The first week of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas has been an eye-opening experience, showcasing the remarkable potential of young talents vying for a coveted spot in the 2024 NBA draft. Despite initial concerns about the strength of this draft class, many rookies have demonstrated that such doubts were unfounded.
On Day 1, standout performances came from the likes of Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Matas Buzelis, and Bub Carrington, all of whom made significant impacts. Of particular note was Reed Sheppard, who drew high praise for his intuitive feel for the game and his extraordinary confidence. "Reed Sheppard, for example, has blown me away with his feel for the game and confidence. These guys are different players now than they were in March," said one NBA executive.
Seasoned Rookies Impress
While the younger rookies grabbed headlines, older rookies like Dalton Knecht, Tristan da Silva, and Terrence Shannon Jr. also showcased their preparedness and readiness for the next level of competition. Meanwhile, long-term prospects such as Tidjane Salaun, Cody Williams, and Kel'el Ware revealed a greater readiness than initially anticipated, setting the stage for an intriguing draft year.
Among those voicing their discontent regarding the presumptive criticisms of the draft class was Ron Holland II. "It definitely makes me mad that people would say that. But we go out here and play the game of basketball and just show everybody, show the whole world why we really want [to be] the best competitive class," Holland commented, encapsulating the collective drive and determination of the draft hopefuls.
Bronny James: Under the Spotlight
Bronny James has had a mixed showing during the summer league, representing the Lakers in games against the Rockets, Celtics, and Hawks. Despite the ups and downs, his persistence has earned respect, and his later performances were notable. Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized the team's long-term plans for James, stating, "He is a development player. That's how we're looking at Bronny. He's certainly going to spend time with the Lakers. He will spend time as well in the G League." An unnamed Western Conference scout added, "No one can withstand the scrutiny he is under," pointing to the immense pressure facing the young player.
Contract Drama and Transfer Scenarios
In other news, the LA Clippers and Paul George were unable to come to terms on a contract extension. George subsequently signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, ending a chapter of negotiations that saw the Clippers offering a deal starting at around $60 million for two years but without a no-trade clause. Discussions faltered as the Clippers sought to maintain future cap flexibility. Clippers president Lawrence Frank reflected on the broader challenges, stating, "Team building is completely different when your best players are in their 30s and with the second apron. What happens is all the team-building tools are completely stripped away and you're stuck."
Additionally, the Denver Nuggets are reportedly interested in acquiring Russell Westbrook as a veteran backup point guard, a move that could add depth and experience to their roster.
Injuries and Setbacks
A significant injury setback came as DaRon Holmes II suffered a torn Achilles during summer league play, sidelining him for the upcoming season. The 22nd overall pick in the draft had shown great promise, averaging 20.4 points and 8.5 rebounds at Dayton.
Innovative Draft Format
The new two-day draft format has received positive feedback from NBA executives, who appreciated the additional time between rounds to make more informed decisions. "Having the ability to regroup after the first night and then meet most of the following day created a great process for our group in determining our next moves," one executive noted. The reset between days led to better internal and external conversations, and some front office members even expressed a desire for a longer second round with more time between picks. "This is how billion-dollar businesses like ours should be operated. Especially in this new world of staring down the second apron with tens of millions of dollars in potential luxury tax implications on the line," remarked another executive.
As the summer league continues to unfold, the performances witnessed in Las Vegas will undoubtedly shape opinions about the 2024 draft class, providing further clarity on the future stars of the NBA.