The 2025 NBA Las Vegas Summer League concluded recently, with the Charlotte Hornets capturing their first Vegas Summer League championship by defeating the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night. While the event highlighted emerging talent, the Dalton Knecht Lakers Summer League experience was marked by frustration, as Knecht was unable to capitalize on this developmental showcase amid standout performances from other young players.
Yang Hansen Emerges as a Rising Star in Las Vegas
Among the most notable breakout players was Yang Hansen, Portland’s first-round draft selection, who impressed with his all-around game. Over the course of summer league, Yang averaged 10.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, displaying exceptional playmaking skills for a big man. His ability to create opportunities for teammates made him a significant contributor to Portland’s future prospects.
Initially, Yang’s selection surprised many analysts, who expected him to be a mid-second-round pick. One expert reflected on draft night, noting,
“this pick could age as one of the best or one of the worst picks in draft history.”
Despite the small sample size in summer league, Yang’s performance suggests that Portland’s bold move was justified, positioning him as an intriguing player to watch as the season progresses.
Top Draft Rookies Saw Limited Action in Las Vegas
The summer league experience was disappointing for fans hoping to see extended minutes from high-profile rookies. Key figures such as Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper participated in only two games each, while third overall pick VJ Edgecombe appeared just once. Ace Bailey, who garnered substantial pre-draft attention, did not take part in Las Vegas after playing in the earlier Salt Lake City event.
Conversely, No. 4 overall pick Kon Knueppel thrived, helping the Hornets secure the title through consistent five-game performances. This contrast in rookie playtime reflected strategic decisions by organizations, opting to protect their elite prospects from unnecessary exposure during summer competitions. However, fans eager to witness these young stars in action were left wanting, with full opportunities postponed until later in the season.
Former Duke Players Shine Brightly on Summer League Stage
The annual CBS Sports All-Summer League teams prominently featured three former Duke players: Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Kyle Filipowski. Filipowski stood out as the summer league’s leading scorer with 29.3 points per game, also contributing 7.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists in three games. His efforts earned him an MVP nod and signal a promising future with the Utah Jazz, a team bracing for potential major changes ahead of the 2026 draft.
Knueppel earned first-team honors after his championship game MVP performance, while Flagg made the second team despite limited appearances, highlighted by a 31-point effort in his final outing. Collectively, these former Duke stars brought significant attention and excitement to the summer league.
Dalton Knecht Faces Setbacks in His Summer League Campaign
Dalton Knecht, entering his second year, was anticipated to use the summer league platform to establish himself as a key player for the Lakers. However, his results fell short of expectations. His performance in the California Classic mirrored struggles from the previous year, and though he showed some promise with a strong fourth quarter in his final pre-Vegas game, he failed to build momentum in Las Vegas. Knecht averaged only 10.3 points, shooting a disappointing 27.9% from the field.
Knecht’s draft position was itself a surprise, falling to the 17th pick despite being regarded as one of college basketball’s premier scorers during his lone season at Tennessee. His potential seemed promising during parts of his rookie NBA season, yet recent performance issues, exacerbated by a failed trade deal involving Mark Williams to the Hornets, have stalled his development. Currently, his summer league output does little to suggest a substantial Year 2 improvement within an experienced Lakers roster.
Ron Holland Shows Significant Progress Heading into His Sophomore Season
Among rising sophomores, Ron Holland stands out as an exciting prospect. Selected fifth overall by the Detroit Pistons last summer, Holland’s athleticism and relentless energy have been well noted, providing him with a strong foundation as a potential two-way contributor. The primary critique has centered on his shooting consistency, especially from beyond the arc.
During his rookie year, Holland’s 3-point shooting was unimpressive at 23.8%, and he appeared hesitant. However, in Las Vegas, he markedly improved, hitting 46.7% of 15 three-point attempts while averaging 21.7 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. This leap positions Holland for a significant sophomore surge and showcases why he is viewed as a player worth investing in for future success.
Derik Queen Faces Injury Setback That May Delay Progress
Summer league is not without risks, including injuries that threaten rookie developments. Pelicans rookie Derik Queen sustained a torn ligament in his left wrist, requiring surgery and sidelining him for an estimated 12 weeks. This injury likely means he will miss the start of training camp and potentially part of the preseason.
Queen demonstrated glimpses of his offensive potential when healthy, confirming why he was considered one of college basketball’s top scoring big men. Yet, his rookie struggles with turnovers — including seven in his debut and eight more against the Trail Blazers — highlighted areas needing refinement. Defensive performance remains an open question, suggesting there will be growing pains as he adjusts to the professional level. Missing valuable practice and preparation time could further complicate his rookie campaign.
Nique Clifford Emerges as a Surprising Draft Steal for the Kings
The Sacramento Kings appear to have capitalized on draft-day maneuvering by acquiring Nique Clifford with the 24th overall pick. Entering the draft without a first-round pick, the Kings traded with Oklahoma City to move up and select Clifford, a versatile guard from Colorado State projected as a mid-first-round talent.
Clifford’s contributions in Las Vegas were multifaceted, with efforts in playmaking, rebounding, scoring, and defense. His skills complement a Kings roster that includes scoring guards Malik Monk, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine, suggesting Clifford can immediately fit into the rotation and provide valuable depth. His emergence represents a promising addition for Sacramento moving forward.
Implications and Outlook Following the Summer League’s Conclusion
The 2025 Las Vegas Summer League has firmly established Yang Hansen, Ron Holland, and Nique Clifford as players with considerable upside, while delivering disappointing results for others, especially Dalton Knecht. The Lakers face mounting pressure to clarify Knecht’s role and potential trajectory after his uneven summer showing, particularly given the organization’s veteran-heavy roster and their needs for younger scoring options.
Injuries like Derik Queen’s highlight the precarious nature of summer development, emphasizing the importance of cautious management for promising but fragile talents. Meanwhile, the success of former Duke stars and the emergence of overlooked selections like Clifford send encouraging signals for teams rebuilding or aiming for a step forward next season.
As the NBA season approaches, fans and franchises alike will monitor these young players’ growth closely, eager to see which summer standouts translate promise into meaningful regular-season impact.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Dalton Knecht an NBA prospect?
A. Knecht is considered a likely lottery pick in the unpredictable 2024 Draft class. While other players might be chosen earlier, Knecht seems ready to help a team that’s aiming for the playoffs immediately.
Q. What did LeBron James say about Dalton Knecht?
A. Knecht matched the NBA record for most 3-pointers in a single game by a rookie. James criticized other NBA teams for not picking Knecht. “The other 16 teams really messed up,” James commented.
Q. What are Dalton Knecht’s weaknesses?
A. Knecht’s defense is often seen as a weak point in scouting profiles. His technique isn’t strong, as he tends to stand upright and has trouble keeping up with faster opponents. He needs to work on navigating ball screens and moving side to side. However, there is some potential for improvement.