15 Players to Watch During NBA 2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas: A New Generation Takes Center Stage

15 Players to Watch During NBA 2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas: A New Generation Takes Center Stage…read more…

The NBA 2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas is officially underway, and with it comes a glimpse into the future of the league. Every year, the Summer League serves as a proving ground for rookies, second-year players, undrafted gems, and international imports trying to make their mark. This year is no different, with a mix of top draft picks and under-the-radar talents looking to secure rotation minutes—or even starting spots—when the regular season begins.

 

Here are 15 players you should keep a close eye on during the 2025 Summer League action in Las Vegas.

 

 

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1. Cooper Flagg – San Antonio Spurs

All eyes are on the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Flagg, the 6-foot-9 forward out of Duke, has already generated hype with his elite defense, transition play, and unselfish offense. Summer League gives him the first chance to showcase how he fits alongside last year’s No. 1 pick, Victor Wembanyama, in a potentially dominant Spurs frontcourt.

 

2. Ace Bailey – Portland Trail Blazers

Taken No. 2 overall, Bailey is a long, athletic wing who can shoot, slash, and defend. Portland sees him as the perfect complement to Scoot Henderson. If his shot falls consistently in Las Vegas, expect Bailey to emerge as a breakout star.

 

3. Isaiah Collier – Washington Wizards

The Wizards are building around young talent, and Collier brings physicality and vision to the point guard spot. Drafted No. 4 overall, Collier’s ability to control pace and make plays for others could shine in the Summer League environment.

 

4. Nikola Topić – Utah Jazz

After missing time with injury pre-draft, Topić is looking to prove his value as a top-10 pick. The Serbian guard is known for his advanced feel and passing, and the Jazz will want to see him take command of the offense right away.

 

5. Bronny James – Los Angeles Lakers

After a whirlwind draft process, Bronny lands in Las Vegas with the chance to silence critics and define himself as more than LeBron’s son. His defense, hustle, and off-ball shooting will be under the microscope, especially with the spotlight of the Lakers brand following him.

 

6. Kyle Filipowski – Indiana Pacers

The skilled big man out of Duke slipped to the second round but has shown promise with his shooting and playmaking. Filipowski could prove to be one of the steals of the draft if he dominates in Vegas.

 

7. Justin Edwards – Charlotte Hornets

After an inconsistent freshman year at Kentucky, Edwards is determined to restore his lottery-level stock. The 6-foot-7 forward has all the tools, and Summer League gives him a clean slate to showcase his two-way versatility.

 

8. Tyrese Proctor – Miami Heat

The Heat love mature guards who can shoot and defend, and Proctor fits the mold. He’s shown flashes of high-level IQ and pick-and-roll savvy—tools that could earn him a backup role behind Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier.

 

9. Adem Bona – Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks are banking on Bona’s motor and physicality to anchor their future second unit. He’ll be expected to bring rim protection and energy, something Milwaukee lacked last season when Brook Lopez rested.

 

10. Matas Buzelis – Chicago Bulls

After redshirting much of last season in the G League due to injury, Buzelis is back and ready to prove his worth as a 6-foot-10 wing with fluid movement and three-level scoring upside. He could be Chicago’s x-factor of the Summer League.

 

11. Cam Whitmore – Houston Rockets

Last year’s Summer League MVP returns, but this time the goal is different: leadership. Whitmore will be the veteran presence on a youthful Rockets squad and could use this opportunity to refine his playmaking.

 

12. Baba Miller – Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder continue to find gems, and Miller’s combination of length, shooting, and switchability fits perfectly with OKC’s system. He’s still raw but has the tools to develop into a dangerous two-way wing.

 

13. Alex Sarr – Detroit Pistons

Sarr’s elite defense and rim protection made him a top pick, but questions remain about his offensive polish. The Pistons will look for him to flash some shooting range and post versatility in Las Vegas.

 

14. Tyler Smith – Brooklyn Nets

The former Overtime Elite forward has NBA range and explosiveness, and Brooklyn is intrigued by his potential as a modern stretch-four. If he shows defensive growth, he could fight for real minutes in the regular season.

 

15. Ryan Dunn – New York Knicks

Dunn is a defensive specialist with elite instincts and athleticism. He’s not flashy offensively, but his ability to guard multiple positions makes him a sleeper to watch. The Knicks love gritty players, and Dunn fits that mold.

 

 

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Final Thoughts

While the Summer League may not hold the stakes of the regular season, it is often the birthplace of new stars. Las Vegas has seen breakout moments for the likes of Damian Lillard, Donovan Mitchell, and Chet Holmgren in years past. This year’s crop of talent brings a blend of polish, potential, and raw energy.

 

What makes this year’s Summer League particularly intriguing is the sheer number of storylines converging at once: the arrival of Cooper Flagg, Bronny James stepping into the spotlight, and several international prospects aiming to make a name for themselves in the NBA.

 

As teams look to evaluate their rosters, finalize training camp invites, and prepare for the grind of the regular season, performances in Las Vegas could go a long way in shaping depth charts and long-term plans. Whether it’s a top pick beginning his journey or a second-rounder trying to prove doubters wrong, the 2025 Summer League promises to deliver drama, highlights, and hope.

 

For fans, scouts, and f

ront offices alike, this is where the future of the NBA begins.