The curtain is falling on the NBA's Las Vegas Summer League, an event that has seen emerging talents showcase their skills in hopes of making a mark in the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season. The week-long competition featured newly drafted rookies alongside second-year players, all eager to prove their worth and earn coveted spots on their respective teams.
Emerging Talent: Reed Sheppard Shines
Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, emerged as one of the standout performers. Averaging 20 points per game, Sheppard displayed his all-around capabilities with 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds over four games. His performance suggests the Rockets may have secured a future star capable of making immediate contributions come the regular season.
Highs and Lows for Top Picks
Meanwhile, Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick, had a challenging Summer League. In one notable game, Sarr struggled with his shooting, going 0 of 15 from the floor. Over the course of his stint, he averaged a modest 5.5 points per game, raising questions about his readiness to transition to the NBA level.
At the top of the draft board, Atlanta Hawks' No. 1 pick, Zaccharie Risacher, played only two games, shooting 11 of 27 from the field, hinting at a conservative approach to his Summer League participation. Fans and analysts will be keen to see how these top picks evolve as they step into regular-season play.
Noteworthy Performances Across the Board
Ron Holland, selected fifth by the Detroit Pistons, faced challenges in his perimeter shooting, finishing 4 of 17 in three-point attempts. Similarly, Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, went 1 of 10 from beyond the arc across three games, averaging 9.0 points per game. These performances underscore the varied adjustments rookies must make transitioning to NBA-level competition.
Portland Trail Blazers' No. 7 pick, Donovan Clingan, offered a glimpse of his defensive prowess, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in under 26 minutes per game. Remarkably, Clingan also showed his range by making three three-pointers during the league, hinting at his potential for versatility on the court.
Rob Dillingham, the No. 8 pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves, delivered one of the tournament's highlight performances, posting a team-high 25 points and 12 assists in a game against the Magic, demonstrating his capability as a playmaker and scorer.
In Chicago, the Bulls' No. 11 pick, Matas Buzelis, made a solid impression through his consistent play across five games. His standout moment came when he scored 28 points, grabbed five rebounds, and recorded two steals against the Warriors, reflecting his potential to become a key contributor for the Bulls.
A Mix of Setbacks and Promising Signs
The No. 9 pick, Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies, experienced a setback with an ankle injury against the Pelicans. Nevertheless, he had a strong showing in the Salt Lake City Summer League, recording 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks, bolstering his case as a force in the paint.
In contrast, two notable absences were Oklahoma City Thunder's Nikola Topić and Sacramento Kings' Devin Carter. Topić was sidelined with a torn ACL, while Carter missed out due to shoulder surgery, delaying their opportunities to showcase their skills.
Washington Wizards' No. 14 pick, Carlton Carrington, demonstrated his potential with a notable performance against the Bucks, recording 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Turning 19 recently, Carrington's youth combined with his impressive showing indicate a promising future.
Utah Jazz's No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, played seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues, exhibiting efficiency with a 73.9% shooting rate on shots in the paint. His performance highlighted his ability to find high-percentage shots close to the basket, an essential skill in the NBA.
Final Impressions
Lastly, Stephon Castle's participation was split between the Las Vegas and California Classic Summer Leagues. Castle's notable outing in Las Vegas featured 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers, showcasing his potential to contribute in multiple facets of the game.
As the Summer League concludes, coaches, scouts, and fans have gleaned valuable insights into the capabilities and potential of these rising stars. The NBA rookies and second-year players have laid the groundwork for what promises to be an exciting journey ahead, with the 2024-25 season offering new opportunities to solidify their places in the league.