The Las Vegas Summer League has reached its conclusion, offering a preview of the potential stars in the 2024-25 NBA season. This year, a blend of freshly drafted rookies, second-year players, and those striving to earn a spot in the league put their talents on display.
Standout Performances and Key Rookies
The Houston Rockets' Reed Sheppard, the third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, delivered a promising performance. Sheppard averaged an impressive 20 points per game, alongside 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds over four games. His consistent scoring and versatility affirm his potential as a key player for the Rockets in the upcoming season.
Alex Sarr, the Washington Wizards' second overall pick, experienced a difficult time shooting, notably going 0 of 15 from the floor in one game. Despite these struggles, Sarr managed to average 5.5 points per game during his summer league outing. His performance hints at the adjustments and improvements needed to compete at the NBA level.
The top overall selection, Zaccharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks, saw limited action but showed promise by scoring 11 of 27 from the field in the two games he played. His ability to make an impact in a short span suggests substantial potential if given more time on the court.
Critical Contributions and Other Notables
Ron Holland, drafted fifth by the Detroit Pistons, struggled with his shooting, finishing 4 of 17 in three-point attempts. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets' sixth pick, Tidjane Salaun, also had shooting difficulties from beyond the arc, making just 1 of 10 across three games yet still managing to average 9.0 points per game.
Portland Trail Blazers' seventh pick, Donovan Clingan, demonstrated his prowess as a defensive anchor, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks per game in under 26 minutes. Additionally, Clingan showed range by making three three-pointers, indicating his potential as a versatile big man.
The Minnesota Timberwolves' eighth pick, Rob Dillingham, had a standout game against the Magic, posting a team-high 25 points and 12 assists. His playmaking and scoring ability were on full display, showcasing his readiness to contribute significantly at the pro level.
Chicago Bulls' No. 11 pick, Matas Buzelis, played five games with a notable performance against the Warriors, where he scored 28 points, grabbed five rebounds, and secured two steals. This display of all-around skill points to a promising career ahead for Buzelis.
Injuries and Other Setbacks
Memphis Grizzlies' ninth pick, Zach Edey, faced an unfortunate setback with an ankle injury against the Pelicans. Prior to his injury, Edey had recorded a respectable 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks during the Salt Lake City Summer League, highlighting his potential dominance in the paint.
Several other highly anticipated players were unable to participate. Nikola Topić of the Oklahoma City Thunder missed the summer league due to a torn ACL, and Devin Carter of the Sacramento Kings was sidelined because of shoulder surgery.
Carlton Carrington, the 14th pick by the Washington Wizards, turned heads with a solid performance, recording 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Bucks. At just 19 years old, Carrington's multifaceted game suggests a bright future.
The Utah Jazz's tenth pick, Cody Williams, appeared in seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues. Williams was notably efficient in the paint, shooting 73.9% on those attempts, demonstrating his effectiveness around the basket.
Promising Prospects
Stephon Castle, who played games in both the Las Vegas Summer League and the California Classic, had a strong performance in his solo Las Vegas outing with 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers. His seamless transition across different tournaments underscores his adaptability and readiness for NBA competition.
As the Las Vegas Summer League wraps up, teams will now look to build on these performances as they prepare for the grueling 82-game season ahead. The rookies and second-year players have shown glimpses of their potential, and as training camps approach, the focus will shift to integrating these young talents into their respective teams' strategies and lineups.