The summer league gives basketball fans a chance to enjoy some basketball in the long offseason. Each team creates a roster with a mix of young talent and guys fighting for their NBA lives and sends the roster to Las Vegas to play in the summer league.
It’s important to remember summer league production is not everything. Of the last 10 summer league MVPs, none have made an all star team and Cam Thomas is the only one to average 20 points per game or more in the regular season. However, seeing young prospects play for the first time gives a look into their process. There are several young studs you should have your eyes on this summer.
Summer league player one- Dariq Whitehead-Brooklyn Nets
With the 22nd pick in the 2023 NBA draft, the Brooklyn Nets selected Whitehead. Whitehead entered college as one of the most exciting prospects. However, injury concerns put a brake on his hype train. He didn’t play in the 2023 summer league due to injuries. A shin injury ended his season after he played just two games at the NBA level.
Whitehead will play summer league this season hoping to prove he can play an extended amount of time without injuries. If he can get past the health issues Whitehead’s talents could allow him to be a starting level talent in the NBA, possibly even more.
Photo via NJ.com
Summer league player two- Bronny James- Los Angeles Lakers
The oldest son to LeBron James was drafted by the Lakers with the 55th overall in the 2024 NBA draft. James suffered a heart issue while training with his college team which severely stunted his brief college career. Despite this James decided to be a one and done and join his father in the NBA.
If James is able to put on a good show during the summer league the Lakers may be willing to give him playing time. James has more eyes on him than any second round pick in league history. James will quickly need to prove his draft selection was more than just a product of his father.
Summer league player three- GG Jackson- Memphis Grizzlies
Jackson was the youngest rookie last season, as he was born on December 17 2004. Despite this he did show some potential. Most notably he had a 44 point game vs. the Nuggets. Jackson will be heading into his sophomore season at just 19 years old. The summer league will give him a chance to gain some valuable experience. The Grizzlies look to bounce back from a poor season and Jackson can be a huge part of that.
Summer league player four- Donovan Clingan- Portland Trail Blazers
The two time NCAA champion was drafted with the seventh pick in the 2024 NBA draft. Clingan is being drafted in a time when the traditional big men are evolving. The expectations for centers are that they can shoot. Clingan did show shooting improvements in his sophomore year in college but it won’t be enough at the NBA level.
Summer league gives Clingan the chance to develop his shot. The TrailBlazers have a couple veteran centers on their roster so if they like what they see from Clingan they may make a move to trade one of them.
Photo via X account of Donovan Clingan
Summer league player five- Johnny Davis- Washington Wizards
Davis will be entering his third season in the league in 2024-2025. He was the tenth overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft but has yet to live up to his lottery potential. In his rookie year he averaged five point eight points per game. His second year PPG saw a drop to three points per game. The Wizards are hoping Davis will take a step in the right direction in year three and summer league could set up the groundwork.
Summer league player six- Marcus Sasser- Detroit Pistons
The Pistons made a move to get Sasser with the 25th overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft. Sasser had played all four college seasons so the clock was already ticking for him to develop. His rookie season was alright as he averaged about eight points per game. He will be entering his age 24 season in the 2024-2025 season. Sasser will need to quickly develop if he wants a place in the NBA.
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