LAS VEGAS — The first few days of Summer League are over, and most players have two or three games under their belts. We’re already starting to see some players sit out after dominant performances and some teams take precautions with minor injuries. Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey, the No. 9 overall pick, has yet to play a game in Vegas and was out four games after twisting his ankle in an overtime loss to the Utah Jazz on July 8. Stephon Castle, the No. 4 overall pick of the San Antonio Spurs, was incredible in his first appearance, scoring 22 points in the Spurs’ season-opening win Saturday night. Castle will be out for the remainder of Summer League with a sprained right wrist.
There are a handful of rookies who have impressed and sophomores who are playing well in the early games. Yahoo Sports breaks down some of the players who are outperforming their draft spot and the sophomores to watch ahead of the season.
BEGINNERS
Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets
Sheppard has been the best rookie in his first three games and looks to be one of the best players in this draft. The 6-foot-2 guard out of Kentucky is averaging 20 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists and three steals per game in Summer League. The NBA spacing has allowed Sheppard to really take control of the tempo and be patient with the flow of the offense. Having Cam Whitmore on the back end with him also helps and gives him extra space to create.
“I really take what I’m given on every play,” Sheppard said. “We have a lot of good players who can space the floor, and that’s opened up some opportunities for me. It’s about making the right basketball play. If I’m the one that’s open, I shoot. If I’m not, I attack and give somebody else open. I just trust my teammates and make all the right basketball plays.”
Sheppard will likely play behind Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson and Jalen Green, but with his productivity and three-point shooting ability, he could see some minutes early in the season.
Buzelis may have been disappointed on draft night after being traded to the 11th overall pick by the Bulls despite being projected as a top-five pick. The 2.05m wing had one of the best dunks of the Summer League against the Warriors on Saturday night, recording 28 points (4-of-8 from 3-point range) and five rebounds. Buzelis is comfortable leading the break after missed shots and has shown improvement in his shot creation since his lone season with the G League Ignite. In the head-to-head matchup against Ignite teammate Ron Holland, Buzelis had a handful of dunks and recorded 18 points, four blocks and three rebounds in 31 minutes as the Pistons beat the Bulls, 85-77.
Shannon was the 27th overall pick out of Minnesota and has been one of the best players in Summer League. The fifth-year senior out of Illinois could have been relegated to the second half of the first round due to his age (23) and some legal issues, but what he does will help the Timberwolves’ second unit early on. In his first game back on Friday night, Shannon scored 25 points and found different ways to get to the basket after his three-pointer didn’t fall. Shannon is finding ways to score after favoring the left side of the basket in college. His rhythm and shot selection have improved, and he seems more comfortable in the pick-and-roll with and without the ball.
Of all the first-round centers, Ware looks the most comfortable in the pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop options. The former Indiana center has made 2 of 4 three-point attempts in two games and is averaging 14 points and 7.5 rebounds, while recording three blocks in his first game. His footwork in the paint is solid, and while he needs to gain weight, the mechanics are there to be an early contributing force in the frontcourt alongside Bam Adebayo. Colorado State point guard Isaiah Stevens has been a nice surprise in the pick-and-roll with Ware. The fifth-year senior went undrafted but is making his presence felt, dishing out 18 assists in the first two games.
Da Silva looks to be another inside-outside forward who will contribute to the Magic. The Colorado senior shot 40 percent from three-point range last season and has picked up where he left off, making six three-pointers in two games and averaging 18 points per game. He is very fluid in his play along the perimeter and takes advantage of off-balance situations when smaller guards come off blocking screens, and he seals it off right away for easy baskets. The Magic have a ton of options on the wing, and da Silva will play behind Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner but will provide additional offensive production for the second unit.
Bub Carrington, Washington Wizards
Carrington is one of the youngest players in this rookie class, not turning 19 until Sunday. The Wizards are in the midst of a rebuild, and while Alex Sarr was the second overall pick and has potential as a hybrid center, it’s Carrington who has been electrifying in the Wizards’ first three games. Carrington played one year in Pittsburgh before being selected 14th overall. He has good size as a point guard (6’4”) and is an incredible passer, nearly recording a triple-double (19 points, nine rebounds, eight assists) in his first game. Carrington will get the majority of the touches this season and will be Sarr’s primary playmaker as the Wizards continue to add pieces and retool the franchise.
SECOND YEAR PLAYERS
Cam Whitmore, Houston Rockets
Whitmore was voted Summer League MVP last year and has a lot of confidence now. He was clearly one of the best players in his three games. He could have retired after his first game, but he enjoyed the experience of playing with the Rockets’ young players, especially Sheppard.
“It’s really exciting to play with Reed and see what he can do on the court,” Whitmore said. “He can really do it all, even on defense. Even though he’s not the tallest, being 6’0” or 6’0”, he can still intercept balls, get in spaces, get in passing lanes and make blocks. I love playing with him.”
In his first two games, Whitmore averaged 22.5 points and looked much more polished in transition, playing above the basket, cutting the ball and being physical on defense.
Much like Whitmore, Jaquez didn’t need to play a single Summer League game but wanted to play 5-on-5 during the summer and play with the new players. In the Heat’s first game, Jaquez controlled every aspect and finished with 29 points in a win over the Celtics and added 11 rebounds and five assists.
“It’s really good for all of us newcomers to play with a guy like Jaime,” Ware said. “He’s got a year of experience, understands the system and is interested in the Heat culture, so it was great to get on the court with him and learn from him.”
Jackson had a breakout rookie season last year and is playing a leadership role on the Grizzlies’ Summer League team. He’s more aggressive off the dribble and limiting his turnovers. Jackson had a double-double in Monday’s win over the Mavericks, finishing with 23 points and 11 rebounds. The most underrated part of his game is his ability to pass, see over the defense and make quick passes when the defense is chasing.
Miller finished the season as an All-Rookie First Teamer and looked just as fluid in Summer League. He shot three-pointers with confidence, was intentional in his off-ball cuts and was a vocal leader on the court. Nick Smith Jr. may have been the Hornets’ most improved player since last year in Summer League and he credits the game slowing down for him and him becoming more comfortable with NBA spaces. Miller was probably the third-best rookie last year behind Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren and finished with 23 points, eight rebounds and two assists in his lone Summer League game with the Hornets.
Council led all players with 24 points in the 76ers’ opener on Saturday and was a nice complement to Jared McCain. With McCain’s three-point shooting threat and the speed with which Council can get downhill, it really opened up space offensively for center Adem Bona and Keve Aluma. The Arkansas point guard played 32 games last season for the 76ers and has improved his body and decision-making when advancing the ball.