After 16 days of video games performed in Las Vegas, Salt Lake Metropolis, Sacramento and San Francisco, NBA Summer time League competitors has concluded. All 30 groups performed not less than 5 video games, with the Miami Warmth edging the Memphis Grizzlies on the campus of UNLV to return away with the summer-league championship.
For this yr’s rookie class, summer season league was the primary alternative to get on the ground of their new crew colours. Coaching camps might be underway in somewhat greater than two months. Till then, right here’s an evaluation of how each draft decide regarded of their first set of video games, from the position they performed to what could be subsequent within the fall.
First Spherical
1. Zaccharie Risacher, Hawks: He began two video games at taking pictures guard earlier than sitting out as a consequence of a proper quad contusion. He took most of his makes an attempt from the behind 3-point line, however the 6-foot-9 Risacher will possible begin at small ahead with Trae Younger dominating the ball.
2. Alex Sarr, Wizards: Sarr began at middle for 4 video games and can possible again up Jonas Valančiūnas when the season begins. The 7-footer confirmed ability as a passer and shot blocker, however taking pictures 19.1 p.c from the ground illustrated how far-off he’s as a scorer.
3. Reed Sheppard, Rockets: Sheppard began at level guard for 4 video games and is predicted to be a backup choice to Fred VanVleet. Sheppard made All-Summer time League First Staff by scoring 20 factors per recreation on 50 p.c taking pictures. He solely hit 27.8 p.c of his 3s, with 4.8 turnovers per recreation, however he made performs defensively whereas taking part in a heavy on-ball position offensively.
4. Stephon Fort, Spurs: Fort began three video games at taking pictures guard earlier than a proper wrist sprain. There clearly was an emphasis on him taking part in with the ball in his fingers, so it is smart for him to count on a second-unit position behind Chris Paul, Devin Vassell and Harrison Barnes.
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5. Ron Holland, Pistons: A starter at small ahead in Vegas, Holland ought to count on to compete with Ausar Thompson at that place in Detroit. Holland is a menace in transition, however his taking pictures goes to be a piece in progress.
6. Tidjane Salaun, Hornets: A starter at energy ahead in Vegas, he’s behind a number of veterans for that position in Charlotte. Salaun performs laborious however is just not a lot of an on-ball presence or shooter proper now.
7. Donovan Clingan, Path Blazers: Clingan began at middle, the place he might be behind Deandre Ayton in Portland. He regarded nice on the glass and defensively, however he solely shot 35.7 p.c from the ground, struggling particularly to complete pick-and-rolls. He made the All-Summer time League Second Staff.
8. Rob Dillingham, Timberwolves: Dillingham began at level guard for 5 video games and appears poised to again up Mike Conley Jr. He ended on excessive be aware with 25 factors and 12 assists in opposition to the Orlando Magic. Dillingham had a tough time ending in transition however averaged 7.6 assists per recreation.
9. Zach Edey, Grizzlies: The 7-4, two-time school participant of the yr began at middle however suffered a number of ankle sprains. Edey hardly ever received post-up alternatives however regarded like a participant who might begin anyway.
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10. Cody Williams, Jazz: The brother of Oklahoma Metropolis’s Jalen Williams was the beginning small ahead for many of the month. He gave the impression to be snug in quite a lot of roles and received extra productive when he wasn’t on the ground with Keyonte George.
11. Matas Buzelis, Bulls: Buzelis could be very lively defensively and began many of the month at energy ahead, the place he’ll possible be behind Patrick Williams. Like his G League Ignite teammate Holland, Buzelis is a threatening dunker who’s a multitude offensively in addition to that (1:3 assist-turnover ratio, 33.7 p.c total, 21.4 p.c 3s).
12. Nikola Topić, Thunder: Topić is recovering from a pre-draft ACL harm and didn’t play this summer season.
13. Devin Carter, Kings: Carter is recovering from left shoulder surgical procedure and didn’t play this summer season.
14. Bub Carrington, Wizards: Carrington was the place to begin guard for Washington, although he’s possible a backup to Malcolm Brogdon in Washington. He made the All-Summer time League Second Staff after a productive month with the ball in his fingers.
15. Kel’el Ware, Warmth: Ware joined Sheppard as the one rookies on the primary crew. He began at middle and confirmed a good put up recreation whereas being actively defensively and dunking greater than thrice an evening.
Kel’el Ware impressed for the Warmth. (Kelley L. Cox / USA Immediately)
16. Jared McCain, 76ers: McCain was the beginning taking pictures guard many of the month. He confirmed vary whereas working a excessive variety of ball screens however shot beneath 30 p.c from each the sphere and from 3.
17. Dalton Knecht, Lakers: Knecht frequently began at small ahead. He struggled to attain on his personal whereas being on the ball more often than not, however he was far more efficient off the ball, which is the position he ought to count on extra of with Los Angeles.
18. Tristan Da Silva, Magic: Da Silva began at energy ahead, the place he might be behind Paolo Banchero and Jonathan Isaac in Orlando. He confirmed consolation each on and off the ball, and most critically for the Magic, he confirmed he can shoot.
