The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League is drawing to a close, and it has offered basketball fans a tantalizing glimpse into the talents set to shape the 2024-25 NBA season. The court was filled with potential, featuring the fresh arrivals of the 2024 draft class alongside a blend of second-year players and aspiring talents, all eager to make their mark.
Highs and Lows of the Top Picks
Leading the charge was Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Sheppard showcased his scoring prowess, averaging 20 points per game, complemented by 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds across four games. His performance has certainly set expectations high as he heads into the regular season.
On the other end of the spectrum, Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr had a challenging stint. The No. 2 overall pick struggled with his shooting, notably missing all 15 of his attempts in one game, finishing the league with an average of 5.5 points per game. Such difficulties are not uncommon for rookies, and Sarr will be keen to refine his game as he prepares for the regular season.
Zaccharie Risacher, selected first overall by the Atlanta Hawks, played only two games but displayed potential by going 11 of 27 from the field. Players like Risacher often face intense scrutiny, and his early performance will be a foundation to build upon in his professional journey.
Mid-Draft Surprises and Struggles
The Detroit Pistons' No. 5 pick, Ron Holland, had a mixed bag of performances, hitting 4 of 17 from the three-point line. Equally, Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick Tidjane Salaun didn't have much luck beyond the arc, going 1 of 10 across three games and averaging 9.0 points per game.
Conversely, the Portland Trail Blazers' Donovan Clingan made a name for himself with impressive stats: 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. Adding to his versatility, Clingan also sank three three-pointers, hinting at a well-rounded skill set that can prove valuable in the upcoming season.
Noteworthy Performances
The Minnesota Timberwolves' No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, had moments of brilliance, including a standout game against the Magic where he led his team with 25 points and 12 assists. Such performances underline Dillingham's potential as a future star in the league.
Another bright spot was Chicago Bulls' No. 11 pick, Matas Buzelis, who played in five games and had a notable performance against the Warriors, scoring 28 points, grabbing five rebounds, and making two steals.
Zach Edey, the Memphis Grizzlies' No. 9 pick, showed promise before suffering an ankle injury. He had already demonstrated his potential earlier in the Salt Lake City Summer League with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks in one game.
Injury Setbacks
Injuries, unfortunately, affected some players' ability to participate. Nikola Topić of the Oklahoma City Thunder missed the summer league due to a torn ACL, and Devin Carter of the Sacramento Kings was sidelined following shoulder surgery. Such setbacks can hinder rookie development, and both players will focus on recovery and preparation for future opportunities.
Emerging Young Talent
Carlton Carrington, selected 14th by the Washington Wizards, made the most of his opportunities with a standout display against the Bucks, recording 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Having recently turned 19, Carrington's performance hints at a bright future.
Utah Jazz's No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, played across seven games in both the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues. He displayed remarkable efficiency, shooting 73.9% on shots in the paint, positioning himself as a reliable inside scorer.
Brief yet Impactful
Although Stephon Castle only participated in one game during the Las Vegas Summer League and three in the California Classic, his impact was undeniable. In his sole Las Vegas game, Castle tallied 22 points, five rebounds, and four assists, including two three-pointers, demonstrating his all-around capability.
As the summer league winds down, it provides a vital early indicator for teams and fans alike, revealing which new faces might become the next stars of the NBA. With the 2024-25 season on the horizon, these young talents have laid the groundwork for what promises to be an exciting year of basketball.