The NBA’s Las Vegas Summer League has reached its conclusion, with the Miami Heat emerging victorious on Monday night after nearly two weeks of high-octane basketball. The tournament saw several young talents making a strong impression, setting the stage for an exciting upcoming season.
Miami Heat Clinch the Title
In a thrilling culmination to the Summer League, the Miami Heat claimed the title, underscoring the potential depth in their roster. Scotty Pippen Jr. put up a valiant effort in the title game, scoring 29 points despite the loss. Kel'el Ware also delivered a standout performance, scoring 21 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Ware's consistency over both the Las Vegas Summer League and the California Classic was notable, as he scored at least 11 points in all eight games.
Individual Performances Shine
Among the standout performers was Jordan Miller of the Los Angeles Clippers, who averaged an impressive 25.4 points over five games. His remarkable 36-point outing against the Denver Nuggets saw him shooting 52.9% from the floor and hitting eight three-pointers out of 20 attempts. Miller's offensive prowess was a pivotal highlight of the league.
Jalen Wilson of the Brooklyn Nets was another name that resonated strongly. Wilson was named the NBA's Summer League MVP, having averaged 21.8 points in five games. Despite being voted second-team all-summer league, Wilson’s performance was nothing short of stellar, showcasing his potential to contribute significantly in the upcoming season. Notably, in his rookie season, Wilson averaged modest numbers with 5.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists over 43 games, indicating substantial growth in his game.
Promising Newcomers
Reed Sheppard made his mark with 11 steals in four games. Although his 5-of-18 performance from beyond the arc wasn't spectacular, his defensive capabilities were evident. Dalton Knecht, who played for the Los Angeles Lakers, and Alex Sarr, who averaged 5.5 points in four games for the Washington Wizards, also showed flashes of potential.
Fresh Faces and Future Stars
Carlton Carrington’s versatility was on display with 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Bucks. One observer speculated, "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." This sentiment speaks volumes about Carrington's perceived potential within the organization.
Scotty Pippen Jr.'s all-around game was evident with his triple-double performance, recording 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win over the Clippers. His ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game makes him a player to watch.
Donovan Clingan’s impact was seen in his defensive statistics, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. Additionally, he showcased a bit of range, making three three-pointers over the course of the league.
Consistent Scorers
Matas Buzelis was consistent, scoring in double digits across five games in Vegas. His 28-point game against the Warriors, complemented by five rebounds and two steals, highlighted his scoring ability. Similarly, GG Jackson’s 28 points, nine rebounds, and two steals in the title game loss to Miami underscored his talent.
Tristan da Silva also distinguished himself, averaging 17.7 points, five rebounds, three assists, and 1.3 steals over three games. His shooting efficiency was impressive, hitting 60.7% from the field and 58.8% from beyond the arc (7-of-17 attempts), making him one of the most efficient scorers in the league.
As the dust settles on the Las Vegas Summer League, the performances of these young athletes will undoubtedly be carried into the regular season. Their achievements have provided glimpses of bright futures and set high expectations for their respective teams.