Rookies Who Already Look Like Draft Steals at 2024 NBA Summer League

The past NBA draft was not full of franchise-altering rookies. It was more a role-player-filled group than anything else. But that's not to say that this class will not yield All-Stars.

It also does not mean there were not some steals. There have been a few standouts after a few weeks of the summer league who could be considered bargains—even this early.

One is a top-five pick who could have gone No. 1.

There is also a top-10 pick who could have a long, productive career as a starting center in the NBA.

Then, a senior dropped in the draft but landed with a coach who might be familiar with the same player type.

Finally, there is an early second-round pick who might not play much this season, but his promise as a playmaker makes him one of the steals of the draft.

It could take a couple of years, and nothing is certain. But at this point, the following young prospects look like the biggest steals from the 2024 draft.

Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs

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LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 13: Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on July 13, 2024 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)

Can a No. 4 pick in the draft be considered a steal?

If it is Stephon Castle landing with the San Antonio Spurs, it is.

Castle's summer league was cut short due to injury, but he flashed enough in his one game in Vegas and two at the California Classic to make me believe he might be the best player from this draft in a few seasons.

In the limited games Castle did play, he showed his ability to make the correct passing reads off pick-and-rolls, get into the lane easily and be a solid defender. Through three games, he averaged 4.0 assists to go with his 17.3 points. His jumper could be better, but if that improves over the next few seasons, he will be a perfect running mate for Victor Wembanyama.

In addition to the skills Castle already possesses, Chris Paul will give him expert teaching on the point guard position.

Keep an eye on Castle; in three seasons, we might ask why he didn't go first in the draft.

Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers

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LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 16: Donovan Clingan #23 of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball during the game on July 16, 2024 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)

The No. 7 pick has been outstanding in Las Vegas. Donovan Clingan is showing why the Portland Trail Blazers selected him, providing great work on the glass and protecting the rim.

The big man leads the Vegas Summer League in rebounding with 12.3 boards and 4.3 blocks per game. These numbers are more translatable to the regular season. That is not to say he'd put up these stats this upcoming season—but it shows what he can do.

Clingan falling to No. 7 was perfect for the Blazers. They needed some size and consistency, which they'll get from him. He'll be a backup to DeAndre Ayton and make the often-injured Robert Williams expendable.

It was not a sexy pick, but Clingan has the potential to be a long-time pro. His rebounding, rim protection and screen setting will immediately help the Blazers.

Dalton Knecht, Los Angeles Lakers

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LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 18: Dalton Knecht #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball during the game on July 18, 2024 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)

In 2023, the Los Angeles Lakers missed out on taking the steal of that draft in Jaime Jaquez Jr. This year, they did not repeat that mistake when they drafted Dalton Knecht out of Tennessee with the 17th pick.

Knecht could not have landed in a better spot than the Lakers. He will play for a first-time coach, JJ Redick, who was a movement shooter during his playing days.

After a slow start at the California Classic Summer League, Knecht found his shot in Vegas. He has connected on 39.1 percent of his 7.7 three-point attempts and is averaging 21.1 points, leading the Lakers in scoring.

Los Angeles will need Knecht's shooting next season. It shot a respectable 37.7 percent from three but took the third-fewest attempts.

The four-year college player can give Redick minutes immediately to help stretch the floor for LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Tyler Kolek, New York Knicks

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LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 19: Tyler Kolek #13 of the New York Knicks goes to the basket during the game on July 19, 2024 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

Most people have not heard of Tyler Kolek. Which is understandable. Portland made him the 34th pick and traded him to the Knicks. But over a few summer-league games, he's shown he has a real chance to be a second-round steal.

Kolek is a pure playmaker, averaging 7.3 assists through three games in Las Vegas. His low turnover numbers are just as impressive as the number of assists. (He's averaging 1.3 turnovers per contest.)

The challenge for Kolek is the depth of the Knicks, which might mean he will not see much playing time. If given the opportunity, he will raise some eyebrows. He can hit catch-and-shoot threes, has a quick burst to get to the rim and again, his vision will open up opportunities for others.

Even though Kolek might not see much court time, the kid can play.