As the NBA's Las Vegas Summer League draws to a close, a diverse array of talent from the 2024 draft class, alongside second-year players and hopefuls, has left an indelible mark on the court. Each athlete aimed to solidify their spot in the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season, offering fans and scouts glimpses of their potential and skill.
Top Picks Showcase Mixed Results
The Houston Rockets' top acquisition, guard Reed Sheppard, certainly lived up to his No. 3 overall pick status. Averaging 20 points per game, 5.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds over four games, Sheppard demonstrated his versatility and scoring prowess. His consistent performance sets a promising tone for his debut NBA season.
Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick, faced a challenging stint. In one notable game, Sarr went 0 of 15 from the floor, leading to a summer league average of just 5.5 points per game. Despite these numbers, Sarr has ample time to refine his game before the regular season begins.
Zaccharie Risacher, selected first overall by the Atlanta Hawks, had limited exposure, participating in only two games but managing a respectable 11 of 27 shooting. This performance hints at his potential impact as he gains more experience and minutes on the court.
Struggles and Highlights Among Top 10 Picks
Ron Holland, the Detroit Pistons' No. 5 pick, had a tough run from beyond the arc, finishing 4 of 17 in three-point shooting. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets’ No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, struggled similarly, going 1 of 10 from three-point range over three games and averaging 9.0 points per game.
The Portland Trail Blazers might have found a defensive anchor in their No. 7 pick, Donovan Clingan. Averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game, Clingan’s three successful three-pointers add a valuable offensive component to his game.
Rob Dillingham, picked No. 8 by the Minnesota Timberwolves, showcased his scoring and playmaking abilities with a standout performance against the Magic, scoring a team-high 25 points and dishing out 12 assists.
Noteworthy Performances and Key Injuries
Matas Buzelis, the Chicago Bulls' No. 11 pick, played in five games, with a highlight performance against the Warriors where he scored 28 points, grabbed five rebounds, and made two steals. His contributions on both ends of the floor reflect his readiness for the next step in his career.
Zach Edey, selected by the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 9, suffered an ankle injury against the Pelicans. However, during the Salt Lake City Summer League, he tallied impressive numbers with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks, indicating his potential when healthy.
Unfortunately, the Oklahoma City Thunder's Nikola Topić could not participate due to a torn ACL, and Devin Carter of the Sacramento Kings was also sidelined following shoulder surgery.
Young Talent and Future Stars
Washington Wizards’ No. 14 pick, Carlton Carrington, delivered across the board with 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals in a game against the Bucks, showcasing his all-around game at just 19 years old.
Cody Williams, the Utah Jazz’s No. 10 pick, stood out with his efficiency in the paint, shooting 73.9% over seven games split between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues. His ability to finish at the rim marks him as a player to watch.
Lastly, Stephon Castle participated in one game during the Las Vegas Summer League, adding to his three in the California Classic. His solo Las Vegas outing was impressive, tallying 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers, suggesting he has the potential to make significant contributions as he further acclimatizes to the professional level.
As these new and emerging talents transition to the regular season, NBA fans have much to anticipate. Each player's summer league performances hint at their potential future impact, promising an exciting 2024-25 season ahead.