Rookies Reed Sheppard (Rockets) and Dalton Knecht (Lakers) fill it up at the NBA 2K25 Summer League in Las Vegas.
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The 20th year of NBA summer hoops in Las Vegas tipped off with a seven-game slate featuring the top three overall picks from the 2024 NBA Draft. Here’s a look at the players who shined brightest on Friday night:
Reed Sheppard, Houston
The No. 3 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft lived up to the hype in his NBA Summer League debut. Sheppard knocked down his first three 3-pointers on his way to an impressive stat line: 23 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks and a steal in the Rockets’ 99-80 victory over the Lakers. He was 9-for-17 from the field, including 4-for-6 from distance. Sheppard also had the highlight of the night, a crossover hesitation move in the third quarter that put fellow rookie Dalton Knecht on skates, leading to a smooth and-1 floater.
Jordan Miller, LA Clippers
While rookies get most of the attention at Summer League, second-year players often steal the spotlight. That’s exactly what G League star Jordan Miller did in the Clippers’ 88-78 victory over the Nuggets. Drafted No. 48 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, Miller put on a shooting clinic with 36 points on 11-for-18 shooting, including 6-for-10 from 3-point range, and 10-for-10 from the line.
Alex Sarr, Washington
2024 No. 1 and 2 overall picks face off at the NBA 2K25 Summer League as Zaccharie Risacher and Alexandre Sarr hit the hardwood.
Sarr showed why he was the No. 2 overall pick, flashing elite defensive skills in a solid Summer League debut. The Frenchman had 12 points on 4-for-12 shooting with seven rebounds and four assists, but he did his best work on the defensive end with four blocks and a steal. Three of those blocks occurred in a 23-second span. Sarr also went 2-for-5 from the 3-point line in the Wizards’ 94-88 victory over the Hawks.
Terrence Shannon, Jr., Minnesota
Shannon announced his Summer League arrival with a ferocious poster dunk for his first professional basket. After that, he showcased his transition game and defense and looked like the best player on the floor in the Timberwolves’ 81-74 victory over the Pelicans. The No. 27 pick of the 2024 NBA Draft finished with 25 points on 9-for-14 shooting with three rebounds and two blocks.
