Walking into the NBA Summer League this year feels different, and I can’t quite put my finger on why. Maybe it’s the lingering echoes of last season’s breakout performances, or maybe it’s the sheer number of fresh faces—over 300 players spread across 30 teams, each with something to prove. I’ve been covering the Summer League for more than a decade, and I’ve come to see it not just as a preseason warm-up, but as a microcosm of basketball’s evolving identity. This year, the rosters are stacked with first- and second-round picks, undrafted gems, and a handful of international prospects looking to carve out their place. It’s chaotic, unpredictable, and honestly, one of my favorite events of the year.

Let’s start with the team lists. The Lakers, for instance, brought in a mix of youth and experience—their 15-man roster includes two-way contract players like Colin Castleton and D’Moi Hodge, alongside 2023 draft picks Jalen Hood-Schifino and Maxwell Lewis. I’ve got a soft spot for teams that blend raw talent with a bit of veteran presence; it creates a more dynamic environment for growth. On the other hand, the Golden State Warriors are leaning heavily into development, with recent draft pick Brandin Podziemiński expected to log major minutes. I’ve watched him closely since his college days, and his shooting mechanics are just smooth—if he finds his rhythm, he could be one of the standout performers. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs’ roster, headlined by Victor Wembanyama, is drawing the most buzz. And rightfully so—the kid’s 7'4" frame and guard-like skills are something we haven’t seen before. I’ll admit, I’m biased toward big men who can handle the ball, so watching him in Vegas will be a personal highlight.

Player analysis is where things get really interesting, at least from my perspective. Take Scoot Henderson, for example. Portland’s new floor general is explosive, but I’ve noticed he tends to force shots when the offense stagnates—a habit that could be exposed against disciplined Summer League defenses. Then there’s Amen Thompson on the Rockets; his athleticism is off the charts, but I’m keeping an eye on his outside shooting. Last season, he shot just 25% from beyond the arc in the G League, and if that doesn’t improve, defenders will sag off him. On the flip side, I’m high on Orlando’s Anthony Black. His court vision is elite, and at 6'7", he can switch onto multiple positions. I’ve always valued versatility in guards, and Black embodies that. Of course, not every player will shine. Some guys who dominated in college—like Purdue’s Zach Edey—might struggle with the speed of the pro game. It’s a tough transition, and I’ve seen plenty of highly-touted prospects fade in this setting.

What’s fascinating, though, is how the Summer League mirrors other leagues’ approaches to talent development. I was recently looking into the PVL—the Premier Volleyball League—and came across the situation with Robins-Hardy. Amid her ongoing playing eligibility saga, she’s taken on assistant coaching roles for SGA-backed teams ahead of her expected entry in the 2025 PVL Draft. It struck me how similar this is to what we see in the NBA’s summer circuit: players using alternative pathways to stay connected to the game, gain experience, and position themselves for future opportunities. In both cases, it’s not just about raw skill—it’s about adaptability. Robins-Hardy’s pivot to coaching, even temporarily, shows a level of maturity that I think some young NBA prospects could learn from. The Summer League isn’t just a showcase; it’s a classroom. Players who embrace that tend to stick around longer.

Numbers-wise, I expect around 40% of Summer League participants to earn some form of professional contract, whether in the NBA or overseas. Last year, roughly 22 players from the Las Vegas event signed two-way deals, and I’d bet we see a similar figure this time. But stats only tell part of the story. What really matters is how these players respond to pressure. I remember watching Jordan Poole in the 2019 Summer League—he was inefficient, turnover-prone, and many wrote him off. But he used that experience to refine his game, and look at him now. That’s why I tell fans not to overreact to a bad game or two. Development isn’t linear.

As we head into the final stretch of games, I’m keeping a close watch on team chemistry. The squads that gel quickly—like the Sacramento Kings, who retained several players from their G League affiliate—often outperform those loaded with individual talent but lacking cohesion. It’s a reminder that basketball, at its core, is a team sport. And while the Summer League is a platform for individual breakout moments, the most successful players are the ones who make their teammates better. Personally, I’m rooting for the underdogs—the undrafted guys fighting for a roster spot, the international players adjusting to a new style of play. Their journeys are what make this event so compelling. So as the action unfolds in Las Vegas, I’ll be taking notes, sharing insights, and maybe even revising a few of my early predictions. After all, that’s the beauty of the Summer League—it always has a few surprises up its sleeve.