The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League has concluded, delivering nearly two weeks of high-octane, developmental basketball. The Miami Heat emerged victorious, securing the title on Monday night, while several players showcased their talents on a grand stage, elevating their stock and setting the tone for their upcoming seasons.
Jordan Miller, representing the Los Angeles Clippers, was nothing short of spectacular. He averaged an impressive 25.4 points over five games, culminating in a remarkable 36-point performance against the Denver Nuggets, where he shot 52.9% from the floor. Notably, Miller demonstrated his shooting prowess by sinking eight three-pointers out of 20 attempts in that game alone. His standout performances firmly established him as one of the Summer League's premier players.
Equally impressive was Jalen Wilson of the Brooklyn Nets, who was named the NBA's Summer League MVP. Wilson's consistent performances, including his contributions of 21.8 points per game over five games, earned him second-team all-summer league honors. This was a significant upgrade from his rookie season, where he averaged 5.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists over 43 games. Wilson's transformation into a key player for the Nets was evident throughout the tournament.
Several other players made notable contributions during the Summer League. Reed Sheppard was a defensive revelation, recording 11 steals in just four games. Although his shooting from beyond the arc was less consistent—hitting 5 of 18 attempts—his overall impact was undeniable. Dalton Knecht represented the Los Angeles Lakers, and though his contributions were quieter, his presence was felt on the court.
Carlton Carrington of the Washington Wizards delivered a standout performance against the Milwaukee Bucks, recording 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals. His all-around game prompted speculation about his potential impact, with some even suggesting, "There could be a world where Carrington has the best rookie season of any of his Wizards teammates -- including No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr." Sarr himself averaged 5.5 points in four games, showing glimpses of his potential.
In the title game, Scotty Pippen Jr. shone despite the loss, scoring 29 points. He also recorded a triple-double earlier in the tournament with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a victory over the Clippers. Kel'el Ware also impressed in the title game with a double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds, maintaining his consistency by scoring at least 11 points in all eight Summer League games, including those at the California Classic.
Donovan Clingan showcased his defensive prowess, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in under 26 minutes per game. His ability to stretch the floor was on display as well, with Clingan making three three-pointers during the tournament. Matas Buzelis also had a strong showing, consistently scoring in double digits in all five games in Las Vegas, including a 28-point performance against the Golden State Warriors. His knack for scoring and overall contributions made him one of the promising talents of the event.
GG Jackson added to the excitement with a 28-point, nine-rebound, and two-steal performance in the title game loss to Miami. Another player to watch was Tristan da Silva, who averaged 17.7 points, five rebounds, three assists, and 1.3 steals over three games. His efficient shooting, including 60.7% from the field and 58.8% from beyond the arc, highlighted his offensive capabilities.
As the dust settles on this year's Las Vegas Summer League, it's clear that several players have made significant strides in their development. Whether it's Miller's scoring bursts, Wilson's MVP performance, or the defensive tenacity of Sheppard and Clingan, the future looks bright for these young talents as they transition into the regular NBA season.