When NBA Summer League began in 2001, it was a lowly publicized event held in team practice facilities with limited visibility to the public.
Today, it’s a media and marketing giant in three places: San Francisco (named the California Classic), Salt Lake City (Salt Lake City Summer League) and Las Vegas (Las Vegas NBA Summer League).
While the San Francisco and Salt Lake City versions only feature a handful of teams, Las Vegas is where all 30 teams are represented over an 11-day period. This year, the event will take place from July 10-20 on the UNLV campus, with both Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion serving as host venues.
With Las Vegas Summer League quickly growing into a must-watch event for hoops junkies, here are 25 players you’ll want to keep an eye on throughout the next two weeks.
25) Johni Broome, C, Philadelphia 76ers
A finalist for the 2025 Naismith Player of the Year award, Johni Broome was a terror for the Auburn Tigers last season. The question headed into his pro career as an early second-round pick is whether his plodding, physical scoring play style will translate.
The early returns suggest that he’ll have to become more of a dirty-work type of player, as he converted on just four of 11 field goals in the Philadelphia 76ers’ first game in the Salt Lake City Summer League. Regardless, the former college star will command interest because of how dominant he was at the college level.
24) Darius Bazley, F, Los Angeles Lakers
Darius Bazley spent five years in the NBA from 2019-2024 on four different teams before playing in the Chinese Basketball Association a season ago. Now getting another opportunity, the lengthy 6’8″, 210-pounder is extremely athletic, consistently making his presence felt in the Lakers’ first two games in the California Classic.
Along with registering three blocks in each game, he scored 10 and 16 points on explosive drives to the hoop and at the free-throw line. He also grabbed 13 rebounds combined in two games. Bazley is the type of athlete that could make a highlight-worthy play on both ends of the court, making him a prime candidate for a mixtape-worthy couple of weeks.
23) Caleb Love, G, Portland Trail Blazers
A former North Carolina Tar Heel and Arizona Wildcat, Caleb Love pieced together one of the best college basketball careers in recent memory, emerging as one of the top players in the country for his final four seasons. But his lack of athleticism and questionable fit as a role player left him unselected in the draft. He soon signed a two-way deal with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Considering he’s on a two-way deal and not just signed for Summer League, Love will get more play time than other guards on the roster, giving him more of an opportunity to show off his shot-making ability. If the score is tight and clock low, Love thrives in clutch situations.
22) Javon Freeman-Liberty, G, Chicago Bulls
For casual NBA fans, Javon Freeman-Liberty is a largely irrelevant name. But for Summer League junkies, he’s a known performer come July. During his past two appearances in Las Vegas, he’s scored 21.2 points (2023) and 14.2 points (2024) in just 18.7 minutes per game. A slender 6’4″, the DePaul product is a nifty, three-level scorer who can get hot in a hurry.
While his NBA stats are meager (just 7.0 points per game in 22 appearances with the Toronto Raptors two seasons ago), Freeman-Liberty doesn’t shy away from putting on a summertime show. He’s worth the watch.
21) Mark Sears, G Milwaukee Bucks
An AP All-American selection last season at Alabama, Mark Sears was far and away one of the best players in the country. But due to a combination of lack of size, athleticism and translatable skills, he didn’t hear his name called during the NBA Draft. But the 6’1″, 185-pounder was quickly added to the Milwaukee Bucks’ Summer League team.
It’s a huge opportunity for Sears, as the Bucks have questionable depth at the point guard position and could use his playmaking and shot creation. But for Sears to prove himself, it’ll have to start as the point man for Milwaukee’s squad in Las Vegas.
20) Kenneth Lofton Jr., F, Boston Celtics
A Summer League veteran, Kenneth Lofton Jr. has been a fixture in Vegas each of the last three summers. Weighing north of 270 pounds, Lofton uses his physicality to overpower defenders while also showing a deft touch around the basket and feel for the game on the perimeter.
During his rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies, he scored a career-high 42 points and 14 rebounds in a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. After playing in the Chinese Basketball Association last year, Lofton will be trying to make a comeback with the Boston Celtics. It’s a sight to see the big man beat defenders of all sizes with his skill and bruising play style.
19) Yuki Kawamura, G, Chicago Bulls
A fan favorite last season with the Grizzlies, Yuki Kawamura plays with an infectious joy for the game. Standing just 5’8″, a highlight reel could be put together with all of his assists. He also possesses a beautiful rainbow 3-point shot that consistently wowed home and away crowds.
Gearing up to be the lead ball handler for the Chicago Bulls’ Summer League squad, Kawamura is sure to woo the audience with his play multiple times a game.
18) Walter Clayton Jr., G, Utah Jazz
Walter Clayton Jr. put together a magical run in the 2025 NCAA Tournament with the national championship-winning Florida Gators. He showcased his entire repertoire of deep shooting, dazzling facilitating and getting downhill and drawing contact, burgeoning his draft stock greatly.
