The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League is winding down, leaving behind a plethora of performances and potential as the 2024 draft class showcased their talents. This year, a mix of rookies, second-year players, and hopefuls took to the court with aspirations of securing their place in the 2024-25 NBA season.
Top Draft Picks in Action
Houston Rockets' guard Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, made a significant impression. Over four games, Sheppard averaged 20 points per game, along with 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds. His consistent performance highlights his potential as a critical asset for the Rockets in the upcoming season.
In contrast, Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick, faced challenges throughout the league. Sarr had a notably rough outing, shooting 0 of 15 from the floor in one game and averaging just 5.5 points per game during his stint.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks' top overall pick, Zaccharie Risacher, played only two games but managed a respectable showing, finishing 11 of 27 from the field. For the Detroit Pistons, Ron Holland, picked at No. 5, struggled with his shooting, going 4 of 17 in three-point attempts.
Mixed Outcomes for Other First-Round Picks
Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, faced hurdles of his own, hitting just 1 of 10 from beyond the arc across three games while averaging 9.0 points per game. Portland Trail Blazers' Donovan Clingan, the No. 7 pick, showcased his defensive prowess, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. Despite his defensive focus, Clingan also made three three-pointers during the league.
Minnesota Timberwolves' No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, stood out during his Summer League tenure, posting a team-high 25 points and 12 assists in a game against the Magic. This high performance game underlines his potential to make an immediate impact.
The Chicago Bulls' No. 11 pick, Matas Buzelis, played in five games and had a standout performance against the Warriors, scoring 28 points, grabbing five rebounds, and making two steals. Meanwhile, Zach Edey, selected No. 9 by the Memphis Grizzlies, unfortunately faced an ankle injury against the Pelicans but had previously recorded 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks during the Salt Lake City Summer League.
Notable Absentees
Not all highly-anticipated rookies made it to the court. Nikola Topić of the Oklahoma City Thunder missed the league due to a torn ACL, and Devin Carter of the Sacramento Kings was sidelined following shoulder surgery. Their absences leave fans eagerly waiting their eventual professional debuts.
Washington Wizards' No. 14 pick, Carlton Carrington, however, made his presence known. He notably recorded 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals in a game against the Bucks, demonstrating his all-around capabilities. Turning 19 recently, Carrington's performance hints at a bright future.
Building Momentum
Utah Jazz's No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, played extensively, participating in seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas leagues. Williams showcased efficiency, particularly on shots within the paint, shooting 73.9% in that area. This display of consistency could set the tone for his rookie season.
Stephon Castle's diverse playing schedule saw him compete in one game during the Las Vegas Summer League and three in the California Classic. His lone Las Vegas game performance was noteworthy, tallying 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers, offering a glimpse of his scoring and playmaking abilities.
As the Summer League draws to a close, these young talents have made varied impressions that will leave their respective teams with both clarity and questions ahead of the regular season. For the rookies who shone bright, the challenge will be maintaining that momentum. For others, the real test lies ahead in the grind of the NBA season, where they will look to prove their mettle beyond the confines of the summer showcase.