The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League is drawing to a close, and the young prospects have left their marks—a precursor to what fans might anticipate in the 2024-25 NBA season. Players from the 2024 draft class, as well as rising second-year talents, took to the court with hopes and aspirations of cementing their places in their respective teams' futures. Here's a detailed look at some standout performances and notable mentions from the league.
Top Picks and Their Performances
Houston Rockets' guard Reed Sheppard, who was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, displayed commendable prowess, averaging 20 points per game, along with 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds over four games. His consistent performance has undoubtedly set high expectations for the upcoming season.
In contrast, Washington Wizards' forward Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick, experienced a challenging summer. His daunting 0 of 15 shooting performance in one game highlighted his struggles. Over his stint in the summer league, Sarr averaged just 5.5 points per game, a figure that reflects some adjustments may be required as he transitions to the NBA.
Zaccharie Risacher, the top overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks, had a limited appearance with just two games under his belt. Despite this, he managed to go 11 of 27 from the field, offering glimpses of his potential.
Shooting Struggles and Successes
Detroit Pistons' fifth pick, Ron Holland, faced difficulties in his shooting, finishing 4 of 17 from beyond the arc. Similarly, the Charlotte Hornets' Tidjane Salaun, who was their No. 6 pick, struggled with his three-point shooting, going just 1 of 10 across three games. Salaun did, however, maintain an average of 9.0 points per game.
On the other hand, Portland Trail Blazers' No. 7 pick, Donovan Clingan, showcased his defensive capabilities by averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks per game in nearly 26 minutes of play. Clingan also managed to make three three-pointers throughout the league, hinting at a well-rounded skill set.
Notable Highlights and Injuries
Minnesota Timberwolves' Rob Dillingham, the No. 8 pick, had a standout moment with a team-high 25 points and 12 assists in a game against the Orlando Magic. Meanwhile, Chicago Bulls' No. 11 pick, Matas Buzelis, participated in five games and delivered an impressive performance against the Golden State Warriors, scoring 28 points, grabbing five rebounds, and making two steals.
Memphis Grizzlies' No. 9 pick, Zach Edey, experienced a mix of highs and lows. He suffered an ankle injury against the Pelicans, yet during the Salt Lake City Summer League, he recorded noteworthy stats with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks.
Absentees and Contributions
Oklahoma City Thunder's Nikola Topić and Sacramento Kings' Devin Carter were sidelined due to injuries. Topić did not participate because of a torn ACL, while Carter was recovering from shoulder surgery.
Washington Wizards' No. 14 pick, Carlton Carrington, who recently turned 19, delivered an all-around performance with 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Milwaukee Bucks. This versatile display of skills highlights his potential to make a significant impact.
Consistent Performers
Utah Jazz's No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, participated in seven games across the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues. His impressive 73.9% shooting on attempts in the paint demonstrates his efficiency and effectiveness on the court.
Final Thoughts
Among the other promising players, Stephon Castle played four games overall, one in the Las Vegas Summer League and three in the California Classic. His solo Las Vegas outing was marked by a solid performance with 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers.
As the NBA's Las Vegas Summer League wraps up, the 2024 draft class, alongside some notable second-year players, have provided fans with a taste of what to expect moving forward. While some players faced challenges, others seized the opportunity to shine, setting the stage for an exciting upcoming season.