NBA Summer League 2024, NBA Summer League in Las Vegas delivered its usual mix of jaw-dropping performances, shocking busts, and glimpses into basketball’s future. While veterans rest, this year’s event gave us our first real look at the 2024 draft class and revealed which teams might have uncovered hidden gems.
In this 2,000+ word deep dive, we analyze:
✔ The 5 biggest breakout stars (including undrafted surprises)
✔ Top 3 disappointing performances
✔ Which teams won Summer League
✔ Veterans who improved their stock
✔ What it all means for the 2024-25 season
NBA Summer League 2024, With exclusive insights from NBA NewsZ, we bring you the most comprehensive Summer League analysis available anywhere.
The 5 Breakout Stars Who Stole the Show
1. Zach Edey (Memphis Grizzlies)
The 7’4″ two-time NCAA POY silenced doubters by:
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Averaging 20.3 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 3.4 BPG
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Showing surprising mobility in space
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Proving he can defend NBA athletes
“He’s not just a gimmick – Edey will play real minutes for us,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins told NBA NewsZ.
2. Bronny James (Los Angeles Lakers)
Despite cardiac concerns, Bronny:
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Showed elite defensive instincts (2.3 SPG)
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Shot 38% from three
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Displayed NBA-ready athleticism
His +22.3 net rating led all Lakers players.
3. Reed Sheppard (Houston Rockets)
The Kentucky product proved why he went #3 by:
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Leading SL in assists (8.2 APG)
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Shooting 47% from deep
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Running Houston’s offense like a veteran
4. Tristan da Silva (Orlando Magic)
The 6’9″ German forward showed:
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Complete three-level scoring
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Versatile defense
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Immediate rotation potential
5. Adem Bona (Philadelphia 76ers)
NBA Summer League 2024, The second-round steal dominated with:
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4.1 blocks per game
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78% FG at rim
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Elite switchability
The 3 Biggest Disappointments
1. Matas Buzelis (Chicago Bulls)
The #5 pick struggled with:
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29% FG shooting
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1-for-18 from three
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Defensive lapses
2. Rob Dillingham (San Antonio Spurs)
Looked overmatched physically:
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Shot just 34% overall
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5.2 TOV per 36
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Got hunted defensively
3. Kyle Filipowski (Utah Jazz)
Failed to show NBA-ready skills:
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0-for-12 on threes
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Slow defensively
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Foul trouble (5.3 PF per game)
Which Teams Won Summer League?
1. Memphis Grizzlies
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Found two rotation players (Edey + GG Jackson)
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Offensive system looked crisp
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Young core chemistry evident
2. Houston Rockets
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Sheppard looks like future All-Star
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Amen Thompson dominated (26 PPG)
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Defensive identity forming
3. Orlando Magic
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Da Silva + Jett Howard shot 44% from three
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Showed positionless versatility
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Depth continues to impress
Veterans Who Boosted Their Stock
| Player | Team | What They Showed |
|---|---|---|
| James Wiseman | Pistons | 18.4 PPG, 11.2 RPG |
| Johnny Davis | Wizards | 42% 3PT shooting |
| Peyton Watson | Nuggets | Elite perimeter D |
5 Key Takeaways for 2024-25 Season
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Grizzlies will surprise people with healthy roster + Edey
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Rockets ready to make playoff push with Sheppard/Vets
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Lakers found rotation piece in Bronny
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Spurs may regret Dillingham pick early
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Magic’s depth is scary – playoff lock
Read More: 2024-25 NBA Season Preview: Title Contenders, Dark Horses and Teams Facing Disaster
Final Summer League Awards
MVP: Reed Sheppard (HOU)
Best Defender: Adem Bona (PHI)
Biggest Surprise: Bronny James (LAL)
Best Team: Memphis Grizzlies
For daily development updates, visit NBA NewsZ.
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