The first week of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas has revealed a promising future for the young talents contending for positions in the 2024 NBA draft. What was initially considered a weak rookie class is proving skeptics wrong with their stunning performances on the court.
Prominent among these rising stars are Zacharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Matas Buzelis, and Bub Carrington, all of whom delivered standout performances on Day 1 of the summer league. Reed Sheppard, in particular, has garnered attention for his exceptional feel for the game and unwavering confidence. An NBA executive noted, “Reed Sheppard, for example, has blown me away with his feel for the game and confidence. These guys are different players now than they were in March.”
Veteran Readiness Meets Youthful Promise
While the spotlight often shines on rookies, seasoned newcomers like Dalton Knecht, Tristan da Silva, and Terrence Shannon Jr. have shown they are more than prepared to compete at the highest level. Meanwhile, younger prospects such as Tidjane Salaun, Cody Williams, and Kel'el Ware have demonstrated a surprising level of readiness, suggesting a bright future for these long-term assets.
One player who has been particularly vocal about the scrutiny faced by this year's draft class is Ron Holland II. “It definitely makes me mad that people would say that," he expressed. "But we go out here and play the game of basketball and just show everybody, show the whole world why we really want [to be] the best competitive class.”
Spotlight on Bronny James
Bronny James, representing the Lakers, has had a mixed showing in the summer league, facing off against teams like the Rockets, Celtics, and Hawks. Despite the ups and downs, he has shown perseverance, culminating in some notable performances. Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized the team's long-term developmental plans for James, stating, "He is a development player. That's how we're looking at Bronny. He's certainly going to spend time with the Lakers. He will spend time as well in the G League." Another Western Conference scout added, "No one can withstand the scrutiny he is under.”
Contract Talks and Injury Woes
Off the court, contract negotiations between the LA Clippers and Paul George reached an impasse, ultimately leading George to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Clippers had offered George a deal without a no-trade clause, starting at approximately $60 million for two years. Discussions fell through as the Clippers aimed to maintain future cap flexibility. Clippers president Lawrence Frank highlighted the challenges, “Team building is completely different when your best players are in their 30s and with the second apron. What happens is all the team-building tools are completely stripped away and you're stuck."
In another development, the Denver Nuggets are reportedly interested in acquiring Russell Westbrook as a veteran backup point guard, adding to their roster depth. However, the summer league has also seen its share of setbacks. DaRon Holmes II suffered a torn Achilles, sidelining him for the upcoming season. Holmes, who was the 22nd overall pick in the draft, had an impressive college career at Dayton, averaging 20.4 points and 8.5 rebounds.
A New Draft Format
This year, the NBA introduced a new two-day draft format, which has received positive feedback from executives. The additional time allowed teams to regroup after the first night, leading to more informed decisions and numerous trade scenarios. One executive remarked, “Having the ability to regroup after the first night and then meet most of the following day created a great process for our group in determining our next moves.” Another executive added, “This is how billion-dollar businesses like ours should be operated. Especially in this new world of staring down the second apron with tens of millions of dollars in potential luxury tax implications on the line.”
While some front office members felt that the second round needed more time between picks, the overall consensus was that the reset between days fostered better internal and external conversations.
As the summer league continues to unfold, the performances in Las Vegas will undoubtedly keep shaping opinions about the 2024 draft class. The narratives emerging from this week's games are not just about individual achievements but also about the collective potential of a class determined to prove its worth.