The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League is winding down, and the 2024 draft class has been actively showcasing their talents alongside a mix of second-year players and aspiring hopefuls. As the league draws to a close, several notable performances have emerged, highlighting prospects who are carving out their places for the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season.
Top Picks and Performances
One standout from the Summer League has been Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard. Selected as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Sheppard averaged an impressive 20 points per game, supplemented by 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds over four games. His performance indicates a promising start to his professional career and suggests he may be a pivotal player for the Rockets moving forward.
On the other side of the spectrum, Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick for the Washington Wizards, struggled to find his rhythm. Sarr had a particularly tough game where he missed all 15 of his shot attempts. Despite these difficulties, he managed to average 5.5 points per game during his stint, showing room for growth as he adjusts to the professional level.
The top overall pick, Zaccharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks, had a mixed showing, playing only two games but shooting 11 of 27 from the field. Ron Holland, picked fifth by the Detroit Pistons, demonstrated potential despite his struggles with three-point shooting, finishing 4 of 17 from beyond the arc.
Other Promising Talents
The Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, also faced challenges in his shooting. Across three games, he went just 1 of 10 from beyond the arc but still managed to average 9.0 points per game. Meanwhile, Donovan Clingan, the No. 7 pick by the Portland Trail Blazers, made a significant impact defensively by averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. Clingan also showed his range by making three three-pointers during the league.
Rob Dillingham of the Minnesota Timberwolves, selected at No. 8, delivered a standout performance with a team-high 25 points and 12 assists in a game against the Magic. The Chicago Bulls’ No. 11 pick, Matas Buzelis, also impressed, particularly in a game against the Warriors where he posted 28 points, five rebounds, and two steals over five games.
Zach Edey, the No. 9 pick by the Memphis Grizzlies, had to overcome an ankle injury incurred against the Pelicans. Despite this setback, Edey recorded 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks during the Salt Lake City Summer League.
Injuries and Absences
Not all players had the opportunity to showcase their talents due to injuries. Nikola Topić of the Oklahoma City Thunder missed participation due to a torn ACL, and Devin Carter of the Sacramento Kings was sidelined following shoulder surgery.
Other players did make their mark in limited opportunities. Carlton Carrington, the No. 14 pick by the Washington Wizards, recorded 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals in a game against the Bucks. Carrington, who recently turned 19, demonstrated his potential and versatility on the court.
The Utah Jazz’s No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, showed consistency in his performance by playing in seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues. Williams showcased an impressive 73.9% shooting accuracy on shots in the paint, underlining his reliability in close-range scoring.
Stephon Castle also made notable contributions, playing one game in the Las Vegas Summer League and three in the California Classic. In his sole Las Vegas outing, Castle tallied 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers, highlighting his ability to make an immediate impact.
As the Summer League concludes, these performances provide a glimpse into the potential and areas for improvement for many of the NBA's rising stars. While some players have already shown flashes of brilliance, others will continue to develop as they transition into the grueling and competitive environment of the NBA.