The first week of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas has turned the spotlight onto young prospects, dispelling doubts about the depth of talent in the 2024 NBA draft class. As games unfold, several rookies have made significant impressions, proving that early criticisms of a weak draft class were unfounded.
Among the standout performers, Zacharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Matas Buzelis, and Bub Carrington shone brightly on the first day. Reed Sheppard, in particular, demonstrated an excellent feel for the game and an extraordinary level of confidence. An NBA executive remarked on his impressive development: "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."
For a draft class labeled as historically weak, these rookies have begun to rewrite the narrative through their performance. Ron Holland II expressed his frustration over the pre-draft criticism: "It definitely makes me mad that people would say that. But we go out here and play the game of basketball and just show everybody, show the whole world why we really want [to be] the best competitive class."
Older rookies such as Dalton Knecht, Tristan da Silva, and Terrence Shannon Jr. have shown their readiness for the NBA, performing robustly during the summer league. Additionally, younger prospects like Tidjane Salaun, Cody Williams, and Kel'el Ware have exceeded expectations, showcasing unexpected readiness for professional play.
Bronny James's summer league performance has been a mixed bag, representing the Lakers against the Rockets, Celtics, and Hawks. Despite facing scrutiny, JJ Redick, Lakers' coach, emphasized their long-term plans for Bronny: "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 acknowledged the unique pressure James faces: "No one can withstand the scrutiny he is under."
Beyond individual performances, team dynamics have also been highlighted. The LA Clippers and Paul George's contract extension talks reached an impasse. George subsequently signed with the Philadelphia 76ers after the Clippers offered a deal lacking a no-trade clause, starting at roughly $60 million over two years. The Clippers aimed to maintain future cap flexibility, as their president, Lawrence Frank, pointed out: "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."
The Denver Nuggets have shown interest in Russell Westbrook as a potential veteran backup point guard, looking to bolster their depth for the upcoming season.
Unfortunately, the summer league witnessed a significant injury with DaRon Holmes II, who tore his Achilles and will be sidelined for the upcoming season. Holmes, the 22nd overall pick in the draft, averaged 20.4 points and 8.5 rebounds at Dayton, and was expected to play a key role in his rookie season.
The NBA's new two-day draft format has received considerable praise from executives. The additional time allowed teams to regroup and make more informed decisions. One executive commented: "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."
Some front office members suggested extending the second round with more time between picks, but the general consensus was that the break between days facilitated better internal and external conversations. As another executive highlighted, "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."
As the NBA Summer League continues in Las Vegas, the performances are shaping opinions on the 2024 draft class. With strong showings from rookies and strategic movements by teams, the league is poised for an exciting season ahead.