Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images
NBA Summer League continued on Monday with the start of action in Utah, where a handful of rookies made their debuts.
Some of the most exciting young players like Philadelphia 76ers first-round pick Jared McCain and Memphis Grizzlies big man Zach Edey gave fans a first look at their game. Fans are still waiting for the debuts of top picks like Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr, but the group in action on Monday gave fans plenty to watch as Summer League continued on.
After the first day of Summer League Utah, here’s a roundup of some notable players’ performances.
Jared McCain has Promising start for 76ers
Philadelphia might have gotten a steal landing McCain with the 16th pick in the draft.
The former Duke star put together a solid first game with 15 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals as the 76ers got a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. McCain, a prolific scorer in college, is clearly still gaining his bearings as he shot a lackluster 0-of-6 from deep, but once he gets the nerves out he’ll likely begin hitting from range like he did for the Blue Devils.
Ricky Council IV, who went undrafted in 2023, also gave 76ers fans something to be excited about with 29 points and eight boards.
After McCain’s debut, 76ers fans expressed their excitement for the promising rookie.
Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
Jared McCain showed out in his Summer League debut 🍿
15 PTS
6 REB
3 AST
Sixers get the W 🙌 pic.twitter.com/GxzzobF4sY
Leader Johnson @WriterLeader247
Jared McCain is going to be an amazing weapon for the 76ers
Brian Brennan @BBrennanNBCS
Jared McCain looked mighty comfortable running the pick and roll. He’s going to do some damage playing with Drummond on the second unit. https://t.co/IbMf8hfidf
srishti @mvpbiid
Jared McCain is just composed and confident with the ball in his hands and I love that
Thunder Second-Rounder Shows Two-Way Skill
Oklahoma City’s first-round pick Nikola Topić won’t play in Summer League while recovering from a torn ACL, but his absence gave a second-round pick the chance to shine.
Ajay Mitchell, the No. 38 overall pick who landed with the Thunder after a trade with the New York Knicks, put together a strong debut with 14 points, four assists and three rebounds on an efficient 6-of-10 shooting. He also showed he can play on both sides of the floor, notching three steals and a pair of blocks.
The Thunder signed Mitchell to a two-way deal, but with the way he looked in his debut he could spend more time in the NBA than in the G League.
Topić: Thunder Podcast @OKCTopicThunder
Future DPOY Ajay Mitchell pic.twitter.com/s9LNKVAE1b
Derek Parker @DParkOK
Ajay Mitchell’s been phenomenal so far today, 12 points on 5-for-8 shooting, two triples. Every single bucket smooth as can be.
Kevin Butler @KevinButlerOKC
I was excited for Dillon Jones but man Ajay Mitchell is NICE. I will once again be watching the Blue all season long https://t.co/h1oN0kD0y0
Curt⚡️ @Holmgren4MVP
Ajay Mitchell is gonna be a dude
Zach Edey Posts Double-Double, Buzzer-Beater in Grizzlies Debut
Edey’s first Summer League game looked similar to most of his collegiate games with points in the paint and rebounds being key.
The No. 9 overall pick to the Memphis Grizzlies had a solid start, posting 14 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks on 7-of-12 from the field. The 7’4″ former National Player of the Year looked very comfortable playing against NBA talent—a good sign for Grizzlies fans.
Edey even showed off his clutch abilities, hitting a buzzer-beater to send the game against the Utah Jazz into overtime.
Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
CLUTCH. TIE GAME. 0.2 LEFT. https://t.co/hbui34r1I0 pic.twitter.com/NPVJq8uTqu
Many were skeptical of Memphis for drafting Edey so high, but he proved he might be NBA-ready with a strong start to Summer League.
Ja Morant @JaMorant
ayeeeeeee zach 😂💪🏾
Jason Huber @_JasonHuber
Is Zach Edey about to be the best player of this draft
mohamed @mcfxz
These Zach Edey screens have legit created some insane space and perfect looks for their P&R ball handlers and off-ball players.
I’m just imagining the thought of Ja or Bane coming off these Edey screens. My word
Døm ツ @malcxlmflex
turns out zach edey is not bad at basketball
Chris💫 @MoreViral_Marc
Zach edey just might win roty
The first day of Summer League Utah gave some young talent a chance to showcase their skills, and McCain, Edey and others will be back in action on Tuesday in Utah. The California Classic will also continue on Tuesday, with rookies like Stephon Castle looking to continue impressing early on.
The main event will begin on Friday in Las Vegas, where many exciting rookies will start their Summer League action.
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