The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League is approaching its climax, and this year’s edition has been a showcase of emerging talent aiming to make an impact in the 2024-25 NBA season. The event featured a blend of the 2024 draft class, second-year players, and hopeful talents eager to carve their names into the league’s fabric.
Top Picks in Action
Among the top rookies, Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard, who was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, stood out, showcasing his scoring capabilities. Over four games, Sheppard averaged an impressive 20 points per game, along with 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds, demonstrating his all-round abilities and readiness for the NBA stage.
In stark contrast, the No. 2 overall pick, Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr, experienced a challenging outing. Sarr had a particularly rough game, missing all 15 shots he attempted. Over the summer league, Sarr managed to average just 5.5 points per game, reflecting the difficulties some rookies face in transitioning to the pro level.
Atlanta Hawks' top overall pick, Zaccharie Risacher, took a more measured approach, participating in only two games. During this stint, he showed solid shooting efficiency by going 11 of 27 from the field, suggesting promise in his limited appearances.
Other Notable Performances
Ron Holland, selected at No. 5 by the Detroit Pistons, had a less impactful showing in terms of shooting, finishing 4 of 17 from beyond the arc. Likewise, Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, also struggled with his three-point shooting, hitting just 1 of 10 across three games, though he managed to average 9.0 points per game.
Portland Trail Blazers’ No. 7 pick, Donovan Clingan, stood out defensively, recording averages of 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks per game. Clingan’s ability to make three three-pointers further highlighted his versatility.
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, had a memorable game against the Orlando Magic, posting a team-high 25 points and 12 assists, showcasing his playmaking skills and scoring prowess.
Injuries and Setbacks
Zach Edey, the No. 9 pick by the Memphis Grizzlies, had a mixed summer league experience. Despite suffering an ankle injury against the Pelicans, Edey managed to record notable performances, including a 14-point, 15-rebound, and four-block game during the Salt Lake City Summer League.
Two significant absentees were Nikola Topić of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Devin Carter of the Sacramento Kings, both sidelined due to injuries. Topić did not participate because of a torn ACL, and Carter was recovering from shoulder surgery, missing out on the chance to display their talents.
Emerging Talents
Utah Jazz’s No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, made a significant impact across seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues, shooting an impressive 73.9% on shots in the paint. This efficiency underlines his potential as a key figure in the Jazz’s lineup.
Chicago Bulls' No. 11 pick, Matas Buzelis, put up solid performances in his five games, notably scoring 28 points with five rebounds and two steals in a game against the Warriors, highlighting his scoring ability and defensive potential.
The Washington Wizards’ No. 14 pick, Carlton Carrington, impressed in a game against the Bucks, recording 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals, showcasing a well-rounded game. At just 19 years old, Carrington is a player to watch as he develops his skills further.
California Classic Intrigues
Stephon Castle participated in both the Las Vegas Summer League and the California Classic, putting in a notable performance in his sole Las Vegas game with 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers. Castle’s versatility has been on display, promising an exciting future.
As the Las Vegas Summer League draws to a close, it's clear that while some rookies have already exhibited star potential, others will need more time to adjust to the professional level. The Summer League remains a crucible for emerging talents, offering a glimpse into the future of the NBA.