The California Classic, an anticipated NBA Summer League event, recently unfolded over four days at Sacramento's Golden 1 Center and San Francisco's Chase Center. Entering its sixth year, the tournament showcased a thrilling round-robin competition featuring the Sacramento Kings, Charlotte Hornets, San Antonio Spurs, and the Chinese National Team.
Among the standout performers was Stephon Castle, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, representing the Spurs. Castle wrapped up his final summer league game with an impressive stat line: 18 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Reflecting on his performance, Castle emphasized his adaptability on the court, "I'm comfortable really anywhere out on the court. I will say I'm probably most comfortable on the ball, but if I play off the ball, I still feel 100% comfortable there. Just being with the kinda team that we have, I feel like we will have five guys that can dribble, pass, and shoot. The positions are out of the equation a little bit."
Castle now sets his sights on the main Summer League event in Las Vegas, aiming to build on his promising start. His versatility and confidence will undoubtedly be assets as he continues to develop his game against tougher competition.
Highlights and Performances
The Hornets' No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaün, was notably absent due to a minor knee laceration. Despite Salaün's absence, the event still featured remarkable individual performances. Keon Ellis, donning the Kings' jersey, delivered a remarkable 30-point game despite the team’s loss to the Warriors. Ellis’ shooting prowess extends beyond this event; he boasted a 41.7% accuracy rate from three-point range last season, hinting at his long-term potential.
At San Francisco's Chase Center, the Warriors also made a statement. In a nail-biting finish, they edged out Sacramento 91-90, securing the inaugural "Mitch Richmond Trophy" in the Battle of NorCal Summer League game. The Warriors' ability to clinch the win underscored their depth and readiness heading into the main summer league events.
Bronny James' Appearance
Bronny James, another highly anticipated player, suited up for the Lakers in San Francisco. While knee swelling sidelined him for the game against the Warriors, James posted solid stats against Miami: three points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Over the event, he accumulated seven rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and two steals, showcasing his all-around capabilities despite limited playtime.
Shooting Woes and Redemption
In the midst of breakout performances, there were also moments of struggle. Knecht found difficulty in maintaining shooting accuracy over the course of the event, managing just 30.2% from the floor and 26.7% from beyond the arc. Nonetheless, Knecht redeemed himself during the game against the Heat, where he racked up 20 points, providing a glimpse of his potential when on form.
Building for the Future
Aside from young talent, the Spurs fortified their squad with seasoned veterans Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes. Their inclusion aims to blend experience with youthful energy, a strategy likely to aid the Spurs in the forthcoming season. The mixture of emerging stars and established players will be a point of interest as the team progresses.
As the California Classic concludes, the focus shifts to Las Vegas. The performances here have set the groundwork for what promises to be an even more competitive main Summer League event. For players like Stephon Castle and Bronny James, the stakes will only rise, and fans can’t wait to see how these burgeoning stars make their mark on the NBA stage.