NBA Summer League analysis: Standout sophomores and more

The Charlotte Hornets are the 2025 Las Vegas Summer League champions, marking today as the final instalment of our 11-day trip around the annual offseason showcase. Scroll down to view all of our takeaways, and thanks for reading.

Sunday, July 20

Super sophomores who shined in Summer League

Matas Buzelis (Bulls): Chicago Bulls forward Buzelis got to run the offense in Vegas, and it didn't take long to establish that he was too talented to be there. His first performance wasn't without its hiccups, a 17-point display on 4-of-14 shooting with four turnovers in a 44-point defeat to the Toronto Raptors. But it was his second game where Buzelis shined, dropping 28 points on 8-of-14 shooting in a win over the Indiana Pacers. Bulls exec Arturas Karnisovas will love what he saw from Buzelis and fellow Bulls Summer League standouts Noa Essengue, Yuki Kawamura, and Javon Freeman-Liberty.

Bronny James (Lakers): Statistics only tell part of the story, and of all the variables coaches are most inclined to appreciate from Summer League play, growth is paramount. For James, this year's display was night and day from last season. James has always been considered a solid defender, but in Vegas, the 20-year-old's ballhandling and passing was much improved. He also averaged 14.3 points and four assists, and was shelved for the Denver Nuggets game once the Lakers were certain to miss out on the winner's bracket. That risk avoidance is a big indicator that James factors into the Lakers' plans far more than last season.

Reed Sheppard (Rockets): Much was expected of Sheppard when the Houston Rockets selected the guard 3rd overall in the 2024 draft, but his rookie campaign was a war of attrition that featured frequent stints with the team's G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Vipers. In his second Summer League run, Sheppard provided a reminder of why he was heralded coming out of Kentucky. Sheppard averaged 23 points per game in Vegas and appeared stronger and more physically capable to handle both the pace and intensity of the NBA. Small steps are still steps.

Ron Holland II (Pistons): Like Sheppard, G League Ignite product Holland was a lottery pick in last year's draft (5th overall), and like his Class of 2024 comrade, Holland had a slow start to life in the NBA despite appearing in 81 games for the Detroit Pistons. In Vegas, the 6-foot-8 forward confirmed suspicions that he has the tools to be an elite defender, but it was his offense that took the biggest leap: he averaged 21.7 points across three contests while shooting a scorching 46.7% from deep. With the depatures of Dennis Schroder, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Simone Fontecchio, expect Holland to play a more meaningful role this season.

Ajay Mitchell (Thunder): Fresh off a dozen bit-part playoff appearances with the title-winning Oklahoma City Thunder and a new three-year, $8.7 million contract, Mitchell headed to Summer League looking for the reps that weren't available on Mark Daigneault's deep 2024-25 roster. The 23-year-old Belgian showed that his new deal was richly deserved, and averaged 20 points, six rebounds, and 4.3 assists on 51.4% shooting. Mitchell's performance might force Daigneault's hand, and make a more established Thunder standout a desired trade chip so Sam Presti can satisfy his draft capital fetish. This is how dynasties are built. - Michael J. Chandler

Honorable mentions: Alexandre Sarr (Wizards), Kyle Filipowski (Jazz), Ja'Kobe Walter (Raptors), Yuki Kawamura (Bulls), Terrance Shannon (T-Wolves)

Saturday, July 19

Jones stakes claim to bigger role with Kings

It's all about first impressions for some players at the 2025 Las Vegas Summer League. For Sacramento Kings power forward Isaac Jones, it's about reminding everyone what he can do. Jones was on the periphery last season, making 40 appearances for Sacramento while helping guide the organization's G League affiliate, the Stockton Kings, to a championship.

Jones converted his two-way deal with the club to a standard NBA contract in March 2025. And on Saturday, the 6-foot-9 Washington State product may have staked his biggest claim for an increased role in 2025-26. Jones erupted for 36 points on tidy 13-of-17 shooting in the semifinal victory over the Toronto Raptors, tripling his previous Summer League average. He scored nine points in the final 2:55 to help rebuff a late Raptors surge that saw a 22-point advantage shrink to one.

