The NBA Summer League continues to chug along, and with it, we’ve received our first glimpses of the winners and breakout players. It’s far too early to call anything with certainty, but we’ll highlight some of the standouts of the Vegas Summer League.
This draft was littered with big men, going across the board. The influx of size has already affected the NBA Summer League, with interior defense peaking throughout the first weekend. Players like Donovan Clingan, and Adem Bona, who faced off last night have been absolute brick walls. They have shown their defensive prowess averaging over 4 blocks a game. The absolute giant Clingan sent 5 shots flying into the stands in one game alone, as he continues to show his defensive reputation from college is real.
Even though number 2 pick Alexandre Sarr has struggled to put the ball through the hoop, he has still managed to impact the game on the defense end. Contributing to a Wizards defense that may have some teeth in the regular season.
As competition continues to heat up entering the tournament portion of Summer League we only expect to see this defensive intensity increase. With another electric matchup of big men scheduled tonight with Portland taking on the Wizards. Sarr vs Clingan will be an absolute must-watch game!
We saw several older rookies drafted this year. Players like Dalton Knecht, Terrence Shannon, and Baylor Scheierman have all been solid early. Knecht has been the bright spot for the Lakers as Bronny James continues to struggle. Dalton showed out his first game with a much more modest showing in game 2. He looks ready to step into a scoring role next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis this fall.
Shannon and Scheierman went much later in the draft to Minnesota and Boston. Shannon shows what 5 seasons of college basketball can teach you, as his consistency continues to illuminate this potential. The 24-year-old looks ready to fit right into that Minnesota roster. Scheierman may have been the steal of the draft as the 30th pick. Scheierman’s shooting consistency may earn him early minutes with the defending champions Celtics. As both teams look for cheap bench options both Shannon and Scheierman look like ideal fits for rosters looking to push for a title.
Wow, what isn’t there to say about this Houston summer league team? On a team FULL of young talent, they may have added the best player in the draft with Reed Sheppard. His first few Summer League games have not disappointed, as his college prowess shines through. Sheppard has been a lightning bolt on both sides of the court, earning 5 steals in a single game versus the Wizards. Sheppard has done about everything you’d ask of a 19-year-old phenomenally. He can shoot, play-make, attack the basket, and create defensive opportunities. The best part is he’s not even the only guy playing stunning basketball on this Houston team.
Former Summer League MVP Cam Whitmore has returned to show he still has it! The 6’7 20-year-old has been a terror on the court. When he puts his head down he’s either getting a bucket or a foul. The pace and downhill speed of Whitmore show his elite potential as an impact player.
These are only a couple of the promising young guys littering this Houston roster. Players like Jabari Smith, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Jalen Green fill this Houston roster making them the most promising young squad in the league. With the addition of Sheppard, this group may be extremely young, but they are going to be a challenge for any team in the coming season!
Cam Whitmore isn’t the only second-year showing their development this Summer League. Brandon Miller, the number 2 pick from the 2023 draft has been putting on a clinic at Summer League. It’s a bit surprising he’s even playing in the summer league considering his stellar rookie seasons, but he’s been dominating the competition.
Brandon Podziemski is another name back for seconds after a terrific rookie year. After earning the starting spot at Golden State, Podz is back in summer league tearing it up. Not only showing off his elite shooting but proving he can be a playmaker as well. Chalking up 7 assists and 12 boards with a cool 17 points against the Bulls on Sunday.
Finally, Jarace Walker has been a great surprise this Summer League. With limited opportunities in the Pacer lineup following the Pascal Siakam trade, we haven’t seen too much of Jarace. With solid early shooting numbers, Jarace has shown some promising flashes of what he can do.
Overall, this Summer League has already shown us a ton, and there is a lot to be excited about. Even though the rookie class has struggled at times, the talent is still shining through in places. With even more Summer League ahead of us, we’re sure to see players come into form and get comfortable!