The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League is winding down, offering fans a glimpse of what the future holds. This year's showcase featured the much-anticipated 2024 draft class, along with a mix of second-year players and aspiring talents vying for a spot in the 2024-25 NBA season. Notably, Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick, made his presence felt by averaging 20 points per game, 5.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds over four games.
Meanwhile, Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr, selected second overall, had a tough outing, including a game where he shot 0 of 15 from the floor. Over the summer league, he averaged 5.5 points per game, a sign that he may need more time to adjust to the professional level.
Zaccharie Risacher, the top overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks, showcased his potential despite playing only two games. He finished 11 of 27 from the field, hinting at his offensive capabilities. The focus on Risacher will likely intensify as the regular season approaches.
Ron Holland, drafted at No. 5 by the Detroit Pistons, had a mixed performance, particularly in three-point shooting, where he finished 4 of 17. Similarly, Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, struggled from beyond the arc, going 1 of 10 across three games while averaging 9.0 points per game. These players will be keenly watched as they refine their shooting accuracy.
Portland Trail Blazers' No. 7 pick, Donovan Clingan, stood out with his defensive prowess, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. He also showcased his versatility by making three three-pointers during the league.
The Minnesota Timberwolves' No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, had a standout game against the Magic, posting a team-high 25 points and 12 assists. His performance indicates that he could be a key playmaker for the Timberwolves in the upcoming season.
Chicago Bulls' No. 11 pick, Matas Buzelis, participated in five games, with a notable performance against the Warriors where he scored 28 points, grabbed five rebounds, and made two steals. His all-around contributions will be pivotal for the Bulls as they look to integrate young talent.
Zach Edey, the No. 9 pick by the Memphis Grizzlies, faced a setback with an ankle injury during a game against the Pelicans. Before the injury, Edey had recorded 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks during the Salt Lake City Summer League, illustrating his potential impact in the paint.
The Oklahoma City Thunder's Nikola Topić and Sacramento Kings' Devin Carter were notable absentees, with Topić sidelined due to a torn ACL and Carter recovering from shoulder surgery. Their respective teams will hope for quick recoveries to see these prospects in action.
Carlton Carrington, selected at No. 14 by the Washington Wizards, had a solid showing with 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Bucks. The 19-year-old demonstrated his potential to contribute across multiple facets of the game.
Utah Jazz's No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, had an efficient showing between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues, shooting 73.9% on shots in the paint. This efficiency will be a significant asset as he transitions to the regular season.
Stephon Castle played in one game during the Las Vegas Summer League and three in the California Classic. His Las Vegas performance included a well-rounded stat line of 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers, highlighting his capability to impact the game in various ways.
As the NBA Summer League concludes, these young talents have provided a promising preview of what fans can expect in the upcoming season. While some players have already exhibited star potential, others will continue to refine their skills and adjust to the professional game. The performances in the summer league offer a foundation for what will undoubtedly be an exciting 2024-25 NBA season.