The Central Division is now in the spotlight as the rookies and sophomores from teams such as the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers take the stage at Summer League. These young players are looking to make a name for themselves and show what they can bring to the table in the NBA.
Summer League: Top Central Division Rookies And Sophomores
Team: Milwaukee Bucks
First up, the 23rd overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, AJ Johnson, is the player to watch on the Bucks. Johnson has been tasked with showcasing his athleticism, ball-handling, and shot-creation abilities at Summer League. His performances have been a mix of positives and negatives, with highlight games such as a 22-point outing against the Clippers where he showed off his three-point shooting. While Johnson has displayed his athleticism on both ends of the floor, his half-court creations have left something to be desired.
For the Bucks’ sophomore player to watch, Andre Jackson Jr. is the one to keep an eye on. Jackson, drafted in the second round last year, needs to prove that he is ready for an increased role with the team. However, an unfortunate injury may cut his Summer League run short, limiting his opportunities to showcase his skills. Despite his defensive efforts, Jackson’s offensive game has shown little improvement, with turnovers and a lack of shooting efficiency plaguing his performances.
Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
Turning our attention to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jaylon Tyson, the 20th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is the standout rookie at Summer League. Tyson is aiming to impress with his scoring ability and playmaking skills in hopes of securing minutes in the Cavaliers’ rotation. So far, he has shown promising signs with his efficient scoring and contributions on both ends of the floor. If Tyson can maintain this level of performance, he may find himself with a role on the team.
As for the Cavaliers’ sophomore player to watch, Emoni Bates is looking to prove that he has made strides in his game to earn more playing time. While Bates has shown flashes of scoring prowess, particularly in his versatility, he still needs to demonstrate growth as a catch-and-shoot threat. With two more games to make his case, Bates has the opportunity to show that he is ready for a bigger role with the team.
As the Central Division rookies and sophomores take the court at Summer League, all eyes will be on them to see how they perform and whether they can make a lasting impression on their respective teams. Stay tuned for more updates as these young players continue to showcase their talents.
