The first week of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas has been an eye-opener, showcasing the impressive potential of young talents vying for a spot in the 2024 NBA draft. Contrary to early projections indicating a historically weak draft class, many newcomers have proven otherwise, capturing the attention of scouts, executives, and fans alike.
Rookies Making Mark in Las Vegas
Day 1 saw standout performances from rookies such as Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Matas Buzelis, and Bub Carrington. Among these promising talents, Reed Sheppard has particularly shined, demonstrating a remarkable feel for the game and an extraordinary level of confidence. One NBA executive observed, "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."
Older rookies like Dalton Knecht, Tristan da Silva, and Terrence Shannon Jr. have also displayed their readiness, indicating that they are well-prepared to transition to the professional level. Meanwhile, forward-looking prospects such as Tidjane Salaun, Cody Williams, and Kel'el Ware have shown more advancement than anticipated, suggesting a promising future for these younger players.
Criticism and Determination
Despite the positive performances, some players are still grappling with the criticism aimed at their draft class. Ron Holland II expressed his frustration, saying, "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 has experienced a mixed showing in the summer league, representing the Lakers in matches against the Rockets, Celtics, and Hawks. Despite facing immense scrutiny, James managed to finish his games with notable performances, underlining his resilience and determination. Lakers coach JJ Redick remarked on the team's long-term developmental plans for Bronny James, 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." One Western Conference scout added, "No one can withstand the scrutiny he is under."
Contract Talks and Injuries
In other news, the LA Clippers and Paul George were unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension. As a result, George signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Clippers had offered a deal starting at around $60 million for two years, but without a no-trade clause. Discussions broke down as the Clippers aimed to maintain future cap flexibility, a critical aspect of their long-term strategy. Clippers president Lawrence Frank elaborated, "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."
The Denver Nuggets are reportedly interested in acquiring Russell Westbrook as a veteran backup point guard, signaling their intent to bolster their roster with experienced players. However, the summer league has not been without its setbacks. DaRon Holmes II suffered a torn Achilles during play, sidelining him for the upcoming season. Holmes was the 22nd overall pick in the draft and had an impressive season at Dayton, averaging 20.4 points and 8.5 rebounds.
Positive Feedback for New Draft Format
The NBA's new two-day draft format has garnered positive feedback from league executives. The additional time between the first and second rounds enabled teams to regroup and make more informed decisions. One executive highlighted the advantage, "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."
Some front office members, however, felt that a longer second round with more time between picks might be needed. Nonetheless, the general consensus was that the reset between days facilitated better internal and external conversations. Another executive emphasized, "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."
As the Las Vegas Summer League continues, the performances of these young athletes will undoubtedly shape opinions about the 2024 draft class, suggesting that the next generation of NBA talent is ready to make its mark.