The Las Vegas Summer League, a crucial showcase for NBA hopefuls, is winding down. This year, it featured a mix of fresh 2024 draft picks, second-year players aiming to solidify their spots, and emerging talents hoping to catch the eye of scouts and coaches in anticipation of the 2024-25 NBA season.
Breakout Performers: Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham
Among the standout rookies, Houston Rockets' guard Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, lived up to the hype. Over four games, Sheppard demonstrated his scoring prowess, averaging 20 points per game, along with 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds. Such stellar performance underscores his potential to make an immediate impact in the upcoming season.
Another notable performance came from Rob Dillingham, drafted No. 8 by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Dillingham posted remarkable numbers, particularly in a showdown against the Magic where he recorded a team-high 25 points and 12 assists. His dynamic playmaking abilities caught the attention of many, highlighting why he was such a coveted draft pick.
Struggling Standouts: Alex Sarr and Tidjane Salaun
Not every high draft pick found success easily. The No. 2 overall pick, Alex Sarr of the Washington Wizards, had a challenging outing. In one game, Sarr struggled significantly, shooting 0 of 15 from the floor. Over his stint in the Summer League, he averaged just 5.5 points per game, indicating he might require more adjustment before hitting his stride in the NBA.
Similarly, Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick Tidjane Salaun faced hurdles in his shooting performance. Over three games, Salaun managed just 1 of 10 from beyond the arc, averaging 9.0 points per game. Despite these struggles, he showed glimpses of potential that the Hornets hope to develop further.
The Top Pick: Zaccharie Risacher
Zaccharie Risacher, selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks, also had a notable yet limited showing. Risacher participated in only two games, shooting 11 of 27 from the field. While the sample size was small, the Hawks will be keenly watching how he transitions from these performances to the regular season.
Other Notable Performances
Ron Holland, the Detroit Pistons' No. 5 pick, showed mixed results with his shooting, finishing 4 of 17 in three-point attempts. Portland Trail Blazers’ Donovan Clingan, picked No. 7, exhibited his defensive capabilities by averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks per game, while also adding three three-pointers across his games. This paints a picture of a versatile player able to contribute on both ends of the court.
Matas Buzelis, the Chicago Bulls’ No. 11 pick, performed across five games, showcasing his scoring and defensive abilities with a standout game against the Warriors where he scored 28 points, grabbed five rebounds, and made two steals.
Injuries and Absences
Injuries and recovery periods also influenced the Summer League. Zach Edey, picked No. 9 by the Memphis Grizzlies, suffered an ankle injury against the Pelicans, but not before he recorded notable statistics with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks during the Salt Lake City Summer League.
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nikola Topić and Sacramento Kings’ Devin Carter did not participate due to injuries—a torn ACL and shoulder surgery, respectively—thereby missing out on the opportunity to showcase their skills before the regular season.
Other Impressive Rookies
The Washington Wizards’ No. 14 pick, Carlton Carrington, turned heads with an impressive all-around game against the Bucks, tallying 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals. This performance, especially at just 19 years old, indicates a bright future for the young talent.
Meanwhile, Utah Jazz’s Cody Williams, the No. 10 pick, demonstrated excellent efficiency in scoring. Over seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas leagues, Williams shot an impressive 73.9% on shots in the paint, showing his potential as an inside scoring threat.
Finally, Stephon Castle, although participating in just one game during the Las Vegas Summer League, made a significant impact with 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers. His performance across the Summer Leagues, including the California Classic, sets a promising tone for his NBA journey.
As the NBA gears up for the 2024-25 season, the performances in the Summer League provide a glimpse into the future of these young athletes. Their evolution and contribution to their teams will undoubtedly be a key storyline to follow as the season progresses.