The first week of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas has already left an indelible mark, showcasing the immense potential of young talents passionately competing for a coveted spot in the 2024 NBA draft.
While initial skepticism surrounded the incoming draft class, viewing it as potentially weak, the early performances of several rookies have debunked those notions. Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Matas Buzelis, and Bub Carrington were among the standouts on Day 1, drawing attention with their impressive displays.
Among them, Reed Sheppard has particularly caught the eye with his exceptional feel for the game and an extraordinary level of confidence on the court. "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, acknowledging the growth and development observed since earlier evaluations.
Not just the fresher faces; older rookies like Dalton Knecht, Tristan da Silva, and Terrence Shannon Jr. demonstrated their readiness to transition to the professional level. Meanwhile, younger long-term prospects such as Tidjane Salaun, Cody Williams, and Kel'el Ware have shown more readiness than anticipated, promising a robust pipeline for future seasons.
One of the more vocal voices from the rookie class, Ron Holland II, expressed his frustration over the criticism directed at the 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."
Bronny James, another highly scrutinized participant, has had a mixed showing in the Summer League, representing the Lakers in games against the Rockets, Celtics, and Hawks. Despite the pressure, he has demonstrated perseverance and concluded his games with notable performances. Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized 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." A Western Conference scout echoed the challenges faced by the young player, remarking, “No one can withstand the scrutiny he is under.”
Off the court, the contract narratives added another layer to the excitement. The LA Clippers and Paul George were unable to come to terms on a contract extension, leading to George signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Clippers reportedly offered a deal starting at around $60 million for two years, but without a no-trade clause, a sticking point that ultimately led to the breakdown in discussions. Clippers president Lawrence Frank reflected on the complexities involved, noting, "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."
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets have shown interest in acquiring Russell Westbrook as a veteran backup point guard, looking to bolster their depth with experienced talent. Unfortunately, not all news was positive; DaRon Holmes II, the 22nd overall pick, suffered a torn Achilles during summer league play, sidelining him for the upcoming season. Holmes II had a promising collegiate career, averaging 20.4 points and 8.5 rebounds at Dayton.
Draft Format Receives Praise
Another significant development was the new two-day draft format, which received positive feedback from NBA executives. The additional time allowed teams to regroup after the first night, leading to more informed decisions and enabling complex trade scenarios. One executive appreciated the structure, 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." Another team executive reinforced this sentiment, highlighting the importance of operational efficiency, "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 Summer League continues to unfold, performances in Las Vegas will keep shaping opinions about this emerging 2024 draft class. Whether dismissing early criticisms or adjusting to new formats, the event remains a crucial proving ground for future NBA stars.