Whether or not Kings bench boss Doug Christie views the 25-year-old's displays in Vegas as justification to grant him a bigger role remains to be seen, but Jones can take pride in knowing he did his part. - Michael J. Chandler

Hornets' Sims fighting for NBA future

Summer League success, whether achieved by a player or a team, isn't an indicator of NBA prosperity. Just ask the two-time Summer League winners and 2025 finalists from Sacramento. Joining the Kings in this year's final are fellow also-rans, the Charlotte Hornets, after they dismissed the Oklahoma City Thunder in a comprehensive 109-80 win Saturday.

Misconceptions that the Hornets' success in Vegas indicates the club could turn things around in a diluted Eastern Conference are bordering on delusional. However, Jaylen Sims is hoping that it's anything but. The 26-year-old undrafted guard shot a red-hot 10-of-14 from the field for 25 points in just 25 minutes Saturday. Efficiency exemplified.

Still, Sims remains a free agent with no clear path to his next home after an extended tenure in the G League with Charlotte's affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm. But for Sims, and many other players in Vegas, it's just about getting a chance. It's the hope that kills you. - Michael J. Chandler

Where will Spurs' Jones-Garcia land next?

David Jones-Garcia couldn't have asked for much more in Las Vegas. The 23-year-old Dominican guard is in the early stages of securing journeyman status as a player incapable of planting roots after collegiate spells at DePaul, St. John's, and Memphis, followed by G League runs with Mexico City, the Salt Lake City Stars, and back to Mexico City.

As a member of the San Antonio Spurs' Summer League roster, Jones-Garcia finished as one of the showcase's top scorers at 21.6 points per game, capping his performances with a 23-point display in Saturday's victory over the Detroit Pistons. However, his role as a primary scorer in the Summer League won't carry over to the Association, and it's unclear whether he can contribute as a role player. Jones-Garcia isn't the first hooper to explode on the scene in the G League or Summer League in a capacity that would never be required of him in the NBA. Call it the Leonard Miller paradox, if you will.

A two-way contract with the Spurs or another NBA team could follow for Jones-Garcia, and EuroLeague giants Olympiacos have reportedly been sniffing around. Regardless of where his future is, Jones-Garcia's 2025 Summer League showing couldn't have gone much better. - Michael J. Chandler

Friday, July 18

The NBA needs Kawamura

From a purely aesthetic perspective, the NBA needs Yuki Kawamura. The second-year Japanese guard put his wealth of skills on full display for the Chicago Bulls in Friday's 105-92 victory over the Utah Jazz. Kawamura recorded 20 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including a 6-of-9 clip from behind the arc, to go along with 10 assists, four boards, and two steals. Those numbers are already first-rate on the surface, but what's more impressive is the way the undrafted 24-year-old produced them.

There was a no-look behind-the-back pass for Caleb Grill, a pinpoint lob in transition to Maozinha Pereira, and an incisive bullet pass from 30 feet that found Javon Freeman-Liberty's backdoor cut. The sequence that best illustrates Kawamura's strengths also gave the Bulls a 35-19 lead midway through the second quarter: He pushed the pace, made another behind-the-back dish that Freeman-Liberty failed to convert, stuck with the play, and forced a turnover off the rebound before hitting Freeman-Liberty with a no-look dime for the flush.

Yes, he's got physical and defensive shortcomings, and with a modest 5-foot-8 frame, Kawamura struggles to defend his position. In the modern NBA, that ability is largely considered a nonnegotiable. But let's not forget why many of us fell in love with basketball in the first place. For many, it's a sport that's best enjoyed when viewed through the lens of artistry, whether it was Magic Johnson's no-look passes, Rod Strickland's silky playmaking, or Allen Iverson's crossovers. More recently, players like Facundo Campazzo and Milos Teodosic exemplified this craftiness. Here's hoping Kawamura can carve out a career in the NBA, because the game is more enjoyable with him in it. - Michael J. Chandler

Fears helps allay Pelicans' fears

You can forgive New Orleans Pelicans fans for being disheartened by a sense of history repeating. Friday's news that 13th overall pick Derik Queen required wrist surgery and would be re-evaluated in 12 weeks immediately attracted comparisons to Zion Williamson and his myriad of injuries.

