The Las Vegas Summer League, a crucial testing ground for the NBA's newest talents, is coming to a close, showcasing a mix of debutantes and second-year players aiming to secure their spot in the 2024-25 NBA season.
Top Draft Picks Showcase Their Skills
Reed Sheppard, the Houston Rockets' No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, made a notable impact, averaging 20 points per game, along with 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds over four games. Sheppard's performance underscores his readiness to contribute to the Rockets in significant ways when the regular season commences.
Alex Sarr, the Washington Wizards' No. 2 overall pick, had a mixed run. Despite an unfortunate game where he went 0 of 15 from the floor, Sarr averaged 5.5 points per game during his stint. This period likely served as a learning curve for the young forward, who will be looking to improve his consistency.
Zaccharie Risacher, selected first overall by the Atlanta Hawks, demonstrated flashes of brilliance across his two games, finishing 11 of 27 from the field. Though his time on the court was limited, Risacher's performance has laid a promising foundation for his rookie season.
Noteworthy Performances and Struggles
Ron Holland, the Detroit Pistons' No. 5 pick, showed potential but struggled with his three-point shooting, finishing 4 of 17 from beyond the arc. Similarly, Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick Tidjane Salaun found it challenging to hit his stride from long distance, going 1 of 10 from three-point range across three games. Nevertheless, Salaun averaged 9.0 points per game, indicating his ability to contribute in other areas.
Portland Trail Blazers' Donovan Clingan, the No. 7 pick, made significant contributions on defense, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. Clingan also displayed a surprising range, making three three-pointers during the league.
Rob Dillingham, the No. 8 pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves, delivered a standout performance with a team-high 25 points and 12 assists in a game against the Orlando Magic. His playmaking abilities and scoring prowess were on full display, making him a key player to watch.
Injuries and Absences
Zach Edey, the Memphis Grizzlies' No. 9 pick, faced a setback with an ankle injury against the New Orleans Pelicans. Prior to the injury, Edey recorded 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks during the Salt Lake City Summer League, showcasing his potential to be a dominant force in the paint.
Unfortunately, not all top draftees saw action in the Summer League. Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nikola Topić missed out due to a torn ACL, and Sacramento Kings’ Devin Carter was sidelined following shoulder surgery. Their absences were felt, as both players were anticipated to make significant contributions.
Young Talents Making a Mark
Washington Wizards' No. 14 pick Carlton Carrington turned heads with a notable performance against the Milwaukee Bucks, recording 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals. At just 19 years old, Carrington's impressive display hints at a promising future in the league.
Utah Jazz's No. 10 pick Cody Williams showcased resilience and efficiency, playing in seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues. Williams' remarkable 73.9% shooting accuracy in the paint highlights his effectiveness and poise under pressure.
Stephon Castle, who played one game during the Las Vegas Summer League and three in the California Classic, put up solid numbers with 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers in his Las Vegas appearance. Castle's all-around game is likely to add depth to his team's roster.
Looking Ahead
As the Las Vegas Summer League concludes, teams and fans alike have had a taste of what to expect from the incoming draft class. Whether it’s Sheppard's scoring ability, Dillingham's playmaking, or Clingan's defensive prowess, the potential for growth and success in the upcoming NBA season is palpable. While injuries and struggles are part and parcel of a young player's journey, the resilience and flashes of brilliance on display suggest that the future of the NBA is in capable hands.