The 2025 NBA Summer League has once again become a vital arena for emerging talent to showcase their abilities, with Kyle Filipowski leading the charge through a dominant run. This event in Las Vegas highlights players‘ growth and potential, attracting the attention of coaches, executives, and fans eager to spot the next stars. Filipowski’s impressive performances have positioned him as one of the top risers, alongside others like Ron Holland II, signaling a shift in the league’s young talent landscape.
Dominance and Efficiency: Kyle Filipowski’s Breakout Summer League
Kyle Filipowski has emerged as the standout player in the 2025 NBA Summer League, putting up remarkable numbers that underscore his rising stock. Across three games with the Utah Jazz, the former Duke center is leading all scorers, averaging 29.3 points per game while maintaining a highly efficient 56.1% shooting from the field and 39.1% from beyond the arc. Filipowski’s contributions extend beyond scoring, as he pulls down 7.7 rebounds and dishes out 2.3 assists on average. His aggressive shot selection includes 19 field goal attempts and nearly 8 three-point attempts per contest, emphasizing the confidence he displays on offense.
During his rookie season, Filipowski showed glimpses of his potential by averaging 9.6 points and 6.1 rebounds over 21.1 minutes in 72 games for Utah. With the Jazz finishing last in the previous season, Filipowski gained valuable exposure, but few anticipated his Summer League surge. The offseason departure of John Collins has thrown open frontcourt opportunities, setting up a competition among Filipowski, Walker Kessler, Taylor Hendricks, and Jusuf Nurkic for significant roles.
Terrence Shannon Jr.’s All-Around Growth with Minnesota
Terrence Shannon Jr. has taken his game to an elevated level compared to his previous Summer League showing. Now with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Shannon is averaging 22.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 47.6% overall and 38.6% from three-point range. His multifaceted contributions underline his evolution into more than just a scorer, demonstrating valuable playmaking and defensive traits.
Drafted 27th overall by Minnesota in the 2024 NBA Draft, Shannon had limited impact last season, averaging only 4.3 points in just over 10 minutes per game. The Timberwolves, presently undergoing a transition phase with an aging roster, might provide bigger roles to Shannon and rookie Rob Dillingham, complementing star Anthony Edwards. Shannon’s physical tools and promising Summer League output make a compelling argument for expanded playing time next year.
David Jones-Garcia’s Sharp Shooting Stands Out for the Spurs
After an impressive senior year at Memphis, David Jones-Garcia has steadily built his reputation through strong performances in the G League and now in Summer League. The guard averaged 24.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.7 steals for the San Antonio Spurs in the Summer League, all while displaying remarkable efficiency — shooting 58.7% from the floor and an astonishing 63.2% on 3-point attempts.
Despite going undrafted, Jones-Garcia showcased his ability to score and defend during G League stints with the Mexico City Capitanes and Salt Lake City Stars, maintaining averages of 24.5 points and 7.5 rebounds. His sharp shooting ability might ignite interest from teams beyond the deep Spurs core, potentially earning him a roster spot elsewhere.
Drew Timme Exhibits Strength and Versatility with Brooklyn
Drew Timme, renowned for his collegiate dominance at Gonzaga, continues to impress in his early professional career. After solid G League seasons with the Long Island Nets where he averaged nearly 24 points and 10 rebounds, Timme earned a short stint with Brooklyn’s NBA squad. His Summer League showing includes an average of 25.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1 steal per game, ranking second in scoring across the league.
The Nets, amid their rebuilding phase, are using the Summer League to assess their young talent. Timme’s consistent production on a non-guaranteed deal presents him as a strong candidate to carve out a role in Brooklyn’s future rotation.
Reed Sheppard Offers Encouragement in Houston After Tough Rookie Season
Reed Sheppard’s presence in the Summer League raised eyebrows due to his status as the third overall pick in last year’s draft, yet his rookie campaign proved challenging. Limited to 12.6 minutes per game, Sheppard averaged just 4.4 points, a modest output for such a high draft choice. However, the Kentucky product’s Summer League numbers tell a more promising story with 23 points, 5.5 rebounds, and a notable defensive impact with 4 steals and 1.5 blocks in two games.
