The Summer League is always as fascinating as it is unique to evaluate. It’s an exercise in resisting the temptation to overreact to the box score and instead looking beyond the points scored and dream debuts like those of Darryn Peterson and Darius Acuff Jr.
Armed with binoculars, fans keep a close eye on their favorite prospects, evaluate the development of second- and third-year players, and wonder how much of what they’re seeing will actually translate to the NBA.
Without further ado, here are a few notes and observations on summer basketball, along with the players who have impressed me the most over the past few days.
Heat: the system keeps working
Every summer, it happens again. The Miami Heat show up with a group of lightly regarded players, and before long, someone starts looking like the perfect fit for their system. This year, the spotlight falls on Ryan Conwell, Jahmir Youngand Vladislav Goldin – three very different players who share one important trait: they already seem to know exactly how to play within the system and make themselves useful.
Conwell is probably the most versatile scorer of the group. He’s a guard who can create both on and off the ball, using screens, spacing, and a quick, clean shooting stroke. He doesn’t need to dominate possessions to score, a quality that’s becoming increasingly valuable in today’s NBA.
Young is an offensive engine. His biggest strength is creating off the dribble: he attacks the rim consistently, reads pick-and-roll situations well, and thrives when he’s allowed to dictate the pace of the offense. More than a pure scorer, he’s a player who draws defensive attention and creates advantages for teammates.
Goldin rounds out the trio. In an era of increasingly perimeter-oriented big men, he’s still a fairly traditional center – but one with surprising mobility. He protects the rim, runs the floor well, has soft hands, and displays polished footwork both with his back to the basket and as a roller. Most importantly, he produces efficiently without wasting possessions.
There’s no guarantee all three will carve out permanent NBA roles. But if there’s one franchise that has consistently turned functional players into reliable rotation pieces, it’s Miami. It’s no coincidence that replacing the depth lost after the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade could once again come through Heat Culture and a new generation of contributors.
Ben Humrichous, the prototype of the modern Power Forward
The Brooklyn Nets may have quietly found a very intriguing prospect. Ben Humrichous possesses many of the qualities teams look for in today’s power forwards: excellent three-point shooting, a quick release, strong spatial awareness, and the mobility to fit into multiple offensive systems without slowing the pace.
He had already proven his value in college by shooting over 41% from three while attempting around five shots per game as a starter. A change of college program slightly reduced his numbers, but his shooting talent remained clear.
The most encouraging aspect, however, has been his defensive development. He’s showing greater versatility on switches, more focus on the glass, and a physical presence that continues to improve. If that progression continues, his case as a legitimate NBA stretch four will become very convincing.
Ja’Kobi Gillespie, the Point Guard you didn’t expect
If there’s an under-the-radar point guard from this draft you’d trust with the keys to your offense – and your own home – it’s undoubtedly Ja’Kobi Gillespiewho has stood out for his poise and control (it’s no surprise he ended up with the San Antonio Spurs after the team’s evaluation mistakes in the Finals).
He controls tempo well, rarely turns the ball over – with a 3.6 assist-to-turnover ratio – and consistently makes smart decisions. On top of that, he brings an excellent defensive mindset, pressuring opposing ball handlers and playing with energy away from the ball.
His jump shot remains the biggest question mark. At just 6-foot-1 (1.85 meters), he’ll need to develop into a reliable perimeter threat. During his final college season, he averaged 18.4 points while shooting 33.8% from three, though he also changed systems after transferring to Tennessee and significantly increased his volume to 8.2 attempts per game, compared to 5.9 the previous seasonwhen he connected at 40.7%.
Cody Williams, time to make some noise
The first two NBA seasons have been much more difficult than expected for Cody Williams. The No. 10 pick in the 2024 Draft flashed intriguing potential but never found consistency or efficiency.
This Summer League, however, he looks much more like the player we saw late last season. He’s more involved, more aggressive, and significantly more active on the boards. Williams is finally using his versatility in a much more mature way. In some lineups, he’s even been deployed as a guard – a fascinating wrinkle considering his 6-foot-7 (2.01-meter) frame and the added muscle he’s put on.
The impression is that he’s finally learning how to maximize his combination of size, athleticism, and mobility without forcing the action. It’s far from a full breakout, but his strong start to Summer League is certainly an encouraging sign for the Jazz, who are building a young, deep, talented roster capable of surprising people.
Marquel Sutton, the overlooked two-way forward
Among the forwards we’ve seen so far, Marquel Sutton has been one of the most intriguing. He has an NBA-ready frame, good athleticism, and growing confidence from beyond the arc, making him a modern prospect capable of impacting multiple facets of the game. He attacks open space well, uses his body to finish around the rim, and brings energy on both ends of the floor. Unsurprisingly, over his three Summer League games, he’s earned more playing time while delivering increasingly impressive performances.
Defensive decision-making and shooting consistency remain areas for improvement. His sub-31% three-point percentage in college and four-year collegiate career were the main reasons he went undrafted despite averaging 13 points and more than 7 rebounds per game at LSU (after averaging nearly 19 points and 8 rebounds the previous year at OMA). This summer, though, it looks like he’s done what Ben Simmons pretends to do every offseason – he’s genuinely improved his jump shot.
The sample size is only three games, of course, but shooting 50% from the field and 45.5% from three on solid volume represents a dramatic improvement over his college trends. Those numbers suggest the potential to become an impactful two-way player is very real. For a Kings team firmly in rebuilding mode, opportunities could come sooner rather than later – and perhaps even a guaranteed contract for the upcoming season.
The real Summer League starts now
The opening games are mainly about collecting clues and forming early impressions, but in just a few days, Summer League will truly kick into gear as the action shifts to Las Vegaswhere the competition level rises and the sample size becomes much more meaningful.
That’s when we’ll find out which early breakout performances were simply the product of a few good nights – and which are the first signs of players ready to establish themselves as they begin their NBA careers.
Comments are closed.