Las Vegas – The Summer League is a whirlwind event, mixing celebrations of young NBA talent, part-time conventions, networking, owner meetings, and parties, all centered around plenty of basketball. It offers fans and media their first real glimpse of top draft picks and how they perform in a near-NBA environment, as well as showing the progress of players in their second or third year.
Here are the 15 most notable players seen at the Las Vegas Summer League, organized by category, though this list only includes those who played in Vegas.
Big Name
Cooper Flagg
The No. 1 draft pick lived up to expectations. What stands out with Flagg is his consistency and solid skill set. While his shooting was off in the opening game, he showed elite defense, smart passing, and the ability to create secondary shots. He bounced back impressively in his second game, scoring 31 points and demonstrating strong driving and finishing skills. Flagg plays well as a ball-handler and will play a crucial role for Dallas alongside stars like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.
Dylan Harper
Spurs fans had to wait for the second overall pick to play, as Harper missed the opener due to minor health issues. Once on the court, he impressed with his athleticism and offensive control, finishing with an average of 16 points despite shooting just 35.7%. Harper showed smoothness in pace and finishing, hinting at a bright future if he continues to develop.
VJ Edgecombe
After a thumb injury delayed his start, Edgecombe showed strong defensive hustle and good playmaking once he returned. His shooting struggled early, missing all shots in the first half, but he caught fire in the second, finishing with 15 points on perfect shooting. Beyond scoring, he showed plenty of promise in other facets of the game.
Yang Hansen
Hansen’s infectious playing style energized both teammates and fans, with large crowds drawn to see the Chinese star. He displayed excellent passing vision, a reliable mid-range jumper, and the physicality to exploit mismatches. Though his defense and strength need improvement, Hansen’s overall game impressed in his summer league debut.
Bronnie James
The Summer League highlights development, and James showed clear improvement this season, particularly in decision-making and steering plays. Lakers coach Lindsay Harding praised his growth, noting James’ increasing confidence on the floor. While his shooting remains inconsistent, he looks poised to contribute meaningful minutes for the Lakers.
Too Good for Summer League
Matthew Bouzelle
Buzelis showed that he’s ready to move beyond the Summer League. After a rough first game, he dominated his second, proving he is more advanced than many players in Vegas.
Reed Shepherd
Shepherd, after a strong Summer League last year, again dominated at this level. He looked stronger and more comfortable with the physicality, averaging 23 points, which bodes well for his expected role with the Rockets.
Ajay Mitchell
Despite a recent three-year contract, Mitchell suited up in Las Vegas, proving he can thrive offensively with a 20-point average and efficient shooting. His performance shows he’s more focused on basketball than the party scene from his college days.
Kyle Filipowski
Filipowski led Las Vegas in scoring with nearly 30 points per game on efficient shooting. He improved from his late-season Utah stint but was limited after a few games in Vegas.
Eye-Catcher
Joan Bellinger
The Timberwolves’ 17th pick impressed defensively and athletically, showing potential to eventually fill Rudy Gobert’s defensive role. In his debut, he had 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 blocks, averaging solid defensive stats across Vegas.
Noapender
The 32nd pick showcased versatility for the Magic, scoring efficiently and demonstrating high basketball IQ. His ability to handle the ball, rebound, and adapt to different roles impressed coaches.
Danis Jenkins
A former St. John’s star, Jenkins secured a two-way contract with Detroit. He brought strong defense and scoring efficiency, proving he can play at a high level.
Ryan Kalkbrenner
Charlotte’s defensive anchor in Vegas, Kalkbrenner averaged 2.3 blocks per game, showing solid rim protection. He also contributed points and rebounds and signed a four-year deal with the team.
Yuki Kawamura
Beloved by fans, Kawamura earned a two-way contract with Memphis and garnered interest while playing summer league for Chicago.
Ryan Nembird
Despite concerns about size and shooting, Nembird showed strong leadership and improved offensive skills in Vegas. Dallas rewarded him with a two-way contract, giving him a chance to prove himself.
Carter Bryant
The Spurs’ lottery pick turned into a defensive menace, troubling even top players like Cooper Flagg. If Bryant can develop offensively, he could have a significant role, especially given his strong perimeter defense.
Fan Take: The Summer League not only highlights emerging NBA stars but also offers a glimpse into the future of the league’s evolving talent landscape. Fans should watch these players closely, as their development now could shape the next era of basketball excitement and competition.
