Las Vegas – The 2025 NBA Summer League kicked off its opening weekend in Las Vegas with two courts hosting eight games, offering plenty to follow. Here are some of the standout moments from the action.
Yang Hansen impressed beyond expectations. While it was just one summer league game and Hansen still has to prove he fits into an NBA rotation, his performance was undeniably entertaining. The enthusiastic Las Vegas crowd responded well to his play.
Yang shared, “The coach asked me to operate from the High Post and be the primary playmaker today, serving as a hub for everyone. I followed those instructions.” He finished with 10 points, hitting seven three-pointers, along with five assists, four rebounds, and six fouls.
Portland’s Summer League coach Ronnie Burrell commented, “He played the way we hoped, demonstrating many facets of his game. He’s versatile, skilled, and seemed to be enjoying himself, remaining loose and relaxed.”
Selected 16th by the Trail Blazers, Hansen, a 7’1″ center from China, is known for his passing ability, which shone brightly in Vegas. Despite a high volume of shots at the NBA Draft combine, concerns linger about his defense, athleticism, and strength, especially when matched against perimeter players. One solid summer league outing doesn’t resolve all doubts but marks a promising start.
Reed Shepherd also made a statement. Having seen limited minutes in his rookie year with the Rockets due to a deep roster and the addition of Kevin Durant, Shepherd showcased his readiness to contribute. After a loss to the Clippers, he dropped 28 points with eight rebounds, four assists, four steals, three blocks, and six three-pointers, dominating particularly in the third quarter.
Shepherd often ran the offense, creating opportunities for teammates with impressive one-handed skip passes. He also shared the floor with Kennedy Chandler, who scored 22 points and provided three assists. Shepherd praised Chandler’s ability to drive and create chances.
Offseason work on defense and strength was evident, with Shepherd totaling seven defensive stats and making impactful plays beyond the box score. Houston’s solid defense last season suggests Shepherd’s increased role won’t detract from the team’s defensive efficiency.
Other notes include Charlotte’s Kon Knuepel struggling in his debut but showing room for growth, while UConn’s Liam McNeely impressed with his relentless competitiveness and conditioning. Hawks’ Kobe Bufkin scored 29 points, helping secure a win and positioning himself as a strong contender for a backup point guard role.
Toronto’s Matas Buzelis dominated with efficient shooting and a highlight windmill dunk, despite missing Colin Murray due to injury. Rookie Rookino Aesenjou faced challenges but has ample time to develop. Tre Johnson earned the bucket of the day for his scoring efforts, drawing attention for his aggressive style.
Miami Heat’s Kasparov Jaccionis showed notable improvement, proving scouts’ late lottery selection potential. For the Utah Jazz, Kyle Filipowski and Isaiah Collier emerged as bright spots on offense and playmaking, hinting at future contributions.
Lastly, Duke’s Khaman Maluach revealed glimpses of becoming a solid NBA center but remains a work in progress and a longer-term project.
Fan Take: The 2025 Summer League is unveiling exciting new talents who may soon impact the NBA landscape, from skilled playmakers like Yang Hansen to defensive standouts like Reed Shepherd. For fans, this signals a thrilling evolution in the sport, with fresh faces ready to bring energy and innovation to the league.
