10 first impressions from NBA Summer League

Every year, the NBA Summer League provides a showcase for draft picks who aim to make strong first impressions for teams, media and fans.

Drafted by the Lakers in the second round, Bronny James is the major Summer League headline-grabber, mainly because he's the 19-year-old son of You-Know-Who. But he's far from the only player who has caught our eye — for the good or bad.

Here's an assessment of Bronny James and nine other players from the opening week of games (statistics through Thursday's games):

1. Bronny James | Los Angeles Lakers | 55th overall

First impression: A season in the G-League awaits | Despite rough stretches, he has shown flashes of becoming a defensive menace. James shoulders high expectations and is the target of media criticism, but he seems to be taking it in stride. His 13-point, five-rebound, three-assist outing against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday may be a sign of his potential. 

2. Alex Sarr | Washington Wizards | Second overall

First impression: Raw but talented | Sarr has struggled to score in his first four games because of atrocious shooting (19.1% from the field). However, he is playing solid defense, averaging 7.8 boards, and his motor and off-ball activity are impressive. Big men usually take longer to adapt and develop in the NBA.  Fortunately for Sarr, the Wizards can give him all the playing time he can handle, which should help expedite his development. 

3. Dalton Knecht | Los Angeles Lakers | 17th overall

First impression: Immediate rotation player | Knecht's stock has risen and he already looks capable of making an impact off the bench. Averaging 21.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists, Knecht could pressure new coach JJ Redick for a role in the rotation to begin the season. His three-level scoring, good lateral quickness and willingness to hustle on defense will ensure he has a platform to continue developing. 

4. Reed Sheppard | Houston Rockets | third overall

First impression: Immediate rotation player | Sheppard is one of the stars in Summer League so far. His shot-making, off-ball movement and hustle on both ends of the floor have quickly endeared him to Summer League fans. In four games, he is averaging 20 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists. Sheppard already projects as an NBA-level rotation player and should develop into an excellent player under head coach Ime Udoka's guidance.

5. Jaylon Tyson | Cleveland Cavaliers | 20th overall

First impression: Potential rotation player | Tyson is already showing the potential to become a double-double machine. He's averaging 13.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists and shooting 51.2%  from the field. Tyson could become a two-way wing once he gets acclimated to the NBA and expands his skillset. He looks like a great pickup. 

6. Zaccharie Risacher | Atlanta Hawks | First Overall

First impression: Raw but talented, he will get minutes due to being the top pick | Risacher, a former French pro player, has made a strong impression as a scorer and a reliable rebounder. However, he hasn't showcased the elite upside that made him the first overall draft pick by the Hawks, who are re-tooling around Trae Young. As he gets accustomed to the speed and physicality of the NBA, he will improve. Still, his 39.3% shooting from the field has been brutal.

7. Baylor Scheierman | Boston Celtics | 30th Overall

First impression: Potential rotation player with a high floor | He might be the steal of the draft. Scheierman already has showcased a diverse skillset, scoring off the catch, via movement or when attacking off the dribble. He's also flashed playmaking potential as an on-ball creator. However, his defensive limitations could hinder his chance of earning a rotation spot in head coach Joe Mazzulla's lineup this season.

8. Ron Holland II | Detroit Pistons | Fifth overall

First impression: Immediate rotation player | Holland has played well in two games, averaging 16 points and eight rebounds. However, his perimeter scoring needs work (16.7% from three).

9. Kel'el Ware | Miami Heat | 15th overall

First impression: Potential rotation player | Ware seems to have a great feel around the rim on both sides of the ball. Physical, fast and explosive, he has averaged 17.3 points and 8.3 rebounds over three games. He could be an energizing force off the bench for head coach Erik Spoelstra. If he improves his defensive positioning and expands his scoring ability, he could have a long NBA career.

10. Adem Bona | Philadelphia 76ers | 41st Overall

First impression: A year in the G-League awaits |Bottom line: Bona is raw. The 6-foot-8 forward has the skills to develop into a reliable big man, but it will take time for him to get up to speed. In three games, he's averaging 8.3 points and 6.7 rebounds. It's unlikely he will earn many minutes under head coach Nick Nurse this season, but he has the potential to be a rotation player.