The California Classic NBA Summer League event continues to be a cornerstone in the preseason basketball calendar, delivering thrilling action and spotlighting emerging talents over a span of four exciting days between Sacramento's Golden 1 Center and San Francisco's Chase Center. This year's event saw a dynamic mix of teams and players, including some surprising performances and notable absences.
Sacramento Hosts Premier Talent
In Sacramento, the Kings hosted a round-robin competition featuring the Hornets, Spurs, and the Chinese National Team. One of the standout performers was Stephon Castle, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Castle, representing the San Antonio Spurs, showcased his versatility and prowess on the court, notching 18 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals in his final summer league game. Expressing his confidence on the court, Castle said, "I'm comfortable really anywhere out on the court. I will say I'm probably most comfortable on the ball, but if I play off the ball, I still feel 100% comfortable there. Just being with the kinda team that we have, I feel like we will have five guys that can dribble, pass, and shoot. The positions are out of the equation a little bit."
Castle’s performances are billed as preparation for the primary Summer League event in Las Vegas, where the stakes will undoubtedly be higher and the competition even more intense.
Injuries and Standout Performances
While Castle shone brightly, the Hornets' No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaün, was notably absent due to a minor laceration near his knee. Salaün's absence was a disappointment for the Hornets' fans eager to see their new prospect in action.
Meanwhile, Keon Ellis impressed despite his team's loss to the Warriors, posting a commendable 30 points. Ellis, known for his shooting accuracy, had a significant impact, though his efforts fell short as the Warriors clinched a narrow 91-90 victory in the final game at Chase Center.
San Francisco Hosts the Battle of NorCal
San Francisco's Chase Center provided a grand stage for the second Kings summer league team, alongside teams from the Warriors, Heat, and Lakers. The Warriors eventually secured victory in the event's climactic moments, beating Sacramento and securing the inaugural "Mitch Richmond Trophy" in the fiercely contested Battle of NorCal Summer League game.
Among the Warriors, critical performances were witnessed from players who will likely be serious contributors in the upcoming season. Knecht, although struggling with his shooting accuracy—30.2% from the floor and 26.7% from beyond the arc—scored 20 points in a winning effort against the Heat, showcasing his potential when he’s on form.
Challenges for Bronny James
Bronny James, playing for the Lakers in San Francisco, faced a mix of challenges and triumphs. He dealt with knee swelling, which forced him to miss the game against the Warriors. Despite this setback, James contributed in the game against Miami, scoring three points and adding five rebounds, three assists, and two steals to his tally. Over the course of the event, he accumulated seven rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and two steals, evidencing his growing all-around game and resilience in the face of physical challenges.
Looking Forward
As the California Classic concludes its sixth edition, it continues to grow in prestige and excitement, offering young players the opportunity to shine and veterans a platform to showcase their leadership. With veterans like Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes added to the Spurs’ roster, teams are combining experience with youth to great effect.
For basketball fans, the event was a prelude to the main Summer League in Las Vegas. Each performance, stat line, and highlight play from the California Classic not only entertained but also offered a glimpse into the future of the NBA, with emerging stars ready to take the spotlight in the seasons to come.