In their first few games of the NBA 2K25 summer league, former Colorado Buffaloes Cody Williams and Tristan da Silva have proven their worth as first-round draft picks.
Da Silva’s Orlando Magic set the tone early, securing the league’s first game with a 106-79 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 6-foot-9 forward posted 13 points in his first NBA action, highlighted by three 3-point makes and an all-around strong performance. Two days later, da Silva knocked down three more deep balls en route to 23 points in a win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
His efficiency, offensive read-making and two-way prowess shined in the two victories.
Orlando Magic No. 18 pick Tristan da Silva's smooth, skillful, and efficient style of play has translated seamlessly to NBA Summer League. He’s tallied 36 points, 9 boards, and 6 assists, shooting 6/11 from deep through 50 minutes of play. pic.twitter.com/d2AEEACP3p
— League Him (@League_Him) July 15, 2024
Williams, on the other hand, already had two games under his belt in the Salt Lake City Summer League. He struggled in front of his new home crowd early, but the lottery pick bounced back when he got to Vegas. In his first game there, Williams posted a game-high 21 points, hit three 3-pointers and slammed down a left-handed posterizing dunk while leading Utah to a one-point win over the Dallas Mavericks.
He couldn’t will his team to success in Utah’s next game against the Sacramento Kings, but scored an efficient 14 points.
Utah Jazz No. 10 pick Cody Williams did a bit of everything in his Las Vegas Summer League debut, slashing through the lane with long strides, flashing his playmaking ability with 4 assists, and connecting on 3-of-6 from deep on his way to 21 points in the 90-89 win. pic.twitter.com/yYyhs8wSKw
— League Him (@League_Him) July 14, 2024
Da Silva will try to continue his role as a smart catch-and-shoot forward this summer with a budding Orlando squad. Williams, with great potential on a poor team, will have different goals in mind as he and the Jazz wish to find stardom.
Both former Buffs will play again on Wednesday with Williams’ Jazz taking on the Toronto Raptors at 3 p.m. MT (ESPN2) and da Silva’s Magic facing the Memphis Grizzlies at 5 p.m. MT (ESPN+/ESPN3).
KJ Simpson, the No. 42 overall pick of the Charlotte Hornets, is missing the entire summer league due to a hamstring injury.
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