The first NBA Summer League matches are set to kick off today! With the lineups set, fans will finally get to see their rookies suit up for the first time. Hopes are high for players and fans, with everyone hoping to see early flashes of greatness. We’ll highlight 7 of our top players to watch this as the tournament is set to tip off!
The big man from Purdue tops this list. After another successful campaign with the Boilermakers, Edey was the surprise pick at number 9 to the Memphis Grizzlies. Standing at an insane 7’5, Edey is larger than life, and he puts his immense size to work on the basketball court. He’s a dominant throwback center type, able to work inside the paint, create for others, and set screens that will knock the wind out of you.
Memphis desperately needed a center to back up former NBA defensive player of the year Jaren Jackson Jr., and they landed the biggest one. Edey is set to make his first Vegas Summer League appearance against the Sacramento Kings later today. With his unique size and offensive skill set, he’s a must-watch to see how his game can translate to the NBA level!
The reigning SEC player of the year Dalton Knecht, could not have landed on a better team than the Lakers. Knecht was a late bloomer in college, only spending one season with Tennessee, but in that one year, he made an impact. With an incredible act for scoring from all areas of the floor, he’s lightning in a bottle. Standing at 6’5, he’s not the biggest on the court, but he uses his strength and shooting touch to get whatever shot he wants.
Starting his Vegas Summer League campaign next Bronny James, Knecht should see plenty of scoring opportunities. Their first opponent, the Houston Rockets, will be a strong test for the young duo. Pairing them against a roster that is chock full of budding NBA talent, the Lakers may have their work cut out for them. Nonetheless, Knecht will still be must-watch TV.
The 6’1 Kentucky guard was at the center of a surprising trade on draft night when the Spurs traded his draft rights to Minnesota. However, Dillingham may have landed in the ideal spot for his skill set with Minnesota. As a shifty point guard who can shoot the leather off the ball, he’ll find himself surrounded by a dominant Timberwolves roster. Dillingham should be poised to show off his incredible shooting skills throughout the tournament.
With a wingmate in Terrence Shannon joining him on this summer league roster, the Timberwolves have an electric team. Full of versatility, shooting, and loads of athleticism. You can expect to see some high-scoring games when the T-Wolves take the floor.
Coming off a rough year on the NBA G-League Ignite, Ron Holland was the surprise selection at number 5 by Detroit. His size, athleticism, and defensive skill make him a formidable all-around threat, but his lack of shooting hurt him in the draft process. Regardless, Holland remains one of the most intriguing prospects from the draft. Though this won’t be his first time playing professional basketball, the 19-year-old from Texas still has a lot to prove.
Joining an already weak shooting roster with Jaden Ivey, Cade Cunningham, and Ausar Thompson, the Piston will be looking for anyone to pop. With Holland as the newest addition, all eyes will be on him this weekend to see if he can be the missing piece to that roster.
As the youngest player in this draft, the 18-year-old French Tidjane Salaun already has a full season of professional basketball under his belt. Though at that time his stats were nothing to balk at, his size, strength, and court awareness at his age are interesting. Joining a Charlotte team that has seen little success in the past few years, Salaun is a bet on the future. With the potential to grow into a dominant player, Salaun's expectations in the summer league are modest.
Running alongside Salaun at summer league will be last year’s number 2 pick Brandon Miller following his impressive rookie year. With the opportunity to see an early version of this pairing, the Hornets are a must-watch this weekend. Hopefully, we can get a glimpse into what might be a dominant backcourt pairing for years to come.
Falling to 11, the Chicago Bulls picked up Illinois native Matas Buzelis. Buzelis had a surprising fall draft night after being mocked in the top 5 all year. Another G-League Ignite player, Buzelis struggled to find his shot throughout the season and ended up playing a background role most of the season. However, at 11, Buzelis is a steal. Standing at 6’10 Buzelis is a switchable wing with the ability to be a Swiss army knife on the court. He’s an excellent rebounder and passer for his size, with active hands-on defense.
Buzelis will likely be the go-to guy on this Bulls summer league roster. With all eyes looking at him to be the first step in what is likely a rebuilding year for the franchise.
As one of the lesser-known prospects in this draft, Dillon Jones was a surprise in the first round. The senior coming out of Weber State is a stud though. At 6’5 he is a multitalented 2-way player, providing great utility for a team like the Knicks. Cut from the same cloth as now teammate Josh Hart, Jones fills that archetype of hustle do it all player. He is an elite rebounder for his size averaging just under 10 a game in his final year at Weber State. Being one of the older prospects from this draft class Jones should fit right into the high-paced play of the summer league.
With Jones as the likely leader of this Knicks summer league roster, he could steal the show of the entire tournament. Joining a team that now has title aspirations, Jones could be an X-factor player for the Knicks. Adding another winning player to a roster poised to shake up the status quo next season.