As the NBA's Las Vegas Summer League winds down, the spotlight has been firmly on the emerging talents and rookies who aspire to make their mark in the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season. Among these hopefuls, several players have stood out with their performance on the court, offering a glimpse into a promising future.
Rising Stars of the 2024 Draft Class
Leading the pack is Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Sheppard has showcased a remarkable blend of scoring and playmaking ability, averaging 20 points per game, 5.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds over four games. His performance has cemented his status as one of the most promising rookies to watch.
Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick, had a challenging stint in the Summer League, including a game where he shot an unfortunate 0 of 15 from the floor. Despite this setback, Sarr's overall average of 5.5 points per game may not fully reflect his potential, suggesting there's more to come from the young forward.
Zaccharie Risacher, chosen first overall by the Atlanta Hawks, played only two games but displayed his scoring ability by finishing 11 of 27 from the field. The minimal action he's seen could be a sign of a cautious approach to his development.
Noteworthy Performances and Struggles
Ron Holland, the Detroit Pistons' No. 5 pick, had a mixed performance, particularly struggling from beyond the arc with a 4-of-17 three-point shooting record. Similarly, the Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, went 1 of 10 from three-point range across three games, though he averaged a respectable 9.0 points per game.
Portland Trail Blazers' No. 7 pick, Donovan Clingan, made a solid defensive impact by averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. Clingan also showed some versatility by making three three-pointers during the league, hinting at a broader skill set that could prove valuable in the regular season.
Rob Dillingham, selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves at No. 8, had a standout performance against the Magic, posting a team-high 25 points and 12 assists, showcasing his potential as a dynamic scorer and playmaker.
Injuries and Comebacks
Matas Buzelis, the Chicago Bulls' No. 11 pick, made a notable impression playing in five games. His standout moment came against the Warriors, where he scored 28 points, grabbed five rebounds, and made two steals, hinting at his potential as a game-changer.
Zach Edey, the No. 9 pick by the Memphis Grizzlies, unfortunately suffered an ankle injury against the Pelicans. Before the injury, Edey demonstrated his abilities during the Salt Lake City Summer League by recording 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks in a single game, underscoring his capacity to dominate in the paint.
Other rookies faced setbacks before they could even take the court. Nikola Topić of the Oklahoma City Thunder was sidelined due to a torn ACL, and Devin Carter of the Sacramento Kings missed out due to shoulder surgery. Their absence was certainly felt, but their return is highly anticipated by their respective teams.
Other Notable Rookies
Washington Wizards' No. 14 pick, Carlton Carrington, had an impactful game against the Bucks, recording 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals, further showcasing the depth of the 2024 draft class. Additionally, Carrington recently turned 19, adding youth to his already impressive resume.
Utah Jazz's No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, played in seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues, making an impressive 73.9% of his shots in the paint. Williams' efficiency in scoring highlights his potential as a reliable offensive option.
Stephon Castle's journey through the Summer League included just one game in Las Vegas and three in the California Classic. In his solitary Las Vegas appearance, Castle tallied 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers, demonstrating his ability to influence the game in various ways.
As the Summer League draws to a close, the performance of these young talents has given fans and analysts plenty to discuss and look forward to in the upcoming season. With the foundation laid in the summer, the NBA's next generation is poised to make their mark when the regular season tips off.