The first week of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas has showcased an array of impressive young talents vying for a spot in the 2024 NBA draft. Despite initial skepticism regarding the strength of this draft class, several rookies have risen to the challenge, disproving critics who had labeled it as historically weak.
Among those who delivered standout performances on Day 1 were Zacharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Matas Buzelis, and Bub Carrington. Reed Sheppard, in particular, has captivated spectators and scouts alike with his exceptional feel for the game and palpable confidence.
“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,” noted one NBA executive, highlighting the rapid development seen in these young athletes.
In addition to Sheppard and his contemporaries, older rookies such as Dalton Knecht, Tristan da Silva, and Terrence Shannon Jr. have showcased their readiness and maturity. Meanwhile, younger, long-term prospects like Tidjane Salaun, Cody Williams, and Kel’el Ware have demonstrated a level of preparedness that exceeded expectations.
Ron Holland II, another highly-watched prospect, voiced his frustration over the pre-draft criticism of his 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,” Holland II stated emphatically.
In the case of Bronny James, his summer league journey has been marked by a series of mixed performances while representing the Lakers against teams like the Rockets, Celtics, and Hawks. Despite the ups and downs, Bronny's perseverance has shined through in notable moments.
“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,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick, emphasizing the team's long-term developmental plans for James. One Western Conference scout added, “No one can withstand the scrutiny he is under,” acknowledging the immense pressure Bronny faces.
Shifting to other NBA news, the LA Clippers and Paul George reached an impasse in their contract extension talks. George eventually signed with the Philadelphia 76ers after the Clippers offered a deal sans a no-trade clause, starting at around $60 million for two years. The discussions fell apart as the Clippers sought 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,” remarked Clippers president Lawrence Frank, shedding light on the constraints facing franchises when managing rosters and contracts.
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets have expressed interest in acquiring Russell Westbrook as a veteran backup point guard, a potential move that could add depth and experience to their roster.
Tragically, DaRon Holmes II suffered a torn Achilles during summer league play, sidelining him for the upcoming season. Taken 22nd overall in the draft, Holmes had been averaging an impressive 20.4 points and 8.5 rebounds at Dayton before his unfortunate injury.
In terms of the draft process itself, the new two-day format has garnered positive feedback from NBA executives. The additional time between rounds allowed teams to regroup after the first night, fostering better decision-making and enabling multiple trade scenarios. Some front office members, however, felt that an extended second round with more time between picks could be beneficial.
“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,” one executive explained. Another added, “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.”
The performances in Las Vegas will continue to shape opinions about the 2024 draft class as the summer league progresses, offering a clearer picture of the future stars of the NBA.