News Summary
The 2025 NBA Summer League showcased remarkable talent from the latest draft class. Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 pick, scored 31 points in his second game, tying the record for a No. 1 pick in Summer League history. Other standout rookies showed impressive skills, including Dylan Harper, Nique Clifford, and Kyle Filipowski, setting a thrilling tone for the upcoming NBA season. However, the event also faced challenges with injuries impacting key players. Overall, the Summer League served as an essential platform for players to demonstrate their abilities and prepare for professional play.
Las Vegas, NV – The 2025 NBA Summer League highlighted the rookie performances of an anticipated draft class, featuring standout talents and exciting matches. Among them, Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick, made headlines by scoring 31 points in his second game, following a challenging debut where he struggled with a 5-of-21 shooting performance for the Dallas Mavericks. His impressive scoring tied him with John Wall for the most points recorded by a No. 1 pick in Summer League history.
Dylan Harper, selected second overall by the San Antonio Spurs, had a laudable Summer League debut, contributing 16 points in just 20 minutes of play. Other notable performers include Nique Clifford of the Sacramento Kings, who averaged 18.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, showcasing his shooting prowess with a 53% success rate on three-point shots.
Flagg was not the only rookie to turn heads. Liam McNeeley of the Charlotte Hornets excelled on the court, not only scoring 22 points but also amassing 12 rebounds and 6 assists. This performance marked a personal best in rebounds for McNeeley, as he stepped up following the conclusion of college basketball and entered the professional arena.
Flagg’s usage rates were particularly noteworthy, as he displayed potential as a point forward, offering glimpses into his versatile skill set. Tre Johnson from the Washington Wizards also impressed fans with efficient shooting, hitting 69% on two-point attempts and converting 5-of-11 from three-point range.
Yang Hansen, the 7-foot-1 rookie from China picked No. 16 overall, contributed significantly with 15 assists and demonstrated his shot-blocking skills, averaging 2.3 blocks per game. Meanwhile, Eli John N’Diaye, who signed a two-way contract with the Atlanta Hawks after going undrafted, had a promising start, scoring 12 points and grabbing six rebounds before a wrist injury halted his participation.
Jeremiah Fears of the New Orleans Pelicans battled through a slow start, eventually netting 22 points in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, illustrating his resilience and ability to adjust during the Summer League. Kyle Filipowski from the Utah Jazz emerged as the top scorer of the event, with an average of 29.3 points per game, showcasing a strong offensive game that sets high expectations for the upcoming season.
However, the Summer League was not without its setbacks. Darius Bazley of the Los Angeles Lakers had a standout presence before suffering a concerning injury during a matchup against the Boston Celtics. He collapsed after driving to the basket and was promptly taken off the court in a wheelchair. The Lakers have not yet provided updates regarding the nature of Bazley’s injury. Before the incident, he averaged 11.2 points and 8.4 rebounds over five games, demonstrating solid contributions to his team.
The Summer League also featured remarkable individual performances, including 40 points scored by Bulls guard Jahmir Young and 35 points from Cleveland’s Tyrese Proctor. Various rookies, including James Bouknight and Kon Knueppel, had impressive outings, establishing themselves as emerging talents for their respective teams.
The annual NBA Summer League continues to serve as an important platform for rookies to showcase their skills and prepare for the upcoming regular season, particularly following the excitement surrounding this year’s draft. As preparations for the 2025-26 NBA season ramp up, the performances seen in Las Vegas have set a thrilling tone for basketball fans eagerly awaiting the return of professional play.
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Additional Resources
- ESPN: 2025 NBA Summer League Superlatives
- Wikipedia: NBA Summer League
- NBA.com: Summer Standouts July 17, 2025
- Google Search: 2025 NBA Summer League
- CBS Sports: Redrafting the 2025 NBA Draft
- Google Scholar: NBA Summer League 2025
- Fox News: Darius Bazley Exits NBA Summer League
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NBA
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
