The Thomas & Mack Center was buzzing with energy as Lakers fans packed the stands, eager to catch a glimpse of Bronny James. However, by the end of the night, all the chatter was about Reed Sheppard.
The Rockets' No. 3 pick stole the spotlight on the first day of the Las Vegas Summer League, dazzling the crowd with 23 points, four of six from beyond the arc, five assists (could’ve been more if his teammates finished plays), and some jaw-dropping ankle-breaking moves. As the game progressed, Sheppard seemed to get more comfortable, truly coming into his own.
Bronny James was tasked with guarding Sheppard from the start and for much of the game. "I know he's a great shooter, so I was just trying to get in his body and prevent those 3-balls from going up," Bronny remarked. Despite his efforts, it didn't quite work out as planned.
Sheppard appreciated the match-up, reflecting on their history: "It's really cool," he said. "I remember when we played against each other in like third grade and we played every year and here now playing in the NBA. I'm happy for him. He's a great player. He's a great kid.”
Houston had a lot going for them as second-year player Cam Whitmore also shined, contributing 20 points and 10 rebounds. Whitmore took on a mentoring role for Sheppard, offering advice from the bench. "So that was just a defensive thing that he was talking about," Sheppard shared. "That's the good thing about Cam he played last year and he knows the small things that I don't know. So just having him over there, helping me, teaching me better, taking me under his wing, and just giving me advice throughout the whole game was pretty cool.”
Highlights from Day One of the NBA's Official Las Vegas Summer League:
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The marquee game of the day featured the No. 1 and No. 2 picks from last month: Zaccharie Risacher of the Hawks and Alex Sarr of the Wizards. Both had their share of struggles but also moments that showcased their potential. Risacher finished with 18 points on 7-of-16 shooting, demonstrating some fluid athleticism. Sarr, known for his defense, impressed with a few monster blocks but had a less stellar offensive performance, ending with 12 points on 4-of-12 shooting, along with seven rebounds and four blocks.
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Rob Dillingham, known for his scoring prowess, had a tough debut. Touted as a bucket getter due to his great handles and impressive shooting stats from Kentucky, he struggled mightily, managing just 2-of-12 from the field and having difficulty creating separation for his shots. It’s only one game in the Summer League, so there’s room for improvement, but it was a rough start for the Timberwolves' hopeful.
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On the other hand, the Timberwolves' other first-round pick, Terrence Shannon Jr., made a strong first impression. Known for his athleticism, Shannon put on a show with several thunderous dunks, ending his debut with 25 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including one from beyond the arc. He definitely showed why some scouts were so high on him.
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Laker Summer League coach Dane Johnson praised No. 17 pick Dalton Knecht for starting to find his rhythm. Knecht put up 25 points and hit five 3-pointers in his first game in Las Vegas. "Yeah, he's just continuing to get more NBA reps versus NBA players. So he's slowly finding shots," Johnson said. "We all want it right away… it takes time for some guys, so like I said, he's gonna be fine.”
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The shot of the day belonged to the Nets' Keon Johnson, who nailed a game-winner in OT.
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Jet Howard brought high energy to the floor and looked every bit the second-year player who might not need much more Summer League action. He finished with 22 points and shot 5-of-10 from three-point range.
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Cleveland's Craig Porter Jr. stood out for his basketball IQ. His smart plays and good reads on passes were a bright spot for Cleveland, even though they lost to Orlando by 27 points. He chipped in with 10 points, showcasing his feel for the game.
Reflecting on the buzz around Bronny James, the anticipation was palpable. Lakers fans were thrilled to see LeBron’s son take the court, but Reed Sheppard’s standout performance stole the show. This is just the start for these young players, and the excitement of Summer League is the perfect stage for them to showcase their talents and make their mark.
The connection between Sheppard and Whitmore is particularly interesting. Whitmore, a second-year player, has taken Sheppard under his wing, offering guidance and support. This kind of mentorship is invaluable for rookies trying to navigate the complexities of the NBA. Whitmore’s ability to share his experiences and help Sheppard adjust to the pace and style of professional basketball will be crucial in Sheppard’s development.
Bronny’s determination to defend Sheppard speaks volumes about his competitive spirit and desire to improve. Despite not being able to completely shut down Sheppard, Bronny’s effort and focus on defense show his commitment to becoming a well-rounded player. This matchup also highlights the intriguing narratives that unfold during Summer League, where young talents get the opportunity to face off and make a name for themselves.
As the Summer League continues, fans and scouts alike will be watching closely to see which players continue to shine and which ones might need more time to adjust. The first day has already provided plenty of excitement and storylines to follow, and it’s just the beginning. The performances of players like Sheppard, Whitmore, Shannon, Knecht, Howard, and Porter will be scrutinized as they strive to prove themselves worthy of a spot in the regular NBA season.
The mix of rookie nerves and seasoned guidance, along with the sheer talent on display, makes the Summer League a fascinating and entertaining spectacle. It’s a proving ground where the next generation of NBA stars begins to emerge, and each game is a chance for these young athletes to carve out their future in the league.
The blend of mentorship, competition, and the quest for improvement will continue to drive these players forward, and fans can expect more thrilling performances and unexpected standouts as the Las Vegas Summer League unfolds. Whether it’s a game-winning shot, a breakout performance, or a hard-fought defensive battle, there’s no shortage of excitement in this summer basketball showcase.
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