The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League has concluded, with the Miami Heat clinching the title on Monday night. The nearly two-week-long event was a showcase of emerging talents and standout performances, setting the stage for many promising careers.
Heat Take the Title
In a thrilling finish, the Miami Heat emerged victorious, demonstrating resilience and team cohesion. Notable in the title game was Scotty Pippen Jr. of the Heat, who put up an impressive 29 points despite the narrow loss. Kel'el Ware also notably contributed to the Heat's success, scoring 21 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Ware's consistency was a bright spot for the team, as he scored at least 11 points in all eight summer league games, including those at the California Classic.
Standout Performers
Among the numerous talents on display, Jordan Miller from the Los Angeles Clippers distinguished himself by averaging an astounding 25.4 points over five games. His remarkable 36-point outing against the Denver Nuggets, where he shot 52.9% from the floor, was a highlight of his performance. Miller showcased his long-range shooting ability by making eight three-pointers out of 20 attempts in that game alone.
On the other side of the court, Jalen Wilson from the Brooklyn Nets was recognized as the NBA's Summer League MVP. Wilson's performance was stellar, averaging 21.8 points in five games. His impact was not just limited to scoring; he was pivotal in various facets of the game, earning a spot on the all-summer league second team. In his rookie season, Wilson averaged 5.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists over 43 games, showing significant growth and potential over the summer.
Emerging Prospects
Reed Sheppard also made a notable impression, recording 11 steals over four games, although his shooting from beyond the arc (5 of 18) indicated room for improvement. Dalton Knecht represented the Los Angeles Lakers, and Alex Sarr, despite averaging only 5.5 points over four games for the Washington Wizards, showed flashes of potential. Carlton Carrington had a standout game against the Bucks, recording an all-around stat line of 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals. There’s speculation about Carrington's potential: "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."
Consistency and Hustle
Tristan da Silva's performance was another highlight. Averaging 17.7 points, five rebounds, three assists, and 1.3 steals over three games, da Silva’s efficiency was evident with a shooting percentage of 60.7%. His proficiency beyond the arc was also noteworthy, hitting 7-of-17 attempts (58.8%).
Donovan Clingan brought a mix of defensive prowess and versatility, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. Clingan also demonstrated his shooting range by making three 3-pointers, adding another dimension to his game.
Matas Buzelis was a consistent scorer, delivering double-digit points in all five games in Vegas. His standout game against the Warriors, where he scored 28 points, grabbed five rebounds, and made two steals, showcased his all-around capabilities. Similarly, GG Jackson put up a strong fight in the title game, contributing 28 points, nine rebounds, and two steals in the loss to Miami.
The performances in this year's Summer League have set the stage for an exciting upcoming NBA season. With rising stars like Jordan Miller, Jalen Wilson, and others making their mark, the future of the league looks promising. As these young players transition to the regular season, the experiences and lessons from their time in Las Vegas will undoubtedly propel them to new heights in their professional careers.