The first week of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas has been a showcase for young talents aspiring to make their mark in the 2024 NBA draft. Contrary to earlier skepticism about the depth and quality of this draft class, several rookies have delivered performances that highlight their impressive potential.
Rookies Rising to the Occasion
Among the standout performers on Day 1 were Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Matas Buzelis, and Bub Carrington. Each of these players demonstrated noteworthy skills, dispelling criticisms of a weak draft class. Reed Sheppard, in particular, drew significant attention for his feel for the game and extraordinary confidence. "Reed Sheppard, for example, has blown me away with his feel for the game and confidence. These guys are different players now than they were in March," noted one NBA executive.
Older rookies like Dalton Knecht, Tristan da Silva, and Terrence Shannon Jr. also showed their preparedness, proving that experience can indeed be an asset. Younger, long-term prospects such as Tidjane Salaun, Cody Williams, and Kel'el Ware surprised many with their readiness, indicating that this draft class has depth beyond its top-tier talents.
Mixed Results for Bronny James
Bronny James took to the court representing the Lakers against formidable opponents like the Rockets, Celtics, and Hawks. His Summer League performance was a mix of highs and lows, yet he ended his games with notable developments. Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized the organization's long-term developmental plans for James, saying, "He is a development player. That's how we're looking at Bronny. He's certainly going to spend time with the Lakers. He will spend time as well in the G League." His journey, under the relentless scrutiny that accompanies being LeBron James' son, is a path filled with both pressure and promise. "No one can withstand the scrutiny he is under," one Western Conference scout remarked.
Contract Drama and Player Movements
Off the court, significant developments unfolded as the LA Clippers and Paul George were unable to come to terms on a contract extension. Despite offering George a deal without a no-trade clause, starting at around $60 million for two years, the Clippers' negotiations aimed at maintaining future cap flexibility fell through. As a result, Paul George signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, leaving a void that the Clippers will have to navigate strategically. "Team building is completely different when your best players are in their 30s and with the second apron. What happens is all the team-building tools are completely stripped away and you're stuck," explained Clippers president Lawrence Frank.
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets have shown interest in acquiring Russell Westbrook as a veteran backup point guard, a move that could potentially bolster their roster with experienced talent.
Injury Setbacks and Draft Format Changes
On a less fortunate note, DaRon Holmes II, the 22nd overall pick in the draft, suffered a torn Achilles during summer league play. This injury will sideline him for the upcoming season, a significant setback for the young player who averaged 20.4 points and 8.5 rebounds at Dayton.
Despite the highs and lows on the court, the new two-day draft format has received positive feedback from NBA executives. The extended format allowed teams to regroup after the first night, leading to better decision-making and numerous trade scenarios. "Having the ability to regroup after the first night and then meet most of the following day created a great process for our group in determining our next moves," one executive stated. Another added, "This is how billion-dollar businesses like ours should be operated. Especially in this new world of staring down the second apron with tens of millions of dollars in potential luxury tax implications on the line." Some front office members, however, felt that a longer second round with more time between picks was needed.
As the NBA Summer League continues to unfold, the performances in Las Vegas will undoubtedly shape opinions and forecasts for the 2024 draft class, validating the talents of these young athletes and the evolving strategies of NBA teams.