NBA Summer League Insights: Evaluating Standout Performers

When it comes to assessing player performances during the NBA Summer League, there’s one rule you can’t ignore: it’s totally fine to overreact—so long as it aligns with pre-existing beliefs or narratives. After all, what better way to enjoy the Vegas experience than by confirming your biases on the court?

One universally accepted observation about the Summer League is that seeing second- and third-year players, especially former first-round picks, struggling is a significant red flag. For most others, the Las Vegas games should be viewed with caution but still enjoyed. Who wouldn’t want a taste of NBA action in July, even if those teams only face off for a short while?

While the Summer League primarily showcases recent draft picks, it’s also refreshing to see young veterans potentially shining as they gear up for the upcoming season. Last year, I had Ajay Mitchell on my radar as a prospect, and now he’s had a breakout year with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Now, let’s introduce some players who really shouldn’t be participating in this year’s event.

Will Riley, G, Washington Wizards

Riley measured over 6’8 barefoot during the combine for the 2025 draft, and he’s reportedly become even taller since then. At 20 years old and around 6’10, he displayed a wide range of scoring skills in Las Vegas, fearlessly driving to the basket, shooting spot-up threes, and rebounding well. His agility allows him to navigate through defenses, and even with a lean frame, he effectively finishes at the rim. Sometimes his shooting can be streaky, but his 3-point range—whether he’s taking a shot off the dribble or standing still—shows promise. He’s a fluid athlete for his size and has great practice shooting, plus the knack for positioning himself in favorable scoring spots. The Wizards suddenly have many players needing touches, and Riley looks like he’s just getting started on his way to becoming a consistent scorer.

Jalen Slauson, F, Indiana Pacers

Slauson, who gained fame during the 2023 NCAA Tournament for leading Furman to an upset over Virginia, was selected 54th overall by the Kings. After spending the early part of his professional career primarily in the G League with limited NBA experience, he shone during Summer League. The 6’8 forward showcased his athleticism and defensive prowess, making a strong case for an NBA roster spot. In his opening game against the Cavs, he recorded five blocks, and then he ramped up his scoring in Indiana’s matchup against the 76ers, netting 26 points on 50% shooting. His defense could be his ticket to a roster spot, bolstered by a solid frame, long wingspan, and good instincts. He thrives as a cutter or in transition, and while his 3-point shot is still a work in progress, he shot 34.5% from deep in the G League last year, hinting at potential improvements.

Egor Demin, G, Brooklyn Nets

Time to reevaluate opinions on Egor Demin. Before the 2025 NBA Draft, I mistakenly labeled him one of the most overrated prospects and ranked him No. 8 overall, giving the Nets a fairly lackluster grade. I was mainly concerned about his scoring efficiency and ability to handle contact. Well, turnabout is fair play! Demin has visibly improved his shooting in his rookie year, boosting his 3-point percentage from 27% in college to 38.5%A trip through the NBA’s strength program has also helped reshape his physique, which he showcased in Summer League. He scored over 20 points in each of his three Summer League games this year on 61% shooting. He’s getting more adept at driving to the basket and contributing on the boards. Credit is due both to the Nets for their development efforts and to Demin himself for his dedication. I’m truly glad to be proven wrong, as he’s turned into an exciting player who could play a significant role in the Nets’ future.

Joan Bellinger, C, Minnesota Timberwolves

Bellinger had limited playing time as a rookie after being selected 17th overall in the 2025 draft, but with Julius Randle now gone, he’s likely to see an expanded role this season. Standing at 6’11, he displayed his impressive athleticism and skill in just one Summer League game, generating excitement among Timberwolves fans for his upcoming season. He runs the floor exceptionally well for a center and has remarkable verticality when nearing the basket. Bellinger could undoubtedly make some highlight-reel dunks this season, and he’ll also provide valuable shot-blocking behind Rudy Gobert. A notable aspect of his performance was the development of his ball-handling skills, allowing him to attack off the dribble comfortably. The Timberwolves need strong players to support Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball, and Bellinger has shown he can help.

Tre Johnson, G, Washington Wizards

The opener between the Wizards and Jazz in Las Vegas was memorable, especially as it pitted AJ DiVanza against Darrin Peterson. Yet, Johnson outshone them all. Selected as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 draft, he demonstrated his versatility, shooting from long range, driving to the basket, and consistently pressuring defenses. His ability to create his own shots off the dribble adds valuable options to his scoring arsenal, particularly with teams focusing on stopping players like Divanza, Trae Young, and Anthony Davis. When it comes to dribbling, Johnson possesses the needed quickness and skills to evade defenders. Although he still needs to refine his playmaking and defensive capabilities, there’s reason to believe he’ll take a significant step forward after a decent rookie year in Washington.

Carman Maruaha, C, Phoenix Suns

Maruaha essentially redshirted his rookie year in Phoenix, but after being the No. 10 draft pick in 2025, he’s in a prime position to make a mark this season. This former Duke University center, towering around 7’1 and weighing 252 pounds with an impressive wingspan, clearly looks dominant in the Summer League. Offensively, he can easily establish strong post positions, and defensively, his reach provides an edge. He has shown promising signs of being able to shoot threes, a skill he seems to be developing further this Summer League. Though there are still concerns about his passing and ball-handling, Maruaha has rapidly improved and holds a lot of promise for the Suns following a quieter rookie year.

Cedric Coward, F, Memphis Grizzlies

Coward solidified his rapid ascent from DIII to lottery pick by earning All-Rookie First Team honors. The 11th overall pick in the 2025 draft is an impressive swingman at 7’2 and brings significant strength to the defensive end, shooting well from 3-point range while also contributing as a rebounder. While it might have been understandable for Coward to skip the Summer League following his strong rookie year, he showed up ready to improve, enhancing his full-court coverage, rebounding, and long-range shooting capabilities. He complements teammates Cameron Boozer and Zach Eady perfectly and these early reps could rejuvenate the team’s chemistry next season. Memphis’ rebuild looks promising, and Coward is essential to that process.

Maxime Reynaud, C, Sacramento Kings

Raynaud might have been the standout second-round pick last year, moving from the 42nd overall pick to earning All-Rookie Second Team accolades with the Sacramento Kings. This Stanford alum boasts a versatile offensive approach, including solid post moves, a smooth shooting stroke from beyond the arc, and the ability to create plays for others with dribble handoffs. He has the makings of a genuine stretch five, although he needs to be more prolific from deep; however, he showcased his shooting touch recently in Las Vegas. The major concern for Raynaud lies on the defensive side, as he struggles to protect the rim. The Kings will need to find a defensive-minded wing to support him, but his offensive game is strong enough to warrant significant playing time in a rebuilding Sacramento team.