The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League is drawing to a close, showcasing a wealth of emerging talent aiming to make their mark in the 2024-25 NBA season. This year’s draft class, enriched with second-year players and ambitious hopefuls, showcased their skills in a series of high-energy games that highlighted both promise and areas in need of improvement.
Top Picks and Standout Performances
Selected as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard demonstrated why he’s a player to watch. Over four games, Sheppard averaged 20 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and reliable player. His impressive performance sets the stage for a promising rookie season.
Alex Sarr, chosen as the No. 2 pick by the Washington Wizards, had a challenging time on the court. In one particularly tough game, Sarr shot 0 of 15 from the field, yet he maintained an average of 5.5 points per game, proving that even the most promising talents face hurdles.
Atlanta Hawks' top overall pick, Zaccharie Risacher, saw limited action with just two games under his belt, finishing with 11 of 27 from the field. This brief appearance whetted fans’ appetites for what’s to come from the talented forward.
Ron Holland, the Detroit Pistons' No. 5 pick, and Charlotte Hornets’ No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, both faced shooting struggles. Holland went 4 of 17 from three-point range, while Salaun managed 1 of 10 from beyond the arc across three games, averaging 9.0 points per game. These performances indicate areas that the young players will need to refine before the regular season.
Defensive Standouts and Surprising Performances
Portland Trail Blazers' No. 7 pick, Donovan Clingan, made his presence felt defensively. He averaged 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks per game in just under 26 minutes of play. Clingan even showcased his versatility by making three three-pointers during the league, indicating he could be a multi-dimensional player.
Meanwhile, Minnesota Timberwolves' No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, delivered a highlight game against the Magic, posting a team-high 25 points and 12 assists. This standout performance was one of the high points in an event that saw varied performances from top talents.
Injuries and Absences
Not all top picks had the opportunity to shine. Nikola Topić of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Devin Carter of the Sacramento Kings both missed the summer league due to injuries. Topić is recovering from a torn ACL, while Carter is recuperating from shoulder surgery, postponing their debuts and the chance to showcase their skills on this stage.
Memphis Grizzlies' No. 9 pick, Zach Edey, faced a setback with an ankle injury during a game against the Pelicans. Prior to the injury, Edey had recorded an impressive stat line in the Salt Lake City Summer League with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks, emphasizing his potential impact when healthy.
Young Talents Making Their Mark
Other notable performances included Carlton Carrington, who turned 19 recently and was picked 14th by the Washington Wizards. He made a significant impression with 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Bucks. Such performances by young talents hint at a bright future for the league.
Utah Jazz’s No. 10 pick Cody Williams participated extensively in seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues. His shooting accuracy in the paint (73.9%) stands out as an indicator of his efficiency and ability to convert opportunities close to the basket.
Among players with fewer appearances, Stephon Castle played a single game in the Las Vegas Summer League, supplemented by three games in the California Classic. Castle made his Las Vegas outing count, tallying 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers. His efficiency in limited appearances raises expectations for his potential contributions moving forward.
Looking Ahead
As the Las Vegas Summer League concludes, the performances provide a glimpse into the future of the NBA. While some top picks struggled, others excelled, highlighting the unpredictable nature of player development and adaptation to the professional game. As these rookies and second-year players transition to the regular season, they will continue to refine their skills and contribute to their teams, further shaping their careers and the landscape of the league.