Basketball

The 2024 NBA Draft Class: A First Look From Summer League

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The NBA Summer League, a proving ground for rookies and hopefuls alike, wrapped up in July, offering a glimpse into the future of the league. While the 2024 draft class arrived with whispers of being underwhelming, their performances in Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Sacramento, and San Francisco provided valuable first impressions.

Early Returns: Tempering Expectations and Spotlighting Potential

It’s important to remember that the Summer League is just a snapshot, not a complete picture of a player’s potential. Many factors can influence a rookie’s performance in this setting, from adjusting to the speed of the professional game to simply finding their footing within a new team.

That being said, Summer League does offer valuable insights into a player’s strengths, weaknesses, and how they might fit into their team’s system. This year’s lottery picks showcased a range of skills and areas for growth, leaving fans and analysts with plenty to dissect.

Breaking Down the Numbers: A Look at the Lottery Picks

Let’s dive into the performances of the top 14 picks in the 2024 NBA Draft, focusing primarily on their showings at the NBA 2K25 Summer League in Las Vegas:

1. Zacharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks

  • Stats: 14.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 2.0 APG

Risacher, a versatile forward, showed flashes of his all-around game. The Hawks will be looking for him to create opportunities alongside star guard Trae Young.

2. Alex Sarr, Washington Wizards

  • Stats: 5.0 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 3.3 APG

Sarr, a 7-footer from France, struggled with his shot but displayed defensive potential with his mobility and shot-blocking ability.

3. Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets

  • Stats: 20.0 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 5.3 APG

Sheppard, a skilled guard, demonstrated his playmaking ability and knack for creating turnovers. Finding minutes in Houston’s crowded backcourt will be a key challenge.

4. Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs

  • Stats: 20.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 4.0 APG (Las Vegas); 15.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 4.0 APG (California Classic)

A wrist injury limited Castle’s time in Las Vegas, but he showed promise in the California Classic. His development alongside Victor Wembanyama will be a storyline to watch.

5. Ron Holland II, Detroit Pistons

  • Stats: 18.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.3 APG

Holland, an athletic wing, showcased his scoring ability but will need to improve his consistency. He represents another intriguing piece in Detroit’s rebuilding process.

6. Tidjane Salaun, Charlotte Hornets

  • Stats: 9.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 0.3 APG

Salaun, a 6-foot-9 forward, displayed his rebounding prowess and showed flashes of scoring potential. The Hornets will be looking for him to develop into a reliable two-way player.

7. Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers

  • Stats: 9.0 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 2.0 APG

Clingan, a dominant 7-foot-2 center, made his presence felt in the paint, leading all lottery picks in rebounding and showcasing his shot-blocking ability.

8. Rob Dillingham, Minnesota Timberwolves

  • Stats: 13.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 7.6 APG

Dillingham, a dynamic guard, showed his playmaking ability and scoring potential. The Timberwolves hope he can develop into a reliable option alongside veteran Mike Conley.

9. Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies

  • Stats: 6.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 0.0 APG (Las Vegas); 14.0 PPG, 15.0 RPG, 1.0 APG (Salt Lake City)

Edey, a 7-foot-4 center, showcased his unique size and rebounding ability in Salt Lake City. How his game translates to the NBA will be a key storyline for Memphis.

10. Cody Williams, Utah Jazz

  • Stats: 15.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.3 APG (Las Vegas); 5.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 1.0 APG (Salt Lake City)

Williams, a promising wing, demonstrated his scoring ability and defensive potential. The Jazz hope he can follow in the footsteps of his brother, OKC’s Jalen Williams, and continue to improve.

11. Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls

  • Stats: 16.4 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 0.8 APG

Buzelis, a skilled forward, showcased his scoring ability and generated early Rookie of the Year buzz. Adding strength will be key to his development.

12. Nikola Topić, Oklahoma City Thunder

  • Stats: Did Not Participate (Injured)

Topić, a skilled playmaker, missed Summer League due to a partial ACL tear. He’ll look to make his NBA debut in the 2025-26 season.

13. Devin Carter, Sacramento Kings

  • Stats: Did Not Participate (Injured)

Carter, a talented guard, missed Summer League recovering from shoulder surgery. He’ll look to make an impact upon his return, projected for January or later.

14. Bub Carrington, Washington Wizards

  • Stats: 15.8 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 5.2 APG

Carrington, a versatile guard, impressed with his all-around game, earning a spot on the NBA 2K25 All-Summer League Team. He’ll look to carve out a role in Washington’s backcourt.

Beyond the Box Score: Intangibles and Future Outlook

While statistics provide a starting point, it’s crucial to recognize the intangible qualities that often determine a player’s long-term success. Work ethic, basketball IQ, and the ability to adapt and improve are all essential factors.

The 2024 draft class may not have set the Summer League ablaze with highlight-reel plays, but they demonstrated a solid foundation of talent and potential. As they embark on their NBA journeys, it will be fascinating to witness their growth and how their contributions shape the league for years to come.

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