The NBA Summer League in Las Vegas continues to be a significant platform for evaluating new talent and player development. The tournament, which runs in its 20th year, has showcased a variety of talents, from recent draft picks to players trying to solidify their spot in the NBA. Summer League 2024’s Day 10 featured notable performances from Matas Buzelis of the Chicago Bulls and Karlo Matkovic of the New Orleans Pelicans, among others. Here’s a look at some standout performances and players worth watching.
Notable Performances on Day 10
Day 10 of the NBA Summer League brought exciting matchups and individual achievements, highlighting the promise of several young players.
Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls
- Stats: 18 points, 4 blocks, 2 steals
- Performance: Despite the Bulls’ 85-77 loss to the Detroit Pistons, Buzelis, the 11th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, demonstrated his two-way potential, showing defensive capabilities and scoring proficiency.
Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers
- Stats: 13 rebounds, 5 blocks
- Performance: Clingan played a key role in Portland’s narrow 82-80 victory over the Washington Wizards. Although both he and second-overall pick Alex Sarr struggled offensively, Clingan’s defensive contributions were crucial.
Karlo Matkovic, New Orleans Pelicans
- Stats: 25 points, 11-for-13 shooting, 2 three-pointers
- Performance: The Croatian forward offered an efficient performance in the Pelicans’ 90-85 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, showcasing his versatility in scoring inside and outside.
Leonard Miller, Minnesota Timberwolves
- Stats: 22 points, 13 rebounds (8 offensive), 2 blocks
- Performance: Miller stood out in the Timberwolves’ close 92-90 loss to Philadelphia, excelling on the offensive glass and showcasing timely shooting.
Jalen Wilson, Brooklyn Nets
- Stats: 27 points, 5 three-pointers, 15 fourth-quarter points
- Performance: Wilson’s strong performance in the Nets’ 92-85 comeback win over the New York Knicks highlighted his scoring ability, particularly in clutch moments.
Players Worth Watching
Several players have not only excelled in their initial Summer League games but also shown potential to impact their teams significantly in the upcoming NBA season.
Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets
- Stats: 20 points per game, 38.5% from 3-point range, 4.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 6 steals in two games
- Performance: Sheppard emerged as a standout player in Summer League, impressing with his shooting, handles, and defense. Rockets fans have reasons to be optimistic about his potential.
Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
- Stats: Averaging 4 assists, 5 turnovers per game
- Performance: Castle has shown promise running the offense, though he needs to improve his jump shot and efficiency. His ability to play off the ball will be crucial when integrated with the Spurs’ main roster.
Jordan Miller, Los Angeles Clippers
- Stats: 36 points in the first game, 21 points in the second game
- Performance: Miller has been a scoring machine, showing his ability to adapt his game. His impressive showings make it difficult for the Clippers to ignore him for the upcoming season.
Julian Strawther, Denver Nuggets
- Stats: 28.5 points per game, shooting 40.9% from 3-point range
- Performance: Strawther has been working on his role as a primary offensive initiator, and his performance in Summer League indicates he could be a valuable asset for the Nuggets.
Dalton Knecht, Los Angeles Lakers
- Performance: Known for his shooting ability, Knecht has displayed his skills in catch-and-shoot situations and creating space off the dribble, solidifying his spot in the Lakers’ rotation.
Terrence Shannon Jr., Minnesota Timberwolves
- Stats: 22 points per game, 60% shooting
- Performance: Shannon’s athleticism and scoring prowess make him a notable player to watch, although finding playing time on a deep Timberwolves roster may be challenging.
Alex Sarr, Washington Wizards
- Stats: 10 points per game, 30.8% shooting
- Performance: Sarr’s defensive game is NBA-ready, but his offensive skills need improvement. Given the Wizards’ current roster, Sarr might get enough playing time to compete for the Rookie of the Year award.
Implications for the Upcoming NBA Season
Day 10 performances in the NBA Summer League will impact team decisions and player roles. Matas Buzelis’s defense for the Bulls and Jalen Wilson’s clutch scoring for the Nets highlight potential breakout stars. Leonard Miller’s rebounding and Reed Sheppard’s shooting stand out for fantasy insights. Karlo Matkovic’s scoring and Donovan Clingan’s defense underscore the league’s role in preparing young talents for the regular season.
