As the NBA's Las Vegas Summer League winds down, the spotlight has firmly been on the 2024 draft class. A mix of second-year players and hopeful talents took to the court with aspirations of carving out their places in the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season. With every game, these young athletes demonstrated their potential to shape the future of their respective franchises. Here's a closer look at the top performances and the challenges faced by this year's standout rookies.
Top Performers
Houston Rockets' guard Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, put on a show, averaging 20 points per game along with 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds over four games. His consistent performances have raised expectations for his debut season.
Meanwhile, Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick by the Washington Wizards, had a more challenging time. His shooting woes were highlighted by a game where he shot 0 of 15 from the floor. Despite this, he managed to average 5.5 points per game during his summer league stint, showcasing potential that the Wizards hope to unlock.
Ups and Downs
Zaccharie Risacher, the top overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks, played only two games but left an impression by finishing 11 of 27 from the field. His limited appearances have left fans and analysts eager to see more from the promising forward.
Ron Holland, the Detroit Pistons' No. 5 pick, encountered some struggles, particularly with his three-point shooting where he finished 4 of 17. Tidjane Salaun, the Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick, also faced difficulties beyond the arc, going 1 of 10 across three games but still managed to average 9.0 points per game.
Donovan Clingan of the Portland Trail Blazers, selected at No. 7, demonstrated his defensive prowess by averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. Additionally, Clingan surprised many by making three three-pointers during the league, highlighting his versatility.
Elsewhere, Rob Dillingham, the No. 8 pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves, showcased his scoring ability with a team-high 25 points and an impressive 12 assists in a game against the Magic, cementing his reputation as a dynamic playmaker.
Key Moments
Matas Buzelis, selected No. 11 by the Chicago Bulls, had a standout performance, scoring 28 points, grabbing five rebounds, and making two steals against the Warriors over five games. His all-around game has provided a glimpse of what he can bring to Chicago.
Zach Edey, the No. 9 pick by the Memphis Grizzlies, unfortunately suffered an ankle injury against the Pelicans. Prior to his injury, Edey recorded 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks during the Salt Lake City Summer League, indicating his dominance on the boards and around the rim.
Challenges and Absences
Not all prospects had the opportunity to shine. Nikola Topić of the Oklahoma City Thunder did not participate due to a torn ACL, and Devin Carter of the Sacramento Kings was sidelined following shoulder surgery. Both absences were felt, as each player had been highly anticipated by their respective teams.
Meanwhile, Carlton Carrington, selected at No. 14 by the Washington Wizards, made the most of his appearances by recording 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals in a game against the Bucks. Turning 19 recently, Carrington is among the youngest of the promising talents looking to make a lasting impact.
Cody Williams, the Utah Jazz's No. 10 pick, played in seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues. His efficiency in the paint, evidenced by his 73.9% shooting, has been a bright spot for the Jazz as they look forward to integrating him into their lineup.
Stephon Castle also had moments to remember, particularly in his solo Las Vegas outing where he tallied 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers during the Las Vegas Summer League, showcasing his potential as a future star.
As the Summer League draws to a close, these young players have provided glimpses of the future of the NBA. While some have already begun to shine, others have faced early challenges that they will need to overcome. What remains clear is that the 2024 draft class is laden with talent poised to make waves in the upcoming season and beyond.