The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League concluded with a flourish, as the Miami Heat emerged as champions after nearly two weeks of intense competition. The Heat clinched the title on Monday night, capping off a series of standout performances that made this year's edition one to remember.
One of the defining narratives of this Summer League was the stellar play of Jordan Miller from the Los Angeles Clippers. Averaging an impressive 25.4 points over five games, Miller's performance peaked with a spectacular 36-point outing against the Denver Nuggets. He shot 52.9% from the floor and made eight three-pointers out of 20 attempts in that game, showcasing his prowess from beyond the arc.
Meanwhile, Jalen Wilson from the Brooklyn Nets made a significant impact, earning himself the title of NBA's Summer League MVP. Wilson's contributions were consistently strong, averaging 21.8 points over five games. Additionally, he was recognized as a second-team all-summer league selection, a testament to his well-rounded performance. As Wilson transitions from his rookie season, where he averaged 5.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists over 43 games, his Summer League MVP accolade signals a promising future.
Another notable performer was Reed Sheppard, who recorded 11 steals over four games. Despite hitting only 5 of 18 from beyond the arc, Sheppard's defensive tenacity stood out. Dalton Knecht represented the Los Angeles Lakers, while Alex Sarr showed flashes of potential, averaging 5.5 points in four games for the Washington Wizards. Carlton Carrington also had a notable moment, recording 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Bucks.
Speculation around Carrington's potential has grown, with some suggesting, "There could be a world where Carrington has the best rookie season of any of his Wizards teammates -- including No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr."
Scotty Pippen Jr. demonstrated his potential as well, scoring 29 points in the title game loss against the Heat and recording a triple-double with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win over the Clippers. Kel'el Ware also made his mark, scoring 21 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in the title game. Ware's consistency was impressive, scoring at least 11 points in all eight Summer League games in Las Vegas and at the California Classic.
Donovan Clingan turned heads with his defensive prowess, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. His offensive contributions included three three-pointers, diversifying his skillset and impact on the floor.
Matas Buzelis consistently scored in double digits across five games in Vegas, with his standout performance being a 28-point, five-rebound, two-steal showing against the Warriors. GG Jackson also had a standout moment, scoring 28 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and securing two steals in the title game loss to Miami.
Tristan da Silva was another player who caught the eye, averaging 17.7 points, five rebounds, three assists, and 1.3 steals over three games. His shooting accuracy was notable, hitting 60.7% from the field and 58.8% from beyond the arc, a testament to his efficient scoring ability.
Overall, the Las Vegas Summer League presented a platform for emerging players to showcase their talents and make their mark. For some, this tournament served as a breakout display of potential, while for others, it was an opportunity to solidify their standings within their respective teams. The performances seen during these two weeks have set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating NBA season ahead.