As the Houston Rockets position themselves as Western Conference contenders, Sheppard’s development could be crucial. With Jalen Green’s departure, a stronger role beckons if Sheppard can maintain his improved offensive efficiency and defensive energy.
Kyshawn George’s Versatility Shines for Washington Wizards
For the rebuilding Washington Wizards, Kyshawn George showcased his all-around skills during the Summer League. Averaging 17 points, 8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 4 steals over two games, George demonstrated his potential to be an impactful two-way player. As a rookie, he already contributed 8.7 points in a rotation that logged 26.5 minutes per game.
With new GM Will Dawkins shaping a youthful core alongside other recent picks like Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, and Bilal Coulibaly, George looks poised to take a meaningful step forward in the Wizards’ long-term plans.
Ron Holland II’s Improved Confidence Boosts Detroit Pistons
Ron Holland II entered the NBA amid considerable expectations, taken fourth overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2024 after an impressive G League Ignite season. His rookie year saw almost full availability with 81 games but limited influence, averaging 6.4 points in under 16 minutes per game. When scaled to a per-36-minute basis, his numbers suggest a more potent player ready for expanded duty.
Holland raised eyebrows in the Summer League with averages of 21.7 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals per game, showing leaps in offensive efficiency by shooting over 52% overall and nearly 47% from three-point range. While it remains early, these indicators suggest he could secure more meaningful minutes for a Pistons team with playoff aspirations in the Eastern Conference.
Jaylon Tyson Elevates Playmaking and Scoring with Cleveland Cavaliers
Jaylon Tyson also caught attention during Summer League action after a quiet rookie season spent mostly on the bench for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Selected 20th overall, Tyson averaged under 10 minutes per game with limited offensive statistics in 2024. In Summer League, however, he boosted his profile by averaging almost 20 points alongside 6.7 assists and 6 rebounds, indicating his ability to impact multiple facets of the game.
Despite the Cavaliers’ early playoff exit, expectations remain high for the team in 2025. With key roster changes such as Ty Jerome’s departure and Isaac Okoro’s trade, Tyson could find valuable minutes, offering a blend of scoring and playmaking to Kenny Atkinson’s rotation.
Summer League Performances Signal Bright Futures for Young Players
The 2025 NBA Summer League has provided a critical stage for up-and-coming players like Kyle Filipowski and Ron Holland II to exhibit growth, skill, and readiness for larger roles. Filipowski’s commanding presence as Utah Jazz’s frontcourt option and Holland’s bursts of efficiency for Detroit underscore a deeper trend of promising talent ready to contribute at the highest level. Players like Terrence Shannon Jr., David Jones-Garcia, and Drew Timme have also made compelling cases for increased responsibility in their respective teams as the regular season approaches.
These performances will influence how front offices and coaching staffs construct their rosters going forward, with several Summer League standouts poised to earn significant minutes during training camp and the NBA season. The optimism surrounding these emerging players helps fuel excitement for the upcoming season and signals a new wave of talent shaping the future of the league.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why didn’t Kyle Filipowski get picked?
A. Even though Filipowski performed well in college, NBA scouts worried after his measurements at the combine. He was listed as a 7-footer at Duke, but without shoes, he measured 6 feet 10.75 inches. His wingspan was also a bit shorter than his height, at 6 feet 10.5 inches.
Q. What happened with Kyle Filipowski?
A. Even though Filipowski was expected to be picked in the first round of the 2023 NBA draft, he chose to come back for his second college year. In April 2023, he had surgery to fix improper hip joints on both sides.
Q. Did Kyle Filipowski get picked?
A. Career Details: On June 27, 2024, the Utah Jazz chose Filipowski as the 32nd overall pick in the NBA draft. He signed with them on August 12, 2024. During his first season, he was often assigned to play with the Salt Lake City Stars.
Q. Why did Kyle Filipowski slide?
A. According to Eric Bossi, national basketball director at 247Sports, NBA sources raised questions about Kyle Filipowski’s role in the league before the draft. Concerns about his health also contributed to him not being picked in the first round.