The first week of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas has provided a glimpse into the promising potential of young talents aiming for a spot in the 2024 NBA draft. Despite earlier claims suggesting the draft class might be historically weak, many rookies have demonstrated otherwise with standout performances.
Day 1 saw noteworthy efforts from players like Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Matas Buzelis, and Bub Carrington. Particularly impressive was Reed Sheppard, who has been praised for his instinctive feel for the game and extraordinary confidence. An NBA executive highlighted his growth, stating, "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."
A mix of fresh faces and seasoned rookies also showed their readiness. Players like Dalton Knecht, Tristan da Silva, and Terrence Shannon Jr. demonstrated their preparedness for the professional stage. Meanwhile, younger long-term prospects such as Tidjane Salaun, Cody Williams, and Kel'el Ware appeared more ready than initially anticipated.
The draft class received some criticism early on, but Ron Holland II has been vocal about his frustration over such judgments. "It definitely makes me mad that people would say that," Holland remarked. "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 had a mixed showing in the summer league, representing the Lakers against the Rockets, Celtics, and Hawks. Despite facing intense scrutiny, James displayed perseverance and concluded his games with notable performances. Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized the team's commitment to his development, 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." An anonymous Western Conference scout also commented, "No one can withstand the scrutiny he is under."
Meanwhile, contractual developments have been unfolding in the league. The LA Clippers and Paul George could not come to terms on a contract extension. Consequently, George signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Clippers had offered him a deal that started around $60 million for two years but without a no-trade clause. Talks broke down as the team prioritized future cap flexibility. Clippers president Lawrence Frank explained, "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."
Additionally, the Denver Nuggets have expressed interest in acquiring Russell Westbrook as a veteran backup point guard. This potential move signifies the team's aim to bolster their backcourt depth and add experience to the roster.
In unfortunate news, DaRon Holmes II, who was the 22nd overall pick in the draft and averaged 20.4 points and 8.5 rebounds at Dayton, suffered a torn Achilles during summer league play, sidelining him for the upcoming season. His absence will undoubtedly be felt as he was poised to make an impact in his rookie year.
New Draft Format Receives Praise
The new two-day draft format has garnered positive feedback from NBA executives. The added time between the first and second days allowed teams to reassess and make more informed decisions. One executive noted, "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 executive emphasized the operational benefits, stating, "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."
Some front office members, however, felt that a longer second round with more time between picks would be beneficial. Nonetheless, the general consensus has been that the reset between days facilitated better internal and external conversations.
As the summer league continues to unfold in Las Vegas, the performances seen thus far will keep shaping opinions about the 2024 draft class. These young talents are proving their worth on the court, contradicting any earlier skepticism about their capabilities.