The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League has provided a fascinating glimpse into the future of the league as it reaches its conclusion. The 2024 draft class, alongside a cohort of second-year players and aspiring talents, showcased their skills with hopes of securing their spots for the 2024-25 NBA season.
Top Picks Display Mixed Results
Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard, drafted No. 3 overall, emerged as a standout. Sheppard averaged an impressive 20 points per game, alongside 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds over four games, demonstrating why he was a top pick. Meanwhile, the No. 2 overall pick, Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr, struggled significantly in one of his games, shooting a dismal 0 of 15 from the floor. Overall, Sarr posted a modest 5.5 points per game during the summer league.
Zaccharie Risacher, the top overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks, showed promise in limited action. Playing only two games, Risacher managed an 11 of 27 shooting performance. Detroit Pistons' No. 5 selection, Ron Holland, encountered difficulties from beyond the arc, finishing 4 of 17 on three-point attempts.
Mid-First Round Highlights
Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, also struggled with his long-range shooting, going just 1 of 10 from three-point territory across three games, though he averaged 9.0 points per game. Portland Trail Blazers' Donovan Clingan, picked at No. 7, stood out with his defensive prowess, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks per game. Clingan also showed surprising range, making three three-pointers.
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. Chicago Bulls' No. 11 pick, Matas Buzelis, played five games and lit up the scoreboard against the Warriors, scoring 28 points along with five rebounds and two steals.
Injuries and Comebacks
The Memphis Grizzlies' No. 9 pick, Zach Edey, unfortunately suffered an ankle injury against the Pelicans. Before this setback, Edey had put up an impressive 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks during the Salt Lake City Summer League. The Oklahoma City Thunder's Nikola Topić did not participate due to a torn ACL, and the Sacramento Kings' Devin Carter was also sidelined due to shoulder surgery.
Promising Talents and Performances
Washington Wizards' No. 14 pick, Carlton Carrington, made the most of his appearance, recording 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals in a standout game against the Bucks. Notably, Carrington recently turned 19, hinting at a promising future ahead.
Utah Jazz's No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, showcased his efficiency in the paint, shooting an impressive 73.9%. Williams saw action in seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues.
Among other notable performances, Stephon Castle played one game during the Las Vegas Summer League and three in the California Classic. In his solo Las Vegas outing, Castle impressed with 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers.
As the Las Vegas Summer League wraps up, these performances have set the stage for an exhilarating 2024-25 NBA season. With standout rookies, notable struggles, and overcoming injuries, the upcoming season promises to be filled with both challenges and triumphs for the NBA's newest talents.