The desert heat of Las Vegas once again served as the proving ground for the NBA`s freshest talents and hopeful veterans during the 2025 Summer League. After a relatively subdued 2024 class that saw more buzz around familiar names like Bronny James, the anticipation for the 2025 cohort was palpable. Top picks, brimming with potential, stepped onto the court, eager to showcase why they were chosen to carry the torch for their new franchises. What unfolded was a fascinating tapestry of raw talent, surprising polish, and the inevitable growing pains that define this unique pre-season spectacle.
While the full tournament culminated in its championship game, the true narratives often emerge much earlier, focusing on individual flashes of brilliance or moments that hint at future stardom. With several top rookies concluding their Summer League runs ahead of the final showdown, it’s time to dissect the performances, highlight the standouts, and ponder what these early impressions might mean for the rigorous NBA season ahead.
The Rookie Revelation: From Hype to Hardwood
The 2025 NBA Draft class arrived in Vegas with considerable fanfare, particularly around its top selections. The question was, who would translate collegiate or international promise into immediate Summer League impact?
The Polished Performers: Ready for Primetime?
- Nique Clifford, Sacramento Kings: At 23, Clifford entered the league with five years of college experience, a veritable veteran among rookies. His polished game was evident, averaging 18.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. Crucially, his improved three-point shooting (9-of-17, 53%) from the NBA line suggests a versatile offensive threat. His savvy playmaking, supported by a credible jump shot, makes him an intriguing prospect for the Kings.
- Liam McNeeley, Charlotte Hornets: Selected 29th, McNeeley impressively outplayed No. 4 pick Kon Knueppel in early showings. His debut featured 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists – numbers that surpassed his collegiate bests. Consistently hitting three-pointers (three in each of his two games) was a promising sign, especially given his prior 32% college mark.
The High-Potential Projects: Glimpses of Greatness
- Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks: The No. 1 pick arrived with immense expectations, and while his debut shooting struggled (5-of-21), he quickly recovered. Flagg exploded for 31 points in his second game, tying John Wall`s record for a No. 1 pick in Summer League. Operating as a point forward, his usage rate was among the highest, highlighting the Mavericks` intention to test his on-ball capabilities. Despite needing to tighten his handle for NBA speed, his ability to get to the free-throw line (13 attempts in one game) showcased an aggressive, efficient approach.
- Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs: The No. 2 pick also carried a significant offensive load, though his efficiency suffered (36% shooting, 1-of-8 from three). Harper demonstrated the raw skills that made him a top selection, and one could reasonably infer that playing alongside bona fide NBA talent like Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle will lead to more assists and less pressure on his shot selection.
- Tre Johnson, Washington Wizards: As the No. 6 pick, Johnson made a strong case for inclusion. His impressive wingspan (over 6-foot-10) combined with a smooth scoring touch (69% on two-pointers, 5-of-11 from three) separates him from other score-first guards. His size and fluidity suggest a higher ceiling for creating shots against NBA defenders.
The Enigma: International Intrigue and Undrafted Diamonds
- Yang Hansen, Portland Trail Blazers: The 7-foot-1 Chinese center, picked 16th, was arguably the most intriguing rookie after Flagg. Hansen`s perimeter passing was exceptional, tallying 15 assists in four games, many of which were highlight-reel worthy. His unexpected shot-blocking (2.3 per game) and encouraging three-point shooting (4-of-12) defied pre-draft concerns. While his rebounding needs work (5.0 per game), he certainly didn`t look like a “reach” during his Summer League stint.
- Eli John N’Diaye, Atlanta Hawks: As an undrafted Senegalese talent from Real Madrid, N’Diaye signed a two-way deal with the Hawks. Though a wrist injury limited him to just one game in Vegas, his 12 points and 6 rebounds in 21 minutes provided a tantalizing glimpse of a player who could carve out an NBA role.
