The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League is winding down, marking an end to a critical evaluation period for the 2024 draft class and other emerging talents. This showcase has been a platform for rookies to demonstrate their skills and for second-year players to solidify their places in the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season.
Top Picks and Their Performances
Houston Rockets' guard Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has made a significant impact. Over four games, Sheppard averaged an impressive 20 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game, illustrating his readiness for the professional stage. These numbers showcase his scoring ability and his knack for playmaking.
On the other hand, Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick by the Washington Wizards, had a challenging outing. In a game where he struggled to connect with the basket, shooting 0 of 15 from the floor, Sarr's overall performance in the league reflected his struggles, averaging only 5.5 points per game.
Top overall pick, Zaccharie Risacher, chosen by the Atlanta Hawks, played just two games but managed to leave a mark, finishing with an 11 of 27 shooting record. These limited appearances leave some questions unanswered about his consistency and durability.
Other Notable Rookies
Ron Holland, selected at No. 5 by the Detroit Pistons, had his fair share of struggles from beyond the arc, going 4 of 17 in three-point shooting. Meanwhile, the No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun of the Charlotte Hornets, also faced difficulties with long-range shooting, hitting just 1 of 10 three-pointers across three games, though he averaged 9.0 points per game.
Portland Trail Blazers' Donovan Clingan, the No. 7 pick, showcased strong defensive skills. He averaged 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in under 26 minutes per game. Additionally, Clingan demonstrated some versatility, making three three-pointers during the league.
Rob Dillingham, the No. 8 pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves, highlighted his scoring and playmaking prowess with a standout performance against the Magic, where he posted a team-high 25 points and 12 assists.
Chicago Bulls' No. 11 pick, Matas Buzelis, had a notable showing, particularly in a game against the Warriors where he scored 28 points, grabbed five rebounds, and made two steals. Buzelis' performance over five games suggests he could be a valuable asset for the Bulls moving forward.
Injuries and Absences
Injuries played a significant role in the Summer League narrative. Zach Edey, the No. 9 pick by the Memphis Grizzlies, suffered an ankle injury against the Pelicans. Before his injury, Edey recorded 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks during the Salt Lake City Summer League, showing his potential as a dominant inside presence.
Oklahoma City Thunder's Nikola Topić missed out on the action due to a torn ACL, while Sacramento Kings' Devin Carter was sidelined following shoulder surgery. These injuries have undoubtedly impacted these players' opportunities to prove themselves early on.
Additional Standouts
Washington Wizards' No. 14 pick, Carlton Carrington, delivered a strong performance against the Bucks, recording 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals. The recently turned 19-year-old is showing signs of becoming a versatile player for the Wizards.
Cody Williams, selected at No. 10 by the Utah Jazz, participated in seven games across both the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues. Williams demonstrated remarkable efficiency, shooting 73.9% on shots in the paint, highlighting his scoring ability in and around the basket.
Stephon Castle also made an impression, particularly with his performance during the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League. In his single Las Vegas outing, Castle tallied 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers, hinting at his all-around game potential.
As the Las Vegas Summer League comes to a close, these young talents have set the stage for what promises to be an exciting 2024-25 NBA season. Whether they are top picks like Reed Sheppard making a strong case for immediate impact, or others like Cody Williams showing their efficiency in critical areas, the future of the NBA is already beginning to take shape in these summer showdowns.