It's a hot summer, but there is a new wind blowing on the NBA court - it is the breath of rookies, fresh and full of power. This Summer League, we've seen a group of rising stars rise to the occasion with stunning performances that are exciting for the future of basketball.
Now, let's spotlight some of the brightest Western Conference stars in the Summer League and see how they're turning their budding talent into an on-court impact next season, bringing new energy and hope to their teams.
5. Zach · Eddie - Memphis Grizzlies
Draft Pick: 9th Pick
Eddie had already made great strides when he was at Purdue, and that trend continued into Summer League. While he didn't get much playing time in the Las Vegas Summer League due to injury, Eddie showed his prowess in the Salt Lake City Summer League. He's only played one game there, but it's already enough to show what he's capable of.
In that game, Eddie scored 14 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and dished out four blocks. He didn't make any three-pointers or free throws, but he shot a whopping 58.3 percent from the field.
Despite his limited playing time, Eddie's performance on the pitch was excellent and exactly what was expected of him. Eddie could easily handle the role Adams played when he was with the Grizzlies. He's more than capable of grabbing rebounds, providing basket protection, and setting up hard screens.
The Grizzlies had great success when Adams stayed healthy and played alongside Jaren · Jr., and they made up for each other's weaknesses well. Eddie's stellar performance in Summer League, albeit not for long, should have proven himself to the Grizzlies. If given the opportunity, Eddie has the ability to bring instant impact and success to the Grizzlies.
4. · Mitchell – Oklahoma City Thunder
Draft Pick: 38th Pick
Like the Thunder's other rookie, Dillon · Jones, Mitchell also shone in Summer League. Mitchell showed his talent as a scorer in Summer League with extremely efficient shooting. In both Summer League games, Mitchell averaged 27.4 minutes per game, contributing 18 points, 2.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists. He shot 43.8 percent from the field, 50 percent from three-point range and 100 percent from the free throw line.
While Mitchell may not have it easy to get playing time for the Thunder, his performance in Summer League has earned him that opportunity.
The Thunder have a good chance of maintaining their top spot in the new season, and Mitchell can help them do just that. Despite Oklahoma City's large number of guards, Handman lacks an offensive guard who can create his own shots and assist others off the bench.
Whether in college or summer league, Mitchell has proven that he is capable of scoring when needed. When the starters are off the bench, Mitchell can step up and provide the Thunder with instant offensive firepower. Regardless, Mitchell has shown his worth in Summer League. The rookie has the potential to contribute to the Thunder's victory.
3, Dalton · Knecht - Los Angeles Lakers
Draft Pick: 17th Pick
In Summer League, Knecht displayed impressive offensive skills and convinced many that he should be on the Lakers' rotation. In Summer League, Knecht averaged 31.2 minutes per game, averaging 21.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game. He shot 41.8 percent from the field, 39.1 percent from three-point range, and 81.8 percent from the free throw line.
With James and Davis around, shooting ability is always very valuable, and Knecht can provide ample help in this regard. Shooters like J.R. Smith and Ray ·Allen have all benefited from playing alongside James.
Knecht will not be an exception in this regard, as his talent as a goalscorer has already been revealed. In Summer League, Knecht didn't show any hesitation or slip in shooting. In addition, Knecht is an older rookie and should be ready to make an immediate impact.
With his offensive prowess, especially under the tutelage of Lakers new head coach JJ · Redick, Knecht could provide the Lakers with the extra firepower they need off the bench. Knecht's impressive performance in Summer League is further proof that he is ready to make an impact.
2, Jalen · Bridges - Suns
Draft Pick: Lost draft
Jalen · Bridges was undrafted in the 2024 draft, but he signed a two-way contract with the Suns. In Summer League, Bridges showed what a 3-and-D wing player can do. He can shoot from long range and is calm defensively.
Overall, Bridges averaged 10.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.2 steals per game in Summer League for 17.9 minutes played. In addition, he shot 42.9 percent from the field, 40 percent from three-point range, and 100 percent from the free throw line. Considering the Suns' lack of talent at the wing position, Bridges' stellar performance in Summer League could earn him playing time in the new season.
The Suns have three offensive cores, Booker, Durant and Beal, and they need players who can shoot threes from the perimeter and can defend. Based on Bridges' performance in Summer League, he is expected to earn a spot on the Suns' rotation.
Bridges shot 40 percent from three-point range in Summer League, and playing against the Big Three only benefited him even more. While the current Suns roster has stronger wing defenders like Ryan · Dunn, Bridges' three-point shooting is significantly better. Bridges' performance in Summer League should give him a chance to prove himself. If Bridges can shoot and defend as well as he did in Summer League, he'll get playing time in the new season.
1, Reed · Shepard - Rocket
Draft Pick: Third Pick
The Rockets selected Reed · Shepard with the third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Shepard lived up to expectations in the Summer League and showed everyone what he is capable of. It is worth mentioning that he was also named to the All-Round First Team in the Summer League.
During Summer League, Shepard averaged 20 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.8 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. He shot 50 percent from the field, 27.8 percent from three-point range and 75 percent from the free throw line. Overall, Shepard has been outstanding in Summer League, showcasing his all-round abilities as a goalscorer, playmaker, and defender. Although the Rockets missed the playoffs last season, they have a good chance of achieving that goal with Shepard on board this year.
Based on Shepard's performance in Summer League, he is more than capable of helping the Rockets reach the playoffs. The Rockets are in dire need of a backup point guard behind VanVleet, and Shepard is more than capable of the role.
Next season, Shepard can provide the team with playmaking, shooting and defense, just like he did in Summer League. In addition, the Rockets need to add space on the bench for players like Amen · Thompson and Tari · Eason.
Although Shepard didn't shoot as much as three-pointers in Summer League, he should get easier shots when he's on the court with better players. With a player like Shepard, the Rockets can assemble a more cohesive second team, which could be the key to making the playoffs.
#长文创作激励计划#