The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League is winding down, and it has been an intriguing showcase for the 2024 draft class, along with second-year players and hopeful talents, all vying for their spot in the 2024-25 NBA season. Leading this year's draft were several standout performances and some unexpected struggles.
Top Picks: Mixed Outcomes
Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick by the Houston Rockets, dazzled with his performance, averaging 20 points per game, 5.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds over four games. His consistency on the court bodes well for his transition into the NBA's regular season. In contrast, the No. 2 pick, Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr, faced a tough outing with a nightmarish game where he shot 0 of 15 from the floor. Sarr, however, managed to average 5.5 points per game during the league, a figure that he will undoubtedly look to improve.
Zaccharie Risacher, selected first overall by the Atlanta Hawks, had a brief stint, participating in only two games and finishing with a respectable 11 of 27 from the field. Meanwhile, Detroit Pistons' No. 5 pick, Ron Holland, struggled with his three-point shooting, finishing 4 of 17 from beyond the arc.
Notable Performances
Portland Trail Blazers' No. 7 pick, Donovan Clingan, delivered noteworthy performances, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game, including making three three-pointers. His defensive presence and ability to stretch the floor highlight his potential impact.
Rob Dillingham, the No. 8 pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves, also impressed, notably posting a team-high 25 points and 12 assists in a game against the Orlando Magic. Similarly, Matas Buzelis, the Chicago Bulls' No. 11 pick, showcased his scoring ability with a standout game, scoring 28 points, grabbing five rebounds, and making two steals against the Warriors.
Setbacks and Injuries
The Summer League wasn't without its setbacks. Memphis Grizzlies' No. 9 pick, Zach Edey, suffered an ankle injury against the Pelicans. Before the injury, Edey had recorded an impressive 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks during the Salt Lake City Summer League.
Some players missed out due to injuries, including Oklahoma City Thunder's Nikola Topić, who did not participate due to a torn ACL, and Sacramento Kings' Devin Carter, who was sidelined due to shoulder surgery.
Shining Moments
Carlton Carrington, selected at No. 14 by the Washington Wizards, had a remarkable performance against the Bucks, recording 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals. The 19-year-old guard displayed his versatility and potential to contribute across the board.
Utah Jazz's No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, played in seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues, shooting an impressive 73.9% on shots in the paint. His efficiency in scoring close to the basket adds a valuable dimension to his game.
Stephon Castle participated in one game during the Las Vegas Summer League and three in the California Classic, making a significant impact. In his solo Las Vegas outing, Castle tallied 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers, marking himself as a player to watch.
As the curtain falls on the Las Vegas Summer League, the performances of these rookies and second-year players have offered glimpses of what to expect in the upcoming season. With both promising talents and some who need to fine-tune their game, the 2024-25 NBA season is shaping up to be exciting. For many, the real test begins when they hit the court for their teams in October, but for now, they've shown a taste of their potential on the summer stage.