The 2024 NBA Summer League California Classic continued Sunday night, featuring recent top draft picks as well as players looking to secure their spot on a regular season roster.
Not all NBA teams will participate in Summer League until July 12 in Las Vegas, but several first-round picks were still in the running. Among them are Dalton Knecht and Kel’el Ware.
Bronny James was inactive He was sidelined as a precaution after feeling swelling in his left knee. He is expected to return for the Los Angeles Lakers’ next game on Wednesday.
Stephon’s castle was also inactive for the San Antonio Spurs game against the Sacramento Kings.
Here’s a closer look at how other notable players performed throughout the day.
Kel’el Ware looks even better in second Summer League game
Despite his status as the 15th overall pick in the draft, Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware already looks like a steal after two games.
Ware recorded a double-double in Miami’s win, scoring 26 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in just over 29 minutes on the court. He was nearly unstoppable after halftime, scoring 18 points in the second half.
Although Ware failed to score on both of his long-range attempts, he still shot 57.1 percent. Fans were blown away by his performance.
Dalton Knecht Delivers Outstanding Performance Despite Inefficient Performance
Knecht, the Lakers’ 2024 first-round pick, has shown signs of success even as he struggled with his overall efficiency. After hitting 3 of 12 shots and 1 of 4 from behind the arc on Saturday, he hit just 3 of 13 attempts on Sunday.
The 23-year-old still finished with a team-best 12 points, while also grabbing two rebounds and an assist. Knecht also held his own on defense, making two steals.
The 17th overall pick in the 2024 draft hasn’t found his shooting rhythm through two Summer League games, though fans have remained positive about his prospects heading into his rookie season.
Ethan Thompson leads the way as Warriors claim another victory
Thompson spent the 2023-24 season with the Mexico City Capitanes in the NBA G League, though he made a strong case for an NBA roster spot thanks to two Summer League games.
The 25-year-old point guard finished with a double-double in Golden State’s win over the Lakers, scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds on 53.3 percent shooting. He also made 40 percent of his three-pointers Sunday, hitting all four of his attempts from the free-throw line. Thompson added four assists and three steals.
He is now averaging 24.5 points per game through two games, leaving a strong impression on fans.
Salt Lake City Summer League action takes place on Monday, starting with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers at 7 p.m. ET.
