The first week of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas has been nothing short of electrifying, with young talents displaying their remarkable potential and setting the stage for the 2024 NBA draft. Contrary to the skepticism surrounding this year's rookie class, the performances thus far have shattered any doubts about its strength and promise.
Among the standout players, Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Matas Buzelis, and Bub Carrington have particularly caught the eye with their impressive displays on Day 1. Reed Sheppard has emerged as a revelation, dazzling spectators and executives alike with his exceptional feel for the game and unwavering 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," one NBA executive remarked with evident surprise.
Adding to the intrigue, older rookies such as Dalton Knecht, Tristan da Silva, and Terrence Shannon Jr. have showcased their readiness and preparedness, while younger prospects like Tidjane Salaun, Cody Williams, and Kel'el Ware have demonstrated more advanced skills and maturity than initially anticipated. This blend of seasoned rookies and developing talents has injected a sense of excitement and unpredictability into the Summer League proceedings.
One player particularly vocal about the critiques surrounding the draft class is Ron Holland II. "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 passionately stated, echoing the sentiments of many in his cohort.
Bronny James, another name drawing significant attention, has shown a mixed bag of performances representing the Lakers against the Rockets, Celtics, and Hawks. Despite facing immense scrutiny and sky-high expectations, James demonstrated perseverance and ended his games with notable performances. Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized the team's long-term developmental approach for Bronny, saying, "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 noted, "No one can withstand the scrutiny he is under," highlighting the pressure and challenges James faces.
In the realm of veteran players, the LA Clippers and Paul George's negotiations for a contract extension hit a roadblock, leading to George signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Clippers had offered a deal starting at around $60 million for two years but without a no-trade clause, aiming 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," explained Clippers president Lawrence Frank. The breakdown of these discussions has prompted the Denver Nuggets to express interest in acquiring Russell Westbrook as a veteran backup point guard, adding another layer of intrigue to the ongoing offseason maneuvers.
Amidst these developments, a significant injury overshadowed the Summer League action. DaRon Holmes II, the 22nd overall pick of the draft, suffered a torn Achilles, sidelining him for the upcoming season. Holmes II had averaged 20.4 points and 8.5 rebounds at Dayton, and his injury marks a significant blow to his nascent NBA career.
On a brighter note, the new two-day draft format has received a warm reception from NBA executives. The extended time allowed teams to regroup after the first night, leading to improved decision-making and numerous trade scenarios. "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," shared one executive, reflecting the general consensus. Another executive 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."
As the Summer League progresses, these performances will undoubtedly continue to shape opinions and expectations for the 2024 draft class. The early displays have already made a compelling case for this group of rookies, dispelling the initial skepticism and setting a high bar for the future.