The first week of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas has been nothing short of spectacular, offering a glimpse of the fresh talent aiming to make their mark in the 2024 NBA draft. Despite earlier skepticism about the draft class, many rookies have emerged as notable performers, dispelling any doubts about their potential.
Rookies Stepping Up
The spotlight on Day 1 belonged to a handful of standout rookies. Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Matas Buzelis, and Bub Carrington delivered memorable performances. Among them, Reed Sheppard shone brightly with his exceptional feel for the game and remarkable confidence, leaving executives impressed. "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," commented one NBA executive.
Not to be overlooked, older rookies such as Dalton Knecht, Tristan da Silva, and Terrence Shannon Jr. demonstrated their readiness, showcasing their skill sets and maturity on the court. Additionally, younger long-term prospects like Tidjane Salaun, Cody Williams, and Kel'el Ware exhibited more readiness than anticipated, strengthening their cases for the upcoming draft.
Bronny James: A Mixed Bag
Bronny James' performance in the summer league has been under intense scrutiny. Representing the Lakers against formidable teams such as the Rockets, Celtics, and Hawks, Bronny has experienced both highs and lows. However, his perseverance shone through, culminating in noteworthy showings. His development has been a focal point for the Lakers, with coach JJ Redick outlining the team's plans: "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." A Western Conference scout added, "No one can withstand the scrutiny he is under."
Contract Standoff and Injury Woes
Off the court, the LA Clippers made headlines as contract negotiations with Paul George hit a snag. Unable to come to terms on an extension, George ultimately signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Clippers had offered a deal without a no-trade clause, starting at around $60 million for two years. Discussions fell apart as the Clippers aimed to preserve future cap flexibility. "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," stated Clippers president Lawrence Frank.
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets are reportedly eyeing Russell Westbrook as a veteran backup point guard, adding another layer of intrigue to the league's offseason moves.
On a somber note, DaRon Holmes II suffered a torn Achilles during the summer league, sidelining him for the upcoming season. Holmes, the 22nd overall pick in the draft, had impressed at Dayton, averaging 20.4 points and 8.5 rebounds.
Positive Reception for New Draft Format
Amid the whirl of summer league action, the NBA's new two-day draft format has garnered positive feedback from team executives. The additional time between the first and second days allowed teams to reassess their strategies and make more informed decisions. "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," noted one executive. Another echoed the sentiment, saying, "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."
However, some front office members suggested that the second round could benefit from longer intervals between picks, indicating room for further improvement.
As the summer league continues, the performances in Las Vegas will play a crucial role in shaping opinions about the incoming draft class. For now, the young talents have shown they possess the skills and determination to compete at the highest level, setting the stage for an exciting NBA season ahead.