The NBA summer league in Las Vegas recently concluded, providing a platform for incoming rookies to showcase their talents over an 11-day span. The event, consisting of 76 games, allowed teams to evaluate players and understand how they fit into their rosters.
Following the 2024 NBA draft, where the Atlanta Hawks surprised many by selecting Zaccharie Risacher as the No. 1 pick, experts and scouts from ESPN polled 20 NBA executives to gather opinions on the incoming rookie class. Risacher emerged as a favorite due to his defensive prowess, court awareness, and potential for offensive growth.
Reed Sheppard of the Houston Rockets received praise as the best pick, with optimism surrounding his future in the league. Sheppard impressed during the summer league, averaging 20 points and 5.3 assists, showcasing his potential as a future star.
In another category, Ron Holland II of the Detroit Pistons raised eyebrows with his selection at No. 5, with concerns about his fit in a team needing perimeter shooting. AJ Johnson of the Milwaukee Bucks, chosen at No. 23, also sparked confusion among executives for not addressing immediate needs for a team with stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
Bub Carrington of the Washington Wizards garnered attention as a promising prospect, with executives optimistic about his long-term development. Kel'el Ware of the Miami Heat and Terrence Shannon Jr. of the Minnesota Timberwolves also impressed during the summer league, showcasing their potential impact in the league.
Looking ahead, Reed Sheppard remains a popular choice for NBA Rookie of the Year, with Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies seen as a strong contender due to his unique physical attributes and potential impact in the upcoming season.
