The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League concluded this week, leaving behind a trail of standout performances and emerging talents. The Miami Heat clinched the title on Monday night in a thrilling finish to an event that spanned nearly two weeks.
Key Performers of the Summer League
The Summer League is a stage for rising stars, and this year was no exception. Jordan Miller of the Los Angeles Clippers was a force to be reckoned with, averaging 25.4 points over five games. Miller's 36-point outing against the Denver Nuggets, where he shot an impressive 52.9% from the floor and nailed eight three-pointers out of 20 attempts, was one of the standout performances of the tournament.
Jalen Wilson from the Brooklyn Nets also made headlines, being named the NBA Summer League MVP and earning a spot on the second-team all-summer league. Wilson averaged 21.8 points in five games, a significant improvement from his rookie season averages of 5.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists over 43 games.
Up-and-Coming Talent
Reed Sheppard emerged as a defensive powerhouse, recording 11 steals in four games. Though his shooting from beyond the arc was less stellar, hitting only 5 of 18 attempts, his defensive contributions were invaluable. Dalton Knecht of the Los Angeles Lakers and Alex Sarr of the Washington Wizards also showed flashes of potential. Sarr averaged 5.5 points in four games, while Knecht provided solid minutes off the bench.
One name that generated buzz was Carlton Carrington. Known for his versatility, Carrington recorded a notable performance against the Bucks with 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals. As speculation around his potential grew, one quote from an analyst stood out: "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."
Memorable Performances
The title game featured some unforgettable moments. Scotty Pippen Jr. scored 29 points in the loss to the Heat but didn't leave without making a mark during the league. He had earlier recorded a triple-double with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win over the Clippers. Kel'el Ware had a double-double in the title game, scoring 21 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Ware consistently performed throughout the league, scoring at least 11 points in all eight games in Vegas and at the California Classic.
Donovan Clingan also made a significant impact, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. Demonstrating his versatility, Clingan also made three three-pointers over the course of the league.
Consistent Scorers
Matas Buzelis was a model of consistency, scoring in double digits in all five of his games in Vegas. His best game came against the Warriors, where he put up 28 points, five rebounds, and two steals. Similarly, GG Jackson’s 28 points, nine rebounds, and two steals in the title game showcased his knack for stepping up in big moments.
Tristan da Silva's all-around game was another highlight. He averaged 17.7 points, five rebounds, three assists, and 1.3 steals over three games. His shooting was noteworthy, hitting 60.7% of his shots and an impressive 58.8% from beyond the arc.
As the summer league wraps up, the performances from these budding stars provide a tantalizing glimpse into the future of the NBA. The Las Vegas Summer League continues to be a proving ground for young talent, where players like Miller, Wilson, and Carrington shine brightly, hinting at promising careers ahead.