Jahmir Young’s 40-Point Game and the New Era of Summer League Stars

By Edcel Panganiban July 18, 2025 10:16

Jahmir Young’s 40-point outburst in the 2025 NBA Summer League has turned heads and sparked a broader conversation about the new era of Summer League stars carving their way toward meaningful NBA roles. On July 16, Young delivered an offensive masterclass for the Chicago Bulls in a commanding 102-96 comeback victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, shooting an eye-popping 72.2% from the field, including a blistering 87.5% from three-point range (7-of-8) and scoring a Summer League record 40 points .

Young’s performance was not just a flash in the pan; it symbolized the growing influence of Summer League as a proving ground for undrafted or fringe players battling for NBA minutes. At 6-foot-2, the guard displayed remarkable offensive versatility, seamlessly mixing pull-up threes, penetrating drives, and tough mid-range jumpers. Despite only grabbing one rebound and dishing out three assists, his two steals and team-leading +21 plus-minus underscore his ability to impact both ends of the floor.

Chicago Bulls head coach Marcus Johansson praised Young’s mature poise after the game:

“Jahmir controlled the pace and showed he belongs on this stage. His fearless mentality and accuracy from deep force us to seriously consider him for a consistent role.”

Young’s journey has been unconventional. After starring collegiately at Charlotte and Maryland, he went undrafted in 2024, initially joining the Denver Nuggets’ Summer League team before honing his craft in the G League with the Grand Rapids Gold. Chicago’s decision to sign him to a two-way contract in February 2025 has provided a platform that Young is now capitalizing on emphatically.

His efficiency in this game converting 13 of 18 shots overall echoes the rare Summer League shooting displays reminiscent of players like Steph Curry early in their pro development. As a Reddit user put it, “That’s a wild stat line. Make that a regular occurrence, and you’ll be turning heads real quick.” Young’s ability to maintain such shooting percentages while shouldering 32 minutes of heavy usage over a physical contest sets a new benchmark in Summer League performance.

This explosion also reflects a broader shift in Summer League dynamics: rather than just a spectator event for raw rookies, it has become a high-level showcase blending young draft picks, G League standouts, and undrafted players armed with diverse skill sets. Players like Young represent this new breed seasoned competitors determined to break into rotation roles through perseverance and polished skill.

NBA analyst Linda Chavez remarked:

“Summer League is no longer just about flashes; it’s about proving sustained impact and readiness. Jahmir’s 40-point game is exactly the type of statement that shifts a player’s status from hopeful to viable contributor.”

With multiple NBA teams closely watching, Young’s performance could redefine his career trajectory. For the Bulls, who are in the process of molding a young and dynamic backcourt, Young’s scoring outburst offers a tantalizing glimpse of the depth and offensive firepower that could be unlocked.

In summary, Jahmir Young’s 40-point game is more than an individual milestone it’s emblematic of the new era of Summer League stars: players who emerge not just as hopeful prospects but as polished, assertive talents ready to contribute meaningfully at the NBA level. As the 2025 Summer League concludes, Young’s ascension sends a clear message that the path to NBA relevance increasingly runs through dominant, efficient performances on basketball’s summer stage.