NBA Summer League 2024 Results: Hot Takes on Ware, Top Stars with Bronny, Castle Out
zach bacharContributor IJuly 8, 2024
Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images
The 2024 NBA Summer League California Classic continued on Sunday night, featuring recent top picks in the draft as well as players that are looking to secure their spot on a regular-season roster.
Every NBA team won’t be playing in the Summer League until July 12 in Las Vegas, but several first-round picks were still in action. This includes Dalton Knecht and Kel’el Ware.
Bronny James was inactive on Sunday, as he was held out for precautionary reasons after experiencing some swelling in his left knee. He’s expected to be back for the Los Angeles Lakers’ next contest on Wednesday.
Stephon Castle was also inactive for the San Antonio Spurs’ game against the Sacramento Kings.
Here’s a closer look at the performances of other notable players throughout the day.
Kel’el Ware Looks Even Better in Second Summer League Game
Despite his status as the No. 15 overall pick in the draft, Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware is already looking like a steal through two games.
Ware recorded a double-double during Miami’s victory, scoring 26 points and pulling down 11 rebounds in just over 29 minutes on the floor. He was nearly unstoppable after halftime, scoring 18 points in the second half.
While Ware wasn’t able to connect on his two long-range attempts, he still shot 57.1 percent from the field. Fans were amazed by his performance.
Miami HEAT @MiamiHEAT26 & 11 today for @KelelWare π₯
(and this turnaround) https://t.co/qLpZeJ8KlU pic.twitter.com/PdDaPJNK7v
Ball Don’t Lie @BalldontlieHeat rookie Kel’el Ware vs. the Kings π₯
βͺοΈ26 PTS
βͺοΈ11 REB
βͺοΈ3 AST
βͺοΈ1 BLK pic.twitter.com/QUG7u3u4Ys
Ross Kreines @rosskreKel’el Ware showing real nice patience and work in the low post this half.He’s been doing his work early by running floor hard,felt/recognized his defender,one dribble into his baby hook then next possession had a mismatch,felt his defender,use of a drop step and finished strong
Shawn Williams @5hawnWilliamsKel’el Ware hoopin, huh π pic.twitter.com/BIMlLW5p0W
Brett Usher @UsherNBAKel’el Ware has been a shining story of development https://t.co/Ev6URAVGPt
Mike Garcia @CanyonDriverGood for Kel’el Ware going to the right team. Miami just really has a way of getting the most out of their players.
Dalton Knecht Delivers Highlights Despite Inefficient Performance
Knecht, the Lakers’ 2024 first-round pick, showed flashes of upside although he struggled with his overall efficiency. After shooting 3-12 from the field and 1-4 from behind the arc on Saturday, he connected on just three of his 13 attempts on Sunday.
The 23-year-old still ended up with a team-high 12 points while recording two rebounds and an assist. Knecht also held his own on the defensive end of the floor, picking up two steals.
The No. 17 overall pick in the 2024 draft hasn’t found his shooting rhythm through two Summer League games, although fans remained positive about his outlook entering his rookie season.
NBA @NBANo. 17 pick Dalton Knecht flies through the lane and rattles the rim with two!
πΊ California Classic on NBA TV pic.twitter.com/rTzHF6VFFW
Stone Hansen @report_courtKnecht has looked solid to me. The shots aren’t falling, but he’s very obviously a much better shooter than what he’s shown, this is not sustainable. Everything else on offense has looked good for the role he projects to be in though
πππππ£ πΈπππͺ ππx17 @AChad92Knecht can play a lil D, seen him make a couple good cuts to the hoop and of course he can shoot
He’ll fit in just fine, just needs to get more comfortable and he’ll start making his shots
Shervon Fakhimi @ShervonFakhimiKnecht has 2 steals today and just forced a turnover chasing his man over a screen. He’s never gonna make an All-Defensive team and is not great POA but he does find ways to contribute on that end, esp as a rebounder
BigOrangeKARROT @BigOrangeKARROTKnecht just struggling to find his stroke. He will in the next few games
Ethan Thompson Leads the Way as the Warriors Secure Another Win
Thompson spent the 2023-24 season with the Mexico City Capitanes in the NBA G League, although he’s making a strong case for a roster spot in the NBA through two Summer League games.
The 25-year-old guard finished with a double-double of his own during Golden State’s win over the Lakers, recording 22 points and 11 rebounds on 53.3 percent shooting. He also hit 40 percent of his threes on Sunday, connecting on all four of his attempts from the charity stripe. Thompson added four assists and three steals.
He’s now averaging 24.5 points per game through two contests, leaving a strong impression on fans.
Golden State Warriors @warriorsEthan Thompson on both ends of the court π€
πΊ @nbatv pic.twitter.com/oNe9YuTjCd
nbadraftpoint @draftpoint2024The Ethan Thompson breakout in Summer League is so fun to watch
The 25 year old guard was really fun at Oregon State and Mexico City last year and should be finally getting his shot in the NBA this year. In his last 2 games for the warriors he put up
27 points
7 boards
10-15β¦ pic.twitter.com/tIkW36BQ4g
Ren π π π π @gswcowboyMan Ethan Thompson looks great
Engr. β’ @OriiberuuI’ve been really impressed with Ethan Thompson’s game. Always goes after the rebound, plays within the flow of the offense, defends his position really well, and can at least create his own shot if needed to.
Courtsidefilm @crossovercinemaSomeone’s gotta sign Ethan Thompson, he’s nice
Salt Lake City Summer League action is up next on Monday, starting with the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Philadelphia 76ers at 7 p.m. ET.
