The first week of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas has brought to light the impressive potential of young talents aiming for a place in the 2024 NBA draft. The initial displays have demonstrated that initial skepticism about the class's strength might have been exaggerated, as numerous rookies have stepped up to shine.
Rookies Shining Under the Vegas Lights
On Day 1, standout performances from players like Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Matas Buzelis, and Bub Carrington captivated audiences and scouts alike. Particularly, Reed Sheppard has garnered significant attention for his extraordinary confidence and innate feel for the game. "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.
Veteran Rookies Prepared for the Challenge
Not to be outdone, older rookies such as Dalton Knecht, Tristan da Silva, and Terrence Shannon Jr. showcased their readiness and proved they were well-prepared for the big leagues. Meanwhile, younger long-term prospects like Tidjane Salaun, Cody Williams, and Kel'el Ware also demonstrated a higher level of readiness than initially anticipated.
Ron Holland II Speaks Out
Reacting to the criticism of his draft class, Ron Holland II expressed his frustration, saying, "It definitely makes me mad that people would say that. But we go out here and play the game of basketball and just show everybody, show the whole world why we really want [to be] the best competitive class." This sentiment reflects the growing confidence among the new talents as they continue to make their mark during the summer league.
Bronny James: A Work in Progress
Bronny James, representing the Lakers, has had a mixed showing so far in matchups against the Rockets, Celtics, and Hawks. Despite facing immense scrutiny, he showed perseverance and wrapped up his games with notable performances. Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized the organization's long-term developmental plans for him, stating, "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." A Western Conference scout echoed the sentiment, noting, "No one can withstand the scrutiny he is under."
Paul George's Contract Talks and LA Clippers
In other significant news, the LA Clippers and Paul George were unable to finalize a contract extension. George has since signed with the Philadelphia 76ers after negotiations with the Clippers faltered. The Clippers had offered him a deal without a no-trade clause, starting at around $60 million for two years, but discussions broke down as the team sought to maintain future cap flexibility. Reflecting on the challenges of team management under current conditions, Clippers president Lawrence Frank commented, "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."
Denver Nuggets Eyeing Westbrook
The Denver Nuggets are reportedly interested in acquiring Russell Westbrook as a veteran backup point guard. Westbrook's potential addition could provide depth and experience to the Nuggets' roster, hinting at strategic moves as teams shuffle their lineups during the offseason.
Injuries and Setbacks
Unfortunately, not all news from the Summer League is positive. DaRon Holmes II, the 22nd overall pick, suffered a torn Achilles, sidelining him for the upcoming season. Holmes, who averaged 20.4 points and 8.5 rebounds at Dayton, will now face a lengthy recovery period.
Positive Feedback for Draft Format
Additionally, the NBA’s new two-day draft format has received favorable reviews from executives. The format allowed teams additional time to regroup after the first night, which led to better decision-making processes and enhanced 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," shared one executive. Another executive highlighted the importance of such thoughtful operations in the billion-dollar basketball industry: "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."
As the Summer League continues to unfold, the performances in Las Vegas will undoubtedly keep shaping opinions about the 2024 draft class, providing both hope and excitement for the future of the NBA.