3 Biggest standouts at 2023 California Classic Summer League

The 2023 California Classic Summer League is officially wrapped up, as many young players got a chance to shine amongst their peers. This Summer League 6-game slate consisted of six teams competing in the Sacramento Kings home, Golden 1 Center.

The Kings, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, and Charlotte Hornets were all represented, as these franchises put together teams full of young talent. The Kings and Spurs finished with a 2-0 record, while the Lakers and Hornets went winless. But, the Summer League is not always about winning or losing games, as teams focus on giving players a chance to showcase their skills.

There was some impressive talent on display as we take a look at the three biggest standouts from the California Classic Summer League:

3. Lester Quinones, Golden State Warriors

After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft, Lester Quinones spent most of his time in the G League for the Santa Cruz Warriors. The 22-year-old guard is a perfect example of making the most of the Summer League opportunity.

Starting the Summer League with a 26-point performance against the Kings, then following it up with a 21-point performance in a win against the Hornets, Quinones showed he is fighting for a Golden State Warriors roster spot.

Lester Quinones shot 56% from the field and 59% from three in his two California Classic games, as he was scoring effectively and efficiently.

While the Warriors finished with a 1-1 record, Quinones led the team in scoring in both games and showcased his ability to the Golden State front office, as he will most likely get a two-way contract.

2. Julian Champagnie, San Antonio Spurs

Julian Champagnie came into the Summer League after recently signing a four-year / $12 million deal to stay with the San Antonio Spurs. This new contract might have fueled him, as Champagnie looked like a completely different player.

After averaging 15.5 points per game in the G League last season, Champagnie came into the California Classic Summer League red hot. Starting the Summer League with 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals in a win against the Charlotte Hornets, Champagnie went on a hot streak with a 28-point performance the next game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Julian Champagnie and teammate Malaki Branham combined for 60 points in their win against the Lakers as this young duo took over the California Classic.

Champagnie shot 46% from the field, 45% from three, and 87% from the free-throw line while leading the Spurs to a 2-0 record. This efficiency helped him become a top Summer League performer and the second-leading scorer in the California Classic.

The 22-year-old could be on the verge of a breakout season for a young Spurs squad, and his new contract shows the organization has faith in the young forward. Through 15 games played with San Antonio last season, Champagnie averaged 11.0 points and 4.0 rebounds per game on 46/40/82 shooting splits.

1. Keegan Murray, Sacramento Kings

Keegan Murray has been the most impressive Summer League player the NBA has seen in years. Most people argue that he should not even be participating in the Summer League after starting seven playoff games as a rookie last season.

After kicking off the 2023 Summer League Kings campaign with a 29-point performance, Keegan Murray had an all-time Summer League game with 41 points. This 41-point outing is a top-five Summer League scoring performance of all time and the best in Sacramento Kings’ history.

To go along with his 41 points, Murray tacked on five rebounds and four blocks while shooting 11-20 from the field and 6-11 from deep.

Keegan Murray led the Kings to a 2-0 California Classic record but will end his Summer League campaign there. Murray will continue to travel with the Sacramento squad but will not play any more games for this Kings Summer League squad.

Kings Summer League head coach Luke Loucks had high praise for Murray following his 41-point performance (via @SacramentoKings | Twitter):

"” I can’t speak highly enough of Keegan [Murray]. Just for him to show up with a good attitude and lead this group for a couple of games speaks volume and speaks to his character.”"

The 6’8″ forward is looking to have a breakout sophomore season for Sacramento, as the Kings hope for him to develop into a strong 3rd-option in the record-breaking Kings offense.

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