5 NBA 2K25 Las Vegas Summer League Highlights That Could Make a Fantasy Impact in 2024

I just got back from an exciting first weekend at the 2K25 Las Vegas Summer League! Let’s go straight to five players who stood out and were successful. Stay tuned next week for a full breakdown of all the summer league highlights and disappointments, but for now, here are my best performances from opening weekend.

The third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft was one of the most impressive players I witnessed in Las Vegas this past weekend.

At just 19 years old, the rookie has the composure of a veteran and it’s clear he has a bright future in fantasy basketball. Sheppard put on a show, averaging 20.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.7 3s, 3.0 steals and 1.3 blocks per game in three games in Las Vegas.

The counting stats were excellent, but given his usage rate (25%) and overall responsibilities, it was great to see him maintain his efficiency, shooting 49% from the field (16 att/g), 38.5% on 3s ( 4.3 att/g) and 78% of the charitable range.

Sheppard scores in a variety of ways — penetrating defenses to crafty layups, catch-and-shoots and transition 3s, but his pull-up game in the midrange, outside of the pick-and-roll, really stood out. It gave me Mark Price/Steve Nash vibes. AND Mark Price even co-signed.

Sheppard has that ideal fantasy guard skill set – scoring, rebounding, assists, 3s and steals all done efficiently. He has star potential, but with the Rockets’ talent pool so deep, we’ll have to see how Rockets HC Ime Udoka plans to get valuable playing time for his rookie. He should be the first selection off the board if you are doing a 2024 rookie dynasty draft.

You can tell what kind of time Jaquez Jr. was in after leaving the Team USA Select Team to join the Heat in Summer League. He played the fifth-most minutes as a rookie in the league last year, so seeing him on the Miami Summer League roster was surprising, but he did exactly what he set out to do; he dominated.

The Heat are 2-0 with Jaquez Jr. in the lineup, averaging 26.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.5 3s and 1.5 steals in 28 minutes per game. He was almost automatic from the field, converting 58% of his shot attempts, 43% of his 3s and 81% from the line. Jaquez Jr. will be a late pick in fantasy basketball next year and projects to have a more prominent role in Miami’s system.

The second-year forward played in 50 games for the Nuggets last season, but after receiving just 10 minutes off per night, it made sense to return to the Vegas Summer League with a more significant role on offense.

Through two games thus far, Strawther is tied for second in Summer League scoring, averaging 28.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 4.5 3s and 1.5 shares in 33.8 minutes per game. He made 41% of his 3-point attempts, raising at least 10 in every game. That’s exactly what the Nuggets will need from him after losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Magic this offseason.

Although he is slated for a bench role, the first few games in Las Vegas have shown his growth beyond being a 3-point specialist. He used his range to attack defenders off the dribble, which led to him going to the line 20 times in two games. In Strawther’s second game against the Raptors, he was more involved as a playmaker (five assists), so it’s good to see some contributions to the scoreboard outside of scoring and 3s.

Based on Strawther’s first two starts, he has officially graduated to the Vegas Summer League. Let’s see if he can turn that momentum into an expanded role with the Nuggets heading into next season.

Few players imposed their will on the weekend as much as Whitmore. He legitimately played at a level beyond the competition and was one of the most obvious “He doesn’t need to be here” players. That being said, I liked that he came back to get valuable minutes and reps.

With a logjam on the wing and Whitmore playing most of his minutes behind Dillon Brooks and Jabari Smith Jr., developing chemistry with Reed Sheppard was important. They’re electric together, and there’s a good chance we’ll see them operating off the bench with a glimpse of “What Could Be” if the Rockets move toward their youth movement in the coming years.

Whitmore was constantly in attack mode, displaying his elite athleticism and ability to finish with contact near the rim. He struggled almost as much as Bronny James from 3, making just 1 of 14 attempts. Despite his 3-point issues, he worked defensively, racking up at least four steals in two of his three games. Whitmore’s Vegas experience is likely over after averaging 16.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 3.3 steals in 29 minutes per contest.

Throw away Monday’s failure; his production would be near the top of the list. He will be a fantasy asset again next season – whether as a late pick or a waiver wire transfer.

A sprained right wrist caused Castle to be shut down for the remainder of the Summer League, but he showed enough in the California Classic and Vegas Summer Leagues to know he’ll be in the Spurs’ rotation from the start. And Spurs HC Greg Popovich agrees:

I saw Castle’s only appearance in Las Vegas, where he scored 22 points with five rebounds, four assists, two 3s, one steal and five turnovers in 29 minutes of action. Across all leagues, Castle averaged 17-6-4 with 3s and steals and 35-27-67 shot splits. His shot definitely needs work, but he has a vet’s feel and pace for the game. You can’t speed him up, and Castle uses his size and IQ to pick his spots and easily create for others.

Chris Paul’s arrival initially suppresses his value, but he is the prospect that will emerge as the season progresses. I mentioned earlier how his defense is the most refined aspect of his game, but Castle is also an underrated rebounder, especially on the offensive glass. He has knocked down at least two offensive boards in every game this summer.

The 19-year-old has a profile full of statistics, and with the tutelage of CP3 and playing with Victor Wembanyama, this kid is my bet for Rookie of the Year.