The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League is approaching its conclusion, leaving a trail of performances that will be scrutinized by scouts, coaches, and fans alike as teams prepare for the 2024-25 NBA season. This showcase offered a sneak peek at the incoming talent, with the 2024 draft class and several second-year players taking center stage.
Top Draft Picks in Action
Highlighting the event was Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard, chosen as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Sheppard showcased his potential by averaging an impressive 20 points per game, coupled with 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds over four games. His performance marks him as a promising addition to the Rockets' roster.
Meanwhile, the No. 2 overall pick, Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr, experienced a rough patch, notably shooting 0 of 15 from the floor in one of his games. Despite this setback, Sarr managed to average 5.5 points per game during his summer league stint, indicating there’s room for growth and adjustment.
The top overall pick, Zaccharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks, had a limited showing, playing in only two games and finishing with a shooting performance of 11 of 27 from the field. Nonetheless, expectations remain high for Risacher to develop into a key player.
Other Promising Performances
Ron Holland, the Detroit Pistons' No. 5 pick, struggled with his three-point shooting, finishing at 4 of 17. On the other hand, Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick Tidjane Salaun also faced challenges from beyond the arc, going 1 of 10 across three games but made up for it by averaging 9.0 points per game.
Portland Trail Blazers’ No. 7 pick Donovan Clingan made his presence felt on the defensive end, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. Clingan also demonstrated some range, making three three-pointers over the course of the league.
For the Minnesota Timberwolves, No. 8 pick Rob Dillingham delivered a standout performance against the Magic, posting a team-high 25 points and 12 assists, showcasing his ability to lead and score effectively.
Injuries and Setbacks
Not all top picks managed to participate without issues. Zach Edey, the No. 9 pick by the Memphis Grizzlies, suffered an ankle injury during a game against the Pelicans. Before his injury, Edey put up notable numbers in the Salt Lake City Summer League, recording 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks.
Oklahoma City Thunder's Nikola Topić missed out entirely due to a torn ACL, and Devin Carter of the Sacramento Kings also remained sidelined following shoulder surgery.
Other Notable Contributions
The Utah Jazz’s No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, delivered consistent performance over his seven games split between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues, shooting an impressive 73.9% on shots in the paint. The Chicago Bulls’ No. 11 pick, Matas Buzelis, showcased his scoring ability with five games under his belt, including a standout 28-point, five-rebound, and two-steal performance against the Warriors.
Carlton Carrington, who was selected at No. 14 by the Washington Wizards, recently celebrated his 19th birthday. Carrington logged 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals in a game against the Bucks, highlighting his all-around game.
Despite their best efforts, not all players found the rhythm they hoped for. Ron Holland of the Detroit Pistons concluded his Summer League with an underwhelming 4 of 17 from three-point range, while Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick Tidjane Salaun struggled similarly at 1 of 10. Yet, each showed potential that their teams will be eager to develop.
Stephon Castle played one game during the Las Vegas Summer League and three in the California Classic. In his sole Las Vegas outing, Castle tallied 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers, demonstrating his versatility and scoring prowess over a varied sample size.
The Las Vegas Summer League continues to serve as a crucible for NBA hopefuls, offering a taste of professional competition. Despite various challenges and standout performances, this period lays the foundation for these young players as they transition into the regular season, carrying hopes, expectations, and the weight of their draft status.