LAS VEGAS – The lights of Las Vegas provide a unique proving ground, and this past weekend, the 2025 NBA draft class got its first taste of professional competition at the Las Vegas Summer League. Following preliminary action in San Francisco and Salt Lake City, all thirty teams converged on Nevada, bringing with them a fresh crop of talent eager to make their mark. The opening days offered a blend of hyped debuts, unexpected flashes, and stern reminders that transitioning to the NBA is rarely a finished product.
The Top Picks Under the Microscope
Unsurprisingly, the spotlight shone brightest on the very top of the draft board. The No. 1 pick, Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks, entered Summer League facing immense expectations. His debut was a mixed bag statistically, but his second game, a 31-point outburst against fellow top prospect Dylan Harper and the San Antonio Spurs, showcased the offensive potential. The Mavericks specifically tasked Flagg with primary offensive creation, a role he hadn`t frequently occupied at Duke. The 18-year-old acknowledged the challenge, noting the physical toll of being guarded full-court, a “rigorous test” that, for now, is complete as the Mavericks have reportedly elected to shut him down after just two games – perhaps a wise decision to preserve the prized asset, or perhaps just traditional Summer League caution.
No. 2 pick Dylan Harper of the San Antonio Spurs made his debut after a minor groin issue. Facing off against Flagg provided an immediate high-profile test. Harper demonstrated flashes of his scoring potential and an impressive ability to draw fouls, getting to the free-throw line effectively. Crucially, he showed notable defensive effort, including a highlight transition block. The persistent question mark around his perimeter shooting remains, but early signs suggest he possesses the foundational skills and competitive fire the Spurs value.
Projects, Potential, and Unexpected Contributions
Beyond the top two, Summer League serves as a critical evaluation period for players throughout the draft and even the undrafted ranks. Observations from the opening weekend highlight a range of readiness levels within the rookie class:
- Noa Essengue (No. 12 pick, Chicago Bulls): Identified pre-draft as a long-term project, the young French forward`s initial Summer League minutes underlined just how raw his talent is. Early struggles with physicality and basic ball-handling mistakes were evident, painting a clear picture that significant development time is needed before he can realistically contribute to the Bulls` rotation. His response and improvement in subsequent games, however, offered a positive sign for his coachability and long-term potential.
- Nique Clifford (Sacramento Kings): Billed as a “plug-and-play” wing, Clifford has seemingly validated that assessment early on. His versatile contributions across scoring, rebounding, and defense, coupled with an apparent high feel for the game and consistent effort on the “little things,” suggest he could be ready to step into a role sooner rather than later, particularly under the Kings` new front office.
- Liam McNeeley (No. 29 pick, Charlotte Hornets): Showing a promising blend of offensive skill and defensive activity, McNeeley had a strong debut off the bench and quickly earned a spot in the starting lineup. His immediate impact suggests he could be one of the later first-round picks who finds a way onto the court early in his career.
- Kasparas Jakucionis (Miami Heat): After a rough start in earlier Summer League action, Jakucionis looked significantly more comfortable and effective in Las Vegas. His improved assertiveness, decision-making with ball screens, and versatile scoring package, including confident off-the-dribble and catch-and-shoot threes, were notable. While his defense will be a key factor in his NBA role, his offensive flashes were genuinely encouraging.
- Noah Penda (No. 32 pick, Orlando Magic): The Magic traded up to secure Penda, and he demonstrated intriguing physical tools, particularly his rebounding prowess and defensive activity (steals). However, instances of trying to do too much also led to turnovers, reinforcing the expectation that he is a developmental piece who may benefit from time in the G League initially.
- Joan Beringer (No. 17 pick, Minnesota Timberwolves): Possessing elite physical dimensions despite limited basketball experience, Beringer wasted no time showcasing his primary NBA tool: rim protection. His immediate impact as a shot-blocker and rebounder, combined with fluid movement, makes him an intriguing long-term prospect as a rim-running, shot-blocking center, potentially learning under the tutelage of Rudy Gobert.
- Carter Bryant (No. 14 pick, San Antonio Spurs): Tasked with guarding Flagg in a key matchup, Bryant`s defensive potential was on full display. His ability to stay connected to offensive players, disrupt actions, and contribute to forced turnovers suggests his defense could earn him playing time even as his offensive game, particularly shooting, continues to develop.
Beyond the Rookie Headlines: Others Making Noise
Summer League isn`t solely about the rookies; it`s also a chance for second-year players and undrafted hopefuls to earn their stripes. Two individuals stood out in this regard:
- David Jones-Garcia (San Antonio Spurs): An undrafted forward, Jones-Garcia has been prolific throughout Summer League, earning recognition for his scoring ability. His consistent offensive production has led to speculation that he could secure one of San Antonio`s valuable two-way contract spots, demonstrating that the door to the NBA remains open for those who perform.
- Reed Sheppard (Houston Rockets): Entering his second season, Sheppard highlighted a dedicated offseason focus on defensive improvement, including specific workouts tailored to that end. His performance in the Rockets` opener validated this effort, showcasing increased defensive engagement and impact (steals, blocks), which in turn seemed to unlock his offense. This commitment to the defensive end, a key requirement for coach Ime Udoka, is positioning Sheppard for an expanded role in Houston.
As Summer League continues, players will have more opportunities to adjust, learn, and showcase their skills. While these initial impressions are merely snapshots, they provide the first tangible look at how the 2025 draft class and other developing talents stack up against professional competition, setting the stage for the long road of development ahead.
