5 players who improved their stock during 2024 NBA Summer League
This year's NBA Summer League tournaments are nearly over. The Miami Heat and Memphis Grizzlies are set to face off in Las Vegas' NBA 2K25 Summer League championship matchup on Monday. The contest will conclude the NBA's premier 11-day, 30-team tournament.
Summer League once again featured numerous surprise performances. Meanwhile, some second and third-year players proved too good for the competition. Thus, many vastly improved their stock ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season.
On that note, here are five of this year's biggest Summer League standouts.
5 players who boosted their value during 2024 NBA Summer League
#5 Kel'el Ware
Among the Summer League's most impressive rookies has been Miami Heat center Kel'el Ware. The No. 15 pick has been a nightly double-double threat while providing strong rim protection.
Through six games across the California Classic and NBA 2k25 Summer Leagues, Ware is averaging 17.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.3 blocks per game. Meanwhile, he is shooting a blistering 56.6%.
Ware's consistent production helped Miami reach the NBA 2k25 Summer League's title game. He projects to be a solid backup to star center Bam Adebayo next season. Given his floor-spacing ability, Ware should also be able to play alongside Adebayo.
#4 Reed Sheppard
Houston Rockets rookie guard Reed Sheppard faced fairly high expectations entering the Summer League as a No. 3 pick. Nonetheless, he still surprised many with his poise and decision-making, serving as a primary offensive initiator.
Over four contests, Sheppard averaged 20.0 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 5.3 apg, 2.8 spg, 1.3 bpg and 1.3 3-pg, shooting 50.0%.
He will likely face difficulty earning a starting role on a Houston team featuring established guards Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green. However, Sheppard proved he should be able to play a valuable sixth-man-type role for the Rockets right out of the gate.
#3 Jordan Miller
After spending most of his rookie season in the NBA G League, LA Clippers forward Jordan Miller has been one of the summer's biggest surprises.
Over five games, Miller averaged 25.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.4 spg and 2.4 3pg, shooting a hyper-efficient 54.9% and 60.0% from deep. The 2023 No. 48 pick finished third in Summer League scoring, showcasing the ability to score from inside and out.
While still on a two-way contract, Miller made a strong case for making the Clippers' regular roster as they enter their post-Paul George era.
#2 Scotty Pippen Jr.
After a strong finish to last season, Memphis Grizzlies point guard Scotty Pippen Jr. has been one of the most well-rounded players this summer.
Through six games across the Salt Lake City and NBA 2K25 Summer Leagues, Pippen is averaging 19.2 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 6.8 apg, 3.3 spg and 1.0 3pg, shooting 49.4%.
Pippen's two-way production helped Memphis reach the NBA 2K25 Summer League's championship game. Meanwhile, he may have earned himself a permanent spot in the Grizzlies' bench rotation behind star point guard Ja Morant next season.
#1 Julian Strawther
Denver Nuggets wing Julian Strawther only appeared in two Summer League contests before being shut down. Nonetheless, the 2023 No. 29 pick made his presence felt, dominating as a wing scorer while showcasing decent complementary playmaking ability.
Over two games, Strawther averaged a Summer League-leading 28.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.0 apg, 1.0 spg and 4.5 3pg, shooting 42.5%.
The Nuggets desperately need wing depth after losing starting shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency. So, Strawther should have an opportunity to seize a sizeable role with the 2023 NBA champions after only averaging 4.5 ppg as a rookie.
Also Read: Ime Udoka identifies key attributes of #3 draft pick that have impressed Rockets in NBA Summer League