The Las Vegas Summer League, a showcase of emerging NBA talent, is drawing to a close, and it's been a revealing stint for the 2024 draft class. This year's rookies, a mix of early picks and determined second-year players, have put forward their best efforts in the hope of securing spots in the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season.
Top Picks: Hits and Misses
Leading the draft was the Atlanta Hawks' top selection, Zaccharie Risacher. Despite high expectations, Risacher managed to play only two games, shooting 11 of 27 from the field. This limited showing leaves much to the imagination about his potential impact in the regular season.
The Washington Wizards' No. 2 pick, forward Alex Sarr, experienced a tough outing with a particularly notable game where he shot 0 of 15 from the floor. Over the Summer League, Sarr averaged just 5.5 points per game, suggesting he might need more time to adjust to the professional level.
Conversely, Houston Rockets' guard Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick, demonstrated promise with significant contributions on the court. Sheppard averaged 20 points per game, along with 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds over four games. These numbers highlight his potential as a key player for the Rockets going forward.
Noteworthy Performances
Several other draft picks made notable impressions during the Summer League. Rob Dillingham, the No. 8 pick for the Minnesota Timberwolves, posted a standout performance with 25 points and 12 assists in a game against the Orlando Magic. His showing indicates a promising start to his professional career.
Similarly, Carlton Carrington of the Washington Wizards, selected at No. 14, recorded an impressive stat line with 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals in a match against the Milwaukee Bucks. Still only 19, Carrington is already showing glimpses of a well-rounded game that could serve the Wizards well in the future.
For the Detroit Pistons, No. 5 pick Ron Holland had a mixed performance, ending up 4 of 17 in three-point shooting. Meanwhile, Charlotte Hornets’ No. 6 pick Tidjane Salaun struggled with his long-range shots, going 1 of 10 from beyond the arc across three games, though he averaged 9.0 points per game.
Defensive Standouts
Portland Trail Blazers' Donovan Clingan, the No. 7 pick, showcased his defensive prowess, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in under 26 minutes per game. Clingan also displayed some versatility by making three three-pointers during the league, adding another dimension to his game.
At the No. 9 spot, Memphis Grizzlies' Zach Edey had a memorable performance in the Salt Lake City Summer League, recording 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks before suffering an ankle injury in a game against the Pelicans. Edey's ability to dominate the paint was evident, despite the unfortunate injury setback.
Rounding Out the Top 10
The Utah Jazz's No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, took part in seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues. Williams impressed with his efficiency, shooting 73.9% on shots inside the paint, indicating a potentially reliable interior presence.
Matas Buzelis, the No. 11 pick for the Chicago Bulls, participated in five games and had a notable performance against the Warriors, scoring 28 points, grabbing five rebounds, and making two steals. His ability to fill the stat sheet makes him a player to watch closely as the season approaches.
Challenges and Absences
There were also some notable absences due to injuries. Nikola Topić of the Oklahoma City Thunder missed the league with a torn ACL, and Devin Carter of the Sacramento Kings was sidelined due to shoulder surgery. These injuries prevented fans from seeing how these picks might contribute to their teams.
Slices of Potential
Stephon Castle offered a glimpse of his potential by playing a mix of games across the Las Vegas Summer League and California Classic. In his solo Las Vegas outing, Castle put up 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and made two three-pointers, showcasing a blend of scoring ability and playmaking.
As the Las Vegas Summer League concludes, NBA teams will be reflecting on their draft picks’ performances and assessing how these young talents can be integrated into their rosters for the upcoming season. For some players, these games were a stepping stone to a prosperous career; for others, a reminder of the work still needed. Only time will tell how these rookies will shape the future of their franchises.