The Las Vegas Summer League is drawing to a close, and the rising stars of the NBA have showcased their talents. This year's league saw a blend of the fresh 2024 draft class, returning second-year players, and other hopefuls eager to secure their spots for the 2024-25 NBA season.
Top Draft Picks Under the Spotlight
Leading the pack was the Houston Rockets' guard Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, who impressed with his stellar performance. Over four games, Sheppard averaged 20 points per game, 5.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds, reaffirming his position as a key player to watch in the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, Washington Wizards' Alex Sarr, the No. 2 pick, faced a challenging stint. In one notable game, Sarr struggled significantly, shooting 0 of 15 from the floor. Across the summer league, he averaged a modest 5.5 points per game, a figure that raised eyebrows considering his high draft pick status.
The Atlanta Hawks' top overall pick, Zaccharie Risacher, had a shorter summer league appearance, playing only two games but making an impact with his 11 of 27 shooting from the field. Detroit Pistons' Ron Holland, the No. 5 pick, also faced challenges, particularly from beyond the arc, finishing 4 of 17 in three-point shooting.
Mixed Results for Other Drafted Talents
Charlotte Hornets’ No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, had a tough time finding his rhythm from three-point range. Salaun went 1 of 10 from beyond the arc across three games, although he managed to average 9.0 points per game. Portland Trail Blazers' choice, Donovan Clingan, drafted at No. 7, showcased his defensive prowess by averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. Clingan even managed to sink three three-pointers.
Rob Dillingham, picked No. 8 by the Minnesota Timberwolves, had a standout moment with a team-high 25 points and 12 assists in a game against the Magic, highlighting his potential to make an immediate impact in the NBA. Chicago Bulls’ No. 11 pick, Matas Buzelis, played in five games, with a remarkable performance against the Warriors where he scored 28 points, grabbed five rebounds, and made two steals.
Memphis Grizzlies’ No. 9 pick, Zach Edey, had a noteworthy performance in the Salt Lake City Summer League before suffering an ankle injury against the Pelicans. Edey's earlier games saw him record 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks, showing promise for his regular season contributions.
Rookies on the Rise
Several players had to sit out the summer league due to injuries. Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nikola Topić missed out due to a torn ACL, and Sacramento Kings' Devin Carter was unable to participate following shoulder surgery.
The Washington Wizards’ No. 14 pick, Carlton Carrington, displayed his all-around game with 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals in a match against the Bucks. Notably, Carrington recently turned 19, indicating a bright future ahead. Utah Jazz’s No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, played in seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues, impressively shooting 73.9% on shots in the paint.
Stephon Castle also made his mark, participating in one game during the Las Vegas Summer League and three in the California Classic. In his solo Las Vegas outing, Castle tallied 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and connected on two three-pointers.
As the curtains fall on this year's Las Vegas Summer League, the performances have provided a glimpse into the future of the NBA. While some top picks faced challenging starts, others seized the opportunity to shine and make their case for the upcoming season. With the 2024-25 NBA season on the horizon, these young stars have laid the groundwork for what promises to be an exciting year in basketball.