The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League is winding down, and it has provided a valuable stage for the 2024 draft class, as well as a mix of second-year players and hopeful talents, all vying for their spot in the 2024-25 NBA season.
Top Picks and Breakout Performances
Reed Sheppard, the Houston Rockets guard and No. 3 overall pick, stood out with an impressive performance, averaging 20 points per game, 5.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds over four games. This solid showing from the rookie has certainly put him on the radar as a promising talent for the upcoming season.
Conversely, the Washington Wizards' forward Alex Sarr, the No. 2 pick, had a challenging summer league. Sarr notably had a game where he could not find his rhythm, shooting 0 of 15 from the floor. Throughout the duration of the league, he managed an average of 5.5 points per game, suggesting there is still some adjustment needed as he transitions to the professional level.
Zaccharie Risacher, who was selected first overall by the Atlanta Hawks, had a brief but impactful presence. Playing only two games, Risacher finished with a shooting record of 11 of 27 from the field. While his playtime was limited, the top pick displayed glimpses of the talent that made him the most coveted player in the draft.
Notable Performances and Challenges
Several mid-first round picks also showcased their potential. Ron Holland, picked No. 5 by the Detroit Pistons, struggled with his three-point shooting, finishing 4 of 17 from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Charlotte Hornets’ No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, also experienced shooting woes, going 1 of 10 from three-point range across three games and averaging 9.0 points per game.
Portland Trail Blazers' Donovan Clingan, the No. 7 pick, distinguished himself on the defensive end, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. His ability to make a defensive impact was further highlighted by his contribution of three three-pointers during the league.
The Minnesota Timberwolves' No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, demonstrated his scoring ability by posting a team-high 25 points and 12 assists in a game against the Magic. Dillingham’s performance indicates he could be a significant asset for Minnesota moving forward.
Injuries and Absences
The Memphis Grizzlies' No. 9 pick, Zach Edey, faced a setback with an ankle injury during a game against the Pelicans. Despite the injury, Edey had already made a strong impression earlier in the Salt Lake City Summer League, recording 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks.
Nikola Topić of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Devin Carter of the Sacramento Kings, unfortunately, did not participate in the summer league. Topić was sidelined with a torn ACL, while Carter was recovering from shoulder surgery. Their absence is a reminder of the physical demands and risks associated with the transition to professional basketball.
Rising Stars and Final Takeaways
Carlton Carrington, selected at No. 14 by the Washington Wizards, delivered a notable performance with 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Bucks. The 19-year-old's all-around game shows promise as he begins his NBA journey.
The Utah Jazz's No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, had an extensive presence with seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues. Williams displayed remarkable efficiency in the paint, shooting 73.9% in that area.
Stephon Castle also made his mark, playing one game during the Las Vegas Summer League and three in the California Classic. His standout performance came in his solo Las Vegas outing, tallying 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers.
As the Las Vegas Summer League draws to a close, it's evident that the NBA’s new crop of talent comes with a mix of immediate impact players and others who will need time to adjust to the rigors of professional basketball. The performances observed have given fans and analysts alike much to look forward to as these young players transition to the regular season and continue to develop their skills.