NBA fans, it’s wise to be cautious when drawing firm conclusions from the Las Vegas Summer League. The sample sizes are small, practice time is limited, and the rosters often lack critical components, like pass-first point guards, that give a true assessment of how a team might function.
For evaluating the summer league, there’s a nearly unbreakable rule: if a second-year player struggles significantly, it should raise some concern. Fortunately, the players on this list aren’t facing that issue. Here are seven incoming NBA sophomores who stood out against the newcomers and other participants in the summer league.
Most of these players were top picks from the 2024 NBA Draft. It’ll be interesting to reflect on their performances in Vegas by the end of the season and see if they signify a sophomore breakthrough.
Terrence Shannon Jr., G., Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves have had a solid experience in the summer league so far. This year’s rookie, Joan Bellinger (17th overall pick), is showing promise as a resilient rim protector and rim runner. Rob Dillingham, a former top 10 pick from last year, has also impressed with his dynamic skills. Among the 2024 first-round picks, Terrence Shannon Jr. looks like one of the standout players in Vegas. His ability to score while driving to the basket seemed almost overpowering in this competition. Even though he shot only 30% from three in the first couple of games, he demonstrated the potential to increase his volume significantly. Additionally, his playmaking surprised many, and his perimeter defense also appeared solid. It’s easy to envision Shannon stepping into the role previously held by Nickeil Alexander-Walker after his departure to the Hawks. Overall, this summer experience was fruitful for him.
Ron Holland, G., Detroit Pistons
Last season’s fifth overall pick played 81 games in his rookie year with the Detroit Pistons, and he’s looking ready for a significant sophomore season. Holland shows elite athleticism combined with an unyielding drive, making him a strong finisher and transition player. His impressive bursts allow him to evade defenders effectively, and he can finish at the rim from various angles. Holland also demonstrated good shooting ability from beyond the arc and offered glimpses of a strong passing game. If both he and Cade Cunningham continue to grow as shooters, they could form an exciting long-term backcourt duo. At just 20 years old, it feels like he’s just beginning to tap into his potential as an offensive playmaker and downhill scorer.
Reed Shepherd, G., Houston Rockets
While things didn’t quite go as planned for the Rockets, Shepherd managed to step out of his comfort zone and take on a lead role. The former third overall pick showcased his scoring potential by sinking six of fifteen threes in Houston’s Summer League opener. His sharp defensive instincts were evident with four steals across both games. Although he might not display much creativity when dribbling, he’ll need to find comfort within the veteran lineup when the regular season starts. Given he pretty much sat out last season, there should be a spot for him in the rotation. The Rockets had a clear reason for wanting to keep him amid trade talks involving Kevin Durant; his knack for generating offense and forcing turnovers meshes well with their core.
Tristan Da Silva, F., Orlando Magic
Da Silva, drafted 18th overall from Colorado, is a skilled shooter who adeptly finds space for off-ball scoring opportunities, even without elite athleticism. The Magic are in desperate need of shooting, and that’s where Da Silva shines. Though he faced some turnover issues during the summer league and might not be the most reliable shooter, at 24, he could effectively serve as a floor spacer alongside Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and Desmond Bain. Orlando will certainly benefit from what Da Silva can bring, and they have the right supporting cast to help him grow. It’ll be intriguing to see if he can indeed make that expected leap in his second season.
Ajay Mitchell, G., Oklahoma City Thunder
Ajay Mitchell fakes a shot, causing the defender to react, which helps him drive effectively. Great finish!
The Thunder signed Mitchell to a new three-year contract this summer after he played a minor role on the championship team as a rookie. His impressive showing in Las Vegas makes it clear why the Thunder are excited about him. He’s a big guard who uses his dribble well to create scoring chances for himself and get his teammates involved. His determination when driving is notable, and he’s reliable for hitting open threes. The Thunder are skilled at maximizing their assets, and Mitchell appears to be another solid addition to the roster.
Devin Carter, G., Sacramento Kings
Carter’s rookie season got off to a rough start due to shoulder surgery shortly after being drafted. Now, he’s vying for a larger role with a reenergized Kings squad in his sophomore season. He made a solid case for himself in Las Vegas. Carter is known for his ability to shoot off the dribble and consistently seeks to create three-point opportunities, whether in transition or during pick-and-roll situations. He’s also a strong rebounder for a guard and can play physically on defense. His rookie season may have been uneventful, but after leaving Providence, he’s eager to show he can make a meaningful impact in the NBA this time around.
Kyle Filipowski, C., Utah Jazz
Filipowski was surprisingly selected later in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft. The Jazz are fortunate to have picked him up, and he seems poised for a solid rookie season with potential for significant improvement in his second year. It’s hard to find a big who’s comfortable with the floor game, but the 7-foot, 250-pound player shows he can shoot reliably from the three-point line and has some ability to attack off the dribble. He rebounded well in the summer league and made some impressive passes to set up teammates. Utah has been nurturing a young core for years, but Filipowski continues to appear as a promising player for the future.
