The Las Vegas Summer League is back, lighting up the court with 11 straight days of NBA action from Thursday through July 20. Rookie phenom Cooper Flagg may be stealing headlines, but I’m equally intrigued by the next wave of talent—rising stars like Ace Bailey, Dylan Harper, and draft-day surprises like Yang Hansen. With so many promising rookies and second-year players, it’s challenging to highlight them all. However, for fantasy basketball enthusiasts, here are five players (and one intriguing team) I’m especially excited to watch in Vegas:
Cooper Flagg – F, Dallas Mavericks
Flagg is already generating significant buzz as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Although I don’t expect him to play more than a couple of games, his tenure in Vegas will be pivotal for understanding how he can fit into the Mavericks’ system, particularly in a point guard role.
His well-rounded skill set makes him the most NBA-ready player in this draft class. Flagg’s versatility translates smoothly to fantasy basketball, especially concerning playmaking (measured by his assist-to-turnover ratio) and his 3-point shooting abilities. A standout performance at the Summer League could skyrocket his fantasy stock; remember, only three top picks over the past decade—Karl-Anthony Towns, Victor Wembanyama, and Deandre Ayton—have broken into the top 100 in fantasy in their rookie seasons. Based on Flagg’s impressive freshman numbers at Duke, I’m eyeing him around the fifth round, even though others might reach earlier to snag this highly anticipated prospect.
Bronny James – G, Los Angeles Lakers
Bronny has stirred interest after averaging 12 minutes per game at the California Classic. I witnessed him shine with 10 points against the Heat, demonstrating his potential. However, this was followed by a disappointing two-point outing in another game, underscoring the need for more consistent performances.
This Summer League is crucial for Bronny. Fans want to see him play extended minutes akin to those expected in the G-League. His defensive prowess has drawn commendations, but there’s a hunger to see broader growth in his gameplay. With JJ Redick predicting Bronny’s role in the Lakers’ rotation for the 2025-26 season, this summer could showcase the skills necessary to make that happen.
Reed Sheppard – G, Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets’ third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft didn’t deliver jaw-dropping numbers last season, averaging just 4.4 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in limited minutes. Despite this, his shooting capability had him pegged as one of the best in his draft class. Thus, the 35/34/81 shooting splits feel underwhelming and raise questions about his potential impact moving forward.
Fortunately, the Rockets’ coaching staff has identified Sheppard as key to their future, and the Summer League will provide a platform to showcase his development beyond G-League play. With Fred VanVleet now in the mix until the 2027-28 season, the backup point guard position could be Sheppard’s target if he impresses in Vegas. This opportunity for growth could significantly affect his fantasy stock.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards are hitting the offseason strong by acquiring veteran players on expiring contracts while betting on young talent that hasn’t reached its ceiling. Their rebuild appears strategically sound, and with a plethora of rookies and experienced sophomores, their Summer League roster is brimming with potential.
I’m particularly watching Alex Sarr and Bub Carrington, both who were solid contributors in their rookie seasons. Other names like AJ Johnson, who came over in the Kyle Kuzma trade, Kyshawn George, and Tre Johnson, the sixth pick from the 2025 Draft, are also on my radar. Expect to see a fast-paced, high-tempo offense showcasing a multitude of highlight-reel plays.
Jeremiah Fears – G, New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans have faced scrutiny this offseason, notably for trading up for Derik Queen without clarity on long-term benefits. Yet, Jeremiah Fears presents an electrifying element to their roster amidst these questions. With Dejounte Murray recovering from an Achilles injury, Jose Alvarado currently takes priority in the depth chart for point guards.
While I doubt Fears will be thrust directly into the starting role, excelling in Summer League could enhance their confidence in giving the 18-year-old some playing time during the regular season. Known for his scoring ability, much like fellow guard Jordan Poole, it will be fascinating to see how he adjusts to the rigors of running an NBA offense while harnessing his exceptional ball-handling and shot-creation skills.
Egor Demin – G, Brooklyn Nets
The Nets made headlines this offseason, utilizing all five of their first-round picks to select a roster with distinct roles, albeit a focus on unselfish playmakers. Yet, with depth issues in their backcourt, it’s clear why they leaned into this strategy.
Amidst this, Egor Demin, a rookie out of BYU, is slated as the starting point guard in the Summer League. His performance could potentially carry over into training camp and beyond. While I’m not particularly sold on him as a top prospect, the opportunity to start from day one is rare for rookies, making him a player worth monitoring closely for fantasy implications.