The NBA Summer League also kicked off in Utah on Monday, with several rookies making their debuts.
Fans got their first look at some of the NBA's most exciting young players, including first-round pick Jared McCain of the Philadelphia 76ers and Memphis Grizzlies big man Zach Eddy. Fans are still waiting for debuts from top picks like Zachary Lizacher and Alex Sarr, but Monday's play from this group gave fans plenty to see as Summer League continues.
With the first day of Utah's Summer League underway, we've compiled a list of the performances of notable players.
Jared McCain off to a promising start with the 76ers
Philadelphia drafted McCain with the 16th pick, which could have been a bargain.
The former Duke University star had a solid opening game with 15 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals in the 76ers' win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. A prolific scorer in college, McCain is clearly still finding his groove and was 0-for-6 on 3-pointers, but once the nerves ease, he'll likely start shooting from long range like he did with the Blue Devils.
Ricky Council IV, who went undrafted in 2023, also excited 76ers fans with 29 points and eight rebounds.
Following McCain's debut, 76ers fans expressed excitement for the promising rookie.
Thunder's second-round pick shows two-way skills
Oklahoma City's first-round draft pick Nikola Topic will not play in summer league as he recovers from a torn ACL, but his absence gives the team's second-round pick a chance to shine.
Ajay Mitchell, the 38th overall pick acquired by the Thunder in a trade with the New York Knicks, had a strong debut with 14 points, four assists and three rebounds on 6-of-10 shooting. He also showed he can play on both ends of the floor, recording three steals and two blocks.
The Thunder signed Mitchell to a two-way contract, but based on how he played in his debut, he may end up spending more time in the NBA than in the G League.
Zach Eddy records double-double and buzzer-beater in Grizzlies debut
Eddie's first summer league game was similar to most of his college games, with scoring in the paint and rebounding being key.
The ninth overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies started off strong, finishing with 14 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks on 7-of-12 shooting from the field. The 7-foot-4 former National Player of the Year looked very comfortable playing against some of the NBA's best players, which bodes well for Grizzlies fans.
Eddie also showed off his competitive ability by hitting a buzzer-beater against the Utah Jazz to send the game into overtime.
Many were skeptical of Memphis drafting Eddie so high, but he got off to a strong start in Summer League and proved he had the potential to succeed in the NBA.
The first day of the Utah Summer League gave the young players a chance to show what they can do, with McCain, Eddie and others competing again in Utah on Tuesday. The California Classic also continues on Tuesday, with rookies such as Stephon Castle looking to continue their strong early season performances.
The main event kicks off in Las Vegas on Friday with a host of exciting rookies taking to the courts in summer league action.
