The first week of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas has been a spectacle of burgeoning talent, as young players strive to make their mark ahead of the 2024 NBA draft. Contrary to the pre-season speculation of a historically weak draft class, these rookies have proven otherwise, showcasing both skill and determination on the court.
Rookies Shining Bright
Day one of the Summer League was especially notable, with performances from Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Matas Buzelis, and Bub Carrington commanding attention. Of these, Reed Sheppard stood out, displaying an exceptional feel for the game paired with a rare degree of confidence. One NBA executive was effusive in praise, noting, "Reed Sheppard, for example, has blown me away with his feel for the game and confidence. These guys are different players now than they were in March."
Not to be overshadowed, older rookies like Dalton Knecht, Tristan da Silva, and Terrence Shannon Jr. also made their presence felt, showcasing their readiness for professional play. Meanwhile, younger prospects such as Tidjane Salaun, Cody Williams, and Kel'el Ware exceeded expectations, demonstrating their potential earlier than anticipated.
Responding to Criticism
Amid the action, Ron Holland II voiced his frustration over the skepticism surrounding the draft class. Determined to prove the critics wrong, he stated, "It definitely makes me mad that people would say that. But we go out here and play the game of basketball and just show everybody, show the whole world why we really want [to be] the best competitive class."
Bronny James' Mixed Showing
Bronny James, representing the Lakers, had a mixed showing as the team faced off against the Rockets, Celtics, and Hawks. Despite the ups and downs, James remained resilient and capped off his games with notable performances. Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized the long-term developmental plans for the young player, stating, "He is a development player. That's how we're looking at Bronny. He's certainly going to spend time with the Lakers. He will spend time as well in the G League." His journey is under intense scrutiny, with one Western Conference scout remarking, "No one can withstand the scrutiny he is under."
Clippers and Paul George Negotiations
Off the court, significant developments have unfolded as well. The LA Clippers and Paul George were unable to come to terms on a contract extension, leading George to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Clippers had offered a deal starting at around $60 million for two years but without a no-trade clause, which ultimately caused the discussions to break down. Clippers president Lawrence Frank shed light on the situation, explaining, "Team building is completely different when your best players are in their 30s and with the second apron. What happens is all the team-building tools are completely stripped away and you're stuck."
Denver Nuggets Eyeing Russell Westbrook
The Denver Nuggets are reportedly interested in acquiring Russell Westbrook as a veteran backup point guard, a move that could provide additional depth and experience to their roster.
DaRon Holmes II's Injury
Unfortunately, the Summer League wasn't without its setbacks. DaRon Holmes II suffered a torn Achilles during play, sidelining him for the upcoming season. Holmes, the 22nd overall pick in the draft, had averaged an impressive 20.4 points and 8.5 rebounds at Dayton, making his injury a significant blow.
Positive Feedback on Draft Format
The new two-day draft format received positive feedback from NBA executives, who appreciated the additional time to regroup after the first night. This format allowed for improved decision-making and facilitated numerous trade scenarios. One executive praised the process, stating, "Having the ability to regroup after the first night and then meet most of the following day created a great process for our group in determining our next moves." The overall sentiment was that the extended time between days fostered better internal and external conversations.
As the Las Vegas Summer League continues, these early performances will continue to shape opinions about the 2024 draft class, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting NBA season ahead.