The California Classic NBA Summer League showcased emerging talents and competitive spirit over a thrilling four-day stretch at Sacramento's Golden 1 Center and San Francisco's Chase Center. Fans were treated to a round-robin competition that brought together the Sacramento Kings, Charlotte Hornets, San Antonio Spurs, and a special guest team—the Chinese National Team.
Stephon Castle Shines Bright
In one of the most eagerly anticipated performances, Stephon Castle, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, represented the San Antonio Spurs with distinction. Castle's versatility and skill were on full display. "I'm comfortable really anywhere out on the court," he stated confidently. "I will say I'm probably most comfortable on the ball, but if I play off the ball, I still feel 100% comfortable there. Just being with the kinda team that we have, I feel like we will have five guys that can dribble, pass, and shoot. The positions are out of the equation a little bit."
In his final summer league game, Castle logged an impressive 18 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals, capping off a strong showing. His eyes are now set on the main Summer League event in Las Vegas, where he aims to continue his promising start.
Notable Absences and Performances
Tidjane Salaün, the Hornets' No. 6 pick, missed the event due to a minor laceration near his knee. On the other hand, Keon Ellis of the Sacramento Kings put on a show despite his team's loss, scoring an astounding 30 points against the Golden State Warriors. Ellis, who had a shooting accuracy of 41.7% on 3-pointers last season, remains a player to watch.
Warriors' Triumph and Individual Highlights
The Chase Center also hosted another Kings summer league team alongside representatives from the Warriors, Heat, and Lakers. In a nail-biting final game, the Warriors edged out Sacramento with a 91-90 victory, securing the inaugural "Mitch Richmond Trophy" in the Battle of NorCal Summer League game.
Bronny James, playing for the Lakers, had moments of brilliance on the court, despite dealing with knee swelling that caused him to miss the game against the Warriors. In one standout performance against Miami, Bronny contributed three points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Over the event, he accumulated seven rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and two steals, showcasing his potential as a future NBA star.
Among other notable performances, Knecht scored a formidable 20 points in the game against the Heat, although his shooting percentages over the event—30.2% from the floor and 26.7% from beyond the arc—left room for improvement.
Veteran Additions and Looking Forward
The Spurs also made headlines by adding veterans Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes to their roster. Their experience is expected to provide a steadying influence on the young talents like Stephon Castle, ensuring that the team remains competitive and cohesive.
As the California Classic wraps up its sixth year, the excitement and drama have set the stage for the main Summer League event in Las Vegas. With emerging stars making their mark and teams fine-tuning their strategies, basketball enthusiasts can look forward to more riveting action in the weeks to come. The Summer League has once again proven to be a fertile ground for young talent to blossom, laying the groundwork for the upcoming NBA season.