(ESPN) 2024 NBA summer league: First impressions on the rookie class

[JPB]

I'll divide the article to get one post per rookie.

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/...ie-draft-class

Washington's Sarr wows with upside in debut

Sarr had an eye-opening debut, with 12 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks in a win against the Hawks and Risacher. There were a handful of jaw-dropping moments from Sarr on both ends of the floor, showing his ability to cover ground with incredible agility, contest shots all over the floor, rotate for blocks instinctually and bring impressive offensive versatility you don't often see at 7-foot-1.

He pushed the ball in transition, hit a skillful turnaround jumper out of a fake dribble-handoff, attacked closeouts looking to find teammates and made two impressive pull-up 3-pointers, which showed off his tantalizing offensive upside.

As is often the case, there were some sped-up moments, issues handling contact and lapses in awareness and decision-making on both ends of the floor, as he's very much a work in progress in many ways as 19-year-old big men in his mold often are. But the highs were so incredibly high that it was difficult not to come away bullish on his long-term outlook, even if there will clearly be some growing pains as he figures out his game.

--- Givony

[JPB]

Productive, assertive start for Risacher

Some early nerves from Zaccharie Risacher gave way to a confident offensive performance that demonstrated his shotmaking versatility, feel for the game and all-around skill level that made him the draft's No. 1 pick.

He hit three of his nine 3-point attempts, including a pretty escape dribble pullup and a deep spot-up off a kickout pass. He was given more shot-creation freedom than previously seen in France, aggressively transitioning the ball, spraying passes unselfishly all over the floor, showing nice pace getting to the rim fluidly and finishing skillfully off the glass with his off hand out of pick-and-roll. He hunted pullup 3s all game with mixed results and still has a ways to go with his handle and ability to play through contact on both ends, clearly needing to add strength to his 195-pound frame.

It was not the most impressive performance of the weekend, but there are quite a few positives to take away overall, as he scored in a variety of ways, despite the lack of hierarchy and playmaking on the Hawks' roster after losing starting point guard Kobe Bufkin to injury just 2 days prior.

--- Givony

[JPB]

Former UConn teammates Castle, Clingan square off

Former UConn teammates Donovan Clingan and Stephon Castle faced off as opponents for the first time Saturday as the Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio Spurs. While summer league can be a fickle evaluation, it was intriguing to see both lottery picks removed from the Huskies' system, providing a sense of their eventual roles in the NBA.

Castle's jump shot has been the biggest unknown for what type of contributor he might become. He did hit a pair of first-half 3s (including a contested one over Clingan) but also had some bad misses on jumpers, which indicates his game is still a bit of a mixed bag in terms of shot selection and efficiency. It was encouraging to see him get into the paint consistently and make plays off the drive, flashing nice vision in two-man situations and deceptive change of pace.

The Spurs are betting Castle will be able to handle a long-term playmaking role, and the presence of an offensive focal point in Victor Wembanyama lessens the pressure on Castle to be a full-time point guard. Despite five turnovers, he finished with a game-high 22 points on 8-of-20 shooting.

While the Blazers trailed most of the game, Clingan was productive, walling off the paint with his size, winning 50-50 balls and doing a good job on the glass, totaling 13 rebounds and five blocks despite scoring 4 points on 1-of-8 shooting. He was active and made an impact as a deterrent in coverage, also chipping in a block on Castle at the rim late in the game. The shooting component of his game is clearly still theoretical -- he looked tentative on a pair of open 3s that he missed -- but many around the NBA believe he'll eventually be able to keep teams honest from long range.

Although neither the Spurs nor the Trail Blazers have lofty expectations for next season, both players will be expected to contribute as rookies. NBA teams have largely been impressed with the way UConn's staff has prepared this recent wave of talent for the pros. How quickly Clingan and Castle can adapt will be a worthwhile storyline to track this season.

-- Woo

[JPB]

Sheppard makes case as draft's best prospect

Sheppard, the No. 3 pick, topped my stats-based projections for this year's draft and showed exactly why during his first two games. After scoring 23 points against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, Sheppard followed that performance up with 22 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds and 5 steals against Sarr and the Wizards on Sunday.

After scoring 20-plus points just seven times in 33 games at Kentucky, Sheppard has already done it in each of his first two outings as a pro. Sheppard's ability to get where he wants with the ball and create separation with a hard crossover has stood out.

