The NBA summer season kicks off this Friday with the highly anticipated Las Vegas Summer League in Sin City. Reigning champions, the Cleveland Cavaliers, will open the two-week event against the Minnesota Timberwolves in one of the seven games scheduled for the first day.
Before the main event, basketball fans were treated to thrilling matchups and impressive performances from the top prospects of the 2024 NBA Draft in the California Classic and the Salt Lake City Summer League. Among the players returning for their second summer league appearance are Dalton Knecht and Bronny James of the Los Angeles Lakers, Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs, Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies, and Cody Williams of the Utah Jazz.
Bronny James, the younger James, had a slow start in his debut in the summer league last weekend in Northern California. He will be looking to recover from a shaky shooting performance. In the upcoming fourth game of the event, James and his Los Angeles summer league team will face off against Reed Sheppard and the Houston Rockets. This matchup will be a marquee showdown between the third pick in the draft and James.
Another exciting matchup to watch is between Zaccharie Risacher and the Atlanta Hawks, and Alex Sarr and the Washington Wizards. This game will feature the top two picks from the 2024 NBA Draft and will take place at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Now, the question is, will Bronny James be able to respond to his slow start? He will have another chance to prove himself starting on Friday when the Lakers face the Houston Rockets. The Lakers have already played three games in the California Classic, and James struggled early, only making 3 out of 12 shots in two games.
During the final game against Miami, Lebron James’ son, Bronny, only took three shots, all in the first half. However, he made significant contributions in other areas of the game, including seven rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and two steals. To further his development, it is crucial for Bronny to focus on improving his shooting skills, particularly in Las Vegas. In the NBA, Bronny is projected to excel as a 3-and-D player, utilizing his high basketball IQ and instincts to become a formidable defender. The key for him will be to consistently hit shots, and gaining more practice and confidence in Las Vegas can greatly aid in achieving this goal.
Edey, the two-time reigning Naismith College Player of the Year, generated a lot of debate among NBA Draft prospects in 2024. Initially projected as a mid-first-round pick, Edey defied expectations when the Grizzlies snagged him with the ninth overall pick on draft night. Already making waves in the summer league, Edey’s debut showcased his talent with an impressive stat line of 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks in 33 minutes against Utah.
With the Grizzlies in dire need of a center since trading Steven Adams, Edey is expected to have a significant role in his rookie season. His prowess as one of college basketball’s top rebounders made him a wise choice for the team. While there may be potential matchup challenges in the NBA, the combination of Edey and Jaren Jackson Jr. in the frontcourt holds promise. As the summer league continues in Las Vegas, it will provide another crucial opportunity to assess Edey’s readiness for the NBA stage.
Players to Watch for Breakout Performances
Every year at the summer league, there are always players who catch the eye and show potential to become future stars or summer league sensations. In this year’s Las Vegas event, here are five players, drafted outside the top 5 picks, that deserve your attention.
Jamal Shead, Toronto Raptors: Despite being the No. 45 pick in the draft, Shead possesses all the necessary skills to become a summer league legend. His exceptional on-ball defending abilities can wreak havoc on the court. Shead was already one of the standout players in college basketball last season, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he makes a name for himself in Las Vegas.
Dillon Jones, Oklahoma City Thunder: Jones has already showcased his talent in Salt Lake City, where he stood out as one of the best players on the court. The former Weber State star dropped 21 points and grabbed seven rebounds against the Jazz earlier this week.
Rob Dillingham of the Minnesota Timberwolves is an incredibly skilled point guard who has the potential to become the standout player of his draft class. During his time at Kentucky, Dillingham consistently delivered jaw-dropping highlights that wowed fans. His unique style of play is sure to captivate audiences in Las Vegas.
Yves Missi of the New Orleans Pelicans has a golden opportunity to become the team’s center of the future following Jonas Valanciunas’ departure to the Washington Wizards. Despite being relatively new to the sport, the Baylor standout displays a level of skill that defies his experience. Missi’s fluid movements and ability to dominate the paint make him a force to be reckoned with.
Jaylen Wells, a prospect for the Memphis Grizzlies, is another player to watch in the second round. Recently, Wells showcased his talent by scoring an impressive 27 points, including a game-winning shot against the 76ers. He has the potential to make a lasting impression during this week’s games.