Kevin Pelton
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Kevin Pelton
ESPN Senior Author
Co-author, Professional Basketball Prospectus sequence
Previously a advisor with the Indiana Pacers
Developed WARP ranking and SCHOENE system
Jeremy Woo
Shut
Jeremy Woo
ESPN
NBA draft analyst and writerJoined ESPN.com in 2023Covered the NBA and NBA draft for Sports activities Illustrated from 2015-2023
Jul 10, 2025, 07:00 AM ET
Each the California Traditional and Salt Lake Metropolis summer season leagues have wrapped up, so it’s time to concentrate on the principle occasion of the offseason: NBA 2K26 Las Vegas Summer time League.
The 11-day match begins Thursday and runs by way of July 20, with a champion topped on the finish.
The occasion will probably be headlined by the recent faces of the 2025 draft class, in addition to different latest draftees comparable to Bronny James, Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham, and unsigned veterans searching for open spots on rosters throughout the league. Prime 2025 picks Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper and VJ Edgecombe will all be in motion Thursday as video games tip off.
After every staff performs 4 video games, the highest 4 groups will advance to the playoffs. The 2 semifinal video games will happen July 19, with the championship recreation July 20. The opposite 26 groups will play a fifth recreation between July 18-20.
With the match schedule out of the way in which, it’s time for ESPN analysts Kevin Pelton and Jeremy Woo to have a look at the highest gamers to look at on every summer season league staff.
Kobe Bufkin | SG2023 draft: Spherical 1, No. 15
This is a vital yr for Bufkin, who is almost seven months faraway from season-ending shoulder surgical procedure going into his third NBA season. The guard out of Michigan entered the league in 2023 with actual promise, however he has appeared in simply 27 regular-season video games. The 21-year-old has a key window to solidify himself as a part of Atlanta’s future, with the Hawks retooling, and led by a brand new entrance workplace that didn’t draft him. Bufkin will probably be below the microscope as he returns to motion. — Woo
Hugo Gonzalez | SG2025 draft: Spherical 1, No. 28
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Gonzalez is strolling into a great state of affairs in Boston because the staff’s lone first-round decide in a yr when there will probably be loads of vacant wing minutes. After he averaged 10 minutes per recreation at Actual Madrid final season, the NBA will now get a for much longer take a look at the 19-year-old, who is understood for his motor and will enter a a lot better alternative to play and develop. We’ll see how Gonzalez fares when the coaching wheels come off, however he may turn into an necessary position participant for the Celtics in time. — Woo
Egor Demin | PG2025 draft: Spherical 1, No. 8
The headliner of the Nets’ five-man draft class, Demin would be the most intriguing in his new state of affairs, with Brooklyn presumably planning to coax as a lot as they’ll out of him as an on-ball playmaker. Count on him to rotate these reps with the Nets’ different rookies, however Demin’s passing imaginative and prescient ought to shine in what’s usually a wide-open on-court setting in Vegas. I’m curious how he’ll look on this context, and I’d like to see Demin play in inventive pick-and-roll with fellow Nets draft classmate Danny Wolf. — Woo
Kon Knueppel | SF2025 draft: Spherical 1, No. 4
Knueppel presumably would be the focus of the Hornets’ Las Vegas operation, giving him a chance to showcase his glorious capturing (64.8 true capturing share at Duke) and the breadth of his potential as a secondary playmaker. He figures to be one of the superior rookies out of the gate, and this needs to be a pleasant platform for him to rise up loads of pictures. — Woo
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Kon Knueppel’s high performs that led him to the Hornets
Try a few of Kon Knueppel’s high performs at Duke as he heads to the Hornets with the fourth total decide.
Matas Buzelis | SF2024 draft: Spherical 1, No. 11
Buzelis presumably received’t play greater than a recreation or two in Las Vegas, however his second-half emergence (13 factors on 46% discipline aim/36% 3-pointers/83% free throw splits publish All-Star) was an enormous improvement for the Bulls, who’re set to more and more lean on him over the subsequent few seasons. He ought to have loads of alternatives to attain on a summer season league roster that’s kind of constructed round him. I’m additionally fairly interested by 2025 No. 12 total decide Noa Essengue, who provides Chicago a second massive, versatile ahead to construct round. — Woo
Jaylon Tyson | SG2024 draft: Spherical 1, No. 20
The Cavaliers solely made two second-round picks this yr, that means final yr’s twentieth total decide (Tyson) is the headliner of their summer season league group. He was known as upon sparingly on an excellent Cleveland staff in 2024-25, however he may very well be ticketed for extra of a job subsequent season after the Cavs traded Isaac Okoro to the Bulls for Lonzo Ball. Tyson’s positional measurement and offensive chops ought to stand out in Vegas. — Woo
Cooper Flagg | SF2025 draft: Spherical 1, No. 1
Borrowing from a playbook he used with 2013 first-round decide Giannis Antetokounmpo whereas teaching the Milwaukee Bucks, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd stated, “I want to make him uncomfortable and see how he reacts,” about summer season plans for Flagg. “Being able to run the show, being able to play the 2, play the 3.” An influence ahead at Duke, Flagg should play the perimeter within the NBA due to the Mavericks’ crowded frontcourt. We’ll get a primary take a look at how Kidd’s plan goes in Las Vegas. — Pelton
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What Cooper Flagg brings to the Dallas Mavericks
Try the perfect performs from Duke freshman Cooper Flagg as he’s taken by the Dallas Mavericks with the No. 1 total decide.