It's tough to be a Pelicans fan these days, but behind every dark cloud is a ray of hope. In Friday's 113-104 defeat to the Indiana Pacers, No. 7 selection Jeremiah Fears delivered 22 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals in a well-rounded performance that highlighted his rapid growth at Summer League.

Fears went 1-of-5 from deep, which is consistent with predraft concerns, but he was 7-of-11 from the field overall and had 10 attempts from the charity stripe, demonstrating his speed and penchant for getting to the bucket. It's also worth remembering that Fears doesn't turn 19 until October. Perhaps it's not all doom and gloom in New Orleans. - Michael J. Chandler

Jazz's Williams starts to step out of brother's shadow

Cody Williams may bear a striking resemblance to his brother, NBA champion Jalen Williams, though many experts asserted the older sibling was a far superior player when the Utah Jazz drafted the younger brother 10th overall in 2024. However, some of that was due to the heavy scrutiny lottery picks are under.

Cody spent much of his rookie campaign in Utah on the bench. He appeared in 50 games, averaging 4.6 points in 21.2 minutes. Fast-forward several months, and he's starring for the Jazz's Summer League team. On Friday against the Bulls, he recorded 26 points on 9-of-17 shooting plus five rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Williams' strong offseason performances have made it apparent that he'll be a key part of Utah's youth-oriented rebuild.

It's fairer to measure his growth on his own merits than against his brother's standard. After all, Cody was a one-and-done at Colorado, whereas Jalen spent three years fine-tuning his craft at Santa Clara. Jalen also played a more principal role in his rookie season, which allowed him to work out the kinks in real time. It's still early days, but for Cody, the signs are good. - Michael J. Chandler

Thursday, July 17

Summer League semifinals set

Thursday marked the final day of group play in the 2025 Las Vegas Summer League. After six teams went 4-0, an overall point-differential tiebreaker determined the four semifinalists.

The Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Charlotte Hornets are the four squads left standing, with the semifinals scheduled for Saturday.

• Semifinal 1: (4) Kings vs. (1) Raptors (4 p.m. ET)
• Semifinal 2: (3) Hornets vs. (2) Thunder (6 p.m. ET)

The finals will take place Sunday at 10 p.m. ET at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas. The 26 teams that didn't advance to the semifinals will play a fifth game on either Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.

Of the four remaining clubs, the Kings are the only ones to have previously won the Las Vegas Summer League since its inception in 2013, taking the crown in 2014 and 2021. - Michael J. Chandler

CMB shows glimpses of two-way prowess

When the Raptors selected South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles with the ninth pick in the draft, the organization knew it was getting an adaptable defensive whiz with the ability to lock down opponents courtesy of a deft blend of foot speed, instincts, and coordination. However, there were doubts about his versatility on the offensive end beyond being a clinical finisher at the rim and in pick-and-roll scenarios.

In Thursday's 81-69 victory over the Golden State Warriors that guaranteed the Raptors a spot in the Summer League semifinals, Murray-Boyles delivered at both ends.

He scored 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting, grabbed nine boards, and was a menace on the defensive end, snatching four steals in an impressive display. The above video is a perfect encapsulation of Murray-Boyles' skill set: a smothering defender with active hands who can turn defense into offense. He also recorded a team-high plus-22 and only two turnovers. - Michael J. Chandler

The Bouknight rises

James Bouknight's NBA career has been anything but straightforward. Lofty expectations surrounded the UConn product when the Charlotte Hornets drafted him with the 11th pick in 2021. He made 79 appearances and averaged 4.8 points across a three-season spell in Charlotte that was marred by a DUI arrest and a sideline confrontation with then-head coach James Borrego.

Bouknight, 24, spent last season with the Portland Trail Blazers' G League affiliate, the Rip City Remix, and on Thursday in Las Vegas, the combo guard reminded many what he's capable of in a 102-83 win over the Houston Rockets. Bouknight dropped 25 points paired with four assists and three rebounds in 20 minutes, including a red-hot fourth-quarter heat check with 20 points on 6-of-8 shooting and a 5-of-6 clip from deep.

