15 players to watch during NBA 2K25 Summer League

Beginning Friday night through July 22, the NBA’s newest draft picks and emerging talent will be on full display at the NBA 2K25 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Here are 15 players to watch heading into the 10-day event:

Players are listed in alphabetical order:

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1. Emoni Bates, Cleveland Cavaliers

Last summer, the Cavs two-way player was named to the All-Summer League Second Team after averaging 18.1 points and 5.5 rebounds. This year, Bates will rejoin the Cavs, who will try to defend their Summer League championship.

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2. Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs

The No. 4 pick out of UConn got his start in the California Classic, scoring 18 points in the Spurs’ win over Team China. Castle’s athleticism and defensive skill set helped vault him into the top 4 in last month’s Draft.

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3. Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers

The 7-foot-2 star is coming off back-to-back national championships at UConn, where he averaged 13 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. Clingan uses his mobility as a big to his advantage and is a defensive presence in the paint.

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4. Ricky Council IV, Philadelphia 76ers

After going undrafted in 2023, Council IV recently had his two-way deal with the 76ers converted into a multi-year deal. The 6-foot-6 guard made a statement in the Salt Lake City Summer League, finishing with 29 points and 8 rebounds in a win over the Thunder.

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5. Rob Dillingham, Minnesota Timberwolves

The No. 8 pick was acquired by the Wolves in a trade with the Spurs. While still developing as a player, Dillingham’s ball handling, athleticism and court presence make him an exciting player to watch.

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6. Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies

The 7-foot-4 big man garnered lots of attention during his last two seasons at Purdue, winning back-to-back College Player of the Year awards. Edey recorded a double-double (14 points, 15 rebounds) at the Salt Lake City Summer League against the Jazz, showing that he can use his big frame as an offensive weapon in the paint.

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7. Bronny James, Los Angeles Lakers

Bronny James is looking to make a name for himself in the NBA. After getting his Summer League start in the California Classic, the Lakers draft pick will get a chance to showcase his talent and athleticism in Laker-friendly Las Vegas.

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8.  Dalton Knecht, Los Angeles Lakers

Projected to be a top-10 pick, Knecht was snagged by the Lakers at No. 17. At 23, the SEC Player of the Year was one of the oldest players in the 2024 Draft. Knecht has a versatile shooting package with the ability to drive, catch and shoot.

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9. Jared McCain, Philadelphia 76ers

Jared McCain is a star on and off the court. With over 4 million followers across his social media platforms, McCain has been one of the top basketball stars in the NIL era. He had a strong start at the Salt Lake City Summer League, scoring 15 points with 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals in a win over the Thunder.

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10. Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks

The No.1 pick out of France will be under the spotlight as he takes to the floor with the Hawks. The 6-foot-9 wing has the unique ability to catch and shoot efficiently from the perimeter. Coupled with defensive versatility, Risacher will get plenty of attention in Las Vegas.

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11. Alexandre Sarr, Washington Wizards

The second player from France drafted in the top 2 will look to get his start with the Wizards. Sarr thrives on defense and rebounding and uses his size, physicality and athleticism to his advantage by driving into the lane and catching lobs.

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12. Baylor Scheierman, Boston Celtics 

Baylor Scheierman spent five seasons playing college basketball before being drafted at No. 30 by the Celtics. He was a well-rounded player for Creighton and had the best season of his career in 2024, averaging 18.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists. At Creighton, his deep 3-point shooting and playmaking ability energized his team and fans.

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13. Ethan Thompson, Golden State Warriors

Thompson had a great showing in the California Classic, scoring 27 points off the bench in a win over the Heat. He followed the next day with 22 points and 11 rebounds in a win against the Lakers. Last season, Thompson led the G League’s Mexico City Capitanes in scoring (22.8 points) and assists (5.0).

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14. Kel’el Ware, Miami Heat

The No. 15 pick had a double-double in a win against the Kings in the California Classic, scoring 26 points with 11 rebounds. The 7-foot big can stretch the floor as well as muscle over players in the paint with his athleticism.

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15. Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies

Wells has already played hero at Summer League. The No. 39 pick scored 12 points in the fourth quarter and hit a game-winning floater at the buzzer to cap a 27-point game against the 76ers in the Salt Lake City Summer League. He has a quick release and has shown the ability to hit catch-and-shoot 3s.