The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League is winding down, showcasing a mix of budding talents and second-year players eager to make their mark ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season. Among the standout performers was Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Sheppard demonstrated his scoring prowess, averaging an impressive 20 points per game, complemented by 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds over four games.
Equally notable was the summer stint of Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick. Sarr's performance was a mixed bag; he notably shot 0 of 15 from the floor in one game. Despite this, he averaged 5.5 points per game during his time on the court. Meanwhile, Zaccharie Risacher, the top overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks, had a more concise showing. He played in just two games but managed to finish 11 of 27 from the field.
Key Performances from Top Draft Picks
Ron Holland, the Detroit Pistons' No. 5 pick, found his rhythm from beyond the arc to be a challenge, ending the league with a 4-of-17 performance in three-point shooting. Similarly, the Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, struggled from deep, hitting only 1 of 10 three-point attempts across three games, though he averaged 9.0 points per game.
Donovan Clingan, chosen by the Portland Trail Blazers as their No. 7 pick, showed defensive prowess by averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks per game in under 26 minutes of play. Clingan also displayed some range, making three three-pointers during the league.
Minnesota Timberwolves' No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, delivered a standout performance against the Orlando Magic, posting a team-high of 25 points and 12 assists, pointing to his potential as a future playmaker.
Notable Performances and Injuries
For the Chicago Bulls, their No. 11 pick Matas Buzelis showed significant promise. Buzelis participated in five games and had a notable outing against the Golden State Warriors, scoring 28 points, grabbing five rebounds, and making two steals.
In Memphis, the Grizzlies’ No. 9 pick, Zach Edey, found himself sidelined with an ankle injury during a game against the Pelicans. Despite his injury woes, Edey delivered a solid performance during the Salt Lake City Summer League, recording 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks in one game.
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Sacramento Kings had notable absentees. The Thunder's Nikola Topić did not participate due to a torn ACL, while the Kings' Devin Carter was out following shoulder surgery.
Emerging Talents to Watch
Washington Wizards’ No. 14 pick, Carlton Carrington, despite being one of the youngest players, made his presence felt. In a game against the Bucks, he recorded 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals. The recently turned 19-year-old showcased a well-rounded game that bodes well for his future.
Utah Jazz’s No. 10 pick, Cody Williams, was another standout. Williams played in seven games across both the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues, showing remarkable efficiency by shooting 73.9% on shots in the paint.
Stephon Castle split his time between the California Classic and the Las Vegas Summer League. Across his appearances, Castle was particularly impressive in Las Vegas, tallying 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers in one game.
As the Las Vegas Summer League wraps up, these performances provide a glimpse into the potential impact these rookies and second-year players might have in the 2024-25 NBA season. With the draft class showing a mixture of promise and areas for improvement, anticipation builds for how these young talents will develop and integrate into their respective teams come the regular season.