The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League is winding down, providing a glimpse into the emerging talent poised to make their mark in the 2024-25 NBA season. This year's summer league was a showcase of the 2024 draft class, second-year players, and hopeful talents aiming to establish themselves on an NBA roster.
Top Performers and Key Moments
Among the standout performers was Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Sheppard proved his scoring prowess, averaging an impressive 20 points per game, along with 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds over four games. His performance sets high expectations for his rookie season.
Meanwhile, Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick, faced a challenging outing where he shot a dismal 0 of 15 from the floor. Despite this, Sarr demonstrated resilience, averaging 5.5 points per game during his summer league stint. Such experiences can be pivotal in the growth of young players.
Top Pick and Other Notable Selections
Zaccharie Risacher, the top overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks, played in only two games but managed to make a significant impression by shooting 11 of 27 from the field. Another high draft pick, Ron Holland of the Detroit Pistons, struggled with his three-point shooting, finishing 4 of 17 from beyond the arc.
Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, also faced difficulties from long range, going 1 of 10 in three games while averaging 9.0 points per game. Despite these shooting woes, the summer league offers these young talents a valuable learning curve.
Standout Defensive and All-Around Performances
Portland Trail Blazers' No. 7 pick, Donovan Clingan, exhibited his defensive prowess by averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. Clingan also demonstrated his versatility by making three three-pointers during the league, a promising sign for a big man.
Minnesota Timberwolves' No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, showcased his playmaking abilities by posting a team-high 25 points and 12 assists in a game against the Orlando Magic. His dynamic performance highlights his potential as a future star.
Chicago Bulls' No. 11 pick, Matas Buzelis, also made waves, playing in five games and delivering a standout performance against the Golden State Warriors with 28 points, five rebounds, and two steals.
Injuries and Absences
Injuries inevitably played a part in the summer league narrative. Memphis Grizzlies' No. 9 pick, Zach Edey, suffered an ankle injury against the Pelicans, but not before recording 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks during the Salt Lake City Summer League. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City Thunder's Nikola Topić and Sacramento Kings' Devin Carter missed the action due to a torn ACL and shoulder surgery, respectively.
Young Talents and Other Noteworthy Mentions
Washington Wizards' No. 14 pick, Carlton Carrington, turned heads with an all-around performance against the Bucks, posting 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Notably, Carrington recently turned 19, underscoring his potential for growth.
Utah Jazz's No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, featured in seven games spanning the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues, showing efficiency with a 73.9% shooting accuracy on shots in the paint.
Lastly, Stephon Castle made an impression with limited playing time. Playing one game during the Las Vegas Summer League and three in the California Classic, Castle scored 22 points, grabbed five rebounds, made four assists, and hit two three-pointers in his solo Las Vegas appearance.
As the summer comes to a close, these players will be looking to translate their experiences and performances into success come the 2024-25 NBA season. The summer league may have ended, but for many, the journey is just beginning.