Top 5 rookies with the highest points per game in 2024 NBA Summer League feat. Dalton Knecht
The 2024 NBA Summer League concluded on Monday with the Miami Heat winning the title by defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 120-118 in the final. The tournament held in Las Vegas witnessed several up-and-coming stars give a solid account of their skillset and increase their stock value.
Players who were drafted earlier in the year also participated in the Summer League event. The No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher and the No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr failed to make a mark as their performances failed to live up to the hype.
Having said that, other young stars grabbed the opportunity with both hands and sizzled with consistent production of the respective teams.
Here's a closer look at the list of top five rookies who registered the highest points per game average in the 2024 NBA Summer League.
Note: The list takes into account rookies who featured in at least three games.
Top 5 rookies with the highest points per game in 2024 NBA Summer League
#1. Dalton Knecht (Los Angeles Lakers)
The LA Lakers were thrilled after they drafted Dalton Knecht with the No. 17 overall pick. The former Tennessee Volunteers star proved why the Lakers made the right choice by securing his services. The 23-year-old led all rookies in points per game in the Summer League.
Knecht averaged 21.3 points in three games. The rookie shot 41.8% from the field, including a solid 39.1% from 3-point range. He also averaged 5.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.
#2. Reed Sheppard (Houston Rockets)
The Houston Rockets drafted Reed Sheppard with the No. 3 overall pick and their decision was validated after the Summer League. The 20-year-old point guard emerged as one of the best players in the tournament.
The former Kentucky star averaged 20 ppg after four outings in the Summer League. Reed Shepperd shot 50% from the field, including 27.8% from downtown. The rookie also registered 4.8 rpg and 5.3 apg.
#3. Ron Holland (Detroit Pistons)
Ron Holland II was drafted by the Detroit Pistons with the No. 5 overall pick. The 19-year-old power forward averaged 18.8 ppg in four Summer League games.
Holland shot 40.8% from the field, including 23.5% from beyond the arc. He also registered 6.5 rpg and 2.3 apg. The rookie gave an excellent account of himself on the defensive end, averaging 1.5 spg and 1.0 bpg.
#4. Kel’el Ware (Miami Heat)
The Miami Heat signed Kel’el Ware with the No. 15 overall pick. The former Oregon and Indiana star was one of the brightest players of the recently-concluded tournament.
Kel’el Ware averaged 18.0 ppg in six games and shot 61.8% from the field, including 30% from 3-point range. The 20-year-old was solid in rebounding the basketball and his defense was eye-catching as well. The rookie averaged 8.3 rpg, 1.0 spg and 1.5 bpg.
#5. Tristan Da Silva (Orlando Magic)
The Orlando Magic secured the services of Tristan Da Silva with the No. 18 overall pick. The former Colorado forward averaged 17.7 ppg in three games and shot 60.7% from the field, including a terrific 58.8% from beyond the arc on over five shot attempts from distance.
Tristan Da Silva averaged 4.0 rpg rebounds and 5.0 apg as well in the Summer League.