DaRon Holmes II | PF2024 draft: Spherical 1, No. 22 by Phoenix
The most important disappointment of final yr’s summer season motion was Holmes struggling an Achilles rupture late in his Denver debut. Subsequent surgical procedure and rehab value Holmes his first NBA season. Now, the 2024 first-round decide is able to get again on the courtroom. Holmes’ potential to provide as a rookie may show particularly necessary if the Nuggets can’t persuade Jonas Valanciunas to move a suggestion from Greek membership Panathinaikos days after Denver dealt for the veteran to again up three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. — Pelton
Ron Holland II | SF2024 draft: Spherical 1, No. 5
Holland performed a restricted position in a crowded Pistons wing rotation as a rookie, however ought to have an opportunity to interrupt by way of transferring ahead, with Detroit choosing him increased than most anticipated in 2024. Showcasing himself at summer season league, the place he’ll be the first title on the Pistons roster sheet, would symbolize a step in that course, significantly if his shotmaking (28.3% from 3 final season) can enhance. — Woo
L.J. Cryer | PG2025: Undrafted
An All-America decide who almost led Houston to final yr’s nationwide title, Cryer is the type of undrafted rookie who may excel in Las Vegas along with his capturing potential. Cryer rated within the high 50 of my predraft projections on the energy of his 40% profession NCAA 3-point capturing. He ought to have loads of alternative on an Exhibit 10 contract with a Warriors roster that options solely two of the staff’s personal draft picks, second-rounders Will Richard (whose Florida staff beat Cryer’s Houston within the nationwide championship) and Alex Toohey. — Pelton
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L.J. Cryer drains triple vs. San Antonio Spurs
L.J. Cryer drains triple vs. San Antonio Spurs
Reed Sheppard | PG/SG2024 draft: Spherical 1, No. 3
The belle of final yr’s summer season league, Sheppard joined Kel’el Ware of the Miami Warmth as the 2 rookies named to the All-Summer time League first staff after averaging 20 factors per recreation, 5.3 assists per recreation and a pair of.8 steals per recreation. Alas, Sheppard not often translated that to NBA motion as a rookie, logging simply 654 minutes. Consequently, he’s again to earn extra enjoying time in 12 months 2 on a Rockets staff that’s now firmly a championship contender. — Pelton
Taelon Peter | SG2025 draft: Spherical 2, No. 54
One of many draft’s true sleeper picks, Peter was the Division I chief in true capturing (73.5%) final season at Liberty, however did so whereas enjoying simply 23 minutes per recreation off the bench. Indiana drafted him late within the second spherical, and it’ll be intriguing to see how he adjusts to an enormous bounce in stage. Peter is a superb run-jump athlete, however he’ll must protect a few of his elite effectivity towards higher competitors, with summer season league a helpful proving floor. — Woo
Kobe Brown | PF2023 draft: Spherical 1, No. 30
It is a pivotal summer season for Brown, who has performed 666 minutes over two seasons because the Clippers drafted him within the second spherical in 2023 — the identical spot at No. 30 the place they chose Penn State heart Yanic Konan Niederhauser this yr. With the Clippers prioritizing flexibility, they may not be inclined to train a $4.8 million 2026-27 staff choice on Brown’s contract by Oct. 31, except he demonstrates he could be a rotation contributor. — Pelton
Bronny James | SG2024 draft: Spherical 2, No. 55
A lot of James’ improvement as a rookie passed off out of sight, as he logged simply 181 NBA minutes. James noticed way more motion for the G League’s South Bay Lakers, combining for 18.6 PPG, 4.8 APG and 4.6 rebounds per recreation over 18 video games. After struggling along with his effectivity within the G League Tip-Off Event, James was much better within the common season, making 38% of his 3s. These numbers are what the Lakers will wish to see this summer season and what may ultimately make James an NBA contributor. — Pelton
Bronny James is constant to hone his craft, and can make his case for NBA minutes this summer season. Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Photos
GG Jackson | PF2023 draft: Spherical 2, No. 45
The Grizzlies possible received’t have No. 11 decide Cedric Coward, who’s uncertain to play whereas persevering with to rehab December shoulder surgical procedure, per Drew Hill of the Day by day Memphian. Memphis’ 2024 second-round picks, Cam Spencer and Jaylen Wells, will probably be enjoying regardless of Wells ending third within the NBA Rookie of the 12 months voting. But I’m most excited to see the 20-year-old Jackson, nonetheless the youngest participant on the Grizzlies’ roster by a large margin, after he performed 29 video games in his second NBA marketing campaign as a result of damage. Each Jackson and Wells had 20 factors every in Saturday’s debut. — Pelton
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Jazz squeak by Grizzlies as GG Jackson’s tying try solely good for two
GG Jackson II tries to tie the sport with a 3-pointer, however his foot is on the road, securing a 112-111 victory for the Jazz.
