NBA Summer League 2024: Hot Takes on McCain, Filipowski, Castle and More from Tuesday

Julia StumbaughJuly 10, 2024

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Fans of the Philadelphia 76ers, Utah Jazz and San Antonio Spurs got a better understanding of the potential of their teams’ top draft picks as Summer League play continued Tuesday night.

Here’s a look at some of the hottest takes of the night surrounding the top rookies in summer action.

Jared McCain Shows Off NBA-Ready Shooting During Sixers’ Loss to Grizzlies

McCain’s shooting from deep impressed fans as the 76ers conceded an 87-85 Summer League loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

The No. 16 pick of the 2024 NBA Draft finished the outing with 12 points while going 3-for-7 from behind the arc.

ESPN @espnJared McCain back-to-back 3s 🔥 pic.twitter.com/pzuaFAtwD1

McCain added four assists, three rebounds and one steal while going 3-for-4 from the foul line.

His three-point shooting led some fans to believe the Duke product will make an impact in the NBA during the 2023-24 season— and that his ultimate ceiling is even higher.

🐐 @LilUziMKertJared McCain might need minutes as backup point guard. Bro makes the right decision almost every time

DJ @WhatDJTweetsThe way Jared McCain has been playing the past two nights, he could be an immediate impact for the Sixers this upcoming season.

A @AndrewAshton_15Jared Mccain is going too be a all star his 3rd year in the NBA

MM @duk3m0ntyJared McCain really about to be an All-Star in this league , insane

Ky Carlin @Ky_CarlinThere is work to be done defensively, but Jared McCain has a solid NBA offensive game. He has a real solid 3-point shot. #Sixers

McCain and the Sixers return Wednesday night with a game against Utah to close out the Salt Lake City Summer League.

Kyle Filipowski Scores First Summer League Points as Jazz Lose to Thunder

Filipowski recorded the first Summer League points of his career during the Jazz’s 98-75 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The No. 32 pick, who entered the 2024 NBA draft after two seasons at Duke, was held to four points in 19 minutes on the court.

NBA @NBAThe No. 32 pick Kyle Filipowski finishes the alley-oop for his first Summer League points!

📺 OKC-UTA live on ESPN pic.twitter.com/YtonbqkPbl

Filipowski’s limited usage led some fans to believe the Duke product needed more Summer League work before he is ready for the NBA.

Chuck Nunn @CNunnJazz1I still think he’s a good pick, but Kyle Filipowski is having a rough start to Summer League. pic.twitter.com/UZN54rKeXs

Mark @MarkW_E01Filipowski has a lot of work to do on the defensive end of the floor.

Ben Sig 🚬 @sig_50By no means does Summer League define anything in terms of a NBA Career for draft picks (who are set to make rosters) but doesn’t mean you can’t put up bad performances….

We’re witnessing Kyle Filipowski in his first couple games struggle mightily (again, not a “he’s a bust”).

The Jazz will take on Castle and the 76ers next during a Wednesday night game at Delta Center.

Stephon Castle Shows Point Guard Promise as Spurs defeat Team China

Castle recorded 18 points Tuesday night as the Spurs claimed an 89-67 victory over the Chinese National Team.

He finished the night having shot 8-for-21 while adding five assists and six rebounds.

NBA TV @NBATV.@spurs No. 4 pick Stephon Castle with the two-hand jam 😤 pic.twitter.com/5588rf9EE8

The No. 4 pick of the 2024 NBA Draft is hoping to crack the Spurs roster after one standout season for UConn.

Despite Castle’s shooting struggles from deep as he went 0-for-6 from behind the arc, the 19-year-old’s defensive skills shone as he recorded a team-leading three steals in the win.

The Summer League contest left some fans convince the 19-year-old is already ready to succeed as an NBA point guard.

Noreaga Pete Rooney @PeteRooney187Stephon Castle reminds me of a Point Guard version of Kawhi Leonard. #PorVida

PJ Hoops @RealPjHoopsStephon Castle will win ROTY!

anthony @nvercursedNobody in this draft class has aura that compares to stephon castle he’s the most obvious great player

Kwame Gyata 🦁🇬🇭 @thegyataIdc Stephon Castle will be the best player out of this Draft, BOOK IT. ⚪️⚫️#PorVida

Chris @Chris_ApTxStephon Castle might already be the third best finisher on this team lol

Spurs Culture @SpursCultureI’ve seen enough, Stephon Castle is a TRUE point guard

He’s running the offense like it’s 2nd nature to him

Castle and the Spurs will return to Summer League action in Saturday when they head to Las Vegas to take on the Portland Trail Blazers.