Many former ACC players will partake in the 2024 NBA Summer League. However, who should we pay close attention to as the action unfolds? The NBA Summer League is a great opportunity for rookies to showcase their talent. Additionally, second year players or guys who struggle to crack their team’s rotation can get a confidence boost. With all that said, let’s discuss who we should keep an eye on as far as ACC players go.
ACC Players to Keep an Eye On in NBA Summer League
Returning Pro ACC Players
Terquavion Smith
Terquavion Smith had an outstanding season in the NBA G-League last year. He was an integral part of the Delaware Blue Coats offense, boasting the third highest usage percentage in the G-league with 31%. Smith was also fifth in scoring with 23.1 points per game, and made the 2023-24 NBA G-League All-Rookie Team. After going undrafted in 2023, the guard from NC State was on a two-way contract. Unfortunately, Philadelphia declined to make a qualifying offer, making him a free agent. At just 21 years of age, he still has plenty of great basketball left in him and tons of upside. If he plays well enough this summer, he’ll surely get some contract offers.
Alonde Williams
Alonde Williams took a leap this past season, as he was named the 2023-24 G-League Most Improved Player. Williams was an absolute workhorse, playing the second most minutes per game out of all G-League players with 38. For his efforts he was named to the 2023-24 All G-League First Team. The 2021-22 ACC Player of the Year has yet to find a home in the NBA, despite beating out players such as Paolo Banchero and Buddy Boeheim to win said award. After he dropped 55 points in a G-League game vs. Salt Lake City, it’s hard to imagine he isn’t getting noticed by at least a few NBA front offices. The G-League is obviously a grade below the NBA, but scoring that many points in a single game is still impressive. Perhaps he’ll break his single-game high in this year’s summer league.
ACC Rookies in Summer League
Carlton Carrington
After a fantastic freshman year at Pittsburgh in which he was selected to the ACC All-Rookie team, Carlton Carrington is now a pro. Carrington was selected 14th overall in the recent NBA draft by Portland, and then traded to Washington. Bub possesses a a high basketball IQ that allows him to impact all areas of the game. He recorded a historic stat line against North Carolina A&T this past college basketball season, as he had the second triple-double in ACC History and the first recorded by a Pitt player since 1998. Did I mention Carrington is just 18 years old? His above-average shooting and ability to see the floor will earn him a rotation spot, but don’t be surprised if he’s an all-star one day. He’ll certainly be fun to watch in this year’s summer league.
Jared McCain
Jared McCain was selected with the 16th overall pick by the Sixers, just two spots after Bub Carrington. McCain’s freshman year at Duke started slow. But, in February he erupted for 35 points against FSU, tying Zion Williamson’s freshman record for most points in a game. In the 2024 Men’s NCAA tournament he dropped 32 points on James Madison and another 30 ball on NC State. With that kind of elite scoring ability McCain should be able to get buckets at the pro level, even as a rookie. Philly is in win-now mode, and they’re trying to clear cap space to sign free agents. McCain’s rookie contract will be valuable for this purpose, especially if he can become a rotation player on a championship squad. Maybe he’ll find himself in a similar role to that of Christian Braun in Denver, as a rookie do-it-all role player.
