The California Classic has once again provided an exciting taste of NBA action, spotlighting new talent and seasoned players alike over four days at Sacramento's Golden 1 Center and San Francisco's Chase Center. This annual NBA Summer League event, now in its sixth year, continues to be a proving ground for rookies while delivering thrilling basketball to fans in Northern California.
Sacramento Highlights
The Sacramento Kings played host to a round-robin competition featuring the Hornets, Spurs, and a special appearance by the Chinese National Team. Among the standout performers was Stephon Castle, the San Antonio Spurs' No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Castle demonstrated his versatility and skill with 18 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals in his final summer league game. As he prepares for the main Summer League event in Las Vegas, Castle's confident approach is evident. "I'm comfortable really anywhere out on the court. I will say I'm probably most comfortable on the ball, but if I play off the ball, I still feel 100% comfortable there. Just being with the kinda team that we have, I feel like we will have five guys that can dribble, pass, and shoot. The positions are out of the equation a little bit," said Castle.
In other Sacramento action, Keon Ellis made a significant impact, scoring 30 points in a tough loss to the Warriors. Despite the individual performances, injuries also played a role, with Hornets' No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaün, notably absent due to a minor laceration near his knee. Meanwhile, the Spurs bolstered their roster with the addition of veterans Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, aiming to blend youth with experience.
Thrills in San Francisco
San Francisco's Chase Center hosted another set of exciting games featuring a secondary Kings team and squads from the Warriors, Heat, and Lakers. The competition culminated in a nail-biting finale where the Warriors edged out Sacramento 91-90, securing the inaugural "Mitch Richmond Trophy" in the Battle of NorCal Summer League game.
Bronny James, playing for the Lakers, had a mixed experience. He managed to rack up stats across multiple categories but was hampered by knee swelling that caused him to miss the game against the Warriors. In the game against Miami, James put up three points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals, contributing to his total event tally of seven rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and two steals.
Among other notable stats, Knecht struggled with shooting consistency, hitting just 30.2% from the floor and 26.7% from beyond the arc throughout the event. However, he did have moments of brilliance, such as scoring 20 points in a clash against the Heat.
Legacy Continues
The California Classic, now an established and anticipated event on the NBA summer calendar, continues to be a vital platform for player development and fan engagement. This year’s iteration not only showcased the upcoming talent of rookies like Stephon Castle and challenges faced by young stars like Bronny James but also highlighted the inspiring performances of more seasoned players, setting the stage for another exciting season of basketball. With its blend of burgeoning young prospects and veteran presence, the Classic remains a must-watch for hoops enthusiasts and a key fixture in the sport's summer landscape.