The California Classic once again showcased the breadth of talent and fierce competition that NBA Summer League events are known for. Spanning four days across Sacramento's Golden 1 Center and San Francisco's Chase Center, this year’s event featured teams from the Sacramento Kings, Charlotte Hornets, San Antonio Spurs, and the Chinese National Team in a gripping round-robin format. Meanwhile, a second Kings summer league team competed against squads from the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers in San Francisco.
Key Performances and Highlights
One of the standout players this year was Stephon Castle, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, who represented the San Antonio Spurs. Castle put in a stellar performance in his final summer league game, recording 18 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Reflecting on his versatility, Castle remarked, "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 kind of 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."
Looking ahead, Castle is preparing for the main Summer League event in Las Vegas, where he will aim to continue his impressive trajectory.
Challenges and Setbacks
The event was not without its challenges. Tidjane Salaün, the Hornets' No. 6 pick, missed the action due to a minor laceration near his knee. In another setback, Bronny James, playing for the Lakers, had to sit out of the game against the Warriors because of knee swelling. However, James did make an impact in other games, scoring three points, securing five rebounds, delivering three assists, and making two steals against Miami. Over the course of the event, he accumulated seven rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and two steals, proving his worth as a valuable team player.
Highs and Lows
Keon Ellis also had notable moments, scoring 30 points in a loss to the Warriors. Despite standing out with an impressive individual performance, Ellis and his team couldn't clinch a victory in San Francisco. On the technical side of things, Ellis had a shooting accuracy of 41.7% on 3-pointers last season, a statistic that holds promise for his future contributions.
For the Golden State Warriors, the event culminated in a thrilling 91-90 victory over Sacramento in the final game at Chase Center. This win earned the Warriors the inaugural "Mitch Richmond Trophy" in the Battle of NorCal Summer League game, adding a historic milestone to their summer league campaign.
Noteworthy Additions and Statistics
The Spurs made strategic roster additions with veterans Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, adding experience and depth to their young lineup. Meanwhile, Bronny James had to navigate his own challenges, as seen in his mixed performance metrics: shooting 13-of-43 (30.2%) from the floor and 4-of-15 (26.7%) from beyond the arc over the event. However, James did manage to score 20 points in the game against the Heat, demonstrating his scoring potential.
The California Classic, now in its sixth year, continues to be a proving ground for emerging talent and a platform for scouting future NBA superstars. Each year, it offers young players the opportunity to showcase their skills, refine their game, and capture the attention of coaches and fans alike.
Overall, this year's California Classic delivered on all fronts—from high-level performances and budding rivalries to setbacks and comebacks. As spectators and team officials now turn their attention to the main Summer League event in Las Vegas, the lessons and standout moments from Sacramento and San Francisco will undoubtedly continue to resonate, shaping the futures of these young athletes.