Los Angeles

Clippers

Christie saved his best summer league performance for last, hitting six 3-pointers and scoring 22 points in the one-point semifinal defeat. In four games, the rookie averaged 8.8 points on 31.6% shooting from the field, with 3-point production (2.3 per game) being where he provided the most value. While he faces longer odds of cracking the Clippers’ regular season rotation than Jordan Miller, who scored 28 on Sunday, Christie is an intriguing prospect for the future. He turns 19 on July 24, making him one of the youngest rookies in this class. Fantasy managers should not expect too much from Christie as a rookie, but he’s worth selecting in dynasty leagues.

The only thing that could stop Miller on Sunday was foul trouble, which may have been why the Clippers failed to advance to Monday’s championship game. The 2023 second-round pick continued his exemplary play in Las Vegas with another standout showing on Sunday afternoon, but he fouled out with 4:20 remaining in the fourth quarter. A Kobe Brown missed free throw with two seconds remaining proved to be the difference, but this was an unfortunate end to an excellent week for Miller. He made it clear early in summer league that the goal was to crack the Clippers’ rotation once the regular season begins. If he can carry his summer performance into training camp, Tyronn Lue will have a decision to make.

Brown didn’t see the floor much during his rookie season, but he has played well as the star of the Clippers’ Summer League squad. He is averaging 16.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game as they’ve started the summer 4-0. Having lost Paul George to the 76ers, the Clippers may turn to Brown to take on more minutes this upcoming season. If he is able to play a consistent role, he may be able to provide some value in deeper leagues.

Dunn will get a chance to serve as James Harden’s primary backup. His primary value comes from his defense and he averaged just 5.4 points per game last season despite 32 starts in 66 games. He’ll provide some much-needed backcourt depth but likely won’t provide much fantasy production.

Westbrook opted into the final season of his contract at the start of free agency, but that move did not guarantee that he’ll remain with the Clippers. Law Murray of The Athletic reported as much in late June, and on Monday, Frank said the team was working with Westbrook’s agent to see if there could be a better fit for the veteran point guard elsewhere. With James Harden being re-signed, remaining in Los Angeles would likely result in Westbrook falling out of the rotation. That would not be good for his already low fantasy value.

Miller showed up in Las Vegas with a desire to show the Clippers he deserves a shot at rotation minutes, and he’s played exceptionally well through two games. After scoring 36 points on Friday, he put up 21 more on Sunday and is now 21-of-21 from the foul line. Miller is on a two-way contract for next season, but he’s likely sparked a conversation among Clippers decision-makers with his play through two games in Las Vegas.

Having failed to crack the Clippers’ rotation as a rookie, Brown is looking to change that in 2024-25. He made the most of his opportunities on the offensive end of the floor; the 2023 first-round pick’s combination of strength and athleticism makes him a tough cover in the half-court. While the Clippers addressed Paul George’s exit by signing Derrick Jones Jr. and Nicolas Batum, there could be room for Brown on the back end of the rotation. One area he’ll need to address is defending without fouling, but the Clippers have asked Brown to take on a variety of assignments in Las Vegas. That approach should pay dividends once the season begins.

What a night for Miller, who will be on a two-way contract for a second consecutive season. While the Clippers have added Derrick Jones Jr. and Nicolas Batum in free agency, the 2023 second-round pick hopes to throw his hat into the ring for rotation minutes. Friday’s performance was a step in the right direction and what teams want to see from a returning player in the summer league environment. Miller is not a player who fantasy managers should plan on drafting right now, but he is worth tracking in Las Vegas.

Drafted in 2021, Jones has only appeared in 67 games in his NBA career. He did not appear in a regular-season NBA game in 2023-24, but he’ll compete for a roster spot for a team severely lacking in center depth. Jones isn’t worth selecting in 2024-25 fantasy drafts, but he’s worth keeping an eye on if Ivica Zubac is forced to miss time during the upcoming season.

Jones is dealing with another injury, as a hamstring issue sidelined him during the spring. While the ankle injury will keep him from participating in Summer League action, the Clippers plan to retain Jones, according to Law Murray of The Athletic. He’ll have ample time to recover in time for training camp, and Jones is not a player fantasy managers should be planning to select in drafts this fall.