The Las Vegas Summer League, a cherished precursor to the NBA season, has concluded, leaving behind a trove of standout performances and memorable moments. While the Miami Heat clinched the title, many individual players made their mark during nearly two weeks of high-intensity basketball.
Standout Performances
Jordan Miller from the Los Angeles Clippers emerged as one of the Summer League's brightest stars. Averaging 25.4 points over five games, Miller showcased his scoring prowess with a mesmerizing 36-point outing against the Denver Nuggets. In that game, he shot an impressive 52.9% from the floor, including eight three-pointers out of 20 attempts. His consistent scoring ability marks him as a player to watch as the regular season approaches.
Another rising star, Jalen Wilson of the Brooklyn Nets, was named the MVP of the Summer League. Wilson averaged 21.8 points in five games, earning him a spot on the second-team all-summer league. This follows a rookie season where he averaged 5.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists over 43 games, indicating his rapid improvement and potential for significant contributions in the upcoming season.
Defensive Dynamos
While offensive displays often steal the spotlight, defensive efforts were equally noteworthy. Reed Sheppard recorded a remarkable 11 steals in four games, proving to be a formidable defensive presence. Although his three-point shooting was less stellar, hitting only 5 of 18 from beyond the arc, his defensive tenacity cannot be overlooked.
Donovan Clingan also made his presence felt, particularly in the paint. Averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game, Clingan was a defensive anchor. Additionally, he demonstrated his range by making three three-pointers, adding another dimension to his game.
Team Contributions
In the title game, the Miami Heat's victory was bolstered by several key performances. Scotty Pippen Jr. stood out despite the loss, scoring 29 points and previously recording a triple-double with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win over the Clippers. Meanwhile, Kel'el Ware's consistent scoring was vital for his team. Ware put up 21 points and 10 rebounds in the title game and scored at least 11 points in all eight Summer League games, including those at the California Classic.
GG Jackson was another notable performer in the title game, scoring 28 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and notching two steals in the Miami Heat's victory. His all-around performance underscores his potential to be a significant contributor to his team's success in the upcoming season.
New Faces to Watch
Carlton Carrington has been a subject of speculation for his potential impact. Against the Bucks, he recorded 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals, showcasing his versatility. One observer even noted, "There could be a world where Carrington has the best rookie season of any of his Wizards teammates -- including No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr."
New talent also shined brightly as Matas Buzelis consistently scored in double digits over five games in Vegas. His top performance came against the Warriors, where he posted 28 points, five rebounds, and two steals, highlighting his scoring ability and defensive effort.
Tristan da Silva also left an impression, averaging 17.7 points, five rebounds, three assists, and 1.3 steals over three games. His efficiency was notable, shooting 60.7% overall and hitting 7-of-17 attempts (58.8%) from beyond the arc. His balanced offensive and defensive contributions make him a promising prospect.
As the NBA's Las Vegas Summer League concludes, it leaves behind a clearer picture of the emerging talents and seasoned players ready to make an impact. The journey from Summer League standout to regular season success is arduous, but for these players, the future looks bright.