NBA Summer League 2024: Hot Takes on Buzelis, Kolek, Burns and More from Day 9
Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images
The final day of the NBA Summer League’s regular season is complete and the playoffs are now set to begin on Sunday.
Many top stars were out for the final day of action for various reasons. Atlanta Hawks top pick Zaccharie Risacher and Washington Wizards rookie Alex Sarr both did not play on Saturday, along with Los Angeles Lakers rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James.
With the playoffs starting on Sunday, it’s likely those exciting players and more will be back in action.
But even with some of the top picks not playing, there were still some exciting performances from some rookies who might have gone overlooked in the draft.
Here’s a look at Saturday’s action as well as some notable performances.
Day 9 Results
Sacramento Kings 87, Phoenix Suns 77
Washington Wizards 91, Milwaukee Bucks 79
Cleveland Cavaliers 100, Indiana Pacers 93
New York Knicks 90, Atlanta Hawks 82
Los Angeles Lakers 107, Chicago Bulls 81
Denver Nuggets 91, New Orleans Pelicans 82
Oklahoma City Thunder 88, Dallas Mavericks 79
Matas Buzelis Still a Work in Progress, Showed Potential at Summer League
Matas Buzelis certainly wasn’t the biggest name in this year’s draft class, but the Chicago Bulls got a player who could go on to have a strong career.
The G League Ignite product who went 11th overall had some solid moments throughout Summer League, but also raised a few concerns. One of the biggest was his efficiency as he shot 33.7 percent from the field and 21.4 percent from deep in five games.
On Saturday, he had 10 points and four rebounds on a lackluster 3-of-11 from the field.
But one area where he showed promise was his physicality. There were some questions about whether Buzelis would be able to go up against NBA size with his 6’10”, 209-pound frame, but he showed that he’s not afraid to attack the basket, getting to the free throw line 27 times.
He also showed off some athleticism that had Bulls fans hyped to watch him play this year.
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBAMATAS BUZELIS š³
Look where he caught this for the dunk š„ pic.twitter.com/iSRTsCy0Ye
Kevin Butler @KevinButlerOKCYour next ROTY Matas Buzelis! https://t.co/IEwRXHfYpU
CLTSicko šøš @CLTHornetsDailyBuzelis the truth boy. š¤£š¤£
J.F.K @rickflizaaaiiirMatas Buzelis ROY
Tyler Kolek Could be Elite Passer
Another prospect who went a bit under the radar, Tyler Kolek, has had a promising showing for the New York Knicks at Summer League.
The second-round pick hasn’t been much of a scoring threat, but has shown off some impressive skills as a passer over the past few weeks. He’s averaged seven assists per game in Summer League, which is a solid number considering games are shorter than traditional NBA matchups.
On Saturday, Kolek finished with six points and six assists in just 14 minutes.
The Marquette product will likely need some time to develop, perhaps in the G League, but it seems he will eventually be a solid NBA player.
Hot Hand Theory @HotHandTheoryThe thing about Tyler Kolek is, when he has the ball with an advantage that forces help, from ANYWHERE, he will process it and make the right pass. His vision is outrageous. pic.twitter.com/tEJJFX07Jn
New York Basketball @NBA_NewYorkSummer Knicks all-time assist leaders:
šŖ 62 in 16 games Nate Robinson
šŖ 54 in 9 games Toney Douglas
šŖ 46 in 11 games Deuce McBride
šŖ 39 in 5 games Immanuel Quickley
šŖ 38 in 11 games Quentin Grimes
šŖ 35 in 5 games Tyler Kolek pic.twitter.com/QI5iNte3ar
Big Knick Energy @BigKnickEnergy_Tyler Kolek has 7+ Assists in all five Summer League games
JBKnicks11NYC @JbKnicks11Nah, Knicks got insane value with Tyler Kolek. Great franchises find ways to make something out of nothing ā that’s what the Knicks turned into under Leon Roseā¦
Tyler Kolek could be a top-10 player in this draft, at 34 overall?
Knicks struck goldā¦
Brunson and Kolekš¤Æ
DJ Burns Still Looking to Earn Roster Spot After Summer League
As an undrafted player, DJ Burns hasn’t been at the top of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ priority list in terms of getting rookies playing time.
When he has been on the court, he’s had some solid moments, but perhaps not enough to prove that the Cavs should sign him to an NBA contract. On Saturday, Burns had eight points on 3-of-6 from the field, but he had just one reboundānot exactly ideal for someone expected to play down low.
After what will likely be Burns’ final Summer League game, fans expressed that he could eventually find his way to an NBA roster with the right development.
DaVanta Holloway @KingHolloway_Yooooo, DJ Burns will be an asset to the league in a few years as long as he commit to the game, and sharpen his skills & get in basketball shape and take care of his body & get the right nutrition dude can be special frfr!! Remember what I said. š¤«šš #NBA2KSummerLeague
hunter hearst hamsley @Scotty_Ham_Thoughts from NBA summer league:
1. Pete Nance: not an nba player
2. DJ Burns: not an nba player
3. Me eating DQ soft serve in section 112: not an nba player
ā¾ļøšššļøāāļøš„ļøš“š¤šŗšŗšø @packofwolves83DJ Burns continues to be a very tough matchup for anyone. Six points so far in very limited minutes. Find him a roster spot! @cavs @NBA #DJBurns #NCState #NBA #PackPro #PackPros šŗš¤šš„
Burns will now look to use the rest of the summer to continue getting better as he searches for a permanent role in the NBA.
