Many highly anticipated Draught choices and developing talents will appear in the NBA 2024 Summer League.
NBA 2024 Summer League talents to keep an eye on
1. Julian Champagnie, San Antonio Spurs
Champagnie’s play in the California Classic reminded everyone that this Spurs Summer League club is much more than the Victor Wembanyama show. Champagnie averaged 29 points in two games in Sacramento, hitting five three-pointers each game. While the Spurs’ emphasis will shift with the No. 1 overall choice on the court, Champagnie might capitalise on open looks with Wembanyama garnering defensive attention.
2. Bilal Coulibaly, Washington Wizards
Wembanyama will not be the only player from Metropolitans 92 in Las Vegas this week. While Wembanyama may have brought scouts to the games, Coulibaly ensured that they also observed his play. The Wizards made a draft-night deal with Indiana to move up to choose Coulibaly with the seventh overall choice. Now the 6-foot-6 forward can show off his skills and prepare for his debut NBA 2024 season. Make a note of the Spurs game on Tuesday, July 11, as the two French lottery winners may meet for the first time.
3. Gradey Dick, Toronto Raptors
Last season, the 6-foot-7 wing for Kansas shot 40% from 3-point range and was widely regarded as one of the best shooters in this college class. Now he gets a chance to demonstrate it as he joins the Raptors for NBA 2024 Summer League, where he slipped to No. 13 on Draught night.
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4. Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons
We go from the 13th pick this year to the 13th pick last year. Duren was chosen to the Kia NBA All-Rookie Second Team last season after averaging 9.1 points and 8.9 rebounds in 25 minutes per game. He topped all rookies in rebounding and was ranked 21st overall in the NBA. What will Duren have in store for Las Vegas now that he has a year of experience?
5. Jordan Goodwin, Phoenix Suns
While Bradley Beal was the main attraction in the off-season deal between Phoenix and Washington, he was not alone. Goodwin, a 6-foot-3 guard who averaged 6.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in slightly under 18 minutes per game for the Wizards last season, was also acquired by the Suns. With a top-heavy roster that includes star power and high contracts, the Suns must rely on players like Goodwin to help offer depth. What will Goodwin do in Vegas to demonstrate to the Suns that they received several impact players in that trade?
6. Scoot Henderson, Portland Trail Blazers
Scoot Henderson performed well during last October’s showcase in Las Vegas between Metropolitans 92 and NBA G League Ignite, but was overshadowed by Wembanyama’s hype. Then, in the Draught, Henderson was selected third overall, behind Wembanyama and Brandon Miller, adding to Henderson’s desire to prove to everyone exactly how brilliant he is. In Las Vegas, he’ll have a tremendous opportunity, opening with a game against the No. 4 pick, Amen Thompson.
7. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
We hadn’t seen Holmgren play in over a year, when he sustained a foot injury during a pro-am game last summer. But, if his two games in the Salt Lake City Summer League are any indicator (he averaged 12.5 points, 10 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game), Holmgren should put on a show in Las Vegas.
8. Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana Pacers
Mathurin, along with OKC’s Jalen Williams, is one of only two All-Rookie First Team picks from last season who will compete in Summer League this week. Mathurin concluded the season as the second-leading rookie scorer, trailing only Paolo Banchero. Last season, Mathurin flourished in Summer League, finishing ninth in scoring with 19.3 points per game. What does he have planned for Summer 2?
9. Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets
Perhaps a change of scenery during the summer will help the offence get going with the No. 2 overall choice of this year’s Draught. Miller entered the Draught as a proven scoring winger, but he struggled to find the back of the net in two games at the California Classic. Miller’s offence was practically nonexistent outside of a torrid fourth quarter in Game 1 when he scored 12 points on four shots, including three 3-pointers. Can he get back on track this week and show everyone why he was drafted second?
10. Shaedon Sharpe, Portland Trail Blazers
In Las Vegas, fans may get a preview of Portland’s future as Sharpe joins Henderson in what seems to be a solid backcourt to build on. However, with trade rumours about the Blazers all week, it will be intriguing to watch how Sharpe reacts. In addition to any new techniques in Sharpe’s arsenal, Las Vegas will be hoping to see any of his stunning dunks.
11. Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets
Jabari Smith Jr., the No. 3 overall choice last year. During his first season, he averaged 12.8 points and 7.2 rebounds and will try to expand on that foundation.
12. Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets
Amen Thompson’s height, athleticism, and ability combine to make him a must-see in this year’s Summer League. Summer League, after playing with Overtime Elite alongside his brother, Ausar, could offer him a strong test to exhibit his enormous skills.
13. Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons
Ausar follows in the footsteps of his brother Amen in the Draught, and he does so again as one of the players to watch in the Summer League. Ausar Thompson is an attacking player who can both score and make plays. His defence, on the other hand, is probably even better, as he disrupts plays with thefts, deflections, on-ball pressure, and blocked shots.
14. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
What else is there to say about the No. 1 choice in the 2023 Draught? Since his amazing performance in a two-game showcase versus G League Ignite in Las Vegas, Wembanyama has had the basketball world waiting for him to come in the NBA. If last year’s games demonstrated that he was the undisputed No. 1, this week’s games might demonstrate how Wembanyama can have an instant effect.
15. Cam Whitmore, Houston Rockets
After being selected third overall, Henderson had a chip on his shoulder. But, with team after team passing on Whitmore in this year’s Draught, how big a chip does Whitmore need to have? It is unusual for a player commonly considered as a top-10 talent to fall all the way to No. 20. But that’s exactly what happened to Whitmore, and he now has the chance to show everyone who passed on him that they made a huge mistake.
Here are the 15 NBA 2024 Summer League talents to keep an eye on. Let us know your views on this.