19. Ja’Kobe Walter, Raptors: Walter began principally at taking pictures guard however solely made 20.7 p.c of 3s and had extra turnovers (eight) than assists (5).
20. Jaylon Tyson, Cavaliers: Tyson began principally at taking pictures guard, the place he pulled off a 50/40/90 line (58.8 p.c total, 40 p.c 3s, 91.7 p.c free throws) whereas displaying he can play with the ball in his fingers.
21. Yves Missi, Pelicans: Missi began at middle, a place at which New Orleans might be utterly completely different from final season after Valančiūnas’ departure and the commerce of Larry Nance Jr. Missi confirmed a robust vertical presence earlier than and after photographs, changing on quite a lot of putback dunks, however he’s not a put up choice in any respect proper now.
22. DaRon Holmes II, Nuggets: Holmes began at middle and made three 3s in his lone look. He tore his proper Achilles tendon in that recreation and can possible redshirt his rookie season.
23. AJ Johnson, Bucks: Johnson was force-fed pick-and-roll reps whereas beginning principally at level guard. He missed 21 of 31 photographs contained in the arc and 21 of 31 photographs outdoors the arc. His improvement will proceed with the Wisconsin Herd.
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24. Kyshawn George, Wizards: The 6-7 George began video games up and down the lineup, settling principally at small ahead. He received some probabilities to play out of ball screens however was far more efficient off the ball.
25. Pacome Dadiet, Knicks: Dadiet began video games at each ahead spots. He’s far more snug as a cutter than the rest proper now and missed 17 of 19 3-point makes an attempt.
26. Dillon Jones, Thunder: Jones principally began at small ahead and had a heavy on-ball position, comfortably taking part in out of ball screens. His taking pictures is a piece in progress, as he made solely 29.2 p.c from 3.
27. Terrence Shannon Jr., Timberwolves: Shannon began principally at small ahead till a toe harm early in his fourth recreation ended his stint. He did a terrific job utilizing his body to attain on the rim however was hardly ever known as on to create his personal seems to be and wasn’t almost as snug taking pictures outdoors the paint.
28. Ryan Dunn, Suns: Dunn began 4 video games at small ahead and got here as marketed: He’s a defensive playmaker (11 mixed steals and blocks) with little offensive utility (missed his lone free-throw try, made just one 3 and was nearly utterly off the ball).
29. Isaiah Collier, Jazz: Collier began video games at level guard when Keyonte George didn’t play and had a heavy on-ball position. He scored 5 and-1s however made solely 4 of 20 3s.
30. Baylor Scheierman, Celtics: Scheierman began principally at taking pictures guard, the place he has an out of doors likelihood of being in Boston’s second unit. He ran a good quantity of pick-and-rolls, however he’s a shooter greater than a scorer — he had nearly thrice as many 3-point makes an attempt as 2-point makes an attempt.
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Second Spherical
31. Jonathan Mogbo, Raptors: Mogbo’s summer season stint was shortened after struggling a again contusion within the second recreation. The facility ahead is beneath contract.
32. Kyle Filipowski, Jazz: Filipowski is the best drafted participant not beneath contract but. He confirmed a capability to deal with the ball at middle and completed with a 26-point, 11-rebound recreation, although it got here when Utah was with out Williams and Collier. Filipowski solely made 26.7 p.c from 3.
33. Tyler Smith, Bucks: Smith is beneath contract as a possible backup large. He by no means created photographs for himself in Vegas and solely tried one free throw in 5 video games.
34. Tyler Kolek, Knicks: Underneath contract as a possible backup level guard, Kolek compiled a implausible 5:1 assist-turnover ratio, however he’s not there but as a scorer (35.6 p.c taking pictures).
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35. Johnny Furphy, Pacers: Underneath contract as a possible backup small ahead, Furphy was saved nearly solely off the ball and nonetheless struggled to attain (37 p.c taking pictures).
36. Juan Nuñez, Spurs: Nuñez is predicted to be stashed abroad and missed summer season league to be with Spain’s nationwide crew forward of the Olympics.
37. Bobi Klintman, Pistons: Klintman began at energy ahead in all 5 video games and is beneath contract. He was principally used to area the ground and made 41.9 p.c of his 3s.
38. Ajay Mitchell, Thunder: Mitchell is the best draft decide signed to a two-way contract. He began all 5 video games subsequent to Adam Flagler, however Mitchell took on a heavy on-ball position in comparison with Flagler whereas compiling a 50/40/90 line (53.3 p.c taking pictures, 40 p.c 3s, 92.3 p.c free throws).
39. Jaylen Wells, Grizzlies: Wells is signed to the roster as a backup taking pictures guard. He had some utility on the ball however will settle in as an off-ball risk. He shot 36.6 p.c from 3.
