There have been many impressive rookies at Summer League who play for potential Western Conference playoff teams. Here are the top rookie performers at Summer League and how their good play can translate to success and immediate impact for their teams next season. The same list for the Eastern Conference can be found here.
Summer League: Top Rookies On Potential Western Playoff Teams
1) Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets selected Reed Sheppard with the 3rd overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Befitting his draft placement, Sheppard performed admirably at Summer League and showed everyone what he was capable of. Significantly, Sheppard made the All-Summer League First Team. During Summer League, Sheppard averaged 20 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.8 steals, and 1.3 blocks. He shot 50% from the field, 27.8% from three, and 75% from the free throw line. Overall, Sheppard performed excellently at Summer League, where he presented his abilities as a shooter, playmaker, and defender. Even though the Rockets missed the play-in and playoffs this past season, there is a genuine chance they can make them this year.
Based on Sheppard’s production at Summer League, he has a real chance at helping the Rockets get into the postseason. Houston is in great need of a backup point guard behind Fred VanVleet, which Sheppard can comfortably come in and fill. From there, Sheppard can provide the same playmaking, shooting, and defense that he demonstrated at Summer League. Additionally, the Rockets need more spacing next to players like Amen Thompson and Tari Eason off the bench. While Sheppard didn’t shoot well from three at Summer League, he should have easier shots with better players out on the floor with him. With such a player out there, the Rockets can put out a more cohesive second unit and that may be the difference in making the postseason.
2) Jalen Bridges, Phoenix Suns
Jalen Bridges went undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft, signing a two-way contract with the Phoenix Suns. At Summer League, Bridges showcased his skills as a 3-and-D wing. He knocked down shots from beyond the arc and provided effective defense, showing poise in his game. In summary, Bridges averaged 10.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.2 steals in 17.9 minutes at Summer League. Furthermore, he shot 42.9% from the field, 40% from three, and 100% from the line. Given the lack of talent on the wings for Phoenix, Bridges’ good play at Summer League may earn him minutes in a role that is needed.
With three offensive stars in Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal, the Suns need defensive players who can shoot threes off of kick-outs. In that role, Bridges, especially based on his Summer League performance, could thrive in Phoenix’s rotation. He shot 40 percent from three in Summer League and will only further benefit from playing next to the stars. There are stronger wing defenders on the roster like Ryan Dunn. However, Bridges has the combination of shooting and defense at the forward position that every team needs. His performance at Summer League should give him a chance to prove himself. If he knocks down his shots and plays good defense like in Summer League, Bridges will get minutes.
3) Dalton Knecht, Los Angeles Lakers
Dalton Knecht went 17th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. Knecht was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers and will have the opportunity to play next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. At Summer League, Knecht showcased his impressive offensive repertoire and convinced many that he belongs in the Lakers rotation. Knecht averaged 21.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 steals in 31.2 minutes played. He shot 41.8% from the field, 39.1% from three, and 81.8% from the foul line.
Shooting will always be valuable around James and Davis, which Knecht can provide in spades. Shooters like J.R. Smith and an older Ray Allen have benefited from playing next to James. Knecht will be no different in that regard, given his talent as a shooter. He has shown no indication at Summer League that his shooting has faltered in any way. Furthermore, Knecht is an older prospect from the draft and should be ready to make an impact. With his offensive game, especially under new head coach JJ Redick, Knecht can provide the extra firepower that the Lakers need off the bench. Knecht’s time at Summer League has been impressive and has only furthered the idea that he is ready to make an impact.
4) Ajay Mitchell, Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder selected Ajay Mitchell with the 38th overall pick via the New York Knicks in the 2024 NBA Draft. Mitchell, like the other Thunder draft pick in Dillon Jones, had an impressive run at Summer League. Mitchell stood out as a talented scorer who shot efficiently from the field at Summer League. During Summer League, Mitchell averaged 18 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 27.4 minutes and two games played. He shot 43.8% from the field, 50% from three, and 100% from the foul line.
While Mitchell may not have the easiest time getting minutes, his play at Summer League has given Mitchell a strong argument for the opportunity. There is a high chance that the Thunder retain their first-place seeding and Mitchell can assist in keeping it. While OKC has many guards, the Thunder lack a talented offensive guard off the bench who can create shots for himself and others. Both in college and at Summer League, Mitchell has proven that he can get a bucket whenever it’s needed. Mitchell can step in and be instant offense for the Thunder when the starters head to the bench. Regardless, Mitchell has shown his worth at Summer League. It is possible for the rookie to affect winning for the Thunder.
5) Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies
Zach Edey was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 9th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Edey has had an accomplished run with Purdue and that trend followed into Summer League. While he didn’t play much in the Las Vegas Summer League due to injury, Edey showed his excellence in the Salt Lake City Summer League. He only played one game there, but he showed what he is capable of. Edey scored 14 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and blocked four shots. He shot an efficient 58.3% from the field while not taking a single three or free throw.
Despite such a short showing, Edey looked too good to be out on the floor and he was everything he was advertised to be. Edey can easily fit into the role that Steven Adams held when he was on the Grizzlies. Edey is more than capable of grabbing rebounds, providing rim protection, and setting hard screens. The Grizzlies had great success with Adams when he was healthy and playing next to Jaren Jackson Jr., covering up each others’ weaknesses well. Edey’s strong Summer League performance, albeit short, should show the Grizzlies that he can play. If given the opportunity, Edey has the capability of bringing instant impact and success to the Grizzlies.
