The 2025 Las Vegas Summer League is highlighted in the book. Mark your late summer calendar! If you’re curious about who impressed us the most, check out reviews of standout summer league players like Cooper Flag and Yang Hansen.
The Charlotte Hornets claimed the Summer League championship, finishing as the only undefeated team in Las Vegas with an average margin of 14.2 points per game. Led by the No. 4 draft pick, Con Knupel, the Hornets defeated the Sacramento Kings in the final. Knupel earned the Summer League Championship Game MVP honors.
Another key performer in the championship was Ryan Calk Brenner of Clayton Center, who showcased his defensive prowess throughout the league and scored 15 points in the title match. With two rookies delivering strong performances, the Hornets appear promising for the future. Sacramento reached the final largely due to solid play from rookie Neek Clifford, but Isaac Jones stole the spotlight in the final with 24 points and 11 rebounds.
Will Charlotte’s success in the summer league forecast their future dominance? Not necessarily. While the Lakers won the Summer League behind Kyle Kuzma in 2017 and again in 2020, and the Grizzlies took titles in 2019 and 2023, other winners like the Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, and Miami Heat haven’t turned their victories into league-wide fear.
Kyle Filipowski of Utah was named Summer League MVP, fittingly placed in the “Too Good for Summer League” category. Filipowski, a big man from Utah, played three games in Vegas late last season, averaging 29.3 points on 56.1% shooting (39.1% from three-point range) and grabbed 7.7 rebounds. He is expected to have an even bigger role with the Jazz next season.
Duke University also had a standout summer. The Blue Devils love Las Vegas, with top talents like the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Cooper Flag, Summer League MVP Kyle Filipowski, and Summer League Championship Game MVP Con Knupel all being Duke products. They’ll also add elite talent next season, including Cameron Boozer.
Utah’s Filipowski and Sacramento’s Clifford headlined the All-Summer League Teams.
Fan Take: This Summer League not only showcased the emergence of exciting young talent but also highlighted how key rookies can make an immediate impact. For basketball fans, it’s a thrilling glimpse into the future stars of the NBA and sets the stage for the next wave of competitive teams.
