The Las Vegas Summer League is drawing to a close, providing a glimpse into the future of the NBA as rookies and second-year players fought to make their mark ahead of the 2024-25 season. Highlighting this summer's standout performances are several top draft picks who have showcased their skills, and occasionally, their struggles on the court.
Top Picks Under the Spotlight
The Houston Rockets’ Reed Sheppard, selected third overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, has emerged as a prominent figure. Averaging 20 points per game along with 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds over four games, Sheppard has demonstrated his ability to contribute across the board.
Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards' Alex Sarr, who was the second overall pick, experienced a challenging game where he went 0 for 15 from the floor. Despite this tough outing, he maintained an average of 5.5 points per game during the league. This serves as a reminder that transitions to the professional level can have their ups and downs.
The top overall pick, selected by the Atlanta Hawks, was Zaccharie Risacher. Though he played only two games, Risacher made his presence known by shooting 11 of 27 from the field, leaving fans anticipating more from this prospective star.
Mid-Lottery Selections Making an Impact
Ron Holland, the Detroit Pistons' fifth pick, exhibited some three-point shooting woes, finishing 4 of 17 from beyond the arc. The Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, faced similar struggles from long range with a 1 for 10 record in three games, though he managed to average 9.0 points per game.
On the defensive end, the Portland Trail Blazers’ Donovan Clingan, chosen seventh, proved his worth by averaging 8.8 rebounds and an impressive 4.3 blocks per game. Clingan also showcased his versatility by making three three-pointers during the competition.
Rob Dillingham, the eighth pick for the Minnesota Timberwolves, had standout moments as well, particularly in a game against the Orlando Magic where he posted a team-high 25 points and 12 assists.
Late Lottery Challenges
The Chicago Bulls' selection, Matas Buzelis at No. 11, made his mark with a strong performance against the Golden State Warriors, scoring 28 points, grabbing five rebounds, and making two steals in that game. Despite this, Buzelis' consistency throughout the league will be something to monitor as the regular season approaches.
Memphis Grizzlies’ ninth pick, Zach Edey, experienced a setback with an ankle injury but had a noteworthy showing in the Salt Lake City Summer League with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks.
Utah Jazz's No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, appeared in seven games across both the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas leagues, shooting an impressive 73.9% on shots in the paint. This efficiency will no doubt be a valuable asset for the Jazz moving forward.
Prominent Absentees and Future Stars
Not all top picks were able to showcase their talents. The Oklahoma City Thunder's Nikola Topić, who tore his ACL, and the Sacramento Kings' Devin Carter, who underwent shoulder surgery, were notable absences for their respective teams.
Among the later picks, Carlton Carrington of the Washington Wizards, selected 14th, displayed his diverse skill set with 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Bucks. Carrington, who recently turned 19, is showing promise for the Wizards' future lineup.
Finally, Stephon Castle had a notable performance during the Las Vegas Summer League, scoring 22 points, collecting five rebounds, and dishing out four assists, including two three-pointers in his lone Vegas game. Castle also participated in three games in the California Classic, proving his potential to contribute significantly in different settings.
As the Las Vegas Summer League concludes, it's evident that the 2024 draft class brings a blend of talent, potential, and areas for improvement. These young players have taken their first steps toward what promises to be exciting careers in the NBA, and fans can look forward to their growth and development in the seasons to come.