The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League is drawing to a close, and all eyes have been on the fresh batch of talent gearing up for the 2024-25 NBA season. This summer league offers a critical glimpse into the future of the sport, with rookies and second-year players striving to make a mark.
Top Draft Picks Under the Spotlight
Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard, who was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, showcased why he is worth the hype. Averaging 20 points per game, 5.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds over four games, Sheppard made a strong case for his spot on the Rockets' roster.
Meanwhile, the No. 2 overall pick, Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr, had a roller-coaster performance. Sarr struggled significantly in one game, going 0 of 15 from the floor. Over the entirety of the Summer League, he averaged just 5.5 points per game. The top overall pick, Atlanta Hawks' Zaccharie Risacher, played only two games and shot 11 of 27 from the field, leaving fans wanting more.
Other top picks also had mixed performances. Detroit Pistons' No. 5 pick, Ron Holland, had a tough time with his three-point shooting, finishing 4 of 17 from beyond the arc. Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, similarly struggled, going 1 of 10 from three-point range across three games, though he managed to average 9.0 points per game.
Standout Performances
Portland Trail Blazers' No. 7 pick, Donovan Clingan, stood out with his defensive prowess. Averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in under 26 minutes per game, Clingan showcased his defensive versatility. He also added three three-pointers to his stat line, proving he can stretch the floor.
Minnesota Timberwolves' No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, turned heads with a stellar performance against the Orlando Magic, posting a team-high 25 points and 12 assists. Chicago Bulls' No. 11 pick, Matas Buzelis, had an impressive game against the Warriors, scoring 28 points, grabbing five rebounds, and making two steals over five games.
Injuries and Disappointments
The Summer League wasn't without its setbacks. Memphis Grizzlies' No. 9 pick, Zach Edey, suffered an ankle injury against the Pelicans. Before the injury, Edey had recorded 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks during the Salt Lake City Summer League, showing his potential. Oklahoma City Thunder's Nikola Topić and Sacramento Kings' Devin Carter were sidelined entirely, Topić due to a torn ACL and Carter following shoulder surgery.
Unexpected Heroes
Though not a top-ten pick, Carlton Carrington, drafted 14th overall by the Washington Wizards, made significant contributions. Carrington recorded 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals in a game against the Bucks. At just 19 years old, his performance promises a bright future.
Utah Jazz's No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, consistently delivered solid performances over seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues. Highlighted by his 73.9% shooting on shots in the paint, Williams demonstrated an efficient offensive game.
Stephon Castle also made his mark, playing one game during the Las Vegas Summer League and three in the California Classic. His solo Las Vegas outing was noteworthy, tallying 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers.
As the Las Vegas Summer League wraps up, the focus now shifts to how these emerging talents will transition into the regular season. For some, the summer games have served as a launching pad, while for others, they have highlighted areas in need of improvement. Regardless, the thrill of new talent and the promise of future stars make the NBA's Summer League a spectacle worth following.