Bouknight's NBA future likely isn't with the Trail Blazers. Jrue Holiday, Scoot Henderson, and Shaedon Sharpe all merit starting spots at guard, and that logjam is exacerbated by Damian Lillard's eventual return to fitness. Caleb Love is also on a two-way deal, meaning Bouknight will likely have to look elsewhere for a return to the Association. - Michael J. Chandler

Wednesday, July 16

Bulls' Young sets 2025 Summer League standard

Congratulations if you had Chicago Bulls point guard Jahmir Young setting a Summer League team scoring record on your bingo card. The 6-foot-1 undrafted guard out of Maryland scorched the Milwaukee Bucks with 40 points in Wednesday's 102-96 victory, doing so on efficient 13-of-19 (72%) shooting that included a 7-of-8 clip from deep.

It's the highest scoring mark at this year's Las Vegas Summer League and a Bulls record. Young is now just one of seven players to score 40 or more points in Summer League play, joining Anthony Morrow (47), Marcus Banks (42), Von Wafer (42), Anthony Randolph (42), Furkan Korkmaz (40), and Marcus Sasser (40). That list might not be a portent of success for Young, who's on a two-way deal with the Bulls and made just six appearances for the team last season. - Michael J. Chandler

Dillingham earning his spot

Rob Dillingham doesn't need to play in Summer League after averaging over 10 minutes per game in 49 appearances for the Timberwolves last season, including sporadic playing time in the Western Conference finals. But Minnesota figured more reps can't hurt a guard who struggled to break through the Wolves' deep rotation.

Dillingham's strong performance illustrates why he'll have an elevated role next season with the departure of Nickeil Alexander-Walker and soon-to-be 38-year-old Mike Conley's shrinking responsibilities. The 2024 No. 8 pick's scoring consistency has led the Wolves to a 4-0 mark. He's averaging 17.3 points and an impressive 6.5 assists.

His best outing came in Wednesday's win over the Suns when he recorded 23 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds. His 3-point shooting must improve, but Dillingham is showing why the Wolves used a top-10 pick on the Kentucky product. - Sam Oshtry

Clifford shining for Kings

Few mock drafts had Nique Clifford falling to the Kings with the 24th pick. Sacramento was rewarded when other teams foolishly passed on the talented wing. Clifford, a three-level scorer coming off a remarkable season at Colorado State, was projected as a borderline lottery pick. That upside is evident as Clifford fills the box score in every Summer League showing. He's averaging 18.5 points on 53% 3-point shooting while grabbing 6.5 rebounds and dishing out five assists per game.

Clifford flirted with a triple-double Wednesday night against the Cavaliers, pouring in 19 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds. The Kings are 4-0, and Clifford could earn MVP honors. At 23, Clifford's age concerned some teams scouting him, but the talent is undeniable. While Sacramento has plenty of wing depth, Clifford will earn minutes on a team that should opt for a rebuild sooner rather than later. - Sam Oshtry

Tuesday, July 15

Raptors 'vets' dominating

Most teams bring a few NBA-caliber players to Las Vegas, with the majority of their Summer League rosters made up of grinders just trying to get to (or back to) the Association. Meanwhile, more than half of the Toronto Raptors' squad is comprised of players who either logged significant NBA time last season or figure to do so this year. Most of them would be considered youngsters from October through April, but they're veterans in Vegas, and it's showing: A 101-97 victory over Denver moved the Raptors to 3-0 with the best point differential (plus-17.0 per game) in the tournament.

Several players have produced encouraging efforts, from A.J. Lawson shooting the lights out, to Ja'Kobe Walter's 26-point outburst against the Nuggets, to Ulrich Chomche looking like something much closer to an NBA big man after being drafted as an extremely raw project in 2024.

