LAS VEGAS — The opening weekend of the 2025 Las Vegas Summer League brimmed with excitement, rising talents, and pivotal rookie debuts, setting a vibrant tone for the week ahead. Fans and analysts alike found themselves captivated as the next wave of NBA stars began to take shape on the hardwood.
Cooper Flagg Flashes Star Power
Cooper Flagg’s Summer League debut provided a compelling look into his all-around game and immense potential. Although Dallas swiftly keyed in on him, the No. 1 draft pick showcased his versatility over two appearances as the Mavericks’ primary option. He blended playmaking with scoring, supported by elite defensive skills and athleticism.
In his first game, Flagg was challenged to orchestrate the offense. He rose to the occasion as a point-forward, finishing with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and a block. Despite facing relentless pressure and a tough half-court trap, he maintained his composure. Although his shooting wasn’t at its peak (5-of-21 from the field), his court vision and defensive instinct shone through.
Game 2 silenced the doubters. Flagg delivered a scoring showcase, racking up 31 points on 10-of-21 shooting, demonstrating his ability to adapt. He aggressively attacked the rim and hit critical 3-pointers, with 20 of his points coming from inside the paint or free-throw line, a stark contrast to his first outing. His ability to transition from a playmaker to a three-level scorer inserted him firmly into the conversation as an NBA-ready talent.
LeBron James Quietly Makes His Presence Felt
The basketball world was abuzz with LeBron James’s rare courtside appearance, emphasizing his presence during the Summer League. Unlike previous years where he opted out, this time, his quiet demeanor spoke volumes. When pressed about his contract situation, he seemed to brush off the inquiries.
“I ain’t got nothing to talk about,” James told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, adding an air of mystery regarding his future. Having exercised his player option for the upcoming season, speculation swirled about whether he would continue with the Lakers or consider other options. His agent, Rich Paul, even revealed that several teams have reached out to Los Angeles about LeBron’s availability, further fueling the fire for a potential blockbuster move. All eyes are on LeBron as speculation looms regarding his next chapter.
Notable Rookie Absences
However, not all fans were satisfied as they missed out on some highly anticipated debuts. Ace Bailey (hip) and VJ Edgecombe (thumb), both top-five selections in the 2025 NBA Draft, were sidelined, much to the disappointment of their supporters. Both had impressed at the Salt Lake City Summer League, leaving fans eager to see them shine on the bigger stage in Las Vegas.
The Unexpected Hype: Yang Hansen
Enter Yang Hansen, the first Chinese player drafted in the first round in nearly two decades. His surprising selection quickly transformed him into one of the Summer League’s biggest draws. Hansen showcased impressive skills, drawing comparisons to Nikola Jokić with his IQ, vision, and passing ability. As the hype train revs up, fans are increasingly excited about the potential of what could become a remarkable rookie season for this talented big man.
Rising Sophomores
- Memphis Grizzlies F Jaylen Wells: Following the Desmond Bane trade, Wells seized the opportunity to shine, averaging nearly 20 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1.5 steals during the weekend.
- Minnesota Timberwolves F Terrence Shannon: Shannon unofficially graduated from the Summer League, posting 22 points along with 6 rebounds and 6 assists in two games. Given his stint in the Wolves’ rotation that led to a Western Conference finals run, his performance was expected.
- Cleveland Cavaliers G Jaylon Tyson: Over three games, Tyson maintained steady production, averaging 19.7 points, 6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists, contributing to a strong showing for the Cavaliers’ sophomore.
Other notable standouts included Houston’s Reed Sheppard, Utah’s Kyle Filipowski, Phoenix’s Oso Ighodaro and Ryan Dunn, and Detroit’s Ron Holland and Daniss Jenkins. Meanwhile, Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra called out center Kel’el Ware for needing to improve his professionalism, consistency, and approach.
Record Breakers
The 2025 Las Vegas Summer League also witnessed record-setting performances. Washington Wizards F/C Alex Sarr etched his name in the record books with eight blocks in a single game, while Minnesota Timberwolves rookie C Joan Beringer tied the previous Summer League record with seven blocks in his outing.
In a more comical light, the Chicago Bulls set a dubious record with 34 turnovers in a loss to the Toronto Raptors, reminding everyone that while Summer League basketball offers thrilling excitement, it can also be a wild ride.