The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League is wrapping up, and it has been a showcase of the league's future talent, featuring the 2024 draft class and a mix of second-year players aiming for a spot in the 2024-25 NBA season.
Notable Draft Picks and Performances
Houston Rockets' guard Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has turned heads with his stellar performance, averaging 20 points per game, 5.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds over four games. His contribution has been pivotal in reflecting his potential for the upcoming season.
In contrast, the No. 2 pick, Washington Wizards' forward Alex Sarr, had a tough outing, including a game where he went 0 of 15 from the floor. Sarr's overall average of 5.5 points per game during his summer league stint suggests he has areas to improve as he adjusts to the professional level.
Atlanta Hawks' top overall pick, Zaccharie Risacher, played only two games, yet he made an impact by shooting 11 of 27 from the field. His performance indicated promise, although limited by his game participation.
Among other top ten picks, Detroit Pistons' No. 5 pick Ron Holland struggled with three-point shooting, finishing 4 of 17. Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, also faced difficulties from beyond the arc, going 1 of 10 across three games but averaged 9.0 points per game.
Portland Trail Blazers' No. 7 pick, Donovan Clingan, stood out defensively, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. His defensive prowess was complemented by making three three-pointers during the league.
Minnesota Timberwolves' No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, had a standout performance, posting a team-high 25 points and 12 assists in a game against the Orlando Magic. Such displays are indicative of his potential to contribute significantly as the season progresses.
Challenges and Setbacks
Memphis Grizzlies' No. 9 pick, Zach Edey, encountered a setback with an ankle injury against the New Orleans Pelicans. Prior to that, he recorded an impressive 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks during the Salt Lake City Summer League, showing his capabilities on both ends of the floor.
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nikola Topić and Sacramento Kings' Devin Carter were both sidelined due to injuries, with Topić recovering from a torn ACL and Carter from shoulder surgery. Their absences were felt, particularly as their teams looked to evaluate new talent.
Rising Stars
Washington Wizards' No. 14 pick, Carlton Carrington, showed his all-around skills with a notable game against the Milwaukee Bucks, recording 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals. At just 19 years old, his future appears bright.
Utah Jazz's No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, demonstrated efficiency, playing in seven games combined between Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues while shooting a remarkable 73.9% on shots in the paint.
Stephon Castle also demonstrated his potential in his limited summer league appearances. In just one Las Vegas game and three in the California Classic, Castle tallied an impressive 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers in his solo Las Vegas outing.
Final Observations
As the Las Vegas Summer League draws to a close, the performances of these young players provide a glimpse into the future of the NBA. Players like Sheppard, Dillingham, and Clingan have already begun to carve out their places, while others like Sarr and Holland are learning and adjusting quickly. The summer league remains an essential platform for growth, opportunity, and the emergence of the next generation of NBA stars.