The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League is winding down, providing a platform for the 2024 draft class, alongside second-year players and emerging talents, to showcase their skills in hopes of securing spots for the 2024-25 NBA season. This year's Summer League has been a crucible of both triumph and tribulation for top picks and rising stars.
Top Draft Picks Take Center Stage
Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick, has been a standout performer, averaging an impressive 20 points per game, along with 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds over four games. His versatility and scoring ability have made him one of the must-watch players of the Summer League.
On the other hand, the No. 2 overall pick, Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr, struggled significantly in one particular game, shooting 0 of 15 from the floor. Despite this setback, Sarr managed to average 5.5 points per game during his stint in the league.
Top overall pick Zaccharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks had a mixed performance, playing only two games and finishing with 11 successful shots out of 27 attempts. His time on court was limited, but he showed glimpses of the talent that made him the No. 1 pick.
Mixed Fortunes for Other First-Round Picks
Detroit Pistons' No. 5 pick, Ron Holland, had a tough time finding his range, finishing 4 of 17 in three-point shooting. The Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, also struggled from beyond the arc, going 1 of 10 across three games, while averaging 9.0 points per game.
Portland Trail Blazers' Donovan Clingan, the No. 7 pick, made his impact felt on the defensive end, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. Clingan also demonstrated his versatility by sinking three three-pointers during the league.
Rob Dillingham, chosen at No. 8 by the Minnesota Timberwolves, lit up the scoreboard with a team-high 25 points and added 12 assists in a standout game against the Orlando Magic. His performance was a highlight of the Timberwolves' Summer League campaign.
Notable Performances and Injuries
Zach Edey, the No. 9 pick by the Memphis Grizzlies, experienced a mix of highs and lows. He suffered an ankle injury against the Pelicans but earlier had recorded an impressive 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks during the Salt Lake City Summer League. Edey's resilience and ability to make an impact even when not at full strength were noteworthy.
The Utah Jazz's No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, played in seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues, showcasing his efficiency by shooting 73.9% on shots in the paint. His consistency and focus inside the arc were commendable.
Chicago Bulls' No. 11 pick, Matas Buzelis, participated in five games and had a remarkable performance against the Warriors, scoring 28 points, grabbing five rebounds, and making two steals. His all-around game was on full display throughout the Summer League.
Setbacks and Emerging Talents
Oklahoma City Thunder's Nikola Topić and Sacramento Kings' Devin Carter were notable absentees due to injuries. Topić was sidelined by a torn ACL, while Carter missed out owing to shoulder surgery. Their absence was felt but also provided other players the opportunity to step up.
Carlton Carrington, selected at No. 14 by the Washington Wizards, recently turned 19 and seized the occasion to make his mark. He recorded an all-around performance with 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Bucks, showcasing his potential to be a future star in the league.
Among other rising talents, Stephon Castle showed promise by 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 drained two three-pointers.
As the dust settles on the Las Vegas Summer League, the performances of these young players offer a glimpse into the future of the NBA. While some have already started carving out niches for themselves, others face the challenge of turning potential into performance. The journey for these athletes is just beginning, and their experiences in the Summer League are stepping stones toward what promises to be an exciting 2024-25 NBA season.