As the NBA's Las Vegas Summer League comes to a close, the aspirations and performances of the 2024 draft class and other hopefuls provide a captivating glimpse into the potential future stars of the league. Among the notable storylines was the Houston Rockets' Reed Sheppard, who was selected as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
A Standout Guard Performance
Reed Sheppard has certainly lived up to his draft status, averaging an impressive 20 points per game, along with 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds over four games. His performance underlines a promising start to his professional career and a potential cornerstone player for the Rockets moving forward.
Early Struggles for Top Picks
On the other hand, Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick, faced significant challenges. Sarr recorded a dismal game, shooting 0 of 15 from the floor. Over the course of his summer league stint, he averaged 5.5 points per game, a performance that suggests he may need more time to adjust to the professional level.
Meanwhile, Zaccharie Risacher, the Atlanta Hawks' top pick, showcased glimpses of potential. Despite only playing two games, he managed to score 11 of 27 from the field, hinting at a promising skill set that could develop further with experience.
Mid-First Round Highlights
The Detroit Pistons' No. 5 pick, Ron Holland, faced his own challenges, particularly beyond the arc where he finished 4 of 17 in three-point shooting. Charlotte Hornets’ No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, also struggled with his long-range shot, going 1 of 10 from beyond the arc across three games, though he did manage to average 9.0 points per game.
Conversely, Portland Trail Blazers' No. 7 pick, Donovan Clingan, made a significant impact despite limited minutes. Clingan averaged 8.8 rebounds and an astonishing 4.3 blocks in under 26 minutes per game, while also contributing three three-pointers.
Remarkable Performances and Setbacks
Rob Dillingham, selected No. 8 by the Minnesota Timberwolves, delivered a standout performance with a team-high 25 points and 12 assists in a game against the Magic, marking him as a player to watch as the season approaches.
The Chicago Bulls' No. 11 pick, Matas Buzelis, displayed a solid all-around game in his five appearances, highlighted by his 28 points, five rebounds, and two steals against the Warriors. His consistent performances are a good indicator of his readiness for the NBA challenge.
In contrast, Memphis Grizzlies' No. 9 pick Zach Edey’s summer league journey was cut short by an ankle injury sustained against the Pelicans. Despite this setback, Edey demonstrated his potential during the Salt Lake City Summer League, recording 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks in a notable performance.
Injury Woes for Promising Talents
Unfortunately for the Oklahoma City Thunder, their No. 12 pick Nikola Topić did not participate due to a torn ACL, and the Sacramento Kings' Devin Carter also missed the summer league action owing to shoulder surgery.
Other Noteworthy Mentions
Washington Wizards' No. 14 pick Carlton Carrington made an emphatic impression with 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Bucks, further brightened by celebrating his 19th birthday.
For the Utah Jazz, No. 10 pick Cody Williams demonstrated his efficiency in the paint, shooting 73.9% on such attempts over seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues.
Stephon Castle of the Cleveland Cavaliers also made his mark, particularly in his solo Vegas appearance, tallying 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers, complemented by his solid performances in the California Classic.
The 2024 draft class, along with returning second-year players and hopeful talents, utilized the Summer League to showcase their skills and make early impressions. While some players soared and others faced hurdles, the spectacle has provided a valuable stage for young talents aiming to carve out successful careers in the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season.