The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League is winding down, marking the end of a pivotal period for NBA hopefuls and second-year players aiming to make a mark ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season. As the dust settles, standout performances, unexpected struggles, and notable absences have painted a vivid picture of this prelude to the regular season.
A Tale of Top Picks
Houston Rockets' rookie guard, Reed Sheppard, has lived up to his No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Averaging an impressive 20 points per game along with 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds over four games, Sheppard showcased his scoring ability and playmaking skills, positioning himself as a significant asset for the Rockets' upcoming season.
In contrast, the No. 2 overall pick, Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr, encountered a more challenging path. Despite his high draft status, Sarr struggled mightily in one game, shooting 0 of 15 from the floor, and averaged just 5.5 points per game during the summer league. Nevertheless, early stumbles are not uncommon for new players adjusting to the NBA's level of competition.
Zaccharie Risacher, the top overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks, participated in only two games, finishing 11 of 27 from the field. The limited action leaves much to be desired in assessing his impact but offers glimpses of his potential.
Mixed Fortunes for Other First-Rounders
Ron Holland, selected at No. 5 by the Detroit Pistons, experienced mixed success, particularly from beyond the arc, where he finished 4 of 17 in three-point shooting. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, faced similar struggles, going 1 of 10 from three-point range across three games, although he managed to average 9.0 points per game.
The Portland Trail Blazers' No. 7 pick, Donovan Clingan, made his presence known on the defensive end. With averages of 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game, Clingan demonstrated his prowess as a rim protector. Additionally, he surprised with his shooting range, recording three three-pointers during the league.
For the Minnesota Timberwolves’ No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, the summer league provided a stage to showcase his playmaking abilities. Dillingham posted a team-high 25 points and 12 assists in a standout game against the Magic, asserting his capacity to lead and deliver under pressure.
Notable Performances and Setbacks
The Chicago Bulls' No. 11 pick, Matas Buzelis, seized his opportunity with a series of strong performances. Across five games, Buzelis notably scored 28 points, grabbed five rebounds, and made two steals against the Warriors, highlighting his all-around game and competitive spirit.
Memphis Grizzlies' No. 9 pick, Zach Edey, delivered a mixed bag in his summer league campaign. While showcasing his potential with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks during the Salt Lake City Summer League, Edey also suffered an ankle injury against the Pelicans, underscoring the physical risks inherent in the league.
For Utah Jazz's No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, consistency was the hallmark of his summer league stint. Williams played in seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues, impressively shooting 73.9% on shots in the paint, affirming his efficiency and reliability within close range.
New Faces, Old Challenges
Stephon Castle, featuring for both the Las Vegas Summer League and the California Classic, offered a taste of his scoring prowess. In his solo Las Vegas outing, Castle tallied 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and hit two three-pointers, a robust stat line that exemplifies his versatility.
Absent from the action were Nikola Topić of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Devin Carter of the Sacramento Kings, both sidelined due to injuries. Topić's torn ACL and Carter's shoulder surgery prevented them from participating, reminding us that the road to NBA stardom is often littered with physical setbacks.
Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards' No. 14 pick, Carlton Carrington, left a significant mark with a standout game against the Bucks. The young talent recorded 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals, marking a comprehensive performance that signals his readiness for the next level.
As the NBA Las Vegas Summer League draws to a close, it has provided an invaluable platform for these young talents to announce their arrival. With the 2024-25 NBA season on the horizon, these players will soon face the ultimate test of translating their summer league successes—and overcoming their difficulties—into consistent, high-level performance on the bigger stage.