The NBA Summer League continued with more action last night as the rookies took to the court for Day Two of the California Classic. While the first day saw some big names making headlines, the second day was a bit quieter with fewer headliners on display.
Load management was in full effect during the summer league games, with the San Antonio Spurs choosing to rest Stephon Castle and the Los Angeles Lakers opting to give Bronny James a break. This decision allowed some of the lesser-known rookies to shine on the court.
Kel’el Ware had an impressive performance in his second NBA summer league game, putting up 26 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. His scoring outburst was particularly notable against the Sacramento Kings, who employed a switch-everything defensive strategy. Ware’s ability to exploit mismatches and punish smaller defenders showcased his offensive potential, hinting at his ability to be a significant threat on that end of the floor.
Meanwhile, Dalton Knecht continued to struggle with his shooting, going 3 for 13 from the field. However, he did manage to sink his first three-pointer as an NBA player. Playing for the Lakers in the summer league means facing tougher defenses without the likes of LeBron James and Anthony Davis to draw attention. Despite his shooting woes, Knecht’s persistence and defensive skills are still of interest to the Lakers coaching staff. It will be important to see whether he can increase his three-point attempts and improve his shooting efficiency moving forward.
Moving on to the second round picks, Pelle Larsson had a solid showing, scoring nine points on nine shot attempts. He also contributed in other areas, grabbing five rebounds and dishing out six assists while committing only two fouls. Larsson’s improved performance bodes well for his development, as he continues to showcase his versatility on the court. If he can continue this trend, he may soon make an impact with the Miami Heat.
Harrison Ingram also had a better outing, putting up 11 points on 5 of 13 shooting. While he hasn’t quite shown off his perimeter shooting skills in the summer league yet, Ingram isn’t afraid to take shots. His improved scoring output and rebounding indicate that he is starting to find his rhythm in the NBA. However, he was less active on the boards in this game, grabbing just four rebounds in total.
Overall, the second day of the California Classic provided an opportunity for some of the lesser-known rookies to step up and make their mark on the court. With more games still to come, there is plenty of time for these young players to continue showcasing their skills and making their case for a spot on an NBA roster.
