The early, regional appetizers of the NBA Summer League season – the California Classic and Salt Lake City iterations – have concluded. Now, the main course arrives. The 2025 NBA 2K26 Las Vegas Summer League is set to dominate the mid-July basketball landscape, running from Thursday, July 10th through July 20th. More than just exhibition games, Vegas is a crucial testing ground and a stage where narratives begin to form for the upcoming NBA season.
This 11-day tournament offers the first substantial look at the fresh faces of the 2025 draft class, provides a vital platform for second-year players aiming to expand their roles, and serves as a showcase for unsigned veterans battling for a spot on an NBA roster. With a playoff structure culminating in a championship game, there`s even a competitive element, albeit one secondary to individual and team development goals.
Observing the league`s landscape through the lens of the Summer League roster provides valuable insights. Teams bring a mix of their top draft picks, recent selections needing development, and players recovering from injury or hoping to prove their worth. Here, we break down the key player archetypes and specific individuals from the draft analysis who warrant attention in the desert heat.
The Highly Touted Rookies
The top of the draft class naturally draws the most eyeballs. Players like presumptive number one pick Cooper Flagg for the Dallas Mavericks face immediate scrutiny. Coach Jason Kidd has indicated a plan to challenge Flagg by experimenting with his role, potentially pushing him to handle the ball and play more on the perimeter than he did at Duke. This tactical `discomfort` is designed to accelerate adaptation to the NBA`s demands, offering a fascinating early storyline.
Others near the top, such as Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs) and VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers), also carry significant expectations. Harper`s debut was delayed, but his potential impact on the Spurs` offense alongside established young guards will be a key watch point once healthy. Edgecombe, meanwhile, showed flashes of explosive downhill scoring ability in early regional play, suggesting NBA spacing will indeed make him a difficult cover. Lottery picks like Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets) with his shooting prowess, Egor Demin (Brooklyn Nets) and his intriguing playmaking vision, Jeremiah Fears (New Orleans Pelicans) bringing scoring and passing flair, Collin Murray-Boyles (Toronto Raptors) with defensive versatility, Tre Johnson (Washington Wizards) as a polished perimeter scorer, and Khaman Maluach (Phoenix Suns) offering defensive potential at center, each arrive with specific skills teams are eager to see translate.
Second-Year Players Seeking Momentum
Summer League is not solely a rookie affair. Players entering their second or third seasons often return to hone skills, demonstrate progress, or simply make a case for increased playing time. For individuals like Kobe Bufkin (Atlanta Hawks), returning from significant shoulder surgery, this summer is critical to solidify his place with a retooling Hawks team under a new front office. Similarly, DaRon Holmes II (Denver Nuggets) looks to finally make his mark after an Achilles injury cost him his entire rookie season.
Others like Ron Holland II (Detroit Pistons), Kobe Brown (LA Clippers), and Tyler Kolek (New York Knicks) need to show tangible development in areas like shooting or expanding their offensive package to carve out larger roles in crowded rotations. GG Jackson (Memphis Grizzlies), despite showing flashes in limited second-year minutes, is still the youngest player on his team and has ample room for growth. Perhaps one of the most anticipated returns is Reed Sheppard (Houston Rockets), who dominated last year`s summer league but saw limited NBA action. He`s back to prove he deserves more minutes on a now-contending Rockets squad. And, of course, Bronny James (Los Angeles Lakers) continues his development path, with a focus on building on the improved shooting efficiency he demonstrated in the G League.
Finding Value in Later Picks and Undrafted Gems
The Summer League environment also highlights players drafted later or those who went undrafted, providing them a vital opportunity to earn a roster spot or a two-way contract. The Boston Celtics` lone first-round pick, Hugo Gonzalez, walks into a situation needing wing depth, giving him a real chance to play and develop. The Nets` second-round picks, like center Danny Wolf, will look to build chemistry with their lottery talent.
Value selections such as Jaylon Tyson (Cleveland Cavaliers), acquired last year, could step into a larger role after roster changes. Intriguing prospects like Taelon Peter (Indiana Pacers), a Division I leader in true shooting efficiency, face the challenge of replicating that success against higher-level competition. Kasparas Jakucionis (Miami Heat), a surprising faller on draft night, offers playmaking that Miami needs. Jase Richardson (Orlando Magic) could potentially fill a crucial bench guard role, needing reps to refine his point guard skills. On the fight-for-a-spot front, undrafted players like L.J. Cryer (Golden State Warriors), known for elite shooting, and Mark Sears (Milwaukee Bucks) as a potential backcourt depth option, will be giving it their all.
Even international prospects and players from smaller programs get their stage. Yang Hansen (Portland Trail Blazers) gets a second look after participating with the China national team last year, showing potential but also areas for improvement like turnovers and fouls. Nique Clifford (Sacramento Kings), familiar with the Las Vegas courts from his college tournament success, is viewed as an older, potentially more NBA-ready wing.
While some high picks like Matas Buzelis (Chicago Bulls) might see limited action after showing significant growth late in their rookie season, or players like Nikola Topic (Oklahoma City Thunder) are cautiously integrated while rehabbing from injury, the core purpose remains: evaluation and development.
Conclusion: A Glimpse Into the Future
The Las Vegas Summer League is a beautiful, chaotic mess of potential. It`s where raw talent meets professional structure for the first time, where hopefuls try to catch a coach`s eye, and where fans get a tantalizing, if often unpolished, glimpse of the next generation of NBA stars and role players. From the top draft picks navigating new expectations to the undrafted fighting for their careers, each player brings a unique storyline to the hardwood. Paying attention to *why* certain players are highlighted by their teams offers deeper insight than the box scores alone. It`s more than just basketball; it`s an early chapter in dozens of NBA careers, unfolding under the bright lights of Las Vegas.