Navigating the Storm: The Slow Start and the Redemption Arc
Not every rookie arrives fully formed. Some, like Jeremiah Fears of the New Orleans Pelicans, faced significant hurdles in their initial outings. Operating within a crowded frontcourt of fellow first-round picks Yves Missi and Derik Queen, Fears struggled to find his offensive rhythm. His “shoot-first” mentality coupled with high usage (over 30%) led to poor shooting (5-of-21 against the Lakers) and an alarming assist-to-turnover ratio (3 assists to 16 turnovers in his first three games).
However, the crucible of Summer League often allows for growth. Fears eventually found his stride against the Oklahoma City Thunder, delivering 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting, 6 assists, and a much-improved 4 turnovers. This late surge offered a reassuring glimpse of the player New Orleans envisioned with the No. 7 pick – a testament to the league`s developmental philosophy, where even missteps can be learning opportunities.
Veteran Presence: Proving Ground for the Experienced
Summer League isn`t exclusively for rookies; it`s a critical stage for second-year players and those on the fringe of NBA rosters to prove their readiness. Several veterans seized this opportunity with impressive displays.
- Kyle Filipowski, Utah Jazz: The leading scorer of Summer League with 29.3 points per game, Filipowski showed why he`s “too good” for this setting, yet still took advantage of it. Averaging 21 minutes as a rookie on a rebuilding team, he`s skilled offensively, shooting 56% overall, including a solid 39% on 23 three-point attempts over three games. His game-tying dunk in overtime against San Antonio, though ultimately overshadowed by a buzzer-beater, underscored his offensive prowess.
- Terrence Shannon Jr., Minnesota Timberwolves: Expected to take on a larger role following Nickeil Alexander-Walker`s departure, Shannon Jr. lived up to the hype. He averaged 22.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. His combination of quickness and strength allowed him to attack the basket effectively, complemented by an improved three-point shot (10-of-26, 38.5%) after hitting 35.5% as a rookie.
- Nae`Qwan Tomlin, Cleveland Cavaliers: After just 63 NBA minutes last season, Tomlin made a strong case for more playing time. The Memphis product stuffed the stat sheet with 20.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. His surprising nine three-pointers across four games, particularly given his 34% G League mark, could make him a more versatile option for Cleveland.
The Undrafted Gem: A Second Chance for Daniss Jenkins
The Summer League also provides a crucial platform for undrafted players to earn a spot. Daniss Jenkins, a restricted free agent for the Detroit Pistons, utilized his second Summer League appearance to great effect. After a two-way contract last summer that saw him play just 23 regular-season minutes, Jenkins made a compelling case for a more extended look. His defensive effort, notably holding the Rockets` Reed Sheppard to 6-of-19 shooting and forcing six turnovers, stood out. Offensively, he was a creative force, dishing out 26 assists against only seven turnovers. While his shooting (43% overall, 33% from three) in the G League last season was inconsistent, his playmaking and defensive tenacity could secure him a valuable role.
Beyond Jenkins, players like David Jones-Garcia (Spurs), with his high-usage scoring, and Charles Bassey (Celtics), leading all players in rebounding through three games, also highlighted the depth of talent vying for NBA opportunities.
Conclusion: From Vegas Dreams to NBA Realities
The 2025 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas delivered on its promise: a captivating showcase of future stars and determined veterans. From Cooper Flagg`s record-tying performance to Yang Hansen`s unique passing vision, and from Nique Clifford`s surprising polish to the resilience of Jeremiah Fears, each player contributed to a narrative of aspiration and grit.
However, the true test begins when the bright lights of Vegas fade and the grind of the regular season commences. The statistics and highlights generated here are but an appetizer; the challenge now lies in translating potential into consistent NBA impact. As teams transition from development to competition, the lessons learned and the performances delivered in the desert heat will serve as crucial foundations for the season to come. Only time will tell which of these Summer League standouts will truly shine when it counts.
