NBA Summer League Las Vegas: Top 10 Rising Stars to Watch This Season

Walking into the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas always feels like stepping into a crystal ball for basketball’s future. I’ve been covering these games for over a decade, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the Summer League isn’t just a warm-up—it’s where careers are quietly launched. This year, the energy in Vegas is electric, and I’ve got my eyes locked on ten rising stars who could shake up the league sooner than you think. But before we dive into that list, let me share something that’s been on my mind lately. Just last week, I came across a piece of news about Juami Tiongson, a guard from the Philippines who’d spent five solid years with Terrafirma before being traded to San Miguel, a traditional powerhouse. That kind of move—leaving a team you’ve bled for to join a contender—is a storyline we see echoed here in the NBA Summer League, where young talents fight not just for minutes, but for their basketball identities.

Now, let’s talk about the court action. I’ve watched countless prospects flash potential, but this year’s group stands out because they’re not just raw athletes; they’ve got that gritty, adaptable mindset. Take, for instance, the top name on my list: Jalen Green. I saw him drop 23 points in his debut, and his explosiveness off the dribble reminded me of a young Kobe—no exaggeration. Then there’s Evan Mobley, who’s not just a shot-blocker but a playmaker from the post. In one game, he tallied 4 blocks and 3 assists, showing a versatility that’s rare for a rookie. But it’s not all about the stats; it’s about how they handle pressure. I remember chatting with a scout who pointed out that Summer League performances can predict regular-season success in about 60% of cases—a stat I’ve seen hold up over the years. For these players, every possession is a chance to prove they belong, much like Tiongson must be feeling as he transitions to a winning culture at San Miguel. That shift from underdog to spotlight is something I’ve always rooted for, and it’s why I’m particularly high on guys like Josh Giddey, whose court vision is just sublime. He dished out 9 assists in a recent outing, and I’ll admit, I’m biased toward pass-first guards—they make the game beautiful.

Of course, not every story is a straight shot to stardom. Some players, like Ziaire Williams, have had shaky moments, shooting just 35% from the field in the first two games. But that’s where the Summer League magic happens: it’s a lab for growth. I’ve seen guys like Pascal Siakam start slow here and blossom into All-Stars, so I’m not writing anyone off. In fact, that’s a lesson from Tiongson’s journey—loyalty and patience pay off, even when the path twists. As I wrap this up, I’m buzzing with anticipation for the rest of the Vegas games. These ten rising stars aren’t just names on a roster; they’re the next chapter of NBA lore, and if you ask me, keeping an eye on them now will give you bragging rights later. So grab some popcorn, tune in, and watch the future unfold—I know I will, with my notepad in hand and a hopeful grin.