The second phase of the NBA Summer League saw stars continue to impress on Monday as the competition heated up in multiple thrilling games. Among these, Kyle Filipowski’s standout performance for the Utah Jazz drew significant attention, underscoring why his Summer League contributions are making waves this season. This ongoing showcase in Las Vegas and Utah remains a critical platform for emerging talent to demonstrate readiness for the upcoming NBA season.
Johnny Furphy’s Electrifying Dunk Steals the Spotlight
One of the most captivating moments of Monday’s Summer League action came from the Indiana Pacers’ Johnny Furphy during their game against the Chicago Bulls. Furphy executed a memorable dunk that quickly became the highlight of the game, generating buzz among fans and analysts alike.
Although Noa Essengue on the Bulls endured a challenging moment in the play, his overall contribution was notable, scoring 21 points. Matas Buzelis also showed his high potential by tallying 28 points, reinforcing his case as a player exceeding typical Summer League expectations. The game’s fast-paced and entertaining style showcased the Bulls’ flair in scoring and maintaining excitement throughout the contest. —Kurt Helin
Filipowski’s Impactful Play Powers the Jazz in Key Matchup
In a thrilling clash, the San Antonio Spurs faced off against the Utah Jazz in one of the Summer League’s most compelling games yet. Kyle Filipowski immediately asserted his dominance, hitting three three-pointers within the first four minutes and ultimately finishing with an impressive stat line of 35 points, 11 rebounds, and five triples. His offensive versatility and energy were pivotal, highlighted by a crucial layup that gave Utah a late lead before Dylan Harper forced overtime.
Filipowski’s influence did not wane in overtime, where his dunk with two seconds remaining tied the game, setting the stage for Riley Minix’s buzzer-beating winner. Filipowski’s consistency throughout both the Utah and Las Vegas Summer Leagues has been remarkable, signaling the Jazz may consider resting him to preserve his stamina for the regular season. With John Collins now with the Los Angeles Lakers, Filipowski appears poised to take on a more significant role for Utah moving forward.
Additionally, John Tonje made a notable debut for the Jazz, producing 16 points and sinking four three-pointers. His college success at Wisconsin suggests he could emerge as a reliable scoring option, though the Jazz’s depth may limit his minutes. Other players like Carter Bryant impressed with defense while Dylan Harper provided steady play, even if not at his peak form from earlier contests.
David Jones-Garcia continued his scoring streak, delivering 28 points in the win. With five straight games scoring 20 or more points, he is positioning himself as a strong candidate for at least a two-way contract if this production continues. —Noah Rubin
Young Talent Navigating Development and Expectations
Several other prospects are drawing focus as they refine their game during this Summer League stage. Miami Heat rookie Kel’el Ware encountered a rocky start after an underwhelming initial performance, registering 10 points and six rebounds while appearing disengaged on the court. However, Ware’s response to Heat coach Erik Spoelstra’s candid feedback was swift and positive.
The professionalism and consistency has to improve, and it is. Our standards are not going to change, and our expectations and how fast we want that to improve for him are not going to change. But he has to get better at it, he has to take ownership of it, and the other stuff will come along with that.
—Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat Head Coach
Following this, Ware delivered significantly better performances, including a 21-point game with solid rebounding and efficient shooting from beyond the arc. His maturation in focus and intensity is encouraging for Miami’s future frontcourt depth. —Kurt Helin
Meanwhile, Kon Knueppel has shown marked improvement after a slow start and a missed game. His versatility on offense and defense was clear against the Dallas Mavericks, where he posted a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, supplemented by four assists and three three-pointers. Knueppel’s all-around contributions reveal a player beginning to unlock his potential beyond college expectations. —Noah Rubin
Asa Newell’s shooting also commands attention. Having connected on four three-pointers recently, Newell demonstrated that his long-range shooting could become a critical facet of his role with the Atlanta Hawks, providing spacing that benefits playmakers like Trae Young and Jalen Johnson. On Monday, he continued to force defensive respect, combining a late-game three-pointer to tie the score with a penetrating Euro step layup in overtime, finishing with 14 points and six rebounds as Atlanta secured a close victory. —Noah Rubin
Mixed Performances and Emerging Stars Highlight Summer League Trends
Kobe Bufkin’s Summer League showing was a study in contrasts; he displayed scoring ability with 25 points, including five in overtime, but struggled with ball control and discipline, recording nine turnovers and seven fouls. For a player entering his third season, these issues underline room for growth and the value of additional game experience this summer. —Noah Rubin
On the other hand, Kennedy Chandler’s performances for the Houston Rockets remain a bright spot. With a stat line of 22 points, seven assists, and three steals in the latest game, Chandler is maintaining strong averages that enhance his case for a two-way contract. His increased ball-handling responsibilities have showcased his playmaking capabilities, a positive sign as the Rockets evaluate their roster moving forward. —Noah Rubin
Summer League Provides Crucial Development for Future NBA Contributors
This phase of the Summer League continues to be a critical proving ground for rising stars like Kyle Filipowski and other young players seeking to secure roles on their NBA teams. Filipowski’s exceptional scoring displays and clutch plays not only helped the Jazz in a vital game but also signal his readiness to contribute meaningfully in the regular season, especially with roster changes opening opportunities. Likewise, developments in players such as Kel’el Ware, Kon Knueppel, and Asa Newell reflect the ongoing growth and adjustments required to meet the professional level’s demanding standards.
Teams are closely monitoring these performances to make roster decisions, manage player workloads, and formulate strategies for the upcoming NBA season. As Summer League progresses, the focus will remain on how these promising players translate their summer success into sustained performance during the regular season and beyond, with fans and franchises eager to see whose careers will take the next leap forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why didn’t Kyle Filipowski get picked?
A. Although Filipowski had impressive college stats, NBA scouts were worried by his measurements at the scouting combine. He was listed as 7 feet tall at Duke, but measured 6 feet 10.75 inches without shoes. His wingspan was also a bit less, measuring 6 feet 10.5 inches.
Q. What happened with Kyle Filipowski?
A. Although Filipowski was expected to be chosen in the first round of the 2023 NBA draft, he decided to come back for his second college year. In April 2023, he had surgery on his hips to fix issues with the joints at the tops of his legs.
Q. Why did Kyle Filipowski slide?
A. According to NBA sources before the draft, there were increasing doubts about Kyle Filipowski’s fit in the NBA. Concerns about his health also contributed to him not being chosen in the first round, explained Eric Bossi, the national basketball director for 247Sports.