We already knew Sheppard, who hit 52% of his 3s from the college line, was a powerful shooter. He hit from a listed 27 feet during Sunday's third quarter, which also saw Sheppard score nine points on 4-of-6 shooting and a pair of assists.

Defensively, Sheppard's active hands constantly generate deflections. Sheppard had three blocks Friday and racked up a pair of pick-six steals Sunday.

Sheppard joins a crowded Houston backcourt with starters Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet, along with 2023 lottery pick Amen Thompson and veteran Aaron Holiday. If Sheppard's play in Vegas so far is any indication, however, he'll force his way into regular playing time as a rookie.

-- Pelton

[montgod]

Sheppard makes case as draft's best prospect

Sheppard, the No. 3 pick, topped my stats-based projections for this year's draft and showed exactly why during his first two games. After scoring 23 points against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, Sheppard followed that performance up with 22 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds and 5 steals against Sarr and the Wizards on Sunday.

After scoring 20-plus points just seven times in 33 games at Kentucky, Sheppard has already done it in each of his first two outings as a pro. Sheppard's ability to get where he wants with the ball and create separation with a hard crossover has stood out.

We already knew Sheppard, who hit 52% of his 3s from the college line, was a powerful shooter. He hit from a listed 27 feet during Sunday's third quarter, which also saw Sheppard score nine points on 4-of-6 shooting and a pair of assists.

Defensively, Sheppard's active hands constantly generate deflections. Sheppard had three blocks Friday and racked up a pair of pick-six steals Sunday.

Sheppard joins a crowded Houston backcourt with starters Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet, along with 2023 lottery pick Amen Thompson and veteran Aaron Holiday. If Sheppard's play in Vegas so far is any indication, however, he'll force his way into regular playing time as a rookie.

-- Pelton

Yeah I really want to see how Reed does during the season - feel like he'll be comparable to Payton Pritchard of the Celtics. I'm still skeptical he's going to be able to hang like he does in the SL especially on defense. He just seems like he'd be a liability outside of occasional threes.

[Spurs Homer]

Castle follows in the long tradition of being held out of games due to a defender who accidentally breathed near his space...

Castle also might learn to shoot a jump shot after his 5 month rehab for the ricochet breath from an opponent...but spurs staff are erring on the side of caution - so it might be 7 months off.

[Mr. Body]

Yeah I really want to see how Reed does during the season - feel like he'll be comparable to Payton Pritchard of the Celtics. I'm still skeptical he's going to be able to hang like he does in the SL especially on defense. He just seems like he'd be a liability outside of occasional threes.

Sheppard had completely dominant games in college - the MS State one, for example, where he was doing everything. Often he was in the background. I think that will be a great team guy for the Rockets. Some things to watch: can he defend positionally? will he get targeted due to size and how will they cope? can he shift from a guy who gets activated by others into a self-creator?

[kht]

For a guy like Sheppard, despite his size, to ahead of 7-footers, a bunch of lengthy modern day wings, a 5-tool player in Castle... should tell you everything. He probably killed it in the private workouts on top of his historic shooting season at Kentucky.

[Mr. Body]

For a guy like Sheppard, despite his size, to ahead of 7-footers, a bunch of lengthy modern day wings, a 5-tool player in Castle... should tell you everything. He probably killed it in the private workouts on top of his historic shooting season at Kentucky.

His BBIQ is very good, he's a phenomenal shooter, but the draft class looks rather weak overall.

[ChumpDumper]

Castle follows in the long tradition of being held out of games due to a defender who accidentally breathed near his space....

He was injured after Ingram accidentally undercut him.

[Spurs Homer]

He was injured after Ingram accidentally undercut him.

yeah, i was watching- looked like a hard fall…

but c’mon man- kid is 19 yrs old - stop babying players…

These guys all had far worse falls and scrapes and sprains on the playgrounds and gyms growing up

[BackHome]

A couple of players that I liked not mentioned that been looking at;

Devin Carter - I new he got hurt during tryouts I just didn't know he tore his Labrum which I am surprised even though he had that injury still was picked pretty high.

