Victor Wembanyama’s Summer League Debut

Victor Wembanyama reminded NBA fans to temper their expectations during the Las Vegas Summer League after being chosen No. 1 by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2023 NBA Draft. His debut wasn’t impressive—he scored just nine points and hit only 2-of-13 shots. However, considering he’s already led the Spurs to the NBA Finals by 22, it’s fair to say his career trajectory looks promising.

Yet, it’s tough for rookies to recover from a rocky start. Fans often hope that new players will quickly turn into stars or solid contributors, and it’s disappointing when they struggle in summer league—a setting that, in the long run, rarely defines their careers.

Here’s a look at some rookies who haven’t quite hit the mark in the Summer League. On the bright side, we can later remind ourselves that a slow start doesn’t have to dictate a player’s future.

Aday Mara, C, Oklahoma City Thunder

Mara was a standout during March Madness, transitioning from an under-the-radar player to a highly sought-after lottery pick following a championship run with Michigan. The Thunder picked him 12th overall, recognizing his defensive potential and passing skills as a great fit for their style. Initially, I was quite high on Mara during the pre-draft chatter, but discussions with scouts revealed he sparked mixed opinions—some viewed him as a limited upside center, while others ranked him in their top 10.

Unfortunately, he hasn’t found his rhythm in the summer league, appearing a bit lost without the strong support of Michigan’s system. He shot only 46 percent during his first four games, which isn’t bad for a 7-foot-3 player, but his finishing near the rim has looked shaky, and defensively, he’s had his moments of passiveness. There have been glimpses of potential, like a strong drive resulting in a dunk and some creative passes, but I think it’s reasonable to question how he’ll score effectively given his challenge in positioning. While I’m not overly concerned, this summer league hasn’t done him any favors among skeptics.

Daylene Swain, G, Chicago Bulls

I remember watching the NBA Draft Combine and being surprised to see Daylene Swain there, considering he had already established himself as a mid-first-round pick. It was even more shocking to see him struggle during scrimmages where he was expected to shine. The Bulls selected him 15th overall despite his rocky start, which persisted into the early summer league games.

In his debut with the Bulls, he managed only 3-of-10 shooting, then went 0-of-9 in his second game. Chicago views him as a long-term ball handler, but it’s evident he’s having a tough time dealing with defensive pressure. If he had a stronger off-ball game, I think things might be easier, but right now, his shooting seems off. The Bulls could help him more by pairing him with a reliable point guard instead of putting him in a tougher spot. Swain has admitted to overthinking every movement on the court, which isn’t helping at all. We saw some flashes of drive last season at Texas, but currently, he seems more like a project than a ready-made guard.

Darius Acuff, G, Sacramento Kings

Acuff had a remarkable scoring season at Arkansas, yet scouts saw some red flags in his game. His tendency to rely on mid-range shots and his very mixed collegiate three-point shooting figures raised concerns. Defensively, he struggled, showing a lack of effort, and that’s been evident this summer too. He certainly has the talents worthy of a lottery pick but hasn’t demonstrated consistent efficiency as a scorer or strong defensive capability.

Throughout the summer league, Acuff hasn’t really improved on his college defense—the tape shows lazy defense and a lack of hustle when his team doesn’t have the ball. It’s tough for a guard like him, especially when he’s struggled offensively, averaging 78 points on 82 shots over four games. His decision-making, shown through 14 turnovers to just 18 assists, has been concerning. I had him rated lower initially, but he started gaining my confidence with his performances at Arkansas. Honestly, I’m hoping for a breakout moment for him with the Kings. The fans definitely deserve to see that.

Keaton Wagler, G, Illinois

Wagler has faced a tough time in the summer league. As the fifth overall pick, he’s struggled to make plays and isn’t creating any separation off the dribble. His performance has drawn attention for the wrong reasons, boasting a low PER among top-10 picks. Although he showed a spark in his second game against Utah, his athletic concerns haven’t done him any favors so far.

Wagler lacks explosiveness as a ball handler, making it hard for him to drive effectively. While he had some decent plays, he seems more suited for a shooting guard role rather than a point guard at the moment. He’s acknowledged the transition away from Illinois’ system hasn’t been easy, and I guess many expected that heading into the draft. With time, he should build more muscle and benefit from the NBA’s training facilities. There’s hope for growth, provided he continues to get experience—Clippers fans should keep the faith for the long haul.

Christian Anderson, G, Charlotte Hornets

Anderson is poised to be a key backup for Coby White after the Hornets traded LaMelo Ball, but so far his performance hasn’t indicated he’s ready for that role. Over three games, he’s struggled with turnovers and hasn’t made much defensive impact. He built a reputation as one of the better shooters in the draft, but unless he can find a way to score inside the arc, his tendency to settle for tough pull-up threes is hurting his efficiency.

I appreciated his passing skills at Texas Tech, but he hasn’t quite found that rhythm so far, reflected in a poor assist-to-turnover ratio. Given his size and athleticism, he likely won’t be a major threat driving to the rim, making it harder for him to find easier looks. Yet, it’s nice for him that the Hornets excel in offensive rebounding.

Nate Ament, F, Milwaukee Bucks

While Brayden Burries has shone as a rookie, Ament hasn’t been able to match that energy and effectiveness. He’s only managed 21 points in 65 minutes, showing a lack of confidence in his shot. He did score a few threes against the Suns, but focusing on spacing and contributing defensively will be crucial for him in the early stages of his career.

Ament has the potential to become a strong defender, but he hasn’t quite tapped into that yet. His current awareness isn’t on par, and he may face physical challenges as a rookie. If he can and does emerge as a solid shooter from beyond the arc, he’ll become a useful asset for the Bucks. Until then, fans should enjoy Burries’ performances in the meantime.