The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League came to a thrilling conclusion, as the Miami Heat emerged victorious, clinching the title on Monday night after nearly two weeks of intense competition. While team performances were the highlight, several individual players also stood out, showcasing their talents and making a strong case for spots on their respective NBA rosters.
Jordan Miller: A Standout Performer
One of the most talked-about players of the Summer League was Jordan Miller from the Los Angeles Clippers. Throughout the five games he played, Miller averaged an impressive 25.4 points. His standout moment came during a 36-point outing against the Denver Nuggets, where he shot 52.9% from the floor and made eight of his 20 three-point attempts. This performance solidified his reputation as a sharpshooter and a player to watch.
Jalen Wilson: The MVP
Jalen Wilson from the Brooklyn Nets was another top performer, earning the title of NBA's Summer League MVP. Wilson averaged 21.8 points over five games and was named to the second-team all-summer league. Despite a rookie season where he averaged 5.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists over 43 games, Wilson demonstrated significant improvement and promise for the future.
Defensive Mastery
Reed Sheppard showcased his defensive prowess, recording 11 steals in four games. While his shooting from beyond the arc was less consistent, hitting only 5 of 18 attempts, his defensive contributions were invaluable to his team.
Emerging Talents
Several other players made notable contributions during the Summer League. Dalton Knecht suited up for the Los Angeles Lakers, while Alex Sarr averaged 5.5 points over four games for the Washington Wizards. Carlton Carrington had a standout game with 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Bucks, prompting speculation about his potential. "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," noted observers.
Impressive Performances
Scotty Pippen Jr. and Kel'el Ware provided thrilling performances in the title game against the Miami Heat. Pippen Jr. scored 29 points in the loss while previously recording a triple-double with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win over the Clippers. Ware, on the other hand, scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the title game, consistently scoring at least 11 points in all eight of his Summer League games in both Las Vegas and at the California Classic.
Dominating the Paint
Donovan Clingan made his mark by averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. Additionally, he showcased his ability to stretch the floor by making three three-pointers.
Consistent Scorers
Matas Buzelis was another consistent scorer, putting up double digits in all five of his games in Vegas. His best performance came in a game against the Warriors, where he scored 28 points, grabbed five rebounds, and recorded two steals. GG Jackson also shined in the title game, scoring 28 points and pulling down nine rebounds, though it was not enough to secure a win for his team.
Three-Game Wonder
Tristan da Silva impressed in his three games, averaging 17.7 points, five rebounds, three assists, and 1.3 steals per game. His shooting was highly efficient, including a stellar 60.7% overall and 58.8% from beyond the arc, hitting 7-of-17 attempts.
As the dust settles on the 2023 Las Vegas Summer League, these performances suggest a promising influx of talent into the NBA. With several players turning heads, the upcoming season promises to be one filled with exciting young talent eager to make their mark on the professional stage.