The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League is winding down, and the promising talents of the 2024 draft class have shown why this event remains a cornerstone of the offseason. This year’s showcase has been a mix of breakout performances, developmental strides, and, for some, a harsh reality check.
A Standout Performance by Reed Sheppard
The Houston Rockets' No. 3 overall pick, guard Reed Sheppard, has undeniably been one of the standout performers. Averaging an impressive 20 points per game, 5.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds over four games, Sheppard has shown why the Rockets were keen to draft him. His impressive stats suggest that Sheppard might be one to watch as the new NBA season approaches.
Challenges for Top Picks
On the flip side, the No. 2 overall pick, Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr, experienced significant struggles. In a particularly difficult game, Sarr shot 0 of 15 from the floor, contributing to a summer league average of just 5.5 points per game. Such numbers illustrate that even top picks can face tough transitions to the professional level.
Zaccharie Risacher, the top overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks, had a modest outing as well. Playing only two games, he finished with 11 of 27 from the field. While his performance was not as dominant as some fans might have hoped, it is clear the Hawks see potential in their No. 1 pick.
Mixed Results for Other Top Picks
Other notable names from the draft also had varying degrees of success. The Detroit Pistons' No. 5 pick, Ron Holland, struggled with his three-point shooting, finishing 4 of 17 from beyond the arc. Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, also faced challenges, managing only 1 of 10 on three-pointers across three games, though he averaged a decent 9.0 points per game.
Portland Trail Blazers' No. 7 pick, Donovan Clingan, showcased his defensive prowess, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. Clingan also surprised many by making three three-pointers, adding another dimension to his game.
Noteworthy Performances
Some rookies have already begun to make a name for themselves. Rob Dillingham, the No. 8 pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves, had a particularly stellar game against the Magic, posting a team-high 25 points and 12 assists. Matas Buzelis, the Chicago Bulls' No. 11 pick, also made waves, especially in a game against the Warriors where he scored 28 points, grabbed five rebounds, and made two steals.
Memphis Grizzlies’ No. 9 pick, Zach Edey, had a mixed summer league experience. Despite suffering an ankle injury against the Pelicans, Edey recorded 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks during the Salt Lake City Summer League. His resilience is commendable and could set the tone for his upcoming season.
Injuries and Absences
Injuries and surgeries sidelined some players, such as Nikola Topić of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who did not participate due to a torn ACL, and Devin Carter of the Sacramento Kings, who missed out following shoulder surgery.
Rising Stars
The Washington Wizards' Carlton Carrington, selected at No. 14, turned heads with his all-around performance against the Bucks, recording 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Maybe even more impressive is the fact that Carrington recently turned 19, highlighting his immense potential at such a young age.
Utah Jazz’s No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, participated in seven games across both the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues. The forward's efficiency in the paint was particularly notable, shooting 73.9% on shots inside.
Stephon Castle, who had one outing in Las Vegas and three in the California Classic, also showed promise. In his sole Las Vegas game, Castle tallied 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and sank two three-pointers.
As the Las Vegas Summer League nears its conclusion, the performances of these young talents offer glimpses into their future potential in the NBA. Their journey has only just begun, but the groundwork laid in these summer games will undoubtedly serve as a foundation for their rookie seasons and beyond.