As the NBA's Las Vegas Summer League winds down, the basketball world has been treated to a showcase of the upcoming talent vying for a spot in the coveted 2024-25 NBA season. The event not only offered a glimpse into the future stars of the league but also provided several compelling storylines worth noting.
Top Draft Picks: Performance Under the Spotlight
Among the standout players was the Houston Rockets' No. 3 overall pick, Reed Sheppard. Displaying a remarkable prowess on the court, Sheppard averaged 20 points per game, alongside 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds over the span of four games. His performance leaves no doubt about his readiness to contribute at the professional level.
Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards’ forward Alex Sarr, who was picked second overall, faced a challenging Summer League outing. In one memorable game, Sarr shot a dismal 0 of 15 from the floor, contributing to his average of 5.5 points per game. Despite the struggles in shooting, Sarr's potential remains visible to all keen observers.
Atlanta's Top Pick and Other High Performers
Zaccharie Risacher, the Atlanta Hawks' No. 1 overall pick, displayed strong performances but was limited to just two games. He managed to make his mark by finishing 11 of 27 from the field, hinting at his scoring ability and efficiency.
Detroit Pistons' Ron Holland, the No. 5 pick, had a mixed bag of results, shooting just 4 of 17 from beyond the arc. In contrast, the Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, struggled with his long-range shooting as well, going 1 of 10 from three-point territory across three games while maintaining an average of 9.0 points per game.
Standouts and Setbacks
Portland Trail Blazers' No. 7 pick, Donovan Clingan, showcased his defensive and rebounding skills, averaging 8.8 rebounds and an impressive 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. Clingan's ability to stretch the floor was also on display as he made three three-pointers during the league.
On the brighter side of high-scoring games, Minnesota Timberwolves' No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, turned heads with a standout performance where he posted a team-high 25 points and 12 assists in a game against the Orlando Magic.
Chicago Bulls’ No. 11 pick, Matas Buzelis, also had noteworthy moments, especially with his 28-point game against the Golden State Warriors, augmented by five rebounds and two steals, establishing him as a player to watch.
Injuries and Recoveries
Some players faced the misfortune of injuries during the Summer League. Memphis Grizzlies' No. 9 pick, Zach Edey, suffered an ankle injury in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans. However, before his injury, Edey had an impressive showing at the Salt Lake City Summer League, recording 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks in one of his outings.
Not all players got the chance to showcase their skills. Oklahoma City Thunder's Nikola Topić and Sacramento Kings’ Devin Carter both sat out the Summer League due to injuries – a torn ACL and shoulder surgery, respectively.
Upcoming Talents and Final Moments
Other high draft picks like Carlton Carrington and Cody Williams had varying degrees of success. Carrington, the No. 14 pick by the Washington Wizards, managed to impress with a performance of 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Milwaukee Bucks, showcasing a well-rounded skill set. On the other hand, Cody Williams of the Utah Jazz, selected at No. 10, played in seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas showcases, demonstrating excellent efficiency by shooting 73.9% on shots in the paint.
As the Summer League draws to a close, it also witnessed a few surprise performances. Stephon Castle, appearing in a single game during the Las Vegas Summer League and three in the California Classic, notably tallied 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and made two three-pointers in his solo Las Vegas game.
While the Summer League serves as an initial test for these young talents, it’s just the beginning of their journey in the NBA. As teams and fans alike reflect on the performances, there is anticipation and excitement for what these fresh faces will bring to the court when the regular season tips off.