The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League concluded with a burst of excitement as the Miami Heat clinched the title. The event, which spanned nearly two weeks, showcased some spectacular performances and offered a glimpse into the future stars of the league. Among the highlights, Jordan Miller from the Los Angeles Clippers emerged as a standout performer.
Jordan Miller put on an impressive display, averaging 25.4 points over five games. He had a remarkable 36-point outing against the Denver Nuggets, shooting 52.9% from the floor and making eight three-pointers out of 20 attempts. His prowess on the court did not go unnoticed and he certainly made a case for being one of the promising players to watch in the upcoming season.
Jalen Wilson from the Brooklyn Nets also made headlines by being named the NBA's Summer League MVP. Wilson, who was voted second-team all-summer league, averaged 21.8 points across five games. During his rookie season, Wilson had averages of 5.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists over 43 games. His performance in the Summer League has raised expectations for what he could bring to the Nets in the future.
Defensively, Reed Sheppard stood out with an impressive 11 steals in four games. Although his shooting from beyond the arc saw him hit 5 of 18, his defensive capabilities were a crucial part of his game. Similarly, Carlton Carrington recorded a notable performance with 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Bucks. His potential shone through, and some speculate, "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."
Alex Sarr, who played for the Washington Wizards, averaged 5.5 points in four games, while Dalton Knecht represented the Los Angeles Lakers. Meanwhile, Scotty Pippen Jr. was dynamic, scoring 29 points in the loss to the Heat during the title game. Pippen Jr. also recorded a triple-double with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win over the Clippers, showcasing his versatility and potential impact on the court.
Kel'el Ware was another player to watch, scoring 21 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in the title game. Ware's consistency was evident as he scored at least 11 points in all eight summer league games in Las Vegas and at the California Classic. On the defensive end, Donovan Clingan averaged 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game, also making three 3-pointers.
Matas Buzelis impressed with his scoring ability, consistently achieving double digits in five games in Vegas. He scored 28 points, five rebounds, and two steals against the Warriors, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable scorer. GG Jackson had a standout performance with 28 points, nine rebounds, and two steals in the title game loss to Miami, highlighting his potential as a crucial team player.
Tristan da Silva showcased his all-around skills, averaging 17.7 points, five rebounds, three assists, and 1.3 steals over three games. His efficiency was notable, shooting 60.7% and hitting 7-of-17 attempts (58.8%) from beyond the arc. Da Silva’s performances anchored his team's efforts and underscored his potential impact in the league.
The Las Vegas Summer League once again proved to be a fertile ground for emerging talent and provided fans with thrilling moments. As these young players transition into the regular NBA season, their performances in Las Vegas will serve as a solid foundation and a reminder of the bright future that lies ahead for the NBA.