The 2025 NBA Summer League delivered thrilling moments from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City and California, spotlighting rising stars like Kon Knueppel and Kyle Filipowski
As the dust settles on the NBA Summer League 2025, fans, scouts, and analysts alike are buzzing about what they’ve witnessed across Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, and California. From breakout performances to strategic experiments, this year’s showcase was more than just a warm-up, it was a glimpse into the NBA’s future.
Whether you were courtside at the Thomas & Mack Center, streaming from home, or following the action on social media, the Summer League delivered drama, development, and a few surprises that could reshape rosters heading into the 2025–26 season.
Table of Contents
The Venues: Three Cities, One Basketball Carnival
California Classic (San Francisco)
Held at the Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors, the California Classic tipped off on July 5. Featuring the Warriors, Lakers, Heat, and Spurs, this mini-tournament gave fans an early look at top draft picks and second-year players.
Salt Lake City Summer League
Hosted at the Jon M. Huntsman Center, this leg of the Summer League ran from July 5 to 8, spotlighting teams like the Jazz, Thunder, and Grizzlies. It was here that Kyle Filipowski of the Jazz began turning heads with his dominant play.
Las Vegas NBA 2K26 Summer League
The main event took place in Las Vegas from July 10 to 20, with all 30 NBA teams participating. The tournament featured a playoff bracket, culminating in a championship game between the Charlotte Hornets and Sacramento Kings.
Championship Recap: Hornets Take the Crown
The Charlotte Hornets emerged victorious, defeating the Sacramento Kings 83-78 in a tightly contested final. Leading the charge was Kon Knueppel, the No. 4 overall pick, who earned Summer League MVP honors after scoring 21 points in the title game.
Knueppel’s performance throughout the tournament was consistent and clutch, showcasing his ability to lead, score, and defend. His chemistry with fellow rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner and second-year guard Jaylen Sims gave Hornets fans plenty to be excited about.
Breakout Stars and Standout Performances
Kyle Filipowski (Utah Jazz)
Filipowski was arguably the biggest revelation of the Summer League. Averaging 29.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists over three games, he was named Summer League MVP by CBS Sports. His scoring versatility and rebounding tenacity suggest he could be a cornerstone for the rebuilding Jazz.
Yang Hansen (Portland Trail Blazers)
Initially considered a mid-second-round pick, Hansen proved doubters wrong with his elite passing and court vision. Averaging 10.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, he’s now seen as a potential rotation player for Portland.
Oscar Onley (Picnic PostNL)
Though not part of the Summer League, Onley’s rise in the Tour de France has drawn comparisons to the kind of breakout visibility players like Filipowski and Knueppel achieved in Vegas. The NBA’s global reach continues to grow, and international stars are increasingly part of the conversation.
Rookies on Display: Mixed Bag of Minutes
While fans were eager to see top picks like Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and VJ Edgecombe, many of them played limited minutes:
- Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks): Played just two games, including a 31-point explosion in his final appearance.
- Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs): Showed flashes of brilliance but was shut down early.
- VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers): Logged only one game, leaving fans wanting more.
The cautious approach by teams reflects a growing trend: protect high-value assets during the offseason and save their full debut for the regular season.
Sophomore Surge: Second-Year Players Making Noise
Dalton Knecht (Los Angeles Lakers)
Expected to dominate, Knecht struggled to find rhythm and consistency. His performance raised questions about his role heading into the new season.
David Jones-García (San Antonio Spurs)
Jones-García lit up Vegas with his shooting, including a 23-point game with four three-pointers. He’s making a strong case for a rotation spot.
Nique Clifford (Sacramento Kings)
Clifford was instrumental in the Kings’ run to the final, earning a spot on the All-Summer League First Team.
Coaching and Strategy: Experimentation in Action
Summer League isn’t just about players—it’s a lab for coaches and front offices. Teams tested:
- New defensive schemes (zone traps, switch-heavy sets)
- Positionless lineups, with bigs initiating offense
- Two-way contract evaluations, especially for undrafted players
The Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat were particularly aggressive in trialing hybrid rotations, giving fans a preview of how analytics and versatility are shaping modern basketball.
Media Buzz and Fan Engagement
Social media played a huge role in amplifying Summer League moments:
- TikTok clips of Kon Knueppel’s buzzer-beaters went viral.
- Behind-the-scenes mic’d-up segments with Isaac Jones and Ryan Kalkbrenner gave fans a glimpse into locker room dynamics.
- ESPN and NBA TV provided wall-to-wall coverage, while streaming platforms like ESPN+ and the NBA App made games accessible worldwide.
Ticket Sales and Attendance
The Las Vegas Summer League sold out multiple sessions, including the marquee matchup featuring Cooper Flagg. Ticket prices ranged from $83 for upper bowl to $2,519 courtside, underscoring the event’s growing popularity.
Global Impact: International Talent Rising
From Jean-Jacques Boissy (Milwaukee Bucks) to Bogoljub Markovic, international players made their mark. The NBA’s commitment to global scouting was evident, with several Exhibit 10 contracts handed out to overseas prospects.
Final Thoughts: NBA Summer League 2025 What Summer League Tells Us
The NBA Summer League 2025 was more than a showcase, it was a statement. It revealed:
- The depth of the 2025 draft class
- The strategic direction of rebuilding franchises
- The growing influence of international and second-year talent
As teams head into training camp, the lessons learned in Vegas, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco will shape rotations, contracts, and expectations. For fans, it was a thrilling preview of what’s to come and a reminder that basketball never sleeps.
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