Top NBA Summer League Las Vegas Performers You Need to Watch This Season
Walking into the Thomas & Mack Center last week, I could feel that familiar electric buzz in the air—the kind that only NBA Summer League in Las Vegas can generate. As someone who's covered basketball for over a decade, I've learned to spot the difference between temporary flashes and genuine breakout potential. This year's tournament has delivered some truly remarkable performances that I believe will significantly impact the upcoming NBA season, and I want to share my perspective on which players have genuinely caught my expert eye.
Let me start by saying that what fascinates me most about Summer League isn't just the raw talent—it's watching how players respond to pressure and transition between different team environments. I'm reminded of Juami Tiongson's recent trade experience, moving from Terrafirma after five years to the championship-contending San Miguel. That kind of shift requires incredible mental flexibility, and we're seeing similar adaptability here in Vegas. Take Brandin Podziemski from the Golden State Warriors, for instance—the kid averaged 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists across his four appearances. What impressed me wasn't just the stat line but how he seamlessly adjusted his game when the Warriors changed their defensive schemes mid-tournament. That's the sort of basketball IQ that translates directly to regular season success.
Another player who's completely won me over is Orlando's Anthony Black. His defensive versatility is something I haven't seen from a rookie in years—he recorded 14 steals and 9 blocks in just five games while consistently guarding positions 1 through 4. I'm telling you, this level of two-way impact is rare. Then there's the Cam Whitmore situation in Houston. The 20th pick in the draft (a steal in my opinion) put up 25.3 points per game while shooting 48% from the field. I've been critical of Houston's development approach in recent years, but Whitmore's performance has me reconsidering their direction. His explosive first step reminds me of a young Jaylen Brown, though I'd argue his court vision might be further along at this stage.
What many analysts miss when evaluating Summer League performances is how these players handle the mental aspect of the game. The Tiongson trade situation illustrates how professional transitions can impact performance, and we saw similar maturity from Portland's Shaedon Sharpe. After struggling in his first two games (shooting just 35%), he bounced back with 32 points against San Antonio. That resilience is what separates potential from production. On the other hand, I've been somewhat disappointed with Scoot Henderson's limited minutes—though when he did play, he showed flashes of why he was drafted 3rd overall, particularly his ability to finish through contact.
The international players have been particularly fascinating to watch this year. Utah's Keyonte George demonstrated why he might be the most NBA-ready guard in his class, averaging 22.6 points while dishing out 7.8 assists. His pick-and-roll execution against Detroit was, in my professional assessment, among the top three performances I've seen all week. Meanwhile, New Orleans' Jordan Hawkins showcased a shooting stroke that I believe will immediately translate to the regular season—he hit 18 three-pointers at a 42% clip, numbers that would be impressive for any established veteran.
As the tournament winds down, I'm left thinking about how these performances will carry over when the real games begin. Summer League success doesn't always predict regular season impact—I've seen enough "Summer League MVPs" who never materialized into rotation players—but this year feels different. The level of fundamental basketball I've witnessed, particularly the defensive intensity and offensive creativity, suggests we're looking at one of the most prepared rookie classes in recent memory. While we should temper expectations—remember, these are essentially glorified scrimmages—the standout performers I've highlighted have demonstrated skills that I'm confident will make them must-watch players this coming season. Trust me, you'll want to keep these names on your radar when October rolls around.
