The Excitement of the California Classic NBA Summer League
In its sixth year, the California Classic NBA Summer League continues to captivate basketball enthusiasts with its intense competition and emerging talents. Spanning four days and taking place at Sacramento's Golden 1 Center and San Francisco's Chase Center, the event showcased a diverse mix of teams and players, providing fans with their first glimpse of the upcoming season's potential stars.
The event featured a robust lineup, with Sacramento hosting the Kings, Hornets, Spurs, and the Chinese National Team in a round-robin competition. A standout performance came from Stephon Castle, who was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Representing the San Antonio Spurs, Castle left a lasting impression with a stat line boasting 18 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals in his final summer league game. As he prepares for the main Summer League event in Las Vegas, Castle's versatility on the court is evident.
"I'm comfortable really anywhere out on the court. I will say I'm probably most comfortable on the ball, but if I play off the ball, I still feel 100% comfortable there. Just being with the kind of team that we have, I feel like we will have five guys that can dribble, pass, and shoot. The positions are out of the equation a little bit," Castle said, highlighting his adaptability and the team's cohesive dynamic.
Not all the top picks were fortunate enough to participate fully. Tidjane Salaün, the Hornets' No. 6 pick, was notably absent due to a minor laceration near his knee. Despite this setback, the competition remained fierce. Keon Ellis of the Kings delivered an impressive performance, scoring 30 points in a hard-fought loss to the Warriors. Ellis's shooting proficiency, demonstrated by his 41.7% accuracy on 3-pointers last season, makes him a player to watch.
San Francisco’s Chase Center also hosted a second Kings summer league team, along with teams from the Warriors, Heat, and Lakers. The Warriors edged out Sacramento 91-90 in the final game at Chase Center, claiming the first-ever "Mitch Richmond Trophy" in the Battle of NorCal Summer League game. The trophy nods to the esteemed legacy of Richmond, a significant figure in both franchises' histories.
Among the many intriguing storylines was the participation of Bronny James, who played for the Lakers in San Francisco. James, however, faced his own challenges, including knee swelling that caused him to miss the game against the Warriors. Despite this, James managed to make an impact in the match against Miami, contributing three points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Over the entirety of the event, he accumulated seven rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and two steals, demonstrating his all-around game.
Notably, Knecht delivered a mixed performance over the event. Though his overall shooting percentages were modest — with 30.2% from the floor and 26.7% from beyond the arc — he showed flashes of scoring potential, particularly in the game against the Heat where he scored 20 points.
The Spurs made a strategic move by adding veterans Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes to their roster, indicating their intent to blend experience with emerging talent as they approach the new season.
The California Classic continues to grow in significance, offering a platform for players to shine and teams to assess their future stars in game situations. As the event concludes, the focus shifts to the main Summer League in Las Vegas, where players like Stephon Castle are poised to further prove their mettle on a grander stage.