The first week of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas has been nothing short of a revelation. As young talents vie for a spot in the 2024 NBA draft, initial impressions paint a picture far more promising than the anticipated historically weak class.
Among the standout performers, Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Matas Buzelis, and Bub Carrington turned heads right from Day 1. Reed Sheppard, in particular, has mesmerized with his intuitive feel for the game and an extraordinary level of confidence. "Reed Sheppard, for example, has blown me away with his feel for the game and confidence. These guys are different players now than they were in March," commented one NBA executive, encapsulating the sentiment felt by many.
Mixed Bag for Bronny James
Bronny James has had his highs and lows representing the Lakers against formidable teams like the Rockets, Celtics, and Hawks. Despite a rocky start, Bronny displayed perseverance, capping his games with notable performances. Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized the team's long-term developmental plans for Bronny: "He is a development player. That's how we're looking at Bronny. He's certainly going to spend time with the Lakers. He will spend time as well in the G League."
The mixed performances have subjected Bronny to significant scrutiny. "No one can withstand the scrutiny he is under," noted one Western Conference scout, highlighting the pressures faced by the young guard.
Veterans and Long-term Prospects Shine
While rookies have garnered much of the spotlight, older rookies such as Dalton Knecht, Tristan da Silva, and Terrence Shannon Jr. have also made strong impressions, demonstrating their preparedness for the professional stage. Concurrently, younger long-term prospects like Tidjane Salaun, Cody Williams, and Kel'el Ware exhibited more readiness than initially anticipated.
In contrast to the stellar performances, it hasn't been all positive news. DaRon Holmes II suffered a devastating torn Achilles, sidelining him for the upcoming season. Holmes, the 22nd overall pick in the draft, had high expectations after an impressive stint at Dayton, averaging 20.4 points and 8.5 rebounds.
Team Dynamics and Decisions
Off the court, significant developments have shaped team rosters and future strategies. The LA Clippers and Paul George were at an impasse over a contract extension, which led to George signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Clippers' offer, devoid of a no-trade clause and beginning at approximately $60 million for two years, was aimed at maintaining future cap flexibility. "Team building is completely different when your best players are in their 30s and with the second apron. What happens is all the team-building tools are completely stripped away and you're stuck," explained Clippers president Lawrence Frank.
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets have expressed interest in acquiring Russell Westbrook as a veteran backup point guard, illustrating their intent to fortify their roster with experienced talent.
Changing Formats and Feedback
Another topic of discussion has been the NBA's new two-day draft format, which has received positive feedback from executives. The additional time allowed teams to regroup after the first night, leading to better decision-making and facilitating numerous trade scenarios. "Having the ability to regroup after the first night and then meet most of the following day created a great process for our group in determining our next moves," said one executive. While some front office members felt a longer second round with more time between picks would be beneficial, the general consensus favored the overall structure. "This is how billion-dollar businesses like ours should be operated. Especially in this new world of staring down the second apron with tens of millions of dollars in potential luxury tax implications on the line," added another executive.
As the NBA Summer League continues to unfold, the performances in Las Vegas are sure to keep evolving opinions about the 2024 draft class. For now, the early exhibitions have successfully silenced many critics, showcasing a robust group of future stars.