out his professional path.
Meanwhile, team dynamics outside of the summer league have gone through significant shifts. The LA Clippers and Paul George failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension. Paul George subsequently signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, after the Clippers proposed a contract starting at around $60 million for two years but without a no-trade clause. According to reports, discussions faltered as the Clippers aimed to keep future cap flexibility, highlighting modern team-building challenges. "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," said Clippers president Lawrence Frank.
The Denver Nuggets have shown interest in acquiring Russell Westbrook as a veteran backup point guard, which could bring valuable experience to their lineup. In contrast, DaRon Holmes II faced an unfortunate setback, suffering a torn Achilles during summer league play, which will sideline him for the upcoming season. Selected 22nd overall, Holmes had showcased considerable promise averaging 20.4 points and 8.5 rebounds at Dayton.
Amid these performances and developments, NBA executives have expressed favorable opinions about the new two-day draft format. The extended time between the first and second nights has allowed teams to regroup, enabling improved decision-making and a broader array 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. Nevertheless, some front office members believe the format could benefit from an even longer second round. "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," another executive added.
As the Las Vegas summer league continues, the performances of these young prospects will keep shaping the narrative and expectations for the 2024 draft class. For now, it appears that the initial assessments underestimating this year's rookies may have been premature, as their aspiring talents continue to flourish under the lights of one of basketball's most anticipated events.