He went 18th overall to the Utah Jazz and figures into their long term plans considering they don’t have an established point guard. He’ll get plenty of burn in Las Vegas and very well could get on a heater much like his run in the tournament.
17) Kon Knueppel, F, Charlotte Hornets
Beginning his college career at Duke largely as a standstill 3-point shooter, Kon Knueppel improved exponentially as the season went along, culminating in his selection with the fourth pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets.
Now one of the focal points of the Hornets’ Summer League squad, Knueppel’s ability to create his own shot, get downhill, and finish off of two feet will be intriguing to watch. If he can continue his drastic improvement, he has the chance to become a star. With a couple dominant performances in Vegas, he’d put himself on that very path.
16) Egor Demin, G, Brooklyn Nets
Somewhat a surprising pick for the Brooklyn Nets at No. 8 in the 2025 NB Draft, Egor Demin still has all the skills to become an All-NBA caliber player in the league. During his lone season at BYU, the Russian native displayed highlight-reel worthy passing skills and an ability to play above the rim.
At 6’9″, the oversized point guard can see above the defense and finish at the peak, a massive advantage that’ll be on full display.
15) Jase Richardson, G, Orlando Magic
Long needing a dynamic combo guard, the Orlando Magic hope that newly selected Jase Richardson can become just that. The Michigan State product spent just one year in East Lansing but established himself as the teams go-to scorer down the stretch of the season, vaulting his draft stock into the late first round.
Richardson can get to the cup in a blur, finishing with his patented lefty scoop layup. Also a threat from long range, his southpaw stroke can do some damage. Still just 19, he may have a slow start but could break out near the end of his stay in Vegas.
14) Cedric Coward, G, Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies believed in Cedric Coward so much that they traded up from No. 16 to No. 11 to get him. It was an understandable risk, as Coward is 6’6″ but has over a 7-foot wingspan, giving him potential to be a lockdown defender.
His offensive game, while still developing, has the chance to become great as well. He possesses a sweet shooting stroke and can get to the basket in a hurry, using his lengthy frame to finish in a variety of ways. Starting his college basketball journey at a D-III program, Coward has a chance to prove many wrong if he has a good showing in Vegas.
13) Danny Wolf, C, Brooklyn Nets
One of the more outside-the-box type of prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft, Danny Wolf is essentially a seven-foot point guard. When he’s not handling the ball, he’s spotting up on the wing ready to shoot the three, making him a very versatile and unique player.
Nets have Danny Wolf embracing the three-ball early in his development:
“And they want me to shoot a lot. The NBA is moving into a lot of 3s now, and so just proving myself as a shooter. I think I’m doing that in practice, and I’m going to keep working at it.” (via… pic.twitter.com/AjnSRgCxgE
— The Brooklyn Way (@Jersey2Brooklyn) July 8, 2025
Just how the Brooklyn Nets use him will be interesting in its own right, but seeing Wolf’s unusual play style could be an eye-opening experience for viewers who haven’t seen him play before.
12) Carter Bryant, F, San Antonio Spurs
Though Carter Bryant saw limited playing time during his lone season at Arizona, he did enough to be considered as a lottery pick. His potential as a high-level role player is tremendous, as he has all the tools to become an All-Defensive Team candidate and has a sweet-looking stroke from deep to grow as a shooter.
But early on during his tenure with the San Antonio Spurs, we may see the raw athletic ability first, as he registered several insane blocks and dunks with the Wildcats that could be on full display in Vegas.
11) Matas Buzelis, F, Chicago Bulls
Matas Buzelis may only play in two or three games (or one if he really dominates) in Vegas, but he’s a prime must-watch candidate in those contests. He started 31 games for the Chicago Bulls after being selected No. 11 in last year’s draft and averaged 8.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game.
A lengthy 6’10” with guard skills and extreme athleticism, Buzelis’ highlights are loud. He wasn’t shy attacking closeouts and trying to punch it through the rim on someones head — something viewers would be delighted to see this coming week.
10) Tre Johnson, G, Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards’ first-round pick, Tre Johnson has all the shot-making capabilities to light up the scoreboard in Vegas. After all, he did exactly that during his freshman season at Texas in the rough, rugged SEC. He led the conference in scoring at 19.9 points while connecting on 39.7% of his 6.8 3-point attempts per game.
The expectation is that Johnson will have all the freedom in the world to jack shots up, making it a realistic possibility that he could be the leading scorer for the event when it’s all said and done.
9) Hansen Yang, C, Portland Trail Blazers
If he’d been selected in the second round of the draft as he was widely projected to, Hansen Yang wouldn’t be on this list. But when the Portland Trail Blazers surprised the league by selecting the 7’2″ Chinese big man with the 16th overall pick, expectations immediately heightened for Yang.
Now as the likely focal point of the Trail Blazers’ Summer League team, all eyes will be on how Yang performs and if he can live up to the relatively high draft selection.
