The NBA Las Vegas Summer League is drawing to a close, showcasing a mix of the 2024 draft class, second-year players, and hopeful talents striving to secure their spots for the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season. The performances of these young players offer a glimpse into the future prospects of their respective franchises.
Top Draft Picks Make Their Mark
Among the standouts was Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick, who delivered a stellar performance, averaging 20 points per game, 5.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds over four games. While Sheppard impressed, Washington Wizards' forward Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick, faced struggles, notably shooting 0 of 15 from the floor in one game and averaging 5.5 points per game during his Summer League stint.
Zaccharie Risacher, selected first overall by the Atlanta Hawks, had a concise yet impactful presence, playing only two games but achieving an 11 of 27 shooting record from the field. Detroit Pistons' No. 5 pick, Ron Holland, showed potential but struggled with his three-point shot, finishing 4 of 17 from beyond the arc.
Notable Performances and Setbacks
Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, also faced a tough challenge from the three-point line, going 1 of 10 across three games, though he managed to average 9.0 points per game. Portland Trail Blazers' Donovan Clingan, the No. 7 pick, was a defensive force, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. Clingan also made his mark offensively by sinking three three-pointers during the league.
Rob Dillingham, picked No. 8 by the Minnesota Timberwolves, had a standout game against the Magic, posting a team-high 25 points and 12 assists. Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls' No. 11 pick, played in five games and had a highlight performance against the Warriors with 28 points, five rebounds, and two steals.
Challenges and Injuries
Memphis Grizzlies' No. 9 pick, Zach Edey, suffered an ankle injury against the Pelicans but previously recorded 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks during the Salt Lake City Summer League. Oklahoma City Thunder's Nikola Topić and Sacramento Kings' Devin Carter were sidelined for the Summer League due to injuries, with Topić recovering from a torn ACL and Carter from shoulder surgery.
Washington Wizards' No. 14 pick, Carlton Carrington, showcased his versatility with a performance against the Bucks that included 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Carrington, who recently turned 19, demonstrated his potential as a valuable asset for the Wizards.
Consistent Contributors
Utah Jazz's No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, participated in seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues, shooting an impressive 73.9% on shots in the paint. Meanwhile, Stephon Castle displayed his skills in one game during the Las Vegas Summer League and three in the California Classic, tallying 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers in his singular Las Vegas outing.
As the Las Vegas Summer League concludes, these young talents provide their teams and fans with both optimism and areas for growth. The journey to the regular season remains long and arduous, but the glimpses of brilliance and moments of struggle during the Summer League undoubtedly shape the foundations for what lies ahead in the 2024-25 NBA season.