With the rookies and sophomores of the Pacific, Northwest, Southwest, and Atlantic divisions attending Summer League out of the way, now comes the Central Division. Here are the top rookies and sophomores from each of the Central Division teams and what to expect from each of them at Summer League.
Summer League: Top Central Division Rookies And Sophomores
Team: Milwaukee Bucks
Rookie: AJ Johnson
The 23rd overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, AJ Johnson, is the rookie to watch on the Bucks. The main expectation that Johnson has to meet is to show off his athleticism, ball-handling, and shot-creation abilities. Additionally, he needs to show that he can translate those skills against NBA-level talent. Based on his first three performances, there has been a mix of positive and negative things to take away from Johnson’s time at Summer League. Namely, Johnson has effectively created shots from beyond the arc and knocked them down efficiently. That was highlighted with a 22-point performance against the Clippers, where he knocked down three triples. Also, he has had numerous athletic plays throughout Summer League so far, especially in transition and on defense. However, his overall creation in the half-court has been lackluster.
Regardless, the Bucks still have two more games left at Summer League. All in all, Johnson has impressed in various ways, particularly his shooting from three and his athleticism. As long as he keeps up with the positive and improves on the negatives, then Johnson will have more than met expectations.
Sophomore: Andre Jackson Jr.
The Bucks sophomore to watch for is Andre Jackson Jr., who was picked in the second round last year. Unquestionably, the main expectation for Jackson is to show that he is too good for Summer League and is ready for more minutes in the coming season. He played quite a few games with the main team last year, so it is important for him to impress at Summer League to gain more minutes. Unfortunately, Jackson suffered an injury in his previous game, which means his time at Summer League is likely over.
Regardless, based on the games he played, the results were relatively poor. While the defense has been on point and effort is constantly there, there has been little improvement on the offensive end. His jumper has been absent and he has been turning the ball over way too much. His overall performance at Summer League has not been impressive and, unfortunately, he will not have the final two games to make up for it.
Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
Rookie: Jaylon Tyson
The Cavaliers selected Jaylon Tyson with the 20th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and he is the rookie to watch at Summer League. The main expectation for Tyson is to show off his wide array of offensive skills against NBA-level competition. The hope for Tyson is that he impresses enough to earn some playing time in the Cavaliers rotation. In three games so far, Tyson has done just that and he has been a steady offensive presence. He, overall, has shown his ability to score efficiently and be a creator for others. Not only that, he has also contributed in other ways besides scoring, as he has been a presence on the boards. As long as Tyson continues with this production, his performances lend themselves well to the idea of him getting minutes with the Cavaliers.
Sophomore: Emoni Bates
Emoni Bates is the sophomore to watch for on the Cavaliers Summer League roster. The main expectation for Bates is to show that he has improved his overall game enough to earn some playing time with the main team. Based on his performances so far, he has had bright spots, but Bates still needs to show more progress in his game. He has shown his ability to score in a variety of ways, but he needs to show more as a catch-and-shoot threat. Nevertheless, Bates has two more games to show that he has made enough progress in his game to earn minutes.
Team: Indiana Pacers
Rookie: Johnny Furphy
Former Kansas Jayhawk Johnny Furphy is the rookie to watch for on the Pacers. The main expectation for Furphy is to show off his shooting ability and overall potential as a player. Fans should expect a healthy diet of threes from Furphy and he has shown that so far in Summer League. He has shown his ability to knock down shots from deep in various ways, which opens up his versatility as a shooter. Furphy has showcased his ability to be impactful offensively cutting off-ball and in transition. Furthermore, he has fought on defense, which is one of the biggest knocks as a player. Overall, Furphy has been meeting every expectation and should continue to do so as Summer League goes on.
Sophomore: Jarace Walker
On the sophomore side for the Pacers, Jarace Walker is the one to watch for. Having been sidelined by Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin, the main expectation for Walker is to show out at Summer League and prove himself deserving of minutes in the rotation. So far, he has put out an incredibly strong performance at Summer League. Walker, among the rookies and sophomores attending Summer League, has been one of the best-performing players. He has looked like he has improved in every facet of his game. As long as he continues his level of play, playing time should come his way.
Team: Chicago Bulls
Rookie: Matas Buzelis
The former G-League Ignite star Matas Buzelis is the rookie to watch on the Bulls at Summer League. The expectation for Buzelis at Summer League is to show off his potential as a player. So far, Buzelis has been succeeding in that endeavor. He has shown himself as a talented, athletic forward who can do a little bit of everything. He was billed as that before the draft and Buzelis is living up to that description. Buzelis has shown himself to be impactful defensively, being a threat offensively, and being very athletic. Buzelis still has more games to show his potential even further. His performance at Summer League has been a great start to his career.
Sophomore: Julian Phillips
Julian Phillips is the sophomore to watch on the Bulls Summer League roster. The main expectation for Phillips is to show that he has improved his offensive game, particularly from three. So far, Phillips has not met those expectations as he has struggled to knock down shots from deep. Despite that, Phillips has been impactful in other ways like on defense or on the boards. Hopefully, Phillips can pick his shooting up in the final games at Summer League.
Team: Detroit Pistons
Rookie: Ron Holland II
Another G-League star appears on this list as Ron Holland II is the rookie to watch on the Pistons. Like Buzelis, the expectation for Holland is to show off his skills and potential as a player. So far, there is a lot to be hopeful for if you are a Pistons fan. While he hasn’t shot well from the floor, Holland has been the rim-pressuring threat as advertised. Holland has been active defensively and on the glass. Through it all, Holland has shown off his physical gifts in various ways on both sides of the court. Hopefully, his shooting efficiency is brought up to the level of his overall play in the final Summer League games.
Sophomore: Marcus Sasser
The sophomore to watch for on the Pistons at Summer League is Marcus Sasser. The main expectation for Sasser is to show that he has improved as a player and is fully deserving of an expanded role for the Pistons. However, the results for Sasser have been mixed so far. He has shown flashes of improvement in different facets of his game, but he hasn’t fully put it all together. There will be one game where he shows off his scoring or playmaking but he hasn’t been consistent with his play. Regardless, Sasser has the last couple of Summer League games to show what he can be.
