NBA Summer League 2024: Hot Takes on Buzelis, Kolek, Burns and More from Day 9

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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.

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 @ESPNNBA

MATAS BUZELIS 😳

Look where he caught this for the dunk 🔥 pic.twitter.com/iSRTsCy0Ye

Kevin Butler @KevinButlerOKC

Your next ROTY Matas Buzelis! https://t.co/IEwRXHfYpU

CLTSicko 🛸🐝 @CLTHornetsDaily

Buzelis the truth boy. 🤣🤣

J.F.K @rickflizaaaiiir

Matas 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 @HotHandTheory

The 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_NewYork

Summer Knicks all-time assist leaders:

🪙 62 in 16 games Nate Robinson
🪙 54 in 9 games Toney Douglas
🪙 46 in 11 games Deuce McBride
🪙 39 in 5 games Immanuel Quickley
🪙 38 in 11 games Quentin Grimes

🪙 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 @JbKnicks11

Nah, Knicks got insane value with Tyler Kolek. Great franchises find ways to make something out of nothing — that’s what the Knicks turned into under Leon Rose…

Tyler Kolek could be a top-10 player in this draft, at 34 overall?

Knicks struck gold…

Brunson and Kolek🤯

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 rebound—not 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. 🤫👀👀 #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

⚾️🏀🏈🏌️‍♂️🛥️🌴🤘🐺🇺🇸 @packofwolves83

DJ 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 🐺🤘🏀🔥

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.

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