The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League is drawing to a close, and it's been an intriguing showcase of the 2024 draft class combined with a mix of second-year players and aspiring talents vying for a spot in the 2024-25 NBA season. Several players have stood out, but not without some highs and lows along the way.
Top Picks: Mixed Performances
Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, made his mark with remarkable statistics. Over four games, Sheppard averaged an impressive 20 points per game, coupled with 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds, showcasing his potential to become a star player for the Rockets.
Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr, chosen as the No. 2 overall pick, had a notably rough game where he shot 0 of 15 from the floor. Despite this setback, he averaged 5.5 points per game during his summer league stint, signaling there is room for development.
Meanwhile, the top overall pick, Zaccharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks, had a relatively quiet performance, playing only two games and finishing 11 of 27 from the field. Fans and team officials will be hoping to see more from him as he acclimates to the professional stage.
Mid to Late Lottery Picks: Varied Outcomes
Detroit Pistons' No. 5 pick Ron Holland had an underwhelming showing from beyond the arc, finishing 4 of 17 in three-point shooting. Similarly, Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick Tidjane Salaun struggled with his shooting, going 1 of 10 from three-point range across three games, though he averaged 9 points per game.
Portland Trail Blazers’ selection at No. 7, Donovan Clingan, provided a strong defensive presence averaging 8.8 rebounds and an impressive 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game, also making three three-pointers over the course of the league.
Minnesota Timberwolves' No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, had a standout moment with a team-high 25 points and 12 assists in a game against the Orlando Magic, highlighting his playmaking abilities.
Chicago Bulls’ No. 11 pick, Matas Buzelis, put on an impressive performance in one game with 28 points, five rebounds, and two steals against the Warriors. Buzelis played in five games, contributing consistently to his team's efforts.
Memphis Grizzlies’ No. 9 pick, Zach Edey, despite suffering an ankle injury against the Pelicans, made a significant impact during the Salt Lake City Summer League, recording 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks in one game.
Unfortunate Injuries and Absences
Injury woes and medical absences also marred the summer league for a few promising players. Nikola Topić of the Oklahoma City Thunder did not participate due to a torn ACL, and Sacramento Kings’ player Devin Carter missed out due to shoulder surgery.
Solid Showings by Late Lottery Picks
Carlton Carrington, selected at No. 14 by the Washington Wizards, turned 19 recently but showcased maturity on the court with a stat line of 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Bucks. His all-around performance has certainly turned heads.
Utah Jazz’s No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, featured prominently in seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues, notably shooting 73.9% on shots in the paint, demonstrating high efficiency.
Stephon Castle also had notable performances, playing one game during the Las Vegas Summer League and three in the California Classic. His solo Las Vegas outing was particularly impressive, logging 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers, signaling his potential to contribute effectively at the pro level.
As the summer league wraps up, the promising young talents have given fans a glimpse of what lies ahead. While some lived up to the expectations of their high draft positions, others will look to use these experiences as stepping stones for improvement as they gear up for the grueling NBA season.