Top Atlantic Division Rookies and Sophomores

After discussing the rookies and sophomores from the Pacific, Northwest, and Southwest Divisions attending Summer League, it’s time for the Atlantic Division. Here are the top rookies and sophomores from each of the Atlantic Division teams and what you can expect from each of them during Summer League.

Summer League: Atlantic Division’s top rookies and sophomores

Team: Boston Celtics

Rookie: Baylor Scheierman

Selected by the 2024 NBA Champions, the Boston Celtics with the 30th overall pick, Baylor Scheierman is the rookie to watch on their Summer League roster. Scheierman made a name for himself in college as a talented shot-maker and overall offensive threat. The expectation is that Scheierman will showcase his offensive skills and translate that to NBA talent. So far, his results in two Summer League games have been mixed in terms of pure scoring. However, he has shown that he can do the little things that contribute to winning. Regardless, with more games to come, Scheierman will still get his chances to show that scoring punch he is known for.

Sophomore: Jordan Walsh

The sophomore to watch for the Celtics is undoubtedly Jordan Walsh. Walsh’s best skills are undoubtedly on defense, which could earn him playing time next year. However, the expectation is that Walsh shows that he has improved his overall game, including offense, and that he is ready to take the next step in his development. On the negative side, all of the offensive improvements that Walsh made in the G-League did not show in his first two Summer League games this year. Despite that, he will get more opportunities to prove that he is ready to take his game to the next level.

Team: New York Knicks

Rookie: Tyler Kolek

Tyler Kolek is the rookie to watch on the Knicks Summer League roster. Fans can expect to see a talented playmaker and scorer who does a lot of the little things to win in Kolek. Despite the addition of Cameron Payne, Kolek is expected to show that he is ready for minutes on a main team that needs reserve guard play. In his debut, Kolek showed that he is an effective playmaker and creator for others despite his poor shooting. He also showed drive and effort, grabbing seven rebounds. As long as Kolek continues to put forth the same effort in the following games, there is a real possibility for early playing time with the Knicks.

Sophomore: Jacob Toppin

As for the Knicks’ sophomores, former Knick Obi Toppin’s brother, Jacob Toppin, is the one to watch. The biggest expectation for Toppin is that he shows that he has improved his overall game. Toppin had a productive season in the G-League and the hope is that he can show that in Summer League. Based on his debut game with the Knicks, Toppin has impressed with the improvements he has made. He scored 19 points, hit two three-pointers and grabbed six rebounds. With more performances like this, Toppin could see some minutes for the Knicks.

Team: Philadelphia 76ers

Rookie: Jared McCain

Jared McCain, selected 16th overall by the Sixers, is the rookie to watch for the Sixers. The biggest expectation for McCain is that he shows off his long-range shooting and rebounding ability. So far, McCain’s known shooting hasn’t quite come together, but his rebounding has. At just 6’10”, McCain has impressed with his rebounding ability. With more games to come, McCain will get more opportunities to show off his shooting ability.

Sophomore: Ricky Council IV

Ricky Council IV is the sophomore to watch on the Sixers Summer League roster. Despite going undrafted, Council impressed in limited minutes during his rookie season with the Sixers. The expectation is that Council will show that he is too good for Summer League and is ready to contribute to the main roster. Based on the Sixers first two games, Council has consistently been one of the better performers for the Sixers in Summer League. If he keeps this up, there is a real chance he could see some minutes next season.

Team: Brooklyn Nets

Rookie: n/a

Sophomore: Noah Clowney

The sophomore to watch on the Nets Summer League roster is Noah Clowney. The former 21st overall pick played limited minutes with Brooklyn last season, but had a solid season in the G-League. The biggest expectation for Clowney is that he shows the improvements he made this past season. Clowney has had a solid showing so far in Summer League, generally being efficient with his shooting. If he continues his performance, he should see more minutes with the Nets in the future.

Team: Toronto Raptors

Rookie: Ja’Kobe Walter

The 19th overall pick, Ja’Kobe Walter, is the rookie to watch for the Raptors Summer League team. Walter is expected to show his shooting and defensive potential. Despite a disappointing college season from a shooting perspective, Walter still has a lot of potential as a shooter. He has potential on the defensive end of the court as a 3-and-D wing due to his frame. So far, the results in Summer League have been mixed, with Walter shooting poorly in both games he has played. However, the second game went better for him as he contributed in ways other than scoring. Hopefully, Walter can continue to trend upward as Summer League progresses.

Sophomore: Gradey Dick

Gradey Dick is the sophomore to watch on the Raptors Summer League team. Fans can expect Dick to show an overall improvement in his game and become a more well-rounded player. Based on his Summer League performances thus far, the results have been mixed, with a great first game and a poor second performance. In the first game, Dick had an excellent all-around game with the only blemish being his shooting. In the second game, Dick was a complete non-factor. With more games to come, Dick will need to return to his first game performance level to show that he has made improvements.