NBA · 1 year ago

Ranking the Top 10 Vegas NBA Summer League Rookies: Must-See Reed Sheppard

David Connelly

Host · Writer

10. Cody Williams - Utah Jazz
While Cody Williams's college stats won't jump off the page, he showed plenty of raw potential by shooting over 55 percent from the field and showing a solid stroke from deep with his 6'8" frame. He may take a bit of time to become an impact player, but the Jazz certainly have a promising piece to add to their rebuild.
1. Zaccharie Risacher - Atlanta Hawks
Zaccharie Risacher may be a bit more of a project than most first-overall picks over the years, so getting plenty of reps in the Summer League will be crucial for his development. The faster he can get up to speed in the NBA, the quicker Atlanta can get back to contending in the Eastern Conference.

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2. Alex Sarr - Washington Wizards
Similar to Risacher, Alex Sarr will be a project for the Washington Wizards. He is best known for his defensive prowess and will surely give us some highlight-reel defensive plays in Vegas. The Summer League will be a great place for Sarr to work on polishing his offensive game and see if he can find some success there.

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3. Reed Sheppard - Houston Rockets
A four-star high school recruit nowhere near draft boards last summer, Reed Sheppard enters the NBA as a top-three pick while still having plenty of doubters. He will be questioned for his lack of size, but he should not be questioned about his toughness and shooting. Sheppard was one of the top defenders in college basketball last season, and also shot a scorching 52 percent from downtown on the year.
4. Stephon Castle - San Antonio Spurs
Off the back of a national championship, Stephon Castle gets to go from one of the best cultures in college basketball to one of the best in the NBA. He will join newly acquired Chris Paul in the backcourt in hopes of giving Victor Wembanyama some help and getting San Antonio back into the postseason.
5. Ron Holland - Detroit Pistons
Ron Holland joins the list of defensive stalwarts entering the league via this draft class and was considered to be in the running for the top overall pick this time last year. However, some questions arose about his offensive game during his time with G League Ignite, which just slightly hindered his stock. If he can improve with the ball in his hands, he may be the steal of the lottery.
6. Tidjane Salaun - Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte is starting to build a strong, young nucleus with LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and the newly re-signed Miles Bridges. The Hornets hope Tidjane Salaun can help round out that core. He provides a stretch forward, is a strong spot-up shooter from beyond the arc, and is an above-average athlete, given his size. Salaun is coming off an offseason injury, so that will be something to monitor out in Vegas.
7. Donovan Clingan - Portland Trail Blazers
Cling Kong had some of the highest expectations we have ever seen entering a collegiate season as a non-starter, and he did more than live up to them. Donovan Clingan dominated the paint for the national champion UConn Huskies and displayed strong mobility and well-timed blocks throughout the season.
8. Rob Dillingham - Minnesota Timberwolves
Rob Dillingham is one of the best one-on-one offensive players in the draft and will have plenty of opportunities to display this out of the backcourt for the Timberwolves. He has a bevy of moves as well as a flamethrower of a jump shot, forcing defenders to pick their poison when defending him with the ball in his hands.
9. Zach Edey - Memphis Grizzlies
Zach Edey already got off to a hot start at the Salt Lake City Summer League, where he tallied 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks in 34 minutes. He also provided a game-tying tip-in that sent the game to overtime, capping off a strong performance in his Summer League debut. He now leads all rookies at +600 to win 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year at FanDuel.
10. Cody Williams - Utah Jazz
While Cody Williams's college stats won't jump off the page, he showed plenty of raw potential by shooting over 55 percent from the field and showing a solid stroke from deep with his 6'8" frame. He may take a bit of time to become an impact player, but the Jazz certainly have a promising piece to add to their rebuild.
1. Zaccharie Risacher - Atlanta Hawks
Zaccharie Risacher may be a bit more of a project than most first-overall picks over the years, so getting plenty of reps in the Summer League will be crucial for his development. The faster he can get up to speed in the NBA, the quicker Atlanta can get back to contending in the Eastern Conference.

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Ranking the Top 10 Vegas NBA Summer League Rookies: Must-See Reed Sheppard

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