The first week of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas has been a revelation, showcasing the impressive potential of young talents eager to solidify their spots in the 2024 NBA draft.
Despite initial skepticism surrounding the draft class, several rookies have demonstrated their skills and readiness, dispelling notions of a historically weak class. Among the standouts on Day 1 were Zacharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Matas Buzelis, and Bub Carrington. Each showcased performances that turned heads and raised expectations.
Reed Sheppard, in particular, has been a standout. His feel for the game and unwavering confidence have drawn praise from several league executives. "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," commented one NBA executive, highlighting Sheppard's development and maturity.
Alongside the younger talent, older rookies such as Dalton Knecht, Tristan da Silva, and Terrence Shannon Jr. have also made their mark, proving their preparedness for the professional level. Meanwhile, long-term prospects like Tidjane Salaun, Cody Williams, and Kel'el Ware have shown more readiness than initially anticipated, further deepening the talent pool.
However, not all players have had smooth sailing. Bronny James' journey through the Summer League has been a mixed bag. Representing the Lakers against the Rockets, Celtics, and Hawks, James has had his ups and downs but ultimately delivered notable performances. Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized the team's long-term developmental plans for Bronny: "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."
This year's Summer League has not been without its controversies and frustrations. Ron Holland II, for one, voiced his displeasure over the criticism aimed at his draft class. "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," he stated, underscoring the competitive spirit driving these young players.
In a dramatic turn of events, Paul George's future took an unexpected twist. The LA Clippers and George were unable to come to terms on a contract extension. As a result, George signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Clippers' offer, which did not include a no-trade clause and started at around $60 million for two years, was rejected as the team aimed to maintain future cap flexibility. "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," explained Clippers president Lawrence Frank.
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets are reportedly exploring the acquisition of Russell Westbrook as a veteran backup point guard, adding another layer of intrigue to the ongoing Summer League narratives.
Unfortunately, not all news from Las Vegas was positive. DaRon Holmes II suffered a torn Achilles during Summer League play, sidelining him for the upcoming season. Holmes, the 22nd overall pick, had been averaging 20.4 points and 8.5 rebounds at Dayton before this setback.
This year's Summer League also marked the debut of a new two-day draft format, which has received positive feedback from NBA executives. The additional time allowed teams to regroup after the first night, resulting in smarter decisions and numerous trade scenarios. "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," noted one executive. Some front office members, however, felt that the second round could benefit from more time between picks.
"This is how billion-dollar businesses like ours should be operated. Especially in this new world of staring down the second apron with tens of millions of dollars in potential luxury tax implications on the line," added another executive, reflecting the changing dynamics of team-building in the NBA.
As the Summer League continues to unfold, the performances in Las Vegas will keep shaping opinions about the 2024 draft class. The league's executives and fans alike are watching closely, eager to see how these young talents will continue to develop and impact the future of the NBA.