8) Derik Queen, F, New Orleans Pelicans
Speaking of unique players, Derik Queen has as unorthodox as a play style as you’ll find. At 6’10” and nearly 250 pounds, at first look he’d seem like a bruising power forward. But he’s more than comfortable creating his own offense on the perimeter and taking bigger defenders off the dribble to the hoop.
There simply aren’t many players in the 2025 NBA Draft as talented as Derik Queen. Creative, smart, and skilled at 6-foot-10. Possesses an innate feel that allows him to process the game with uncommon ease. pic.twitter.com/H5LFnB9lJM
— Jacob Myers (@League_Him) June 25, 2025
Also a deceptively good creator for others as well, he was the 13th overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans. Paired with fellow lottery pick, point guard Jeremiah Fears, the duo will have plenty of eyes on them in Vegas.
7) Nikola Topic, G, Oklahoma City Thunder
Nikola Topic, the 12th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, missed his entire rookie season with the NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder with a torn ACL. Now back and ready to show his skills after over a year off, Topic will certainly be someone to keep an eye on.
The 6’6″ guard has the ability to blow by defenders and finish at the rim while showing creative capabilities during his time in Europe. For the Thunder, he’s another ultra-talented prospect who will have the spotlight on him during Summer League play.
6) Jeremiah Fears, G, New Orleans Pelicans
Electric is a fitting word to describe Fears. Still just 18, the former Oklahoma Sooner was given the keys to the offense during his lone season and ran with them — literally and figuratively. He was easily one of the fastest players in the country, averaging 17.1 points, 4.1 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game.
Though his shooting needs work, that shouldn’t be a problem in Vegas, where his athleticism and sheer speed will likely win out. He’ll have plenty of opportunities to create highlights.
5) Dylan Harper, G, San Antonio Spurs
Widely regarded as the second-best prospect in the 2025 draft and promptly selected No. 2 by the Spurs, Dylan Harper will be watched very closely in Vegas. The 6’6″ lefty has a very high ceiling, as he’s a lead ball handler who can create his own looks and for others.
Not necessarily a highlight-reel machine, Harper finds success by finding just the right angles to get by his defender and uses shoulder bumps to finish in the lane. Still developing a consistent 3-point jumper at the time he last played for Rutgers, we may see it all come together for the youngster if his jumper is improved.
4) Ace Bailey, F, Utah Jazz
The talk of draft night and the weeks prior, Ace Bailey eventually landed with the Utah Jazz at fifth overall despite not taking any pre-draft workouts and seemingly trying to fall lower in the draft. A tall, high-scoring 18 year old wing with massive amounts of potential, eyes will not only be on Bailey’s play, but also his body language.
He showed no signs of discontent during the Salt Lake City Summer League despite two rough shooting performances. But when his shot is on, he has the ability to light the gym on fire with his top-tier scoring ability.
3) V.J. Edgecombe, G, Philadelphia 76ers
All it took was one game at the Salt Lake City Summer League for V.J. Edgecombe to establish himself as not only a top-10 athlete in the NBA, but a player with All-NBA potential. In the Philadelphia 76ers’ first game, he registered game highs in points (28) and rebounds (10) while knocking down 13 of 27 shots.
Simply put, he more than belonged on the court; in fact, he dominated the competition. The 76ers opted to sit him for their final two games in Utah, meaning he may only play one game in Vegas. That’ll likely be on Thursday, July 11 at 10:00 p.m. (EST) against Harper and the Spurs. Mark it down.
2) Bronny James, G, Los Angeles Lakers
Despite already playing in last year’s Las Vegas Summer League and spending a whole season bouncing between the South Bay (G League) and Los Angeles Lakers, Bronny James is still very much appealing to viewers, casual fan or not. And while he is and will always be known as LeBron’s son, he’s grown into a piece who could potentially be a solid role player.
Once again, he’ll be honing his hounding defensive skills and 3-point shooting ability in Las Vegas with throngs of NBA fans watching his every move.
1) Cooper Flagg, F, Dallas Mavericks
A true generational talent, who else would be the top player to watch in the 2025 Las Vegas Summer League? Cooper Flagg did it all during his lone season at Duke, leading the team in all major stat categories. It was a foregone conclusion that the Dallas Mavericks would take him when they landed the top pick in the draft lottery.
Cooper Flagg vs. Bronny James Summer League tickets are selling for a HISTORIC amount 🤯
Lower bowl tickets are going for $650 and courtside tickets are going for $2,500 😱
(via @TickPick) pic.twitter.com/o2Hdx3bgic
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 8, 2025
Flagg has every tool imaginable to succeed in the NBA, from length, feel, maturity, talent, and skill. He also has a major propensity for throwing down loud jams and blocking shots in highlight fashion. Considering he may appear in only one game due to injury risk, Flagg’s debut against James and the Lakers on Thursday night is appointment viewing for anyone interested in the NBA.
