After covering the top Western Conference rookies and how they can have an instant impact on their teams, now comes the Eastern Conference. Here are the top Eastern Conference rookie performers at Summer League and how their good play can translate to success and immediate impact for their teams next season.
Summer League: Top Rookies On Potential Eastern Playoff Teams
1) Tristan Da Silva, Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic selected Tristan Da Silva with the 18th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Da Silva quietly had one of the best performances by a rookie at this year’s Summer League. He showed his abilities as a floor-spacer and defender at the forward position, performing at a high level. During Summer League, Da Silva averaged 17.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.3 steals in 26.8 minutes and three games played. Da Silva was supremely efficient at Summer League, shooting 60.7% from the field, 58.8% from three, and 100% from the foul line.
Da Silva had a superb Summer League and with his skillset, he could translate that success to the coming season. Specifically, the Magic is always in need of more defense and spacing next to Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Da Silva markedly showed that he can provide such a skillset. Furthermore, Da Silva can come in off the bench, where he can bring his shooting and defense against bench units. 3-and-D wings are players that every team wants and Da Silva can provide that, however, he isn’t just that. Da Silva can help move the ball along, as well as move without the ball. Given the skill and versatility that Da Silva showed at Summer League, he has the talent to make an impact with the Magic.
2) Kel’el Ware, Miami Heat
The Miami Heat had the 15th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and they selected Kel’el Ware from Indiana. Ware had an excellent showing at Summer League, where he made the All-Summer League First Team. Ware averaged 18 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.5 blocks. He shot 61.8% from the field, 30% from three, and 70% from the foul line. Not only did Ware perform well at Summer League, but he also silenced some of the concerns surrounding his effort on the court. He showed his proficiency scoring at the rim, providing rim protection, and flashing shooting upside.
The Miami Heat are in desperate need of more frontcourt depth behind Bam Adebayo, who, in brief, has been performing well with Team USA. Ware’s strong play at Summer League should give him the opportunity to show that he can contribute immediately. He can come in off the bench and provide the rim protection that the Heat loses when Adebayo leaves the floor. Should Ware’s scoring translate over to the coming season, he is an additional option on offense. Furthermore, Ware may be able to play next to Adebayo, given his ability to space the floor. That can give Miami the option to go big, offering more options to the coaching staff. Ware’s impressive performance at Summer League should be an indication that he should get an opportunity to affect winning. At Summer League, he showed that his skill set and talent could have an immediate impact on the Heat.
3) Jaylon Tyson, Cleveland Cavaliers
Jaylon Tyson was selected with the 20th overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2024 NBA Draft. Tyson had an impressive showing at Summer League, where he displayed poise and polish in his game. He showed that he could be a scoring threat, be able to create shots for others and be an overall versatile player. During Summer League, Tyson averaged 15.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.4 steals in 26.2 minutes and five games played. Tyson shot efficiently at Summer League, as he shot 58.8% from the field, 40% from three, and 91.7% from the free-throw line.
Tyson showed out at Summer League and the way he plays the game can translate to immediate impact for the coming season. Off the bench, Tyson provides more size, scoring, and, most importantly, playmaking. Specifically, Tyson can help get the ball moving whenever Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland go to the bench. Furthermore, Tyson has the scoring ability to be instant offense off the bench which the Cavaliers lack. Even in an off-ball role, Tyson can be effective. He is a smart cutter and a good shooter, which is important when playing next to stars. Tyson’s showing at Summer League demonstrates that he has the skills and talent to make a difference, even in his rookie season.
4) Tyler Kolek, New York Knicks
Tyler Kolek was selected with the 34th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. He was traded to the New York Knicks for three future seconds. Despite poor overall shooting, Kolek had a good showing at Summer League for the Knicks. Kolek showed the skill and poise needed from a point guard, which the Knicks need off the bench. He dished out many impressive assists and showed that he can set the table for others. At Summer League, Kolek averaged 9.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 1.2 steals. He shot 35.6% from the field, 31.6% from three, and 90.9% from the foul line.
Kolek’s productive showing at Summer League demonstrates his skills as a point guard, which is something that the Knicks need. They lack someone who can organize offense coming off the bench and get the ball moving. His Summer League performance shows Kolek can immediately come in and fill that role on the team. He showed that he could be the guy who could set the table for others. As an older prospect in the draft, Kolek already has some polish in his game and, in essence, should be more ready to contribute immediately. The positives that Kolek flashed at Summer League fit exactly what the Knicks need off the bench, where he can have an immediate impact.