Kasparas Jakucionis | SG2025 draft: Spherical 1, No. 20
Jakucionis was a stunning draft-night faller and have become a pleasant worth snag for the Warmth, giving them the kind of playmaking guard their roster lacked. He acquired off to a poor begin within the California Traditional, however higher days are forward. He ought to see loads of alternatives to create in Las Vegas and have a path to contribute ultimately, with Miami persevering with to development youthful and solely Tyler Herro, new addition Norman Powell and Davion Mitchell clearly forward within the backcourt hierarchy. — Woo
Mark Sears | PG2025 draft: Undrafted
The Bucks don’t have a ton of backcourt depth after transferring on from Damian Lillard, relying totally on veterans with cheap contracts to piecemeal these minutes as at the moment constituted. Sears, a two-way signee out of Alabama, has a pathway to back-end roster worth if he could make sufficient pictures and produce this summer season regardless of his lack of measurement. He ought to presumably get the keys to the summer season league offense as a place to begin. — Woo
Rob Dillingham | PG2024 draft: Spherical 1, No. 8 by San Antonio
Nickeil Alexander-Walker‘s departure for the Hawks creates an opportunity for several of Minnesota’s younger perimeter gamers who will play in Las Vegas, together with Terrence Shannon Jr. and Jaylen Clark. Of that group, Dillingham noticed the least motion as a rookie within the 2025 playoffs (16 complete minutes after getting back from an ankle sprain) and has the perfect probability of filling in for the growing older Mike Conley at level guard. That makes this an necessary summer season for Dillingham. — Pelton
What number of minutes will Minnesota’s Rob Dillingham see throughout summer season league play in Las Vegas? Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photos
Jeremiah Fears | PG2025 draft: Spherical 1, No. 7
The Pelicans drafting Fears within the high 10 was considerably overshadowed by their subsequent commerce sending out a 2026 first-round decide to maneuver up from No. 23 to No. 13 to additionally add Maryland heart Derik Queen. Though Queen’s ability set won’t shine within the chaotic fashion of summer season hoops, the setting needs to be nicely suited to Fears, whose 17.1 PPG ranked fifth amongst one-and-done picks and 4.1 APG ranked fourth. — Pelton
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Jeremiah Fears’ finest performs that led him to the Pelicans
Try Jeremiah Fears’ high performs at Oklahoma because the Pelicans choose him with the seventh total decide.
Tyler Kolek | PG2024 draft: Spherical 2, No. 34
Whilst a excessive second-round decide, Kolek performed sparingly off the Knicks’ bench final season. His pathway to minutes continues to be restricted, with Jordan Clarkson figuring into the depth combine with Deuce McBride, however Kolek ought to get to run the staff in Las Vegas and make a case for himself. He’s a top quality playmaker who deserves extra alternative, however doesn’t supply a lot from a bodily perspective operating the second unit. — Woo
Nikola Subject | PG2024 draft: Spherical 1, No. 12
Greater than a yr after being drafted by the Thunder within the first spherical whereas rehabbing from ACL surgical procedure, Subject made his first look in an Oklahoma Metropolis jersey over the weekend on the Salt Lake Metropolis Summer time League. He had 14 factors Saturday, but additionally seven turnovers. The Thunder received’t have this yr’s No. 15 decide, Thomas Sorber. Sorber underwent toe surgical procedure in February that ended his lone school season, and he’s nonetheless rehabbing. — Pelton
Jase Richardson | SG2025 draft: Spherical 1, No. 25
The Magic acquired good worth with Richardson falling to them, giving them a viable youthful substitute for Cole Anthony’s bench minutes. Richardson can deal with each guard spots, however his measurement profiles finest on the level, a job he didn’t play full time at Michigan State. Orlando will possible wish to maximize his ballhandling reps, and this needs to be a great setting wherein to evaluate how prepared he’s to run a second unit. He may very well be an important bench participant for the Magic as they push to contend within the East. — Woo
VJ Edgecombe | SG2025 draft: Spherical 1, No. 3
Edgecombe, in his Utah summer season league debut, appeared each bit the explosive and easy downhill scorer the Sixers wanted him to be. He did miss the subsequent two video games in Utah with a minor thumb damage, however he can have an enormous runway to create offense and get to the rim, presuming he’s lively in Vegas. It’s already evident that NBA spacing will make it even tougher to remain in entrance of him with a head of steam. The constructive first recreation made it simple to know why Philly prioritized him within the predraft course of. — Woo