40. Oso Ighodaro, Suns: Ighodaro is beneath contract and sure would be the third middle in Phoenix. He led the Suns with 21 assists in 5 video games, a credit score to his passing potential but additionally a demerit of the Suns’ guard play.
41. Adem Bona, 76ers: Underneath contract because the possible third middle in Philly, he tried to dunk every part and blocked 21 photographs in eight video games. Bona received’t be requested to create for himself or others.
42. KJ Simpson, Hornets: Simpson was signed to a two-way contract, however he missed summer season league as a consequence of a hamstring harm suffered earlier than the draft.
43. Nikola Ðjurišić, Hawks: Ðjurišić ran level guard subsequent to Risacher however suffered a left foot fracture in his second recreation and stays unsigned.
44. Pelle Larsson, Warmth: Larsson began on the wing and is beneath contract. He confirmed strong chemistry with Ware in pick-and-rolls, took on robust defensive assignments, slot in nicely subsequent to different ballhandlers and known as recreation within the championship in opposition to the Grizzlies.
45. Jamal Shead, Raptors: Shead is beneath contract with Toronto and served as place to begin guard for all 5 video games. He took care of the basketball and got here as marketed defensively, although he was quiet on offense total.
Jamal Shead rises for a simple 2 in opposition to the Jazz in Las Vegas. (Candice Ward / Getty Photos)
46. Cam Christie, Clippers: The brother of Lakers guard Max Christie is beneath contract with the Clippers and began all 5 video games at taking pictures guard. He’s not prepared for on-ball duty but and might’t rating contained in the arc, however 37 of his 51 makes an attempt had been 3s, and he hit 40.5 p.c from deep.
47. Antonio Reeves, Pelicans: Reeves signed a contract after being utilized in quite a lot of roles in 5 video games. He alternated between being on and off the ball and will settle in at taking pictures guard. He was excellent in transition however struggled to attain or make performs in half-court settings.
48. Harrison Ingram, Spurs: Ingram began principally at energy ahead subsequent to Sidy Cissoko. He wasn’t good on the ball in scant alternatives however made 40.6 p.c from 3. He’s nonetheless unsigned, however the Spurs have two-way spots open.
49. Tristen Newton, Pacers: As soon as Ben Sheppard went down, the still-unsigned Newton began at level guard. He received to the free-throw line at a excessive fee and defended nicely however had a whale of a time placing the ball within the hoop (20 p.c total, 18.2 p.c 3s).
50. Enrique Freeman, Pacers: Freeman, an influence ahead, moved into the beginning lineup together with Newton. Like Newton, he is also unsigned and was saved out of the motion for probably the most half.
51. Melvin Ajinça, Mavericks: Ajinça principally began at small ahead subsequent to Olivier-Maxence Prosper. He might be stashed in France after a quiet summer season that noticed him wrestle to attain (29.5 p.c taking pictures) in a principally off-ball position.
52. Quinten Publish, Warriors: Publish joined the Warriors for the ultimate two summer season video games, beginning the semifinals loss to the Warmth at middle. He has a methods to go defensively however instantly confirmed the flexibility to shoot 3s, put up up and go. The Athletic’s Anthony Slater has reported that Publish is predicted to be on a two-way contract.
53. Cam Spencer, Grizzlies: Spencer is signed to a two-way contract behind Wells, and like Edey, he had summer season league reduce brief as a consequence of an ankle sprain. Spencer was off the ball much more than Wells however made glorious selections (14:4 assist-turnover ratio in 4 video games) whereas making 52.6 p.c from 3 and 57.9 p.c total.
54. Anton Watson, Celtics: Watson moved into beginning lineup at energy ahead as soon as Boston was happy with what it noticed from middle Neemias Queta. Watson doesn’t have a contract however confirmed the flexibility to play inside and outside in an off-ball-big position.
55. Bronny James, Lakers: James is the bottom 2024 draft decide signed to a 15-man roster. He began at taking pictures guard and stayed off the ball for probably the most half outdoors of the occasional pick-and-roll. He had a 9:11 assist-turnover ratio whereas struggling to attain (32.7 p.c taking pictures, solely eight free-throw makes an attempt) and shoot (missed 20 of 23 3s). He was a lot better and extra lively defensively.
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56. Kevin McCullar Jr., Knicks: McCullar didn’t play this summer season as a consequence of a left knee bone bruise and continues to be unsigned.
57. Ulrich Chomche, Raptors: Chomche got here off the bench till the finale, the place he began at middle subsequent to Branden Carlson. Each Chomche and Carlson are on two-way contracts, however Chomche is a real venture who was not requested to do a lot in addition to run, crash and be a vertical risk on the roll. He did make a 3-pointer, although.
58. Ariel Hukporti, Knicks: Hukporti signed to a two-way contract then began all 5 video games at middle. The Knicks hardly ever posted him and by no means requested him to make performs or shoot outdoors the paint. He’s content material with dunking as a lot as doable.
(Prime picture of Alex Sarr: Lucas Peltier / USA Immediately; prime picture of Bronny James: Candice Ward / Getty Photos)
