The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League has reached its climax, bringing a mix of rookies, second-year players, and hopeful talents all eager to shine ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season. The stage has been set for young athletes to make their mark, and some have seized the opportunity impressively while others have encountered challenges.
Top Picks Under the Spotlight
Houston Rockets’ Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has managed to turn heads with his performance. Sheppard showcased his versatility across four games, averaging a commendable 20 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game. His display on the court underscores why the Rockets selected him so highly in the draft.
However, not every top pick has found the same success. Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick by the Washington Wizards, faced an uphill battle during the Summer League. Sarr experienced a particularly rough game where he missed all 15 of his field goal attempts. Despite his difficulties, he managed to average 5.5 points per game, an outcome far from the expectations placed upon a No. 2 pick.
The Atlanta Hawks’ top pick, Zaccharie Risacher, participated in only two games but displayed solid efficiency by making 11 of his 27 shots. Meanwhile, Detroit Pistons' No. 5 pick, Ron Holland, showed promise but struggled with his three-point shooting, finishing 4 of 17 from long range.
Notable Performances
Charlotte Hornets' Tidjane Salaun, chosen as the No. 6 pick, found it tough to find his rhythm beyond the arc, going just 1 of 10 across three games, though he averaged 9.0 points per game. On the other hand, Donovan Clingan, the Portland Trail Blazers’ No. 7 pick, made his presence felt defensively. Clingan averaged an impressive 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks per game while also showing his shooting range by making three three-pointers.
Rob Dillingham, selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves at No. 8, had a standout moment when he posted a team-high 25 points along with 12 assists in a game against the Magic, underlining his offensive prowess. Over in Chicago, Matas Buzelis, the Bulls’ No. 11 pick, participated in five games and delivered a stunning performance against the Warriors, scoring 28 points and providing five rebounds and two steals.
Setbacks and Comebacks
For some, the Summer League was marred by injuries. Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies, the No. 9 pick, suffered an ankle injury against the Pelicans which limited his time on the court. Despite this setback, Edey had previously recorded a solid game in the Salt Lake City Summer League with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks. In a similar vein, Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nikola Topić was unable to participate due to a torn ACL, and Sacramento Kings' Devin Carter was sidelined following shoulder surgery.
Other players have had a chance to showcase their skills fully. Carlton Carrington, selected at No. 14 by the Washington Wizards, showed his versatility with an impressive stat line of 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Bucks, all before recently turning 19 years old.
Rising Talents and Future Stars
Cody Williams, picked No. 10 by the Utah Jazz, competed in seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues. Williams demonstrated efficiency, notably shooting 73.9% on shots in the paint, hinting at his potential impact in the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Stephon Castle, who played one Las Vegas game and three in the California Classic, made a notable contribution in his single Vegas outing with 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers.
The Summer League continues to be a crucial platform for young players striving to confirm their spots in the NBA. With its mix of high-stakes performances and learning experiences, the league remains an essential launchpad for future stars while also providing gripping basketball action for fans and scouts alike. As the Las Vegas Summer League concludes, the basketball community eagerly anticipates which of these emerging talents will translate their Summer League performances into success in the regular season.