As the Las Vegas Summer League nears its closing stages, the intrigue and intensity have only heated up. The 2024 draft class, comprised of rookies, second-year athletes, and hopeful talents, showcased their abilities with the hope of securing a spot in the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season. For some, it was a defining moment, while for others, it turned into a learning experience.
Top Picks in Action
Among the most notable performances was Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard, who was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Sheppard had a summer to remember, averaging an impressive 20 points per game, 5.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds over four games. His consistency and skill set have set high expectations as he transitions into the regular season.
On the other hand, Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick, faced a different reality. Sarr had a challenging game where he shot 0 of 15 from the floor. Despite this setback, he managed to average 5.5 points per game during his summer league stint. It's a reminder that even top picks can encounter rough patches as they adjust to the professional level.
Zaccharie Risacher, selected first overall by the Atlanta Hawks, also had limited exposure, playing only two games. Nonetheless, he finished with a respectable 11 of 27 from the field, adding intrigue about his potential impact in the upcoming season.
Noteworthy Performances and Setbacks
Ron Holland, a promising talent selected No. 5 by the Detroit Pistons, had a mixed outing from beyond the arc, finishing 4 of 17 in three-point shooting. Meanwhile, Tidjane Salaun, the Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick, struggled to find his rhythm from long range, going 1 of 10 across three games and averaging 9.0 points per game.
Donovan Clingan, picked No. 7 by the Portland Trail Blazers, proved to be a force in the paint, averaging 8.8 rebounds and an impressive 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. In addition to his defensive prowess, Clingan showcased some range by making three three-pointers during the league.
Rob Dillingham stood out as the No. 8 pick for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He had a standout game against the Magic, where he posted a team-high 25 points and 12 assists, highlighting his potential as a dynamic playmaker.
Emerging Talents and Challenges
Matas Buzelis, picked No. 11 by the Chicago Bulls, played in five games and had a notable performance against the Warriors, scoring 28 points, grabbing five rebounds, and making two steals. Conversely, Zach Edey's summer league experience was cut short due to an ankle injury against the Pelicans. Before this, the No. 9 Memphis Grizzlies pick had recorded a solid performance in the Salt Lake City Summer League with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks.
Nikola Topić of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Devin Carter of the Sacramento Kings faced unfortunate setbacks, not participating due to injuries—Topić with a torn ACL and Carter with shoulder surgery.
Washington Wizards' pick, Carlton Carrington, who recently turned 19, recorded an impressive 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Bucks, outlining his diverse skill set.
Consistency and Highlights
Utah Jazz's No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, showcased his durability and efficiency by playing in seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues. Williams was highly efficient within the paint, shooting an impressive 73.9%.
Stephon Castle also made a noteworthy impact. Playing in only one game during the Las Vegas Summer League and three in the California Classic, Castle tallied 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers in his solo Las Vegas outing, making a strong case for more significant opportunities.
As the summer league concludes, these performances offer a glimpse into what the future holds for the league's newest talents. While some have solidified their standing, others will look to leverage their summer experiences into growth and improvement for the 2024-25 season.