The California Classic's Young Stars Shine
The California Classic, an annual NBA Summer League event, showcased promising talents and thrilling basketball over four days at Sacramento's Golden 1 Center and San Francisco's Chase Center. The event featured a round-robin competition involving teams such as the Sacramento Kings, Charlotte Hornets, San Antonio Spurs, and a special guest, the Chinese National Team.
Stephon Castle’s Dynamic Performance
One of the standout players was Stephon Castle, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, representing the San Antonio Spurs. Castle impressed with his versatility and skill, notably scoring 18 points, grabbing six rebounds, dishing out five assists, and making three steals in his final summer league game. Castle’s all-around performance illustrated his comfort and adaptability on the court.
"I'm comfortable really anywhere out on the court," Castle stated. "I will say I'm probably most comfortable on the ball, but if I play off the ball, I still feel 100% comfortable there. Just being with the kinda team that we have, I feel like we will have five guys that can dribble, pass, and shoot. The positions are out of the equation a little bit."
As Castle prepares for the main Summer League event in Las Vegas, his development and contributions will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
Keon Ellis and the Warriors
Keon Ellis showcased his scoring prowess by putting up 30 points in a tough loss to the Warriors. San Francisco’s Chase Center hosted a second Kings summer league team, along with teams from the Warriors, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers. The Warriors managed to edge out Sacramento with a narrow 91-90 victory in the final game at Chase Center, securing the inaugural "Mitch Richmond Trophy" in the Battle of NorCal Summer League game.
Bronny James’ Contributions
Bronny James, representing the Lakers, had mixed fortunes during the event. He dealt with knee swelling that caused him to miss the game against the Warriors but managed to make a mark when he was on the court. James scored three points, secured five rebounds, provided three assists, and made two steals in a game against Miami. Over the course of the event, he accumulated seven rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and two steals, demonstrating his all-around abilities despite the physical setbacks.
Other Notable Performances
Tidjane Salaün, the Hornets’ No. 6 pick, was notably absent due to a minor laceration near his knee, which was a disappointment for Charlotte fans eager to see the young talent in action. Meanwhile, the Spurs made strategic additions to their roster by bringing in seasoned veterans Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, moves aimed at blending youthful potential with experienced leadership.
Knecht’s shooting percentages were a point of discussion; he shot 13-of-43 from the floor (30.2%) and 4-of-15 from beyond the arc (26.7%) over the event. Despite these numbers, Knecht showcased his scoring ability with a 20-point game against the Heat, highlighting his potential to grow and find consistency.
The California Classic, now in its sixth year, continues to serve as a valuable platform for emerging NBA talents to showcase their skills and for franchises to evaluate and develop their young players. As the event concluded, the attention now shifts to Las Vegas, where the main Summer League event will offer another stage for these players to further make their mark.