LAS VEGAS — This writer has clocked out after five days at Summer League. But first, some observations. Most of this year’s rookie class took the court in Las Vegas and left initial impressions with the entire league watching. Here’s what I noticed from the first sets of games.
1. Get ready to spend at least a few years comparing the trio of Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren and Jabari Smith Jr.
Banchero, Holmgren and Smith were drafted in that order, but debated every which way in NBA war rooms all season. All three had moments of brilliance in Las Vegas, as well as some occasional struggles—none of which were surprising if you’d followed these players closely going into the draft. And while I personally felt most strongly about Smith as the top prospect, there’s a universe where all three evolve into All-Star-level players and the Magic, Thunder and Rockets all walk away quite content with how things shook out.
