As the NBA's Las Vegas Summer League draws to a close, basketball enthusiasts have been treated to an early look at the emerging talents who will define the 2024-25 NBA season. This annual event, known for showcasing rookies, second-year players, and hopefuls aiming to secure a spot in the league, once again delivered an array of highlights and standout performances.
Rising Prospects and Draft Standouts
Among the most notable players this year was Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Sheppard showcased his prowess on the court, averaging an impressive 20 points per game, along with 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds over four games. His performance signals a promising future for the Rockets as they look to rebuild and strengthen their roster.
Meanwhile, the No. 2 overall pick, Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr, endured a challenging stint. In one particularly tough game, Sarr struggled to find his rhythm, shooting 0 of 15 from the floor. Despite this setback, he averaged 5.5 points per game, providing glimpses of his potential that the Wizards will look to develop further.
The top overall pick, Zaccharie Risacher, selected by the Atlanta Hawks, had a mixed showing. Risacher played only two games but managed to shoot 11 of 27 from the field, hinting at his scoring abilities. The Hawks will be eager to see how Risacher progresses as he adapts to the league's demands.
Other Key Performances
Detroit Pistons' No. 5 pick, Ron Holland, experienced some ups and downs, particularly with his long-range shooting. Holland finished 4 of 17 from beyond the arc, a statistic he will undoubtedly look to improve as he settles into his role with the Pistons.
For the Charlotte Hornets, No. 6 pick Tidjane Salaun struggled with his three-point shooting, going 1 of 10 across three games. Despite this, he managed to average 9.0 points per game, showing potential that the Hornets hope to harness in the upcoming season.
Portland Trail Blazers' No. 7 pick, Donovan Clingan, displayed his versatility and defensive prowess. Clingan averaged 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game and even made three three-pointers. His well-rounded game should provide the Blazers with a solid foundation in the frontcourt.
The Minnesota Timberwolves' No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, had a standout performance with a team-high 25 points and 12 assists in a game against the Magic, highlighting his playmaking abilities.
Notable Mentions and Injuries
Chicago Bulls' No. 11 pick, Matas Buzelis, demonstrated his scoring ability, particularly in a game against the Warriors where he scored 28 points, grabbed five rebounds, and made two steals. Over the course of five games, Buzelis has shown he could be a valuable asset for the Bulls.
No. 9 pick Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies had an impressive start before suffering an ankle injury against the Pelicans. Prior to the injury, Edey recorded 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks during the Salt Lake City Summer League. The Grizzlies will be keen to see him fully recovered and ready to contribute.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma City Thunder's Nikola Topić and Sacramento Kings' Devin Carter both missed the Summer League due to injuries, with Topić sidelined with a torn ACL and Carter recovering from shoulder surgery.
Promising Developments and Unique Performances
The Washington Wizards' No. 14 pick, Carlton Carrington, recently turned 19 and has already made an impact by recording 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Bucks. His diverse skill set bodes well for his future in the league.
Utah Jazz's No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, played in seven games across the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues, showing remarkable efficiency by shooting 73.9% on shots in the paint. Such precision indicates his potential to be an effective scorer for the Jazz.
Stephon Castle's performances were also noteworthy. Playing one game in the Las Vegas Summer League and three in the California Classic, Castle tallied 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers in his singular Las Vegas outing, showcasing his potential as a multi-faceted player.
As the Summer League concludes, fans and teams alike will be watching closely to see how these young talents develop and contribute to their respective teams. The glimpses of potential, coupled with the intense competition, have set the stage for what promises to be an exciting 2024-25 NBA season.