Authors: Multiple Contributors
LAS VEGAS – The 2025 NBA Draft class made their debut at the Las Vegas Summer League this past weekend, following the conclusion of the California Classic and Salt Lake City Summer League tournaments. Unsurprisingly, the main highlight was the first look at the No. 1 overall pick, Cooper Flagg, playing against NBA-level competition for the Dallas Mavericks. After a challenging debut shooting 5-of-21 against Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers, Flagg bounced back impressively, scoring 31 points in the game against Dylan Harper (the No. 2 pick) and the San Antonio Spurs. Reports indicate that the Mavericks will limit Flagg`s participation to just two games in Vegas, but the 18-year-old from Duke certainly left a strong impression. Harper and the No. 3 overall pick, VJ Edgecombe, also delivered notable performances. So, who else among the players gathered in Vegas caught the attention of basketball insiders?
Top Pick Flagg Tested as Primary Offensive Creator
The Mavericks intentionally gave the ball to No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg as much as possible to evaluate his performance as the primary offensive initiator under challenging circumstances. This objective was achieved. The 18-year-old forward took at least 20 shots in both of his summer league games, a volume he reached only twice in 37 games during his single season at Duke.
“I`m exhausted,” Flagg commented after his 31-point performance. “I`m not accustomed to handling the ball that much and facing full-court pressure… but I think I handled it reasonably well.”
Although Flagg had a poor shooting night in his first game, the Mavericks were pleased with his overall two-game effort. He consistently made intelligent decisions and generated scoring opportunities for his teammates, despite finishing with only five assists total. He limited his turnovers to just three in total and appeared to adapt better to defensive pressure as the games progressed. This was particularly evident in the game against the Spurs late in the third quarter, where Flagg successfully navigated defensive pressure for an and-one layup and later drove for a dunk.
“Remarkable for a young player,” noted one insider, “whom we told, `Here`s the ball, and you`re going to be pressed full court`… it`s even more demanding and harder on him than a standard game, especially with fewer fouls being called.”
Harper Debuts Facing Flagg
Having missed the Spurs` previous games due to a minor groin issue, the No. 2 pick, Dylan Harper, returned just in time for the highly anticipated matchup against Flagg on Saturday. Despite being limited to 20 minutes, Harper showcased many of the abilities that positioned him as the consensus second-ranked prospect after Flagg.
Perhaps Harper`s most notable play was on the defensive end, hustling back in transition to block an opponent`s fast-break layup, demonstrating impressive athleticism. Offensively, his skill at drawing contact was evident. He converted 6 of 7 free throws, including completing a three-point play despite being fouled by Flagg.
The primary concern regarding Harper continues to be his shooting, as he missed all four of his attempts from beyond the arc. His timeline for joining the San Antonio veterans as a starter will largely depend on how quickly he develops this aspect of his game.
Bulls` Essengue Requires Development
When the Chicago Bulls selected Noa Essengue with the 12th pick, they openly acknowledged that the 18-year-old Frenchman, who is the second-youngest player drafted, would not arrive in the league as a polished player. However, Essengue`s initial performance truly highlighted his raw talent level. In 25 minutes, he scored five points, mishandled the ball, accidentally tipped a rebound attempt into the basket, and admitted post-game that the level of physicality was surprising to him.
Essengue improved and looked more at ease in his subsequent game, and the Bulls coaching staff appreciated his positive response. Despite this, Chicago does not anticipate Essengue being a significant part of their rotation to start the season, and it remains uncertain if he will contribute substantially during the 2025-26 campaign. He is viewed as a long-term project.
Impressive Early Flashes from Kings` Clifford
Leading up to the draft, Nique Clifford was characterized as a versatile `Swiss Army knife` type of wing player who could immediately contribute positively through his basketball IQ, perimeter shooting, and defensive flexibility. Clifford has lived up to this description through his first two games, accumulating 36 points, 16 rebounds, and 8 assists over 54 minutes in two victories for the Kings.
He aggressively drives to the basket out of pick-and-rolls and in transition. And he excels at the `little things` he`s known for: actively pursuing rebounds outside his immediate area, guarding multiple positions from point guard to power forward, fighting over screens, and making simple, effective passes to find teammates for open looks.
As the initial draft pick made by the new Sacramento Kings front office, Clifford will likely have ample opportunity to demonstrate his readiness for the NBA. And nothing he has displayed in summer league to date suggests otherwise, especially if the team can address its roster depth on the wing.
Notable Rookie Performances
- Liam McNeeley | Forward | Charlotte Hornets: The 29th pick scored 22 points with 12 rebounds coming off the bench in his debut, showcasing a promising two-way skillset. He was then moved to the starting lineup in the next game, finishing with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal in a win.
- Kasparas Jakucionis | Point guard | Miami Heat: After a difficult start at the California Classic, Jakucionis looked like a different player in Las Vegas. He scored 24 points on only 12 shots (including 5-of-9 from three-point range) in 28 minutes, showing improved decision-making and assertiveness. His pace, feel for the game, size, strength, and craftiness were evident. He displayed confidence in both catch-and-shoot situations and off-the-dribble shots.
- Noah Penda | Forward | Orlando Magic: The Magic traded up to select Penda with the 32nd pick. The 20-year-old forward from France averaged 10.2 points in his previous league. In a recent game, he flashed potential by grabbing a game-high 14 rebounds and recording three steals, although he also committed five turnovers, sometimes trying to do too much. On a contending Magic team, he will likely have time to develop, possibly in the G League.
- Joan Beringer | Center | Minnesota Timberwolves: The 17th pick immediately demonstrated his potential as a shot-blocker, rejecting two shots on his first possession. The 18-year-old center finished with 6 blocks, alongside 11 points and 8 rebounds. Beringer is a raw prospect, having only started playing basketball four years ago, but possesses tremendous physical gifts (6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-5 wingspan) and fluid movement. He has the potential to become an impactful rim-runner and rim-protector, developing as an understudy to teammate Rudy Gobert.
- Carter Bryant | Forward | San Antonio Spurs: Tasked with defending top pick Cooper Flagg, the No. 14 pick showed significant defensive potential. He effectively prevented Flagg from getting separation and pressured him into turnovers. Although his shooting has been inconsistent (3-for-22 from three), his strong perimeter defense could help him earn playing time while his offensive game develops.
Other Key Storylines from Summer League
Spurs` Jones-Garcia Drawing Attention
Undrafted 23-year-old forward David Jones-Garcia has impressed, with some within the Spurs organization suggesting he “belongs on an NBA court.” Before arriving in Las Vegas, he made the All-California Classic team, averaging 22.7 points and shooting efficiently from three. He followed this with 24-point and 21-point performances in his initial games in Las Vegas. The scorer, who played collegiately at DePaul, St. John`s, and Memphis, is considered a strong candidate for San Antonio`s final two-way roster spot.
Rockets` Sheppard Focused on Defensive Improvement
Second-year guard Reed Sheppard, though not a rookie, discussed his summer focus, stating that working on defense and spending time in the weight room were priorities, with specific periods dedicated solely to defensive drills. This effort was evident in the Rockets` summer league opener, observed by members of the team`s leadership. While confident in his shooting, the team emphasizes a defense-first mindset under coach Ime Udoka. Sheppard showcased his improved defense by grabbing three steals and registering two blocks in the first half. His defense then seemed to ignite his offense in the second half, where he shot 5-for-8, including 3-for-6 from deep, adding another steal and a block. Houston planned for an expanded role for Sheppard this offseason, and his performance is reinforcing the team`s belief in his development.
