2025 NBA Summer League: The First Glimpse of Tomorrow’s Stars

Las Vegas, the city of fleeting fortunes and dazzling spectacles, once again played host to the NBA Summer League, serving as the proving ground for the league`s newest batch of talent. From highly anticipated top picks to undrafted hopefuls, the weekend offered an exhilarating, albeit brief, look into the potential future of professional basketball. For some, it was a baptism by fire; for others, a chance to solidify their standing. All eyes were on the fresh faces, eager to dissect every dribble, pass, and shot.

The Weight of the Number One Pick: Cooper Flagg`s Maverick Debut

The spotlight, as expected, shone brightest on Dallas Mavericks` No. 1 overall pick, Cooper Flagg. After a whirlwind of pre-draft hype, the 18-year-old forward was immediately tasked with a challenge designed to stretch his nascent NBA capabilities: operating as the primary offensive initiator. This was a deliberate move by the Mavericks, pushing Flagg into uncomfortable territory—a strategy that yielded a fascinating dichotomy of performances.

His debut against the Los Angeles Lakers, including a face-off with Bronny James, saw Flagg struggle with his shot, hitting just 5-for-21 from the field. A rough welcome, indeed, to the professional ranks. However, the true mark of a top prospect often lies in resilience. Flagg emphatically bounced back in his second outing, erupting for 31 points against the San Antonio Spurs, showcasing glimpses of the offensive prowess that made him the consensus top pick. Interestingly, the Mavericks opted to shut down Flagg after these two games, having seemingly collected sufficient data on his adaptability.

Flagg himself acknowledged the intensity, stating, “I`m exhausted. I`m not used to bringing the ball up like that, and every time I`m getting the ball full court, I had somebody on my hip playing 94 feet.” This honest assessment underscores the significant leap in physicality and pressure at the NBA level, even in a “summer” league environment where the rules can feel… flexible, to say the least. Despite the shooting woes in Game 1, his coaches lauded his decision-making and comfort level under pressure, particularly as he adjusted in real-time. For an 18-year-old, being thrown into the deep end and showing growth within two games is arguably a more valuable takeaway than a perfect shooting percentage.

Beyond the Top Two: Harper and Edgecombe`s Early Marks

While Flagg commanded attention, the No. 2 and No. 3 picks also made their presence felt. Dylan Harper, the San Antonio Spurs` No. 2 pick, made his debut against Flagg after recovering from a minor groin injury. Limited to 20 minutes, Harper nevertheless displayed the foundational skills that positioned him so highly. His defensive hustle was particularly noteworthy, highlighted by a timely transition block that prevented a layup. On offense, his ability to draw contact and get to the free-throw line (6-of-7) was a promising sign. The perennial question mark, his outside shooting, remains an area for development, but his initial performance suggested a high ceiling.

The article also mentioned VJ Edgecombe (the No. 3 pick) putting together impressive performances, though without specific details on his play, we can infer that the top tier of the draft class generally lived up to the anticipation, offering glimpses of why they were so coveted.

Projects, Plug-and-Plays, and Promising Flashes

Summer League isn`t solely about the top picks; it`s a proving ground for a diverse array of talent, each with their own unique path to the NBA. Some are long-term investments, while others aim to contribute immediately.

The Long-Term Investment: Noa Essengue (Chicago Bulls)

When the Bulls drafted Noa Essengue at No. 12, they were clear: this 18-year-old from France was a “project.” His initial Summer League outing starkly confirmed this assessment. From fumbling the ball to being visibly surprised by the physicality, Essengue`s debut was a raw display of a player still finding his feet. However, his subsequent game showed improvement and responsiveness, a testament to his coachability. Chicago`s patient approach with Essengue highlights that not every high draft pick is expected to be an instant contributor; some require significant seasoning, perhaps in the G League, before they`re ready for the big stage.

