The basketball world is once again abuzz as the Las Vegas Summer League prepares to tip off on Friday, promising nearly two weeks of exhilarating hoops action. This annual showcase offers a first glimpse of the NBA's future stars and allows teams to assess their rookies and prospects in a competitive setting.
In a fitting curtain-raiser, the defending summer league champion Cleveland Cavaliers will square off against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The opening day features a packed schedule with seven games, ensuring there’s no shortage of excitement from the onset.
The Las Vegas event follows the conclusion of the California Classic and the Salt Lake City Summer League, making it the climax of the summer league circuit. This year’s Las Vegas Summer League will spotlight several top picks from the 2024 NBA Draft, including Zacharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks and Alex Sarr of the Washington Wizards, who were selected first and second overall, respectively. The No. 3 pick, Reed Sheppard, also promises to turn heads with his first summer league appearance.
Bronny James Finds His Footing
One of the most talked-about players in the summer league is Bronny James. Despite a slow start at the California Classic, where he managed just 3-of-12 from the floor across two games, James showed promise in other aspects of his game. Notably, he contributed seven rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and two steals over those games. Against Miami, his involvement was limited to three shots, all in the first half, but his potential remains a point of focus as he enters the more high-profile Las Vegas stage.
James is among several notable names making their second summer league appearances. Alongside him are Dalton Knecht, Stephon Castle, Zach Edey, and Cody Williams. Edey, in particular, stood out with a dominant performance in his first game, amassing 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks in a 33-minute showcase against Utah. This level of play has set high expectations for his further outings in Las Vegas.
Exciting Matchups and Debuts
The opening day's schedule also features an exciting matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets. Fans will be watching closely to see how the Lakers' summer league roster, including James, performs against a rebuilding Rockets team looking to test its young core.
Other standout performances from the run-up leagues include Dillon Jones, who scored an impressive 21 points and grabbed seven rebounds against the Utah Jazz, and Jaylen Wells, who netted 27 points and made a game-winning shot against the 76ers. Such performances only add to the anticipation as these players take to the court in Las Vegas.
New Faces and Fresh Starts
This summer league also sees some significant player movements and debuts. Jonas Valanciunas, now with the Washington Wizards, will be an experienced addition to his new team’s roster. On the younger side, Jamal Shead, the No. 45 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, and Rob Dillingham of Kentucky fame, along with Yves Missi from Baylor, are set to make their marks.
Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies made headlines with their strategic decision at the deadline to deal Steven Adams, aiming to recalibrate their roster for the coming season.
As the games begin, fans, scouts, and analysts alike will be glued to the action, eager to spot the stars of tomorrow. Whether through breakout performances, unexpected victories, or the evolving narratives of young careers like that of Bronny James, the Las Vegas Summer League remains a highlight of the basketball calendar, providing a thrilling preview of the NBA’s future.