The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League is winding down, and it's been a showcase for the 2024 draft class, a mix of ambitious rookies and second-year players aiming to make their mark ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season. This year's summer league offered a snapshot of potential future stars and provided valuable insights into their capabilities and readiness for the big stage.
Top Picks Show Their Worth
The Houston Rockets made waves by selecting guard Reed Sheppard as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Sheppard didn't disappoint, averaging an impressive 20 points per game, alongside 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds over four games. His stellar performance has undoubtedly solidified his position as a key player to watch in the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, the No. 2 overall pick, Alex Sarr of the Washington Wizards, faced a rough patch, notably during a game where he missed all 15 of his shots. Despite the difficult outing, Sarr managed to average 5.5 points per game during the summer league, suggesting there’s room for growth as he adjusts to the professional arena.
Top Draft Pick's Limited Action
Zaccharie Risacher, the top overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks, had a limited showing in the league, participating in only two games. Nonetheless, his performance was notable, shooting 11 of 27 from the field. The Hawks will likely manage his development carefully, given the high expectations surrounding a No. 1 pick.
Up and Comers
Other top 10 picks also had noteworthy performances. Ron Holland, selected 5th overall by the Detroit Pistons, struggled with his shooting from deep, hitting just 4 of 17 three-point attempts. Likewise, the Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, faced shooting woes, going 1 of 10 from beyond the arc across three games, though he did manage to average 9.0 points per game.
Portland Trail Blazers' No. 7 pick, Donovan Clingan, established himself as a defensive force, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in under 26 minutes per game. Clingan also showed some range, sinking three three-pointers during the league.
Rob Dillingham, the No. 8 pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves, had an impressive outing against the Magic, posting a team-high 25 points and 12 assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities.
Mid-Lottery Performances
Further down the draft board, at No. 9, Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies, had a significant impact despite suffering an ankle injury against the Pelicans. Prior to the injury, Edey had shown his potential during the Salt Lake City Summer League, recording 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks in a game.
In the 10th spot, Cody Williams of the Utah Jazz demonstrated his efficiency in the paint, shooting an impressive 73.9% on such attempts. Over seven games split between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues, Williams showed consistency and promise.
Notable Picks and Performances
At No. 11, Matas Buzelis of the Chicago Bulls participated in five games, with his standout performance coming against the Warriors where he scored 28 points, grabbed five rebounds, and made two steals. This game was a highlight, underscoring his potential value to the Bulls.
The Sacramento Kings' No. 12 pick, Stephon Castle, split his time between the Las Vegas Summer League and the California Classic. In his sole Las Vegas game, Castle tallied a solid 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers, hinting at his capability to fill multiple roles on the court.
Injuries and Absences
Not all the drafted players had the opportunity to showcase their talents. Nikola Topić of the Oklahoma City Thunder was sidelined due to a torn ACL, and Sacramento Kings' Devin Carter also missed out, owing to shoulder surgery. These absences will undoubtedly affect their respective teams' plans for the upcoming season.
Washington Wizards' last lottery pick, Carlton Carrington at No. 14, recently turned 19 and showed potential with a notable performance against the Bucks where he recorded 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
With the 2024-25 NBA season on the horizon, teams and fans alike will be eagerly watching to see how these young talents develop and integrate into their squads. The summer league has once again served as a pivotal stage for the rookies, providing a glimpse into the future of the NBA.