The Immediate Contributor: Nique Clifford (Sacramento Kings)

In contrast to Essengue, Sacramento`s Nique Clifford, a 23-year-old wing, arrived with the label of a “plug-and-play” asset. His two Summer League games certainly supported this. With an impressive stat line of 36 points, 16 rebounds, and 8 assists over 54 minutes, Clifford demonstrated his versatile skill set. His aggressive rim attacks, keen passing, and defensive versatility across multiple positions solidified his reputation. As the first pick by the Kings` new front office, Clifford appears poised for an early role, proving that experience and readiness can be as valuable as raw potential.

Other Noteworthy Rookie Performances:

• Liam McNeeley (Charlotte Hornets): The 29th pick impressed with a promising two-way skill set, showcasing 22 points and 12 rebounds in his debut, and later earning a starting spot.
• Kasparas Jakucionis (Miami Heat): After a rough start in the California Classic, the Lithuanian point guard transformed in Las Vegas, dropping 24 points on efficient shooting, showcasing impressive decision-making and confidence. His blend of size, skill, and assertiveness makes him an intriguing prospect for the Heat.
• Noah Penda (Orlando Magic): Acquired via trade, Penda flashed a variety of skills, particularly his rebounding (14 boards in one game) and defensive tenacity, though he occasionally tried to do too much. He`s likely to benefit from development time.
• Joan Beringer (Minnesota Timberwolves): The 17th pick announced his arrival with a remarkable two blocks on his very first Summer League possession. With tremendous physical gifts and a rapid development curve (only four years playing basketball), Beringer has the potential to be a significant rim protector and runner, learning under fellow Frenchman Rudy Gobert.
• Carter Bryant (San Antonio Spurs): Tasked with defending Cooper Flagg, the No. 14 pick displayed significant defensive potential, hounding Flagg into turnovers and showcasing multi-effort plays. While his shooting needs work, his defensive instincts could carve out an early role.

Beyond the Rookies: Undrafted Gems and Second-Year Surges

Summer League isn`t just a platform for the freshly drafted; it`s a vital stage for undrafted players vying for a roster spot and returning players aiming to demonstrate their development.

The Undrafted Gem: David Jones-Garcia (San Antonio Spurs)

David Jones-Garcia, an undrafted forward from the Dominican Republic, proved to be an undeniable “bucket.” His impressive scoring in the California Classic (averaging 22.7 points) seamlessly transitioned to Las Vegas, with 24 and 21-point performances. Lauded by teammates and coaches alike, Jones-Garcia is making a strong case for one of San Antonio`s two-way roster spots, a testament to the fact that talent can be found anywhere, regardless of draft night. Such players embody the true underdog spirit of Summer League.

The Defensive Evolution: Reed Sheppard (Houston Rockets)

Second-year guard Reed Sheppard of the Houston Rockets provided a crucial reminder that development is continuous. Sheppard openly discussed his offseason focus on defense, a critical area for earning minutes under coach Ime Udoka. His commitment was evident in the Rockets` opener, where he tallied three steals and two blocks in the first half, demonstrating a newfound defensive tenacity that eventually ignited his offense. Houston`s brass has high hopes for an expanded role for Sheppard, and his Summer League showing validated their belief, illustrating that the “summer” season is as much about proving growth as it is about initial impact.

Conclusion: A Promising Prelude to the Season Ahead

The 2025 NBA Summer League delivered precisely what it promises: a high-stakes, hyper-analyzed, and occasionally messy first look at the future of the league. While no definitive conclusions can be drawn from a handful of games played under unique conditions, the early impressions offer tantalizing clues. From Cooper Flagg`s resilience under immense pressure to the raw potential of Noa Essengue, the immediate impact of Nique Clifford, and the surprising surges of undrafted talents and second-year players, the landscape of the 2025-26 NBA season is beginning to take shape. As the dust settles in Las Vegas, the basketball world now shifts its gaze toward training camps and the looming regular season, eager to see which of these promising prospects will truly translate their summer league flashes into sustainable NBA careers.