The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League is wrapping up, showcasing a mix of the 2024 draft class, second-year players, and hopeful talents all vying for a spot in the 2024-25 NBA season. With the stakes high, several players made notable impressions, while others struggled to find their rhythm.
Top Picks and Their Performances
Leading the draft parade was Zaccharie Risacher, the top overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks. Although Risacher only participated in two games, he managed to shoot 11 of 27 from the field, offering glimpses of his promising potential.
The No. 2 pick, Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr, faced significant challenges. In a particularly tough outing, Sarr missed all 15 of his shot attempts. Overall, he averaged just 5.5 points per game during the Summer League, raising questions about his readiness for the regular season.
Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick, delivered a standout performance. Over four games, Sheppard averaged a robust 20 points per game, alongside 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds. His offensive output positions him as a promising prospect to watch as the season approaches.
Notable Performances and Challenges
Detroit Pistons' No. 5 pick, Ron Holland, struggled with his shot from beyond the arc, converting just 4 of 17 three-point attempts. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, also faced shooting woes, hitting only 1 of 10 from three-point range across three games. Salaun, however, managed to average 9.0 points per game, highlighting his potential for growth.
Portland Trail Blazers' No. 7 pick, Donovan Clingan, emerged as a force on defense, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. Clingan also demonstrated his versatility by making three three-pointers during the league, showcasing his ability to stretch the floor.
In a standout performance, Minnesota Timberwolves' No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, posted a team-high 25 points and 12 assists in a game against the Orlando Magic, establishing himself as a player to keep an eye on.
Chicago Bulls' No. 11 pick, Matas Buzelis, consistently showcased his skills over five games, with a standout performance against the Warriors where he scored 28 points, grabbed five rebounds, and made two steals.
Adversities and Comebacks
Memphis Grizzlies' No. 9 pick, Zach Edey, faced adversity with an ankle injury against the New Orleans Pelicans. Despite this setback, Edey recorded an impressive stat line of 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks during the Salt Lake City Summer League, evidencing his resilience and potential impact.
Oklahoma City Thunder's Nikola Topić and Sacramento Kings' Devin Carter were both sidelined with significant injuries, preventing their participation in the Summer League. Topić suffered a torn ACL, while Carter underwent shoulder surgery.
Washington Wizards' No. 14 pick, Carlton Carrington, demonstrated his all-around gameplay with a noteworthy performance against the Bucks, recording 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals. At just 19 years old, Carrington showed maturity and poise on the court.
Noteworthy Mentions
Utah Jazz's No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, played in seven games across the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues, exhibiting remarkable efficiency by shooting 73.9% on shots in the paint. His performance underscored his ability to finish plays effectively.
Stephon Castle participated in one game during the Las Vegas Summer League and three in the California Classic. In his solo outing in Las Vegas, Castle tallied 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers, marking an impressive all-around performance.
As the Las Vegas Summer League concludes, players, coaches, and fans alike have much to reflect on. For some, the league served as a proving ground, highlighting their readiness for the upcoming season. For others, it identified areas needing improvement and growth. The performances and stories emerging from this year's Summer League will undoubtedly influence the narratives heading into the 2024-25 NBA season.