The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League wrapped up in dramatic fashion, with the Miami Heat clinching the title on Monday night. The event, which lasted nearly two weeks, showcased some of the brightest young talent the league has to offer, and saw standout performances that could shape the future of several franchises.
Remarkable Performances
Jordan Miller from the Los Angeles Clippers was a player who truly stood out. Averaging 25.4 points over five games, Miller had a remarkable 36-point outing against the Denver Nuggets, hitting eight three-pointers out of 20 attempts and shooting 52.9% from the floor. His prowess on the court turned numerous heads and solidified his spot as a notable player to watch in the coming seasons.
Jalen Wilson from the Brooklyn Nets emerged as the NBA Summer League MVP. He averaged 21.8 points over five games, showcasing his scoring ability and earning a place on the second-team all-summer league. Though his stats during his rookie season—5.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists over 43 games—might not have been as eye-catching, his summer league performance suggests a turning point in his career.
Steals and Block Machines
Reed Sheppard had an impressive defensive showing with 11 steals over four games. While his three-point shooting was less spectacular, hitting only 5 of 18, his defensive tenacity stood out. Meanwhile, Donovan Clingan made his presence felt on the defensive end as well, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. He also demonstrated his versatility by making three three-pointers.
Rookie Watch
Carlton Carrington's all-around performance against the Bucks—recording 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals—sparked speculation about his potential. According to some analysts, "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." This high praise underscores the high expectations surrounding his future contributions.
Dalton Knecht, who played for the Los Angeles Lakers, and Kel'el Ware, who was instrumental in his team’s games, also displayed promising talent. Ware scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the title game and maintained consistent scoring with at least 11 points in all eight of his summer league games, including the California Classic.
Exemplary Scorers
Scotty Pippen Jr. had a memorable run as well, scoring 29 points in the title game loss to the Heat and posting a triple-double with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win over the Clippers. His ability to perform under pressure bodes well for his professional trajectory.
Matas Buzelis consistently scored in double digits in five games in Vegas, and his standout performance came against the Warriors where he scored 28 points, grabbed five rebounds, and snagged two steals. GG Jackson also had an exceptional game in the title contest, contributing 28 points, nine rebounds, and two steals despite the loss to Miami.
Tristan da Silva made the most of his opportunities as well, averaging 17.7 points, five rebounds, three assists, and 1.3 steals over three games. His shooting was exceptionally accurate at 60.7%, and he hit 7-of-17 attempts (58.8%) from beyond the arc, further demonstrating his scoring efficiency.
As the dust settles from this year’s Las Vegas Summer League, the performances from these emerging talents promise to make a significant impact in the upcoming NBA season. The intensity and skill demonstrated over these two weeks suggest that fans have much to look forward to when these young stars hit the main stage.