NBA Summer League Showcases Rising Rookies’ Talent

Rookies showcasing their skills during the NBA Summer League.

News Summary

The NBA Summer League in Las Vegas featured impressive performances from a talented group of rookies, including Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and Nique Clifford. Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick, scored 31 points in his second game, tying the Summer League record for points by a No. 1 pick. Other standout players showcased their skills, while some faced injuries. The event highlighted the depth of talent available as fans eagerly await the upcoming NBA season.

Las Vegas – The 2025 NBA Summer League captivated fans as a new wave of rookies took the court, showcasing talent from one of the most highly anticipated draft classes in recent history. Among the standout performances was Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick, who redeemed himself from a rough debut. After struggling with a shooting percentage of 5-of-21 in his first game with the Dallas Mavericks, Flagg scored a remarkable 31 points in his second appearance, tying with John Wall for the highest points scored by a No. 1 pick in Summer League history.

Other notable rookies included Dylan Harper, selected second overall, who put on an impressive performance for the San Antonio Spurs with 16 points in just 20 minutes. The close of the Summer League not only highlighted these exceptional talents but also built excitement as fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season.

Throughout the Summer League, several rookies demonstrated their potential, leaving an indelible mark on the event. Nique Clifford of the Sacramento Kings was another standout, averaging 18.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists while showcasing exceptional shooting skills, hitting 53% of his three-point attempts.

Furthermore, Liam McNeeley of the Charlotte Hornets achieved success on the court, contributing 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists, which surpassed his previous college career high in rebounding. Tre Johnson of the Washington Wizards also impressed with his shooting efficiency, posting a remarkable 69% on two-point attempts and making 5-of-11 from beyond the arc.

Among international talents, Yang Hansen, a 7-foot-1 rookie from China and the No. 16 pick, showcased a well-rounded skill set, recording 15 assists and averaging 2.3 blocks per game. This versatility illustrates the growing impact of international players in the NBA.

However, the Summer League was not without its setbacks. Eli John N’Diaye, who went undrafted but secured a two-way contract with the Atlanta Hawks, had a promising game scoring 12 points and grabbing six boards before being sidelined due to a wrist injury. Additionally, Darius Bazley of the Los Angeles Lakers suffered an injury during a game against the Boston Celtics, collapsing after a drive to the basket and requiring assistance off the court. Bazley had averaged 11.2 points and 8.4 rebounds over five Summer League games, but immediate updates about his injury were not provided.

Despite the few injuries, the Summer League highlighted many impressive performances, including 40 points from Jahmir Young of the Chicago Bulls and 35 points from Tyrese Proctor of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Rookies such as James Bouknight and Kon Knueppel also had notable outings, further emphasizing the depth of talent present among this year’s rookies.

As the Summer League concluded, the focus shifts toward the regular season where these rookies will have the opportunity to further showcase their abilities. With the excitement built from the Summer League, fans and teams alike are eager to see how these young athletes will translate their showcased skills into the competitive environment of the NBA.

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STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER

MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.

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