Reed Sheppard has stepped into the lineup alongside 2023 NBA Summer League MVP Cam Whitmore to deliver results.
The 20th year of NBA summer hoops in Las Vegas continued on Sunday with an eight-game slate featuring close encounters and eye-opening performances. Here’s a look at the players who shined brightest:
Cam Whitmore, Houston
Whitmore put on a show in the Rockets’ 109-91 victory over the Wizards. The No. 20 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft threw down several jaw-dropping dunks on his way to a team-high 25 points along with eight rebounds, five steals and four assists. The 6-foot-7 forward from Villanova is averaging 22.5 points through his first two Summer League games.
Julian Strawther, Denver
Doing most of his damage off the ball on catch-and-shoots and handoffs, Strawther erupted for 32 points in the Nuggets’ 84-81 loss to the Raptors. A first-round pick from the 2023 NBA Draft, Strawther knocked down six of his 12 attempts from beyond the arc and was unstoppable in the third quarter (6-for-6, 15 points). The Gonzaga product has 57 points in two Summer League games.
Julian Strawther is making strong case for expanded role in Denver.
Matas Buzelis, Chicago
Buzelis scored 20 of his game-high 28 points in the second half of his second Summer League game, a 92-82 loss to the Warriors. The No. 11 pick in the 2024 Draft showed off his stroke, shooting 10-for-22 from the field, including 4-for-8 from 3-point range. He also had five rebounds, two steals and an empahtic poster slam.
Brandin Podziemski, Golden State
Three assists shy of a triple-double, Podziemski showed why he earned Kia All-Rookie First-Team honors last season. The 21-year-old scored at all three levels and finished with 21 points on 8-for-14 shooting with 12 rebounds and 7 assists in the Warriors’ 92-82 victory over the Bulls. He’s a big reason why Golden State is 5-0 in Summer League play.
Reed Sheppard, Houston
Sheppard stuffed the stat sheet with 22 points, seven assists, six rebounds and five steals during the Rockets’ 109-91 victory over the Wizards. The No. 3 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft was effective creating in the midrange, finding shots for himself and teammates. He even got props from Trae Young on social media.
