Bronny (1)

07/05/2024 09:08 AM

One of the best things about the NBA, for fans hoping to get a grasp of their rookies right away, is that the Summer League tips off a week after the draft.

If YouTube or TikTok highlights weren’t enough, or if you hadn’t watched guys play at the NCAA level or in Europe, now’s the time to understand what your favourite team’s new players can bring at the next level. It’s also a chance to see what some second-year guys have been working on during their months off.

All in all, if you’re a fan of a non-playoff team or a victim of a first-round exit, you’ve probably been sitting around waiting for over two months to see your squad take the court.

The wait is over. It all starts with the California Classic (July 6-10) and Salt Lake City (July 8-10) Summer Leagues. Then the action heads to Las Vegas for the NBA 2K25 Summer League from July 12-22 with all 30 teams taking part.

While all eyes will presumably be on Bronny James, here are some other players to watch out for at Summer League.

You can catch the action on Sportsnet, starting with the opening game between Bronny’s Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings on Saturday.

Rookiesto watch

Zaccharie Risacher — Atlanta Hawks

Most fans will only have seen Risacher through short highlight compilations or skill breakdowns as the first overall pick played his pre-NBA hoops in France with JL Bourg. Much has been made about him not being a prospect with an overwhelmingly high ceiling, and questions have been asked about his actual shooting ability after only hitting 35.2 per cent of his looks in the French league last season. Being the No. 1 overall pick comes with a lot of baggage, will it weigh heavily on the 19-year-old early on?

You can watch Risacher and the Hawks take on the Lakers on Wednesday, July 17, at 9:30 p.m. ET on Sportsnet One.

Alex Sarr — Washington Wizards

The Wizards haven’t had much to be hopeful for in a while, but with Sarr falling to No. 2, Washington has their highest ceiling player since Bradley Beal or John Wall. Though he’s nowhere near a finished product, Sarr projects to be an intriguing option as a floor-spacing five with high shot-blocking upside. If he can show that he’s refined some of his rawness coming into the draft, he could make the Hawks seriously regret not drafting him first, regardless of his decision to not workout with them.

You can watch Sarr and the Wizards face off against the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday, July 16, at 8:30 p.m. ET on Sportsnet One.

Zach Edey — Memphis Grizzlies

Unfortunately, Edey pulled himself out of contention for Team Canada at the Olympics, so fans won’t be able to see him play against some of the best centres in the world. Summer League competition will have to do. Despite coming off two magnificent college seasons, his role at the NBA level has come into question, but a strong showing in Las Vegas should certainly quell some doubts.

Edey and the Grizzlies face off against rookie big Yves Missi, the 21st overall pick, and the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday, July 18, at 6 p.m. ET on Sportsnet and Sportsnet One.

Bronny James — Los Angeles Lakers

Needless to say, there might not be a bigger story from this rookie class than Bronny. Lakers head coach JJ Redick said that the USC product has earned his opportunity on the team “through hard work,” and though we won’t debate that point, the only way to either validate it or disprove it will be through his production on the court. Summer League will be the first opportunity he gets after a confusing year with the Trojans. Can he prove some doubters wrong with a strong performance here?

Ja’Kobe Walter, Jonathan Mogbo, Jamal Shead and Ulrich Chomche — Toronto Raptors

The Raptors’ four selections at this year’s draft signal a turning of the page for the team. They haven’t made four selections at a draft since 2007, and though Charlie Villanueva is their only notable name from that year, there’s a feeling of hope around the organization that all the new signings can contribute in their own way. Whether it be as day-one roleplayers like Walter, or raw players like Chomche that will need to fine-tune their game in the G League, Summer League will be the first opportunity to see them all together, possibly alongside an improved second-year Gradey Dick.

You can watch the Raptors take the court against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, July 14, at 9:30 p.m. on Sportsnet 360.

Sophomores to watch

Scoot Henderson — Portland Trail Blazers

The former third-overall pick is coming off a forgettable rookie season that saw him average 14.0 points, 3.1 rebounds and 5.4 assists on .385/.325/.819 shooting splits. He also logged two of the top-three worst plus/minus games in NBA history, topping the list at -58 against the Heat in March. He came into the season with sky-high expectations, and though he didn’t meet them, it’s apparent the talent is still there. It’s time to see how much the 20-year-old has improved after two months away.

Henderson takes on rookie Jared McCain and the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, July 15, at 8:30 p.m. ET on Sportsnet One.

Amen and Ausar Thompson — Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons

It was an intriguing year for the Thompson Twins, but one that proved almost everything right. Though their 3-point shooting numbers were abysmal (Amen: 13.8 per cent; Ausar: 18.6 per cent), their athleticism and offensive IQ were apparent and helped them contribute in every other way last season. It was always going to take a lot of work to fix their broken jump shots, but they’ve had two months to focus on it.

The twins go head-to-head as the Rockets take on the Pistons on Monday, July 15, at 6:30 p.m.