The 2021 NBA Summer League featured one of the most hyped draft classes in the last decade. Draft experts predicted a handful of stars at the top of the draft but also some surprises have appeared from later in the draft making it a deep draft class as well. At the top of the class, Cade Cunningham and Jalen Green did not disappoint, both looking as if they will be front runners for the NBA Rookie of the Year and also All-Stars sooner than later. Cunningham showed off his scoring ability knocking down threes at a good clip in his summer league run while Green shot ridiculous percentages from the field, three, and free throw line at 51%, 52%, 92%, respectively. Further down the draft at pick 9, Davion Mitchell took the league by storm with his ability on the defensive end to lock up the opposing team’s best player earning him the nickname “Off Night.” He led the Sacramento Kings, along with a few other two-way G-League stars, to a Summer League Championship win. Other late to undrafted players also made big splashes in the summer league. Cam Thomas was a late 1st round pick for the Brooklyn Nets but had an impressive showing in his time during summer league as he put up a 36 point game and a few other big scoring outings showing he was one of the potential steals of the draft. Another big surprise and stars of the summer league were the 3rd Ball brother who looks like he should be worthy of an NBA roster spot. Liangelo Ball played about 20 minutes or less in all of his appearances off the bench but was arguably the 2nd best player on the Charlotte Hornets summer league roster exploding for 5 threes and 16 points in his first game in 17 minutes and also made an impact on the court with his energy, hustle, and shooting ability. The summer league was just a taste of what this rookie class has to offer and left many wanting to see more of what they have to offer.
