The curtain has fallen on the NBA's Las Vegas Summer League, an event that spanned nearly two weeks and concluded with the Miami Heat securing the championship title on Monday night. As teams and fans reflect on the performances, a handful of players have distinguished themselves, setting the stage for what could be promising NBA careers.
Standout Performers
Jordan Miller of the Los Angeles Clippers captured attention with his electrifying performances. Averaging 25.4 points over five games, Miller showcased his scoring prowess. His most notable outing came against the Denver Nuggets, where he dazzled with 36 points while shooting an impressive 52.9% from the field. In that same game, he demonstrated his shooting range by sinking eight three-pointers out of 20 attempts. Such performances solidify Miller as a player to watch as the regular NBA season approaches.
Jalen Wilson of the Brooklyn Nets was rightfully named the NBA's Summer League MVP. Wilson, who averaged 21.8 points over five games, displayed consistency and excellence, earning second-team all-summer league honors. During his rookie season, Wilson averaged 5.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists over the span of 43 games, but his dominant summer performance suggests a potential breakout year ahead.
Additional Noteworthy Contributions
Reed Sheppard made his presence felt with his defensive tenacity, recording 11 steals over four games. Although his three-point shooting was inconsistent—hitting only 5 of 18 from beyond the arc—his hustle and defensive instincts stood out.
Dalton Knecht played for the Los Angeles Lakers, while Alex Sarr, suiting up for the Washington Wizards, averaged 5.5 points across four games. One quote of interest speculated on Carlton Carrington’s future: "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." Carrington's versatility was evident in his game against the Bucks, where he tallied 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
Finals Highlights
The title game saw Scotty Pippen Jr. almost single-handedly willing his team against the Miami Heat, scoring 29 points in a valiant effort. Pippen Jr. also had a standout game earlier in the tournament, recording a triple-double with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win over the Clippers. This level of play indicates a bright future for the young guard.
Kel'el Ware was another beacon of consistency, amassing 21 points and 10 rebounds in the title game. Ware demonstrated his reliability by scoring at least 11 points in all eight summer league games, including those at the California Classic.
Rising Stars
Donovan Clingan made his mark with an all-around game, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. Clingan's versatility extends beyond the paint as he also knocked down three 3-pointers.
Matas Buzelis consistently contributed on the scoreboard in all five of his games in Vegas. His standout performance came against the Warriors, where he racked up 28 points, five rebounds, and two steals, displaying his multi-faceted skill set.
GG Jackson exhibited a promising all-around game, posting 28 points, nine rebounds, and two steals in the title game loss to Miami. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways bodes well for his future prospects.
Tristan da Silva quietly emerged as a potent scoring threat, averaging 17.7 points, five rebounds, three assists, and 1.3 steals over three games. Da Silva's efficiency was remarkable, shooting 60.7% from the field and 58.8% from beyond the arc, converting 7-of-17 attempts from three-point range.
As the NBA Summer League concludes, these standout performances provide a tantalizing glimpse of future basketball seasons. Fans, coaches, and analysts alike will be eager to see how these emerging talents transition into their professional careers, carrying the momentum from Las Vegas into the NBA regular season.