News Summary
The 2025 NBA Summer League showcased outstanding talents, particularly from top draft picks like Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper. Flagg impressed with a record-tying performance, scoring 31 points in his second game, while Harper contributed significantly for the Spurs. Notable players like Kyle Filipowski and Nique Clifford provided thrilling performances throughout the week. Despite some top rookies being sidelined before the championship game, the tournament marked a strong start for these newcomers as teams prepare for the upcoming NBA season.
Las Vegas, NV – The 2025 NBA Summer League captivated basketball fans with exciting performances from top draft picks, renewing enthusiasm after a lackluster rookie class in the previous year. The week-long event witnessed thrilling matchups and outstanding individual displays, particularly from the year’s highly anticipated players.
The standout from the 2025 draft, Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 pick, drew immense attention as he made his debut for the Dallas Mavericks. Although Flagg faced a challenging start, shooting just 5-of-21 against the Los Angeles Lakers in his first game, he rebounded in style in his second outing. He delivered an impressive performance against the San Antonio Spurs, scoring 31 points—a feat that tied John Wall’s record for most points scored by a No. 1 pick in summer league history.
Dylan Harper, the No. 2 overall pick, made his first appearance in the same game as Flagg, contributing 16 points in just 20 minutes for the Spurs. However, in an effort to preserve their prospects for the upcoming NBA season, Flagg and other top rookies were sidelined before the championship game, marking the end of their participation in the summer league.
Among the other noteworthy performances, Nique Clifford of the Sacramento Kings impressed with an average of 18.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game throughout the summer league. Flagg’s versatility was apparent as he played as a point forward, boasting the third-highest usage rate and successfully reaching the free-throw line 13 times in his second game.
Liam McNeeley, selected 29th overall, shone in his debut by outperforming his teammate Kon Knueppel (fourth pick), recording 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists. Meanwhile, Kyle Filipowski led all players in scoring during the summer league with an impressive average of 29.3 points per game. Filipowski’s highlight included a crucial game-tying dunk during an overtime match.
Other standout players included Terrence Shannon Jr. with an average of 22.7 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, alongside Nae’Qwan Tomlin, who averaged 20.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. In a surprising turn, Eli John N’Diaye signed a two-way contract with the Atlanta Hawks after going undrafted, scoring 12 points in his only game before suffering an injury.
Jeremiah Fears, playing for the New Orleans Pelicans, showed improvement as the tournament progressed, culminating in a strong performance with 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting in his last game. Yang Hansen, the 16th pick from China, showcased noteworthy skills as a 7-foot-1 rookie, consistently showcasing impressive passing and shot-blocking abilities, averaging 2 blocks per game.
Despite some players struggling with inconsistencies—including Fears, who faced a high turnover rate early in the tournament—the event featured exhilarating matchups and numerous dramatic moments. The Boston Celtics secured a victory over the Lakers with an 87-78 win, led by Jordan Walsh, who contributed 17 points.
Additionally, Quinten Post from the Golden State Warriors did not participate due to an ankle injury but remained engaged with his team throughout the summer league. Overall, the tournament proved to be a promising beginning to the careers of several rookies as teams set their sights on the upcoming NBA season.
As fans reflect on the summer league, the performances of these talented newcomers have undoubtedly set the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cooper Flagg Shines in Las Vegas Summer League
NBA Offseason Moves Reshape Team Roster Dynamics
Additional Resources
- USA Today: Cooper Flagg NBA Summer League
- Wikipedia: NBA Summer League
- The Guardian: Cooper Flagg Debut
- Google Search: Cooper Flagg NBA Summer League
- ESPN: 2025 NBA Summer League Superlatives
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NBA
- NBA: NBA 2K26 Summer League
- Google News: 2025 NBA Summer League
- ESPN: NBA Summer League Game
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga 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 Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
