Started in Las Vegas in 2004, the yearly off-season NBA tournament, the Summer League, is a testing ground for franchises to showcase their youngsters, giving the first look at freshmen, sophomores, and G League prospects, together with other mini-leagues like the California Classic and Salt Lake City Summer League.
Held in July, it is a proving ground for players fighting for NBA roster spots or hoping to impress coaches before the regular season.
Just like before, in 2025, expect lively games as under-the-radar players try to make their mark. But out of all the players that will be present this summer, seven names to look out for are listed below, picked from rookies, sophomores, and G League affiliates from opposing teams.
Cooper Flagg – Boston Celtics Rising Rookie
No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Cooper Flagg is a 6’9″ versatile forward whose collegiate stats at Duke—16.5 points, 8.7 boards, and 2.1 blocks—proved his two-way potential.
Flagg’s two-way ability to defend multiple positions and score as a self-creator has him positioned as a favorite in the Summer League. Though he is well known, his limited exposure in the NBA keeps him off the radar for casual fans, so he is expected to take over in Las Vegas with highlight dunks and defensive stops.
With such stats on his name and the “underground” fame around him, Flagg is definitely a good choice for a fantasy roster on platforms like VegasInsider, but this well-established operator now also offers all kinds of games of luck, from classic casino titles to live dealer games, as well as bonuses in form of casino credits and free spins via their DraftKings Casino Promo Code.
Quincy Guerrier – Hope for the Canadian G League (Toronto Raptors)
6’8″ Montréal native Quincy Guerrier averaged 10.8 points and 5.8 rebounds with Raptors 905 in the G League during the 2024-25 season.
Undrafted out of Illinois, he had appearances in Toronto’s 2024 Summer League following a brief run on a Raptors contract. His 47.7% field goal rate and toughness make him a plus for Toronto’s rugged brand of basketball. Home connections and G League experience have Guerrier set up to shine in 2025, potentially signing a two-way deal.
Kel’el Ware – Miami Heat’s Sophomore Sensation
7-foot center Kel’el Ware caused ripples in the 2024 Summer League with 17.4 points and 8.3 rebounds for Miami. Drafted 15th overall in 2024, his athleticism and rim protection have already made him Bam Adebayo’s possible future frontcourt partner.
Ware’s 2024-25 season has been subdued but respectable, with 6.2 points from the bench. His size and developing three-point threat could drive a breakout Summer League, suggesting he is prepared to assume a bigger Heat role.
Yves Missi – The Pelicans’ Underrated Rookie
Yves Missi, a 7-foot Belgian center drafted 21st in 2024, has flown under the radar but leads all rookies in rebounds (6.8 per game) in the 2024-25 season.
His raw athleticism and shot-blocking (1.9 blocks per game) were evident at Baylor, where he averaged 10.7 points.
In the Summer League, Missi’s energy in the paint and ability to finish lobs could steal the show, especially as the Pelicans look for a long-term center post-Valančiūnas.
Colby Jones – Sacramento Kings’ Sophomore Sleeper
6’6″ guard Colby Jones was promising in the 2024 Summer League, averaging 14.3 points and 3.0 steals for Sacramento.
A second-round pick in 2023, he split time between the NBA and G League, scoring 19.8 points in Stockton. Jones’ defensive intensity and improved shooting (37.5% from three in the G League) make him a watch.
With Sacramento’s fast-paced tempo, his transition scoring could thrive in 2025.
Kenneth Lofton Jr. – Utah’s G League Standout
6’6″ forward Kenneth Lofton, Jr. is a G League phenom with 23.4 points and 10.3 rebounds in 2024 for the Salt Lake City Stars.
Lofton was undrafted in 2022 but continued to have playmaking and scoring tricks on the radar of the NBA. The Summer League production of Lofton last year (13.2 points, 6.1 rebounds) tells us he’s about to pop.
For the Jazz team crying out for depth, his strange skill set can be seen by Las Vegas.
Isaiah Collier – Utah’s Rookie Dark Horse
Another player from Utah with a lot of potential, Isaiah Collier, a 6’5″ guard selected 29th in 2024, tops all rookies in assists (5.4 per game) in the 2024-25 season.
His USC numbers (16.3 points, 4.3 assists) showcased his playmaking and downhill scoring ability.
Collier’s speed and vision make him a Summer League threat, particularly in Utah’s fast-paced system. If he improves his 31.2% three-point shooting, he might be a steal of the draft.
Why Consider These Players?
The 2025 NBA Summer League will be a prove-or-perish experience for these seven players.
Missi and Flagg are the tip of the iceberg of the rookie class, and Ware, Jones, and Collier show the direction of second-year players.
Miller and Lofton are the faces of the G League as a talent incubator. How they play will determine team rosters and generate buzz for the 2025-26 season, solidifying that the Summer League is where legends are born.
Featured image credit: DepositPhotos.com
