Top 7 rookies to watch out for at 2024 NBA Summer League
The NBA Summer League is set to begin this weekend, with action tipping off from Sacramento and San Francisco for the California Classic. The Salt Lake City leg of the NBA Summer League will then tip off on Monday, with the NBA 2k25 Summer League then beginning on Jul. 12.
Ahead of the start of summer league action, teams have finalized their rosters. As expected, there will be plenty of rookie standouts showcasing their skills. From top picks like Alex Sarr to second-rounders like Bronny James, the NBA Summer League will see a wide range of rookies take to the court.
With action set to begin on Saturday, let's take a look at the top seven rookies to watch out for in this year's summer league.
Top 7 rookies to watch out for at the 2024 NBA Summer League
#7: Jared McCain
Jared McCain made waves during his lone season at Duke, averaging 14.3 points per game on 46.2% shooting from the field, and 41.4% from downtown. Since being drafted at No. 16 by the Philadelphia 76ers, he has drawn considerable attention for his viral social media videos.
Between his impressive on-court play, and his off-court personality, McCain will certainly be one to watch out for during this year's NBA summer league.
#6: Dalton Knecht
Dalton Knecht was selected at No. 17 in this year's NBA draft by the LA Lakers, who are looking to add depth at the guard position in the form of a shooter. Knecht played three years in college, posting two impressive seasons back-to-back at Northern Colorado and Tennessee respectively.
Given that he's expected to play some good minutes off the bench for LA this year, and coach JJ Redick has already been drawing up sets for him, Knecht will be one to watch this summer.
#5: Bronny James
Bronny James has been one of the most widely-discussed players of his draft class. JJ Redick and the LA Lakers are viewing Bronny as a multi-year developmental project, which will start with the young standout competing in the NBA Summer League.
While Bronny's collegiate stats didn't jump off the page, his defensive prowess, and shooting ability displayed at the combine have made the Lakers optimistic about his future growth.
#4: Matas Buzelis
Selected 11th by the Chicago Bulls, Matas Buzelis has shown no shortage of confidence in recent months. For several months now, Buzelis has been calling for a game of one-on-one with Zaccharie Risacher, telling Shams Charania in a pre-draft interview that Risacher doesn't want to see him on the court.
During the summer league, the pair will have a chance to compete against one another when the Bulls and the Hawks meet on Jul. 19.
#3: Zach Edey
Zach Edey absolutely dominated in his final two years at Purdue, averaging double-doubles in both seasons. After winning back-to-back national college player of the year awards, he will now suit up for the Memphis Grizzlies.
As a traditional big man who doesn't have an outside shot, Edey will not only be one of the top big men to keep an eye on, he'll also be one of the top overall players to watch out for.
#2: Alex Sarr
The No. 2 pick in this year's draft, Alex Sarr has drawn comparisons to Victor Wembanyama. With a unique set of skills that few other seven-footers possess, it's no secret that he will be one to watch this summer.
He and the Wizards will begin their NBA Summer League campaign on Jul. 12, when they play the Atlanta Hawks in a battle between the top two picks.
#1: Zaccharie Risacher
As the No. 1 pick in this year's NBA Draft, Zaccharie Risacher is certainly one to watch. The 2024 EuroCup Rising Star has shown some impressive shooting and elite defense while playing in France's LNB A league.
Widely regarded as an NBA-ready 3 and D player, it will be interesting to see Risacher face off with other rookies in his class as he prepares to step into the NBA spotlight.