NBA Draft

California Classic Summer League Preview: Top Prospects and Matchups in Highly Anticipated Event

What to watch for in the California Classic this week as NBA Summer League kicks off.

Draft Digest Staff

California Classic Summer League Preview: Top Prospects and Matchups in Highly Anticipated Event
California Classic Summer League Preview: Top Prospects and Matchups in Highly Anticipated Event /
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Before the premier summer league event takes place in Las Vegas later this week, there's two other circuits leading up to that in which top rookies will play their first minutes for their new teams. One of these includes the California Classic, a three-day event in Sacramento. The event itself will have game action on two days — July 3 and July 5 — and will feature a triple-header matchup each day with all six teams participating.

The Kings, Warriors, Lakers and Heat historically play in this event, but the Spurs and Hornets will be added this summer. Between the six teams, upwards of seven players drafted in the first round have a chance to be showcased. 

While more than just rookies will compete in this event, let's take a look at each team's NBA Summer League roster and which rookies we're most excited about. 

San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio has already announced that Victor Wembanyama will not travel to Sacramento for the California Classic, so he'll be making his debut later in the week in Las Vegas. Even then, The Spurs' roster is loaded with young talent. In terms of rookies, keep an eye on Sidy Cissoko, who went in the second round but has first-round talent. From there, Charles Bediako and Sir'Jabari Rice could end up being quality pieces as well.

Charlotte Hornets

The No. 2 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft will make his debut on Monday night. Brandon Miller headlines the Charlotte roster and should be the most anticipated prospect of this event. He'll be joined by a talented crop of rookies including Nick Smith Jr., James Nnaji and Amari Bailey among others.  

Los Angeles Lakers

While they didn't have a single lottery pick on draft night, the Lakers came away with two players who absolutely have lottery talent. Jalen Hood-Schifino and Maxwell Lewis should be two of the most exciting rookies in this circuit. Los Angeles also picked up D'Moi Hodge, Colin Castleton and Alex Fudge on the undrafted free agent market who have real potential.

Miami Heat

Miami is known for developing talent, especially players that don't get drafted. That's exactly why exciting prospects like Taylor Funk and Drew Peterson were attracted to signing with the Heat after going undrafted. With that in mind, the top rookie for the Heat should be Jaime Jaquez Jr., who was selected just outside of the lottery.

Golden State Warriors

Golden State's NBA Summer League roster has more rookies than nearly any. Brandin Podziemski will lead the charge for the Warriors after being their top pick in the first round, followed by Trayce Jackson-Davis who slid to late into the second. From there, Yuri Collins, Kendric Davis, and Gabe Kalscheur are intriguing pieces that will look to showcase their upside this week after not being selected on draft night.

Sacramento Kings

The hosts of this event, the Kings actually don't have a first-round rookie after trading their pick to dump salary. However, Colby Jones was a fantastic pick for them in round two. Sacramento also did well on the undrafted free agent market, bringing in Jalen Slawson and Jake Stephens who both truly have a chance to make it in the league.

While this event takes place, the Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, Memphis Grizzlies and Philadelphia 76ers will be competing in Salt Lake City in a four-team circuit. From there, all 30 teams will head to Las Vegas on July 7.

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Draft Digest Staff
DRAFT DIGEST STAFF

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