VJ Edgecombe was terrific in his summer season league debut for the Sixers, and his rookie improvement will probably be one to look at this summer season. Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE through Getty Photos
Khaman Maluach | C2025 draft: Spherical 1, No. 10
It’s a brand new day in Phoenix, the place the Suns’ summer season roster is stuffed with draft picks, together with three from this yr’s draft. None is extra necessary than Maluach, who at No. 10 was Phoenix’s highest addition by way of the draft since Jalen Smith in 2020. Regardless of additionally including heart Mark Williams on draft night time, the Suns are hoping Maluach can contribute as a rookie along with his defensive versatility and above-the-rim ending. — Pelton
Yang Hansen | C2025 draft: Spherical 1, No. 16
Yang truly had summer season league expertise earlier than being drafted No. 16 final month. He joined the China nationwide staff within the California Traditional final yr at age 19, averaging 8.7 PPG and 5.0 RPG in three video games. Each turnovers (4.7 per recreation) and fouls (4.0 per recreation in 20.9 minutes) have been a difficulty for Yang, and we’ll be watching how a lot he has improved in between summer season league outings. — Pelton
Nique Clifford | SG2025 draft: Spherical 1, No. 24
Clifford is sort of acquainted with the Thomas & Mack Middle courtroom, having performed towards UNLV within the school basketball common season, and averaged 25.0 PPG, 10.3 RPG and 4.3 APG there as Colorado State received the Mountain West title on the convention match in March. These performances helped solidify Clifford as a first-round decide by the Kings. — Pelton
Nique Clifford is an older, extra NBA-ready wing who ought to be capable of plug in and provides Sacramento minutes as a rookie, in response to ESPN’s Jeremy Woo. Rocky Widner/NBAE through Getty Photos
Dylan Harper | SG2025 draft: Spherical 1, No. 2
Let’s hope we’ll see the No. 2 decide in Las Vegas after he missed the California Traditional as a result of what San Antonio summer season coach Mike Noyes termed a “minor” groin damage. Harper would get the keys to the Spurs’ offense this summer season in a method that received’t be potential throughout the common season, when he fits up alongside De’Aaron Fox and reigning NBA Rookie of the 12 months Stephon Fortress. Fellow lottery decide Carter Bryant did play over the weekend, however isn’t as superior in his improvement. — Pelton
Collin Murray-Boyles | PF2025 draft: Spherical 1, No. 9
Murray-Boyles was a polarizing participant within the scouting neighborhood over the previous yr, providing fairly a little bit of manufacturing and apparent smarts and defensive versatility. However he was additionally missing a dependable jumper with common measurement for a four-man — and doing it in a dropping context at South Carolina. How he takes to what needs to be a extra conducive staff assemble needs to be enjoyable to see in Vegas, in addition to how the Raptors determine to make use of him on the offensive finish: How a lot they appear to play by way of him as a passer and whether or not he’s assured taking 3s are two issues to look at for. — Woo
Ace Bailey | SF2025 draft: Spherical 1, No. 5
After producing a number of dialogue main as much as the draft due to his choice to not work out for any staff, Bailey landed in Utah with out incident. Now we are going to begin to see whether or not Bailey merited all the eye after a season at Rutgers, the place he confirmed nice strengths in shotmaking and rim safety for his measurement, however poor shot choice and playmaking for teammates. His debut, wherein Bailey shot 1-of-5 on non-paint 2-pointers, wasn’t encouraging in that regard. — Pelton
Tre Johnson | SG2025 draft: Spherical 1, No. 6
Johnson figures to refill the field rating in summer season league as one of many draft’s extra polished perimeter scorers and a possible centerpiece of the Wizards’ creating roster. The factor of his recreation to watch will probably be his playmaking; he’s possible to attract loads of consideration from defenses, however making the suitable choices and turning into a extra prepared passer are the subsequent steps in his development. Washington has essentially the most loaded roster in Vegas, that includes 5 first-round picks from 2024 along with Johnson and Will Riley, however Johnson figures to have a featured place within the Wizards’ offense, each this week and are available fall. — Woo