Perhaps the most fascinating part of Toronto's dominance thus far has been the way the Summer League Raptors have been able to mimic the big club's defensive identity. Darko Rajakovic wants the Raptors to be aggressive on the ball and create deflections off of it, and that strategy finally started to pay off in the second half of last season - they boasted the league's second-best defense from mid-January onwards. On-ball activity and active hand use in passing lanes have been on display again in Vegas, where the Raptors have forced a whopping 87 turnovers through three games, giving opponents an unfathomable assist-to-turnover ratio of 0.45. Defensive ball pressure is a growing trend in the NBA, especially after the Thunder and Pacers rode it to the Finals. The Raptors appear to have gotten the memo. - Joseph Casciaro

Blazers' Hansen justifying draft slot

The biggest shock of the 2025 NBA Draft was when the Portland Trail Blazers selected 7-foot-2 Yang Hansen with the 16th pick. To Yang's credit, he did shine in the draft combine with an array of passes that made many refer to the 20-year-old as the "Chinese Jokic." Still, the pick felt like a reach, especially after the Blazers grabbed fellow big Donovan Clingan in last year's lottery.

Yang has justified his draft slot in Las Vegas, albeit with a small sample size. On Tuesday, Yang recorded 15 points, four boards, and a pair of blocks in a win over the New Orleans Pelicans, displaying his versatility on the offensive end with three makes from beyond the arc and some strong footwork in the post.

Concerns remain as to whether Yang can adapt to the NBA's pace, and the Summer League isn't always an accurate representation of that tempo. Still, Yang has impressed thus far, developing a cult following in the preseason unlike any other player in Vegas. - Michael J. Chandler

Shannon stepping up for T-Wolves

Nickeil Alexander-Walker's offseason departure has opened the door in Minnesota. Head coach Chris Finch will hope that Alexander-Walker's role can be filled internally, and Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. are the obvious options.

Shannon has sparkled in Vegas, dropping 24 points on 6-of-9 shooting with four rebounds and three assists in Tuesday's win over the Detroit Pistons. He's averaging 22.7 points, six boards, and five dimes across three outings in Sin City. Nine playoff appearances as a rookie for the T-Wolves last season imply that Finch's trust in Shannon is growing, which should increase during the 2025-26 campaign. - Michael J. Chandler

Monday, July 14

Bronny finding his rhythm

After Bronny James' shaky opening night against the Mavs, which ended with an ill-advised step-back three at the buzzer, the 2024 second-rounder has made noticeable strides in his last two appearances.

James scored 14 points on 5-for-11 shooting Saturday night, but he still committed four turnovers and shot 1-for-5 from distance. The Lakers' loss to the Clippers on Monday night was James' best showing, as he notched 17 points, five assists, and five rebounds. He also confidently stepped into threes off the dribble, connecting on three long-range shots with his dad sitting courtside.

Critics pounced on the younger James' limited but discouraging run last season, questioning his merit as an NBA player. However, James' G League contests showcased his development: He averaged nearly 22 points on 38% 3-point shooting while dishing out over five assists in 11 G League games. If Monday is any indication, James is slowly proving his worth as an NBA player. - Sam Oshtry

Hawks' Kobe Bufkin turning heads

Kobe Bufkin has been on a roller-coaster ride in Vegas. He opened the Summer League with a 29-point outing, earning 15 trips to the charity stripe and drilling all 15 free throws. He followed that up with a 10-point performance on 3-for-17 shooting, though he did dish out nine assists in the Hawks' win.

On Monday night, Bufkin's 25 points on 50% shooting from three led the Hawks to their third win in as many games. The 21-year-old is careless with the ball - he committed nine turnovers Monday - but he can score in a variety of ways and is in contention for Summer League MVP.

Bufkin has been limited in his two seasons due to injuries, making just 17 appearances. But if his Summer League performances can translate to the regular season, he has a chance to crack Atlanta's deep and improved rotation. - Sam Oshtry

Johnny Furphy defies gravity with cruel poster

Monday's highlights featured one of the most vicious and impressive dunks we've seen in a while.

The Summer League is a growing experience for everyone, and Noa Essengue learned that sometimes you have to make a business decision. Don't jump - especially not with Johnny Furphy, who completely defied physics with a dunk that will live on in basketball lore. - Sam Oshtry

Sunday, July 13

Filipowski gives Jazz options

Utah Jazz center Kyle Filipowski is having a noteworthy Summer League, averaging 26.5 points, six rebounds, three assists, and a block on 55.3% shooting.