Furphy - Had a good game recently against the Wolves - 18pts to go with 7 rebounds and 2 steals not bad for a second round pick

Nikola Djurisic - A guy I was looking to use our second round on Fractured his foot so probably out for season for the Hawks..

[jjspur]

If Castle had been taken in the first 3 picks, Sheppard would would have been my pick. Both seem to be good picks so far, but I'm glad we got Castle though. Would have been really pissed of if Sheppard would have been available and we would have passed on him or worse traded the pick away like we did with Dilly. I'm still ticked off at that one.

[ChumpDumper]

yeah, i was watching- looked like a hard fall…

but c’mon man- kid is 19 yrs old - stop babying players…

These guys all had far worse falls and scrapes and sprains on the playgrounds and gyms growing up

Why risk further injury in summer league?

[TD 21]

Why risk further injury in summer league?

Of course. I agree with the general sentiment more than the specific example though.

If it had been so much as a bruise, I have no doubt the same result would have followed and I can't say that about any other organization.

[scott]

Buzelis has been looking solid.

As one of the biggest Buz stans, I'm slightly triggered by this... but we resigned Bassey so I'm gonna let it slide for now.

[Mr. Body]

I haven't watched a lot of Buzelis here. He looks good in the open court, open play style of SL, but I think he'll get knocked around for a while in the NBA. Going to the Bulls will be good for him, where he can get a lot of inconsequential run and feel things out how to grow, but I'm not sure what his position and role will be.

[Spurs Homer]

Why risk further injury in summer league?

i just think this overly careful policy can backfire but i see your point and dont want further injury- just seems like a 19 yr old can handle a little soreness in his wrist

he needs the summer league reps so he can be up to speed and get the best mentorship from chris paul at pg/backup pg imo

[Ice009]

i just think this overly careful policy can backfire but i see your point and dont want further injury- just seems like a 19 yr old can handle a little soreness in his wrist

he needs the summer league reps so he can be up to speed and get the best mentorship from chris paul at pg/backup pg imo

I'm thinking it's because the injury is his wrist. He's already not known as a great shooter. Even if he doesn't get hurt further or it's not a bad injury, do you really want him shooting with that wrist and missing more shots leaving him open to a bit of scrutiny?
I think it was the right decision to sit him.

[ChumpDumper]

i just think this overly careful policy can backfire but i see your point and dont want further injury- just seems like a 19 yr old can handle a little soreness in his wrist

he needs the summer league reps so he can be up to speed and get the best mentorship from chris paul at pg/backup pg imo

Training camp is much more important for that.

[Spurs Homer]

Training camp is much more important for that.

fair enough

[Uriel]

Interesting tidbit from an Express-News podcast:

This is an information that helps anybody now, but I just found it interesting the way the Spurs viewed the top of that draft. And it goes like this, if they had had the first pick, and this surprised me because we spend so much time talking about the draft and we kind of didn't really talk about this name, but if they'd had the top pick, they would have absolutely taken Alex Sarr with the top pick.

Alex Sarr, went to the Washington Wizards with the number two pick.

We wondered about his fit and blah, blah, blah. They thought if they ended up with Alex Sarr, all the others, like just they pictured him as like a bigger, better Jeremy Sochan that maybe they could teach to do the offensive stuff. Like the defense and the mobility would be just worth it, especially in a draft like this where everyone has flaws.

If they'd had the second pick or if the choice had been Castle or Reed Sheppard at four, they would have gone Reed Sheppard probably. Probably just because of the shooting. And then Castle was the guy that I guess probably would have been third on their board.

So they got the third guy on their board at pick number four.

Not a lot of interest in Risacher that went first overall. Like it'd be interesting, I don't know what they'd have done if those first three guys had been gone one through two, three, and Risacher was there at number four, but weren't quite sold on him, I don't think. So all that was interesting, but I was a little surprised that they were, it was like a no-brainer that you take Sarr number one if they had had the pick.

Risacher was a guy who really rose, like two months before the draft, you look at the mocks, and he was like eight, nine, 10, then that range, and maybe it wasn't two months. It was not long before the draft. During the last season, I don't think anybody thought he was number one.

He had kind of this surge because of the way he finished his season overseas, and I tend to be kind of skeptical of those overnight risers, and sounds like the Spurs might have been too.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-new-look-lineup-around-wemby/id1344226066?i=1000662457778