The 2025 NBA Summer League is set to begin in Las Vegas on July 10, spotlighting rising stars and top draft picks, including Bronny James and Cooper Flagg. This event marks the next phase of the NBA offseason following the recent draft, offering fans an early glimpse into the future of the league.
The Summer League will open with a high-profile game between Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick, representing the Dallas Mavericks, and Bronny James, the Los Angeles Lakers’ promising young guard. Held at the Cox Pavilion and Thomas & Mack Center, the Summer League will feature several games daily through July 20, highlighting emerging talent and key NBA prospects.
Opening Night Showdown: Mavericks Take on Lakers
The Summer League’s first game on July 10 promises excitement as Cooper Flagg, heralded as one of the top prospects of his generation, makes his league debut. Flagg, who starred at Duke before entering the draft, will face Bronny James, son of LeBron James, who joined the Lakers last summer as the No. 55 pick. Alongside James, the Lakers will field rising wing Adou Thiero from Arkansas, their other significant draft selection, with Dalton Knecht, another promising pick, possibly joining the roster.
Flagg’s exceptional one-and-done college season has raised expectations, making this game the marquee matchup of the event’s opening day. Fans will be watching closely to see how these young talents perform under the bright lights of Las Vegas.
High-Stakes Clash: Mavericks versus Spurs
Two days later on July 12, Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks will face off against San Antonio’s strong new squad anchored by No. 2 pick Dylan Harper. This game was traditionally slated as the Summer League opener but has been shifted to later in the schedule. The Spurs also secured Carter Bryant, a wing from Arizona selected at No. 14, giving them substantial depth and value beyond their top pick.
There is potential for the reigning Rookie of the Year, Spurs guard Stephon Castle, to participate in this matchup, heightening its appeal. This game represents a showdown of top-tier rookies and will be a critical early test for both teams seeking to establish dominance in the offseason event.
Intriguing Prospect Battles: Jazz Face Hornets
On July 11, the Utah Jazz will battle the Charlotte Hornets in a contest drawing attention due to the presence of rookie Ace Bailey. Bailey, a Rutgers standout, made headlines during his draft process for his candid negotiations and potential impact. Selected fifth overall by the Jazz, Bailey will be tested against the Hornets’ No. 4 pick Kon Knueppel, noted as possibly the best shooter in the draft class.
The Hornets also enriched their roster with talented draftees including UConn’s Liam McNeeley, Duke’s Sion James, and Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner. The Jazz will counter with their first-round selection Walter Clayton Jr. and an assortment of younger team members, making this a dynamic and compelling contest for fans focused on skill and potential.
Brooklyn Nets Showcase Rookie Class Against Wizards
The Brooklyn Nets will present a remarkable display of youth on July 13, fielding an unprecedented five first-round rookies in their Summer League squad. Among these, BYU guard Egor Demin leads a group also featuring Drake Powell from North Carolina, Nolan Traore from France, Ben Saraf from Israel, and Michigan’s Danny Wolf.
The Nets’ decision to retain all their first-round picks, rather than trading or consolidating, signals their commitment to developing these prospects concurrently. Opposing Brooklyn, the Washington Wizards will counter with Texas shooting guard Tre Johnson and Illinois forward Will Riley, both first-round selections. Johnson is considered a strong candidate for Summer League MVP due to his scoring proficiency, promising an intense back-and-forth contest.
Suns and Kings Highlight Post-Draft Strategies
The July 14 game featuring the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings draws interest due to recent roster moves addressing positional needs. Phoenix, aiming to improve its center depth, quickly moved to secure Mark Williams by trade from Charlotte and drafted Duke’s Khaman Malauch at No. 10, a surprising pick given expectations. The Suns also gained Saint Joseph’s Rasheer Fleming at No. 31, who slipped unexpectedly in the draft.
Sacramento’s draft haul earned praise, with selections like Colorado State’s Nique Clifford at No. 24 and Stanford’s Maxime Raynaud at 42 providing excellent value relative to projections. The Kings’ Devin Carter, who missed last year’s Summer League due to shoulder surgery, will also participate in this matchup, which could reveal players poised for immediate roles in the 2025-26 NBA season.
Summer League Context and Future Expectations
The 2025 NBA Summer League offers critical opportunities for teams and players to showcase development, chemistry, and competitive readiness ahead of the regular season. With top draft prospects such as Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and Kon Knueppel, alongside gifted rookies like Bronny James and Ace Bailey, the intensity and stakes of each game have been amplified.
For many players, the Summer League represents the first chance to prove their value at the professional level, while franchises use these games to assess talent, experiment with rotations, and build momentum. Fans can anticipate closely contested matches and emerging storylines that could shape the 2025-26 NBA season.
As the league heads into its third week in Sin City, the matchups scheduled between powerhouse rookies and promising young talents will be crucial for setting the tone for a highly anticipated basketball year. All eyes remain on Las Vegas as the NBA Summer League unfolds with unmatched intensity and excitement.