As the NBA's Las Vegas Summer League draws to a close, a clearer picture is emerging of the promising young talents ready to make their mark in the 2024-25 NBA season. The draft class of 2024, complemented by second-year players and ambitious hopefuls, showcased their skills, leaving fans and analysts alike eager for what the future holds.
Top Draft Picks Shine and Struggle
The Houston Rockets’ guard Reed Sheppard, snatched up as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, did not disappoint. Averaging 20 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game over four games, Sheppard demonstrated his potential to be a standout player in the coming season.
In contrast, the Washington Wizards' No. 2 overall pick, forward Alex Sarr, faced significant challenges. Sarr endured a particularly tough game, unable to make any of his 15 shots. Throughout the summer league, he averaged just 5.5 points per game, showcasing the unpredictable nature of rookie performances.
Zaccharie Risacher, the Atlanta Hawks' top overall pick, had a limited showing, participating in only two games but making a notable impact by finishing with 11 of 27 from the field.
Assessing the Middle Picks
The Detroit Pistons' No. 5 pick, Ron Holland, demonstrated his long-range skills by finishing 4 of 17 in three-point shooting. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets’ No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, struggled from beyond the arc, managing just 1 of 10 over three games but still managing to average 9.0 points per game.
Portland Trail Blazers’ Donovan Clingan, picked at No. 7, was a force in the paint. He averaged an impressive 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks per game, becoming a defensive anchor for his team. His three three-pointers added a surprising and valuable dimension to his game.
Experiences of Lower Picks
Rob Dillingham of the Minnesota Timberwolves, the No. 8 pick, delivered a standout performance against the Magic, posting a game-high 25 points and 12 assists, highlighting his versatility and playmaking skills.
The Chicago Bulls’ No. 11 pick, Matas Buzelis, showed his scoring ability across five games, highlighted by a stellar performance against the Warriors where he racked up 28 points, five rebounds, and two steals.
Zach Edey, the Memphis Grizzlies' No. 9 pick, faced adversity with an ankle injury during a game against the Pelicans but displayed his tenacity in the Salt Lake City Summer League, recording 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks in a single game.
For some, their summer league experience was marred by injuries. Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nikola Topić was sidelined with a torn ACL, and Sacramento Kings’ Devin Carter missed out due to shoulder surgery.
Emerging Talent and Performances
Carlton Carrington, drafted at No. 14 by the Washington Wizards, put on a notable performance with 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Bucks, marking his presence felt on both ends of the court shortly after turning 19.
Cody Williams, the Utah Jazz's No. 10 pick, participated in seven games across the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues, demonstrating his efficiency with a remarkable 73.9% shooting accuracy in the paint.
Stephon Castle showed promise during his stint in the Las Vegas Summer League and the California Classic. Notably, in his sole Las Vegas appearance, Castle tallied 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers, indicating his potential as an impactful player.
As the dust settles on this year’s summer league, it becomes evident that while some players face uphill battles, others are poised to make significant impacts in the upcoming NBA season. This mix of performances, from standout games to challenging missteps, sets the stage for an intriguing 2024-25 season filled with potential and unpredictability. The journey for these young athletes is just beginning, but the glimpses shown in the summer league will have fans eagerly anticipating their development and contributions on the grand stage.