The 2025 NBA Las Vegas Summer League wrapped up with the Charlotte Hornets narrowly defeating the Sacramento Kings 83-78, bringing the 11-day event to a close in Sin City. As attention shifts toward the remainder of the offseason, the spotlight falls on the standout performers from the Reed Sheppard NBA Summer League.
Summary of the 2025 Summer League Finale and Key Storylines
Throughout the tournament, fans witnessed rookie and sophomore players making a case for greater roles in their teams’ lineups next season. Notable performances included the debut of No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, who showed resilience after a poor first game by delivering a nearly flawless follow-up before being sidelined. Meanwhile, Sacramento Kings’ rookie guard Nique Clifford emerged as a versatile force, instrumental in leading his team to the title game. Kon Knueppel of the Hornets also stood out, scoring a game-high 21 points in the final.
Kyle Filipowski Earns MVP Honors with Dominant Play
Kyle Filipowski, a second-year forward from Duke with the Utah Jazz, was recognized as the Summer League MVP. Across three games, he averaged an impressive 29.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, finishing as the top scorer among players who appeared in at least three contests. His performance signals a major progression for a Jazz team preparing for another lottery season ahead of the 2026 draft.
Filipowski’s strong Summer League showing builds on his rookie year’s experience where he appeared in 72 games and started 27 times. His continued growth at the forward position could see him become a pivotal piece for Utah moving forward.
First Team Standouts: Versatility and Impact Players
Alongside Filipowski on the All-Las Vegas Summer League first team, several players displayed exceptional talent and promise. Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel rebounded from a shaky debut to consistently score in double digits over the next three games, including a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double. His emergence offers Charlotte additional depth beside stars Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball.
Sacramento’s Nique Clifford, selected 24th overall despite the Kings lacking an initial first-round pick, impressed with his all-around game. Clifford contributed significantly in scoring, playmaking, defense, and rebounding, establishing himself as a key piece for a guard-heavy Kings roster featuring Malik Monk, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine.
David Jones-Garcia also made his mark with the San Antonio Spurs, leading the team in scoring with 21.6 points per game across five appearances. An undrafted player last year, Jones-Garcia’s performance hints at a possible future NBA opportunity after earning NBA G League All-Rookie honors last season.
Detroit Pistons’ Ron Holland II showcased a notable improvement, particularly in his outside shooting. After struggling with a 23.8% three-point shooting percentage during his rookie year, Holland elevated his accuracy to an impressive 46.7% on five attempts per game. Averaging 21.7 points and 6.0 rebounds in three games, his enhanced shooting could make him an impactful two-way player heading into his sophomore year.
Second Team Highlights: Emerging Talents and Established Collegiate Stars
The All-Las Vegas Summer League second team featured players who also made strong cases for expanded roles. Drew Timme, the former Gonzaga standout now with the Brooklyn Nets, averaged 25.3 points with 8.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists across three games. Timme, who split last season between the G League and brief NBA appearances, seized the Summer League as a platform to prove his readiness for consistent NBA minutes.
Dallas Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg, despite a sluggish start, turned heads with his dominant second outing. Over just two games, he averaged 20.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, while demonstrating elite defensive skills and the playmaking ability of a true point guard. Flagg is poised to be a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year honors next season.
Ajay Mitchell of the Oklahoma City Thunder also impressed, bringing experience from last month’s NBA Finals. In three Summer League games, Mitchell averaged 20 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists while shooting efficiently at 51.4%. His versatility contributed to OKC’s 4-1 record, culminating in a semifinal loss to Charlotte.
Liam McNeeley, selected 29th overall by Charlotte, demonstrated his potential despite limited collegiate play due to injury. Averaging 18.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in just two games, along with a 42.9% three-point shooting clip, McNeeley’s performance suggests he may become an integral part of Charlotte’s rotation sooner than expected.
Reed Sheppard’s Continued Summer League Excellence
Among second-year players, Reed Sheppard of the Houston Rockets once again affirmed his Summer League prowess. Chosen No. 3 overall in last year’s draft, Sheppard was restricted in Houston due to a crowded backcourt but made the most of his two Summer League games. He averaged 23.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists before being shut down for the remainder of the event. His strong showing reinforces the belief that Sheppard is primed for a meaningful leap in his sophomore campaign.
Implications for the NBA Season Ahead
The 2025 Las Vegas Summer League illuminated the depth of emerging talent across the NBA. Players like Kyle Filipowski and Reed Sheppard showcased why they are integral to their teams’ future plans, while rookies such as Cooper Flagg and Nique Clifford demonstrated the potential to make immediate impacts. The tournament also highlighted players like Ron Holland II and Liam McNeeley who have made important developmental strides that could translate to expanded roles next season.
This gathering of rising stars provides optimism for fans and franchises alike as the league moves toward the start of the regular season. The performances in Vegas offer a preview of the burgeoning talent ready to shape the NBA landscape over the coming years.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Reed Sheppard wear 15?
A. College Journey
After finishing high school, Sheppard joined the University of Kentucky in June 2023. He chose jersey number 15, the same number his dad wore.
Q. Why is Reed Sheppard so good?
A. During a conversation, it was noted that Reed Sheppard’s maximum vertical jump reached 42 inches.