The first week of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas has turned conventional wisdom on its head, showcasing a field of young talent whose performances hint at a robust future for the NBA. Contrary to earlier speculation of a weak draft class, several rookies have emerged as potential standout stars, setting the stage for the 2024 NBA draft.
Among the names lighting up Las Vegas, Reed Sheppard has caught the eye with his innate feel for the game and extraordinary confidence. One NBA executive remarked, "Reed Sheppard, for example, has blown me away with his feel for the game and confidence. These guys are different players now than they were in March."
Not only Sheppard, but other young players like Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, Stephon Castle, Matas Buzelis, and Bub Carrington put in remarkable performances on Day 1, silencing critics who doubted their potential. The narrative of a historically weak class seems increasingly dubious, as these rookies exhibit skills that suggest a promising future.
Older rookies like Dalton Knecht, Tristan da Silva, and Terrence Shannon Jr. have also shown they are more than ready to step up, reflecting a preparedness that belies their young age. Meanwhile, younger long-term prospects such as Tidjane Salaun, Cody Williams, and Kel'el Ware have shown an unexpected degree of readiness, indicating that the future of the league is in good hands.
One player vocal about the draft class criticism is Ron Holland II, who said, "It definitely makes me mad that people would say that. But we go out here and play the game of basketball and just show everybody, show the whole world why we really want [to be] the best competitive class."
Bronny James has also been a focal point, though his performance has been mixed. Representing the Lakers against the Rockets, Celtics, and Hawks, James has shown perseverance and ended his games on a positive note. Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized the team's long-term developmental plans for James, stating, "He is a development player. That's how we're looking at Bronny. He's certainly going to spend time with the Lakers. He will spend time as well in the G League."
A Western Conference scout added, "No one can withstand the scrutiny he is under," highlighting the intense public and media attention surrounding James.
While the Summer League has provided a platform for young players to shine, the broader NBA landscape has not stood still. Most notably, Paul George has parted ways with the LA Clippers and signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. Contract negotiations between George and the Clippers fell through, with the Clippers offering him a deal, including a no-trade clause, starting at around $60 million for two years. The talks ultimately broke down as the Clippers aimed to maintain future cap flexibility. Reflecting on the challenges, Clippers president Lawrence Frank noted, "Team building is completely different when your best players are in their 30s and with the second apron. What happens is all the team-building tools are completely stripped away and you're stuck."
In another significant development, the Denver Nuggets are reportedly interested in acquiring Russell Westbrook as a veteran backup point guard. Such a move would add depth and experience to their roster.
However, not all news from the Summer League has been positive. DaRon Holmes II suffered a torn Achilles, sidelining him for the upcoming season. The 22nd overall pick had been putting up impressive numbers, averaging 20.4 points and 8.5 rebounds at Dayton, making this a significant setback.
On a more procedural note, the new two-day draft format has received a positive response from NBA executives. The additional time allowed teams to regroup after the first night, making more informed decisions and exploring numerous trade scenarios. One executive lauded the process, saying, "Having the ability to regroup after the first night and then meet most of the following day created a great process for our group in determining our next moves." Another executive added, "This is how billion-dollar businesses like ours should be operated. Especially in this new world of staring down the second apron with tens of millions of dollars in potential luxury tax implications on the line."
As the performances in Las Vegas continue to shape opinions about the 2024 draft class, the excitement and potential of the emerging talents are palpable. The Summer League may yet have many stories to tell, but it is clear that the future stars of the NBA are already beginning to shine.