The second-year Duke product took a while to get up to speed at the pro level. He then quietly had a solid second half to the campaign, averaging 14.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 25.4 minutes per game since the All-Star break. It's apparent that he has the necessary offensive tools to demand minutes under Will Hardy, but on the defensive end, more is required of the 6-foot-11 big. Filipowski showed glimpses of capable rim-protection in Sunday's defeat to the Golden State Warriors.

The Jazz's rebuild has reached the next stage following the exits of Collin Sexton and John Collins; the emergence of Filipowski paired with contributions from rookies Ace Bailey and Walter Clayton Jr. could help it advance further.

The next obvious departure from Utah would be Lauri Markkanen. The Finnish forward was linked with several teams last season and was held out of the lineup for portions of the second half, prompting a $100,000 fine from the NBA for player participation policy violations. Filipowski's development as a two-way threat would help paper over the cracks of Markkanen's eventual exit. - Michael J. Chandler

Saturday, July 12

Flagg learning quickly

Cooper Flagg made his much-anticipated Dallas Mavericks debut in a narrow win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Day 1 in Las Vegas. The first overall pick posted 10 points on 5-of-21 shooting, adding six rebounds and four assists in 32 minutes. Flagg put up an early highlight with an emphatic one-handed slam for his first-ever basket, but he was critical of his overall performance, calling it "one of the worst games of my life." Some of his teammates were more positive, with undrafted guard Ryan Nembhard hailing Flagg as a "super talent."

Read more: Flagg draws 'unselfish' reviews in debut

Flagg bounced back in a big way in his second outing on Day 3, showing why he's heavily favored to win this season's Rookie of the Year award. The Duke product looked more comfortable and decisive, pouring in a game-high 31 points against the San Antonio Spurs. He showed off his full set of skills, draining three triples, executing from mid-range, and getting into the paint for several dunks. Flagg was responsible for over 47% of the Mavs' offense.

The Mavs then reportedly said "we've seen enough" and shut down Flagg for the remainder of the Las Vegas Summer League. - Michael J. Chandler

Don't forget about Dylan

Speaking of that Mavs-Spurs matchup, it also gave San Antonio fans an opportunity to get their first look at No. 2 pick Dylan Harper, who made his Summer League debut after overcoming a groin injury. Harper went head to head with Flagg, recording 16 points in the Spurs' 76-69 win. He also stood out on the defensive end, picking up a pair of steals and wowing the crowd with a massive transition block that drew audible gasps inside the Thomas and Mack Center.

If the Spurs can get all of their young pieces collectively healthy and on the court together, the sky's the limit for Mitch Johnson's team. - Gianluca Nesci

Friday, July 11

Heat's Jakucionis quiets critics

Kasparas Jakucionis had a rough start to the California Classic after sliding to No. 20 in the draft. The Miami Heat combo guard went 1-of-15 from the field and 0-of-11 from deep with 12 turnovers in three games, and those with confidence in small sample sizes were ready to call the Lithuanian a bust.

Fast-forward to Jakucionis' Las Vegas Summer League debut, and the Illinois product showed his worth. He dropped 24 points on 12 shots, including 5-of-9 from beyond the arc in just 28 minutes versus the Atlanta Hawks.

He displayed versatility at the offensive end as both a catch-and-shoot threat and a weapon in isolation while also creating opportunities for the Heat's frontcourt rolling to the basket. His ability to make the right decisions without the ball should encourage Erik Spoelstra to involve the 19-year-old in the rotation. - Michael J. Chandler

Thursday, July 10

'Dreams do come true'

One of the true joys of Summer League is seeing players who were either overlooked in the draft or have bounced around the league finally get an opportunity to shine - and making the most of it. Jamaree Bouyea fits that bill. The 26-year-old guard hit a buzzer-beating triple to lift the Milwaukee Bucks to a win over the Denver Nuggets on Day 1 in Vegas.

The Bucks are Bouyea's fifth NBA organization after going undrafted out of San Francisco in 2022. "Dreams do come true," Bouyea said postgame. - Michael J. Chandler