The California Classic, an NBA Summer League event, provided plenty of excitement spanning over four action-packed days across Sacramento's Golden 1 Center and San Francisco's Chase Center. Fans witnessed emerging talents and future stars putting their skills on display in an atmosphere brimming with competitive energy and anticipation.
Highlights from Sacramento
Sacramento played host to teams including the Kings, Hornets, Spurs, and the Chinese National Team in a thrilling round-robin format. One of the standout performers was Stephon Castle, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Castle, representing the San Antonio Spurs, delivered an impressive stat line in his final summer league game, logging 18 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
"I'm comfortable really anywhere out on the court. I will say I'm probably most comfortable on the ball, but if I play off the ball, I still feel 100% comfortable there. Just being with the kinda team that we have, I feel like we will have five guys that can dribble, pass, and shoot. The positions are out of the equation a little bit," said Castle, underscoring his versatility and confidence on the court.
On the opposite end, the Hornets faced a setback with Tidjane Salaün, their No. 6 pick, who was sidelined due to a minor laceration near his knee. This left a noticeable gap as their offensive and defensive strategies had to be adjusted in his absence.
San Francisco's Chase Center Showdowns
The action continued at San Francisco’s Chase Center, home to a second Kings summer league team, alongside the Warriors, Heat, and Lakers. The Warriors clinched a nail-biting 91-90 victory against Sacramento, securing the inaugural "Mitch Richmond Trophy" in the Battle of NorCal Summer League game.
Bronny James, playing for the Lakers, had a mixed showing throughout the event. Although knee swelling caused him to miss the game against the Warriors, he managed to contribute significantly against Miami, scoring three points, along with five rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Over the entire event, Bronny accumulated seven rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and two steals, showcasing his potential despite the physical setback.
Notable Performances
Keon Ellis stood out with a remarkable 30-point performance for the Kings, although it came in a losing effort against the Warriors. Ellis has shown consistent scoring ability, reflected in his 41.7% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc last season.
Meanwhile, Knecht struggled with his shooting touch, hitting only 30.2% from the floor and 26.7% from three-point range over the event. However, he did have a standout moment against the Heat, scoring 20 points to help his team.
In addition to the emerging stars, the Spurs have bolstered their lineup with the inclusion of seasoned veterans Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes. Their presence is expected to lend experience and depth to a squad brimming with youthful exuberance.
Looking Towards Las Vegas
As the California Classic wrapped up its sixth year, attention now shifts to the main Summer League event in Las Vegas. This venue will offer players like Stephon Castle another platform to showcase their talents on a grander stage, providing further glimpses into the future of the NBA.
The California Classic continues to grow in significance, serving as a crucial stepping stone for rookies and a testing ground for teams to assess potential new talent. It remains a salient example of the league's commitment to fostering growth and opportunities within